1) I have just passed my first week in Year 3, with no prior knowledge or prior experience in USMLE syllabus. Will it be too late for someone like me to just to start preparing?
It is never too late to start preparing. However, you need to be disciplined and commit your time and energy in it. It is no “walk in the park”.
2) May you share your study schedule with me (inclusive of your study time for your University's syllabus)? How many months will it take with intense maximum preparation to finally sit for Step 1?
I studied it part time, alongside my university’s syllabus. It took me about 4-5 months of about 5-6 hours per day to prepare for my Step 1.
When is the USMLE exam held? When should I register for Step 1?
You can register for the Step 1 anytime, and the exam runs all year round. This means that any week of the year, there may be someone taking the exam in KL. Now, the thing is that you need to “book a seat” in the KL test center. You can only book a seat after registering for the exam. I would suggest you register about 3-5 months before the date you want to take the exam.
3) About observership in US, can you get it if you're just a med student?
If you are a medical student, you can get an elective seat. Observership positions are for those who already graduated.
4) I'm currently a self-sponsored medical student and PTPTN is not doing much help either. Still actively hunting for loans and scholarships so finance is an issue for me. How much did you spend for your preparation for:
a) Step 1 alone
b) Step 1, Step 2 CK & CS.
For Step 1 and Step 2 CK, I spent money for (1) Study materials, (2) Online Question Banks, (3) Exam fees. It would be about USD$900-1000 for each step.
For Step 2 CS, you need to spend money to travel to the U.S., stay for a few days, and take the exam. In total, I would say about USD$3000-4000 – from exam fees, to flight, to accommodation and travel.
5) Should I purchase a recent version of Kaplan Lecture Notes? Should I began with Kaplan or FA? Do you still have stock for the Kaplan Lecture Notes series?
Currently, the most recent Kaplan Lecture Videos is the 2009 version which you can get from Rachel. The most recent Kaplan lecture note is the 2012 version, but it is actually no different than the 2009 version as well – other than how they arranged the chapters. You will need to ask about the lecture notes from Rachel.
What about im in my 5th year now. And I didn't take any part of USMLE. So what do u think I should do? Is it too late? and when should I do my elective.plus most of the electives, I have to pass my first part of USMLE! Then what should I do :(
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah. I'm not studying in Malaysia so I have one year left :)
where u study at?
DeleteHi Anonymous,
DeleteIt is never too late. If you have one year left, you can try to apply to do electives if you can. There are places which don't need Step 1 to get an elective position. You will have to do research and source these places out.
Spend a few days to gather information on electives if you can.
Jamie
Hi my name is Huah Chiang and I'm a 4th year medical student who is planning to take the USMLE after I graduate. I'm actually trying to form an information and support group in my college for USMLE takers.
ReplyDeleteRegarding point 4, I was wondering if you meant USD1,600-1,800 or RM1600-1800. Because when I checked in 2011, the fees were already around USD900 and now it's almost USD1000 just to sit for the exam.
Thank you. And congratulations on making the Match!
Hi Ooi,
DeleteThank you for noticing the mistake. I made the changes accordingly.
All the best in your pursuit!
Jamie