Tag: step1

GOLDEN RULES

Trust the process. 

UWorld is the golden tool. Review it thoroughly and understand the logic behind each answer. UWorld is a study tool; the score does not matter and should not discourage you.

Devour as many practice tests as possible. NBME is your best friend. Try to take practice tests in an environment as close to the real Prometric center as possible. I took mine in local libraries using old computers and headsets.

STEP 1

• First Aid + UWorld + practice tests are the core resources.
• For Step 1, First Aid is your foundation of knowledge, while UWorld is where you learn the logic behind the questions and answers.
• The Rapid Review section at the back of First Aid is gold.
• Practice tests:
  • NBME
  • Free 120
• Additional resources I used:
  • YouTube: Dirty Medicine (https://www.youtube.com/@DirtyMedicine)
    • Ethics: an absolute must
    • Also great for weak areas that need reinforcement

STEP 2

• UWorld + AMBOSS + practice tests were the core resources for my preparation.
• First Aid was not particularly helpful for me for Step 2. Instead, I used a variety of resources.
• AMBOSS
  • Library: I reviewed a wide range of articles, including epidemiology, biostatistics, and legal medicine.
  • Qbank: Must-read sections included:
    • High-yield articles
    • Ethics
    • Statistics
    • I completed 1500+ AMBOSS questions. For AMBOSS, I reviewed only the questions I answered incorrectly.
• UWorld has a higher-quality question bank overall, but AMBOSS provides another layer of knowledge and strengthens problem-solving skills. I highly recommend combining UWorld and AMBOSS for Step 2 preparation.
• CMS Forms (approximately 30 forms): approach them similarly to UWorld by focusing on understanding the logic behind each question.
• Self-assessments:
  • NBME 10–15
  • UWSA 3
  • Latest two versions of Free 120
• Additional resources I used:
  • Divine Intervention
    • High-yield Step 2 series
    • Biostatistics
    • Ethics
• I ultimately solved 9,000+ questions during my preparation.
• In my experience, Step 2 scores often correlate with the number of questions thoroughly studied and reviewed.

OET

• You likely will not have major difficulties with OET as long as you feel comfortable communicating in English and can interact with native speakers without significant barriers.
• However, it is still important to become familiar with the exam format.
• I recommend taking 1–2 practice tests daily for 1–2 weeks, depending on your level.
• Memorizing the scoring guidelines is extremely important, especially for the speaking section, since some components are graded subjectively as well.
• OET has its own YouTube channel and scoring explanation videos, which I found very helpful.
• Practice writing regularly and ask ChatGPT to grade your responses. I also studied with a book, Dear Doctor, which was helpful.
• If you want structured preparation covering all four domains of OET, I recommend finding a tutor online and preparing with structured courses.

Testing Environment

• The real testing environment may be noisier and colder than expected.
• Bring multiple layers of clothing.
• Practice becoming accustomed to background noises such as mouse clicking, keyboard typing, and calculator sounds.
• Bring plenty of snacks, such as protein bars, coffee, or other food that can be consumed quickly during the 10-minute breaks.
• You may also need extra time to return to your seat because security checks are performed before every re-entry into the testing room.
• Plan your breaks carefully.