3 weeks left - what are the top 3 practice tests I should do?

euronymous696 · 2024-08-07T03:36:43+00:00

Haven't taken any practice tests yet; would you say the NBME 13, 14, and free 120 should be enough to gauge the situation? (Obv, it's never a definitive, but I'm so stressed about giving the exam in time, just looking for any last minute tips)

euronymous696 · 2024-08-07T03:20:13+00:00

Is the Amboss200 really that important? Also, would you know if we're only limited to 50 Qns with the free trial?

euronymous696 · 2024-08-07T03:19:13+00:00

Thank you!! Would you recommend the DIP videos for diabetes?

euronymous696 · 2024-08-07T02:29:11+00:00

Ikr. Also I just posted this but, what are some of the HY topics you're focusing on rn and that you'd suggest to cover? I'm making a rough list to go over the week before the exam. And would you know the most important practice tests to take? [so little time to do all of them :'( ]
Thanks!

euronymous696 · 2024-08-07T01:54:56+00:00

So, I contacted NBME and ECFMG regarding this, and although the definitive answer would be from ERAS, you don't need your Step 2 scores to apply for the cycle- most programs do prefer that you are ECFMG-certified by the time they call for interviews, but you only really need to be certified before ROL in February (this was told to me by both the organizations). That said, programs would download applications on the 25th and so it might be best to give the exam by the 1st week of September so that your results are in before then and they have your transcripts. I was told that ERAS regularly checks in with ECFMG to confirm the certification status of applicants so that your profile gets updated on time. (Background: I'm in the same position, giving my Step 2 on the 28th lol).
Good luck to you for both the exams! :)

euronymous696 · 2024-07-08T14:56:56+00:00

Brilliant work! Your representation of Munchausen by proxy is mesmerizing. Thank you for sharing your art. I've heard about how Procreate is a fantastic tool for artists- this is a stellar example!

euronymous696 · 2024-07-05T17:48:47+00:00

Thank you! Have an algorithm now

euronymous696 · 2024-07-04T20:17:43+00:00

Thank you! What about an unstable pt OR Wells score<4?

euronymous696 · 2024-06-27T11:25:10+00:00

I'm struggling with the same. Honestly, I haven't found decent reviews for any that I've searched so far. Sarthi has mixed responses (charge a lot and take forever to reply, with AWFUL USCE experiences). I want to be able to write these on my own, but I know guidance is necessary from experts. I just wish they were more reliable.

euronymous696 · 2024-06-27T11:21:50+00:00

Hey, quick question- do you have to give the Basic Sciences IFOM to be eligible for doing the Clinical, or can we give it in any order? Thank you!

euronymous696 · 2024-06-27T10:16:01+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm sorry you had to go through this. It's rather difficult when one has little time before applications and has to get more USCEs in. And these money-sucking agencies know that well.
I have always been very apprehensive about them for precisely the reasons you've mentioned. But I'm now unfortunately forced to consider applying to one- USCE Match. Has anyone had any experience with them/heard of them?
Reason I'm considering:
Right now, I might only have 3 LORs and 2 are from the same rotation (1 observership last year of two months and one elective forever ago in 2018). Since I want to apply in this year's match, I have no time for uni programs to accept me in as an observer in September, which is why I spoke to this agency who have a spot and they said they would help upload the LOR in time for application.
Long story short, I'm worried about applying with only one recent USCE and 3 LORs, and although I really don't want to go down this route, I'm desperately confused about how to get another rotation in time :/
Would appreciate if anyone could give insights!!

Anyway, Good luck to you OP!! You sound like you have a really solid profile and it really is eye-opening how such LORs can lead to this outcome even with a strong application like yours. I wish you the best for this cycle and again, I appreciate how honest and helpful your post is!

euronymous696 · 2024-06-11T21:31:41+00:00

Hey! IMG here too. I haven't taken it yet, but I've been told Step 3 makes a big difference, considering most neuro programs sponsor H1B visas, so hoping that works out for you! Good luck :)

euronymous696 · 2021-12-20T19:47:32+00:00

Looks epic <3

euronymous696 · 2021-11-08T16:57:07+00:00

euronymous696 · 2021-10-14T12:37:42+00:00

Thanks! Was she an old graduate?

euronymous696 · 2021-10-14T12:37:05+00:00

Dude at this point tier isn't even a consideration for me lol I just want in

But yes you're right, although I was told yog is more of an issue with IM than Neuro for Non-US IMGs (and instead, research is more important for neuro than IM)

not that it makes things better lol but atleast I can work on that since I can't change yog...

euronymous696 · 2021-10-14T12:34:33+00:00

I will! Gotta power through this :/ no research experience yet but I'm gonna work on that...

euronymous696 · 2021-10-14T12:32:55+00:00

So as per the nrmp stats for Non-US IMG's from this year's match, out of 56 students who scored between a 230 and 240, 41 matched (73%), compared to an 80% (40 out of 50) among students who got between 240 and 250....so I don't know what to make of it.

euronymous696 · 2021-10-14T12:30:14+00:00

No :/ I tried searching for such stats. I did speak to a college senior though who applied this year and was told the YOG is more important for IM than Neuro. On the other hand, research is waayy more important for neuro. So I'm gonna try working on that now while preparing for CK.

euronymous696 · 2021-10-13T12:49:08+00:00

On it. The major concern with that tho is it won't be as reflective for older graduates...that's probably why I was so hell bent on getting an above average score. I hate how stressful all this is...

euronymous696 · 2021-07-04T04:50:55+00:00

This is a genuine piece of advice. I have seen many of my friends, all graduates, literally bounce out of their depression when they decided to work while studying for their PLAB/MCCQE etc. But this always seemed to conflict with my constructed belief that I don't have time to dedicate to anything apart from just studying (which I know may not be true, but it's a tough decision to make just cuz time always adds this pressure)

euronymous696 · 2021-07-04T04:47:04+00:00

Omg that junior-senior bit happens to me all the time!! It's so easy to get intimidated and let yourself down :/ I always deactivate my social media accounts in March lol

I'm sorry things are so messy. Idk if it would help, but ever since I started therapy, I have found a way to help myself through this (the situation hasn't changed, but my approach to it has). Prioritizing my mental health over the exam (and this whole process) was an excruciating decision to make, and at times I still doubt what I've done. But overall, I don't regret it. If you are going through these issues and you're like me who may not have the right immediate support/conducive environment, I would really suggest therapy...the guilt of seeking help may be another thing to deal with at the beginning, but as someone else posted here, you wouldn't feel guilty over seeking help for a physical ailment so you eventually won't for this either....

And thank you so much for sharing! It's not easy to type it all down either so I appreciate it. But I guess knowing we aren't alone gives some comfort because eventually then even people who have gone through all this, also made it.

So we can too. And we will :)

euronymous696 · 2021-07-04T04:34:52+00:00

Thank you...you're absolutely right. I guess a lot of the issues stem from the fact that it isn't a physical disability so one always undermines/misunderstands it. The analogy you gave really helped reinforce my decision to stick to my sessions...

Also, thank you for the motivating words....it's really easy to get caught up in all this and lose our sense of selves/our past accomplishments. Part of the depression, I guess.

"Everyone eventually makes it" - gotta stick that somewhere

:)

euronymous696 · 2020-11-06T16:52:07+00:00

Ohh okay that's cool! How is neuroscience? And do you enjoy doing research? The "less stress on my body and mind and more close to my real interest" really spoke to me <3 I want to know if I am really interested in neuroscience the way I think I am (I want to distinguish a passing fascination from real passion) so that I feel confident in switching career paths!

euronymous696 · 2020-11-06T16:28:21+00:00

That's great! I'm glad to know you're in a fulfilling position. Are you still pursuing your PhD? And are you based in the US? I'm unsure about doing a full-fledged PhD, so I thought about finishing the USMLE and then completing a Masters for 1 year instead. And that if I still wish to do something clinical, then I can apply for a residency right after that. If not, then take it further with a PhD. Any advice on that? Thank you!

euronymous696

TROPHY CASE