Step 1 problems.Help please

[Jacobus]

Good day. I posted here before but I am posting again. With a different problem.

My profile is, I am an IMG, graduated 2013, local licensure 2015 after having to do post graduate internship during 2014. I am currently a resident in my home country.

I started preparing for step 1, around May 2016. I have read FA 3 times, BRS physiology twice, Pathoma twice, Kaplan Behavioral Science, Anatomy twice and Biochemistry and Genetics once, I have done DIT once, and finished uworld expect that I am currently finishing up uworld incorrect/mark answers.

Took NBME 13 at October scored a bad 120, at this point I was getting into my serious prep time.
December took NBME 15 - 150, Early January 2017 took NBME 16 -155
This week took another NBME 17 - 230/171.

I am very disappointed and depressed at this point.
Planning on taking it in 10days, but i think i have to decide now to moving it to 2 more weeks or even a month by first week of March.

My plan now is to do DIT 1 more time, finish uworld incorrect answers/marked and reread uworld question daily.

Question is should I redo FA? Should i buy a new FA book since my current one is already a coloring book.
And should I postpone a few weeks, is it possible to raise my score say around 230?
My eligibility ends March 31 which is already extended.

And lastly is it still possible to finish cs and ck with the time I am left, to be able to join this years upcoming match?

Please help. Pls do reply I really need the advises.

[Jacobus]

Originally Posted by davidwyler

I think before doing anything u must introspect, that u are doing something wrong somewhere. Find that flaw if u can - may be use of many resources, few subjects nt improving etc.

And i wud suggest u to not to add new resources to your prep at this time. Focus on understanding the concepts - there is definitely some flaws going on with your concepts. First aid and uw should only be used at this time - DIT after that if u have time according to me. Only thing that u might add is First aid 2017 pdf ( which has many mistakes - so be careful) and that too for just seeing the new points in there. u can download its free copy from mlematerialblog.wordpress.com
Take your old first aid where everything is added - start doing the one by one system along with uworld again (better if u still have uworld reset) and while doing it make sure u are understanding the story behind each line of first aid - if u feel u are stuck somewhere instead of going to ur original resources use internet to fill ur gaps in your concepts as it will be time efficient. Dont do any new NBME's until u finish this.
If u can afford - better to delay the exam and first improve ur concepts and then take a new date. If u can't afford - do ur best - work hard day and night and god will help u.
Regarding timing - if u give ur exam by 31st march then u have to atleast complete ur step 2 ck and cs by sept to apply for match. It is possible but don't loose ur determination. After taking ur step 1 - take 10 days free and then dive into ur second step prep to give it till june. and then again give cs by august so that u can get ur cs results till end of sept for u to apply early. Make sure to take cs date early as u cant get a date nearby most often.

My suggestion is don't get more focused to apply in this years match because 1 yr wont make much difference at end. try to concentrate on getting the best results possible which is the key to brighten ur chances. Hope it helps and good luck

Thank you for the reply. I am actually sticking with FA and Uworld. Though I could not afford paying for a new uworld subscription would it be fine to reread question and explanations?
Adding 1 last read of pathoma good idea?u

Are you allowed more than one extension of eligibility??
Already used up mine so I do not know what to do.

[Jacobus]

Thank you for the words of encouragement.

I have compared previous NBME to the one I recently took. Shows Improvements for subjects/systems I need to solidify and weak subjects I can read one more.

So, I could not extend another 3 months if that is the case. Hence, I have to give it my all for all my marbles.

I will just have to concentrate for this step and worry for the next later after I take it. lol