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Can I make it ??

2K views 7 replies 4 participants last post by  dr_smilingtears 
#1 ·
Hi,

I am 4th year medical student (medicine is 6 years). I hope to do elective next year in U.S, many people told me why not to apply to CS when I go there.
But I am too scared of that!! bcz I did not did any step before. I know there is no relationship between CS & steps but still scared!!
Another thing I heard, that I have to change my papers again to ECFMG after graduation!!
I heard also that CS is not easy for graduates so what would be for me!!
last question, If I failed :toosad: ,Does it lower my chances in interviews & matching?? since they know everything about failure, examination repitition.
 
#2 · (Edited by Moderator)
Good idea

The CS exam is easy if you have finished internal medicine clinical core rotations in your medical school and if you have good command in English.

All you need is read First Aid and then practice with a colleague.

When come to US and if you have time (like one month for example for complete CS prep) then yes I think it's a good idea.

Because it will put you in the mood of the USMLE prep and will set the first steps in your path towards the ECFMG certificate.

Yes, you have to change your papers when you finally graduate but that's not a big issue, you will buy time if you do the CS because by then you can come to US only at the time of the match and interviews and you don't need to come early for the CS.

Go for it
 
#3 ·
Be careful

If you fail the CS you will ruin your chances of the match. Be very careful. Don't take it if you are not sure.
Also I think CK is very important before CS, ultimately you have to know what's the differential diagnosis of a chest pain that increases while bending forward for example. If you have not done CK (which let you know all the differential diagnoses then CS prep will be difficult).
 
#6 ·
Why not, but make sure you'll pass

Failing the CS is not a good idea at all. Therefore if you want to make it you have to be 100% sure that you will pass.

If you have a reasonable command on English and if your clinical skills are fine then I prefer you let yourself be seen by a sincere friend who passed the exam, he/she will tell you whether you'll pass or not. If it was decided that you can pass then go ahead and do it.

If for any reason you think you are not sure that you'll pass then it might be a good idea to postpone it until you are more mature clinically and linguistically.

Ultimately you have to take the three exams sooner or later. If you can get rid of one of them then why not, it's a step toward completion.
 
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