[Sabio]

Step1 needs sometime

Frankly speaking, I don't think you'll be able to make it for this match (2010-2011).

Step1 needs lots of preparation as the material is huge. Have a look at this thread
Time needed to prepare for USMLE Step 1

I suspect that you are going to extend your Feb-April eligibility period.

However, there are great students (I know few) who have been able to prepare in such a short time. They basically studied First Aid and did USMLEWorld bank and hit the exam. But, honestly, all of them did not get higher than 95.

You, being an IMG. Must get higher than 95 to secure a match. So I recommend that you spend another year and get high scores better than hurrying up and then end up with low scores which you'll then regret for the rest of your life you don't get matched.

 

[Sabio]

Hi Sabio,

Thanks for that insight, i really need a wake up call from someone who knows it better. I asked you this coz a few of my friends/batchmates are doing the same thing, we just passed our Board exam last year but they are currently studying for the Step 1 too, and im pretty sure they just started doing that last January...so its not that long ago too! One already took it and she said that she really found it difficult, while the others are still gonna take it this month...How long are they supposed to wait to find out their scores? coz I might be basing my decision to extend my eligibility period on how they are going to do since we are all basically on the same boat...

another question too, can i still extend my eligibility period if u do decide to do that?

Thanks a bunch!!!

That's a good idea to benchmark with your mates. They should get their results withing 3-4 Wednesdays after their exam date. Results are reported Wednesday morning (Eastern US Time) every week.
You may find these threads useful in this regard
http://www.usmle-forums.com/usmle-step-1-forum/458-time-taken-usmle-results-come.html
and
http://www.usmle-forums.com/usmle-step-1-forum/1169-where-how-scores-reported.html

As far as extension, yes you can extend your eligibility period but is should be contiguous to your original eligibility period. Which means you can't get if farther than May-July period.