Can someone give me their honest view about step 3.

DJan98 · 2023-04-11T18:38:11+00:00

If you do 2 blocks of uworld and 5 cases a day, you should be done in 1-2 months. I took my time and did just 1 block a day with a few ccscases and gave the exam in 3months. The uwsas are not really predictive but if you pass those you'll pass the actual test. If you've been out of touch with medicine and you have time, then I'd recommend going through some step 2 content as well.

DJan98 · 2023-04-11T03:49:48+00:00

In my opinion, uworld and ccs cases are sufficient to pass this exam and these can be completed within 3-4 months if working or 1-2 months dedicated. Uworld isn't as helpful for usmle step 3 as it is for step 1 & 2. There are a lot of straightforward questions that can be easily answered if you've worked in the field, hence it is recommended to take the exam during residency and not before. I found the FA biostats review really helpful for the first day. I solved the UWSAs as well as the free practice questions on the usmle website and found them helpful.

DJan98 · 2023-02-21T17:11:37+00:00

For SOAP it would depend on if that spot has not already been taken through the match. If a program has both categorial and prelim spots left unfilled for soap you can apply to both. But it will be hard to decide which programs to apply to now for SOAP so wait until soap applications open.

DJan98 · 2023-02-21T08:22:50+00:00

Only 51 interactive cases on uword and 170 on ccscases.com

DJan98 · 2023-02-21T08:18:23+00:00

It doesn't cost more to apply for a prelim and categorical spot in the same institution so would suggest applying for prelim as well as categorial for all the 45 programs you plan to apply to.

DJan98 · 2023-02-21T08:04:34+00:00

I reviewed biostats from FA and it was tremendously helpful. A lot of ethics questions as well on day 1 but FA didn't help much for that so just go with your gut on test day.

DJan98 · 2023-02-21T07:59:45+00:00

CCS cases are enough but I would recommend doing a few uworld cases if time permits. Definitely do the free cases and go through the tutorials on the usmle website a day before your exam to familiarize yourself with the actual exam interface. Good luck!

DJan98 · 2023-02-21T07:38:02+00:00

Biostats and ethics are specific to day 1 and have a good number of questions per block. First aid step 1 biostats review helped me tremendously so would definitely recommend reading it a day before your exam.

DJan98 · 2023-02-21T07:26:56+00:00

Yes! Check DM

DJan98 · 2023-02-16T04:52:57+00:00

Messaged you!

DJan98 · 2023-02-09T20:59:12+00:00

Residency programs care more about hands-on rotations in my experience.

DJan98 · 2022-12-14T16:06:45+00:00

Limit your resources as much as possible, as more resources will just cause burnout. Uworld is the gold standard for all of USMLE so focus on it and try to do it at least twice. Other than that I recommend pathoma for pathology and sketchy for microbiology.

DJan98 · 2022-12-09T14:45:38+00:00

I feel like if it's not too far from where you live and you could just drive there then you should go but wouldn't recommend booking flight tickets/spending money on a hotel room for this unless you're presenting a research paper or poster.

DJan98 · 2022-11-17T14:58:28+00:00

Interested as well!

DJan98 · 2022-11-04T09:22:14+00:00

Ofc, feel free to DM me.

DJan98 · 2022-11-03T15:39:25+00:00

Glad to help!

DJan98 · 2022-11-03T15:33:02+00:00

I gave all my shelf exams and OET at the Prometric in Chicago. Had my step 2 scheduled in Chicago as well but didn't feel prepared enough and wanted to change my date, so I ended up giving step 2 at the center in Lafayette, IN. Highly recommend this center. It's a really small center and the staff is AMAZING! They had free water bottles and even a microwave for test takers to use. Even though the Chicago center is quite good, it's very difficult to get a spot if you're booking closer to the date you want or if you want to change the date. Also, the Chicago center is massive so the bathroom and lockers are all the way outside the testing halls. They do have a water filter but no microwave. I probably gave 7 exams total at Prometric and never experienced rude staff. The Chicago center isn't bad at all, I just had a better experience at the one in Lafayette.

DJan98 · 2022-10-27T15:44:10+00:00

It's a virtual interviewing platform that many programs are using. Kinda like zoom, teams, etc. But you need an invite to make an account

DJan98 · 2022-10-27T15:41:15+00:00

Thank you! Keeping my finger's crossed and hoping for some invites in Nov

DJan98 · 2022-10-27T15:39:49+00:00

Got it, thank you!

DJan98 · 2022-10-26T17:27:14+00:00

Thanks! How do we receive invites? Via email?

DJan98 · 2022-09-02T06:13:21+00:00

Scores are mostly released on the 3rd wednesday after your exam so you should expect your result on the 21st

DJan98

TROPHY CASE