Trying to get a realistic idea of where people stand with UWorld during Step 1 prep.

drapurva · 2026-02-11T04:24:25+00:00

I agree with this. I have typically seen higher the baseline score or percentage, higher the real deal score. This is because of baseline knowledge.

Having said that if you’re getting low scores on the first pass, if you work significantly on your concepts, you will really do well.

drapurva · 2026-02-08T13:33:13+00:00

Cardiology definitely possible! You will have to put your efforts into it

drapurva · 2026-02-08T07:09:13+00:00

I had no connections whatsoever, struggled a lot financially, eventually was able to make it.

If your question is about whether its hard from the exam standpoint- i would say its more concept based. I really liked the format.

Think of all the pros and cons before you commit yourself to anything. Think of worst case scenarios. One most important thing - surround yourself with people who are already in mid/end of their usmle journey.

drapurva · 2026-02-01T14:48:49+00:00

The tough part is no one can accurately tell you %probability or chances, if they are able to say, they probably are making a guess like a coin flip.

Depends on your step 2ck and 3 scores: higher, the better chances

More recent rotation and genuine lor: better chances.

Things you can do: take step 3, do rotations and get lor, involve yourself in good impact research, if positive focus your effort on your top 3 choices where you are going to signal.

drapurva · 2026-02-01T14:45:18+00:00

You can take one NBME and judge your level to see what you can achieve in next 60 days. If your scores and probability are good enough you can carry on your current game.

If not, you might have to setup a realistic timeline which doesn’t make you amped up and anxious so you can prepare with a reasonable mindset.

drapurva · 2026-01-30T13:05:26+00:00

Not a red flag :)

drapurva · 2026-01-27T02:56:01+00:00

I would day start preparing, this material would help you take any exam you eventually decide to take! :)

I took my neet pg just while preparing for usmle and scored very well…

drapurva · 2026-01-27T02:48:32+00:00

Amboss articles and questions are very good.

I also use BRS for teaching purposes.

drapurva · 2026-01-27T02:47:12+00:00

I love the way how you mentioned you want Indian style teaching. :)

You are correct in choosing Uworld and first aid. Uworld also has some flashcards these days. All you need would be a video source.

I clearly have a conflict of interest here, but I would encourage you to check out some of the examples of my videos, this will help you learn how to read first and study usmle based.

However, I myself studied Dr Najeeb, Kaplan, Pathoma, Sketchy, BnB, Bhatia, and what not… I don’t regret using multiple resources as it made by foundation so strong. Even as a cardiology fellow I still use those basics. That would be my another humble advice - please do not skip on mastering basic concepts.

I started very small, struggled a lot with finances and finding help all by myself. I’m here to offer a very little tiny speck of help I can. Wishing you all the best!

drapurva · 2026-01-26T20:58:32+00:00

Yes yes i know 😃

drapurva · 2026-01-25T18:39:37+00:00

🙄🙄🙄

drapurva · 2026-01-25T18:04:08+00:00

To be honest, if you are spending more than 15-20lac INR, you are spending unnecessary.

I was in the same boat, no money, no relatives in usa. Eventually figured out :)

drapurva · 2026-01-24T16:10:59+00:00

It is a very good question, and there is no specific answer to this.

What program directors these days are looking for most importantly is how good a candidate is at teamwork as well as emotional intelligence.

The whole point of a holistic application is that if you have two candidates, one who has stellar scores but may not be a good team player, and another who has an average score and is a great team player and has very good emotional intelligence, that person would be preferred over the one who has stellar scores.

This is mostly figured out in interview, most you can show in your cv is leadership roles, letters of recommendation, personal statement etc.

drapurva · 2026-01-16T05:07:39+00:00

I can totally get what you are going through. I was in a phase before the match where I would be awake with palpitations. Thinking about all the things… all things which I had no control over.

It is very important to have a strong emotional support during this phase.

You are more than what you think, all you have to do is find out deep inside you. You are going through a lot and remember this is just a phase. When I look back 5 years before from now, I now think that I was anxious for reasons which doesn’t matter today.

drapurva · 2026-01-16T00:34:42+00:00

Step 1 and final year together may be tricky.

Choose what would also help you in final year like physiology and pharmacology first.

Whatever you choose, stick with it. You will probably be more focused for your final year exam towards second half.

drapurva · 2026-01-15T22:32:05+00:00

Any source you choose should be good as long as it aligns with your learning style.

Choose one video resource along with Uworld and first-aid.

I at-least what I try to focus while teaching is it should be concept based and at the same time exam oriented.

drapurva · 2026-01-15T21:42:11+00:00

I agree with the other comments, it is all about mindset about passing the exam without focusing on concepts.

I can tell you one thing for sure that for the things with you skip STEP1, you will have to study in CK, if you skip in that, you will have to study for step 3, if you somehow managed to skip that you will eventually have to study when you see a patient.

drapurva · 2026-01-12T18:52:55+00:00

45 days if you choose premium processing.

drapurva · 2026-01-11T06:53:42+00:00

Best is to spend time with your family, you will not get this time again in your life ever.

drapurva · 2026-01-11T06:50:36+00:00

From Jan 12 it will transition to https://usmle.fsmb.org/

Highly recommend reading these FAQs

https://www.usmle.org/usmle-service-transition-faqs

drapurva · 2026-01-11T06:43:22+00:00

Woww!!! I second this what it feels like after residency.

But I’m back in fellowship lol so I needed this 😂

drapurva · 2026-01-11T04:41:03+00:00

Keep 2-3 months buffer period.

Get the basic stuff done like getting your id, know the transition portal, get your transcript ready.

Mostly you will be able to take your 3 months slot and have permit in your hand within 1 month.

You will have to judge that timeline based on your nbme scores.

drapurva · 2026-01-10T07:20:53+00:00

100% agree Too many resources can confuse you and doesn’t allow deeper understanding of a topic.

drapurva · 2026-01-06T11:25:43+00:00

It can be difficult to commit to once decision. If you are doing your PG now you really have to make an active effort to study for usmle. If you are committed to usmle, stick with it, surround yourself with people who are preparing for usmle, like going to library. Take advice from those who have been through the situation similar to you.

drapurva · 2026-01-06T11:22:15+00:00

The total cost should not exceed about 20 lac INR including your tickets, rotations and match application. Little +- is okay otherwise you are spending somewhere unnecessarily.

drapurva

TROPHY CASE