Hi #MedTwitter. My name is Sajjad and I’m an IMG from Iraq living in Chicago. I recently got my USMLE Step 2 CK result and will share some thoughts on how to prepare for this test. I’m applying for Pathology in #Match2024.
@ProjectImg @Inside_TheMatch @StoriesImg
@ProjectImg @Inside_TheMatch @StoriesImg
I will post multiple tweets on this thread about how I prepared for USMLE Step 2 CK and what resources to use and how.
I will also make separate posts about other tips and study strategies for both Step 1 and Step 2.
I will also make separate posts about other tips and study strategies for both Step 1 and Step 2.
Although Step 1 has become Pass/Fail, doing your best while preparing and building a strong foundation is very important to score high on Step 2.
Unlike Step 1 in which you need to study many resources in addition to question banks, you only need question banks for Step 2.
Unlike Step 1 in which you need to study many resources in addition to question banks, you only need question banks for Step 2.
The resources I used to prepare for Step 2 are:
1) UWorld
2) Self-Assessment for Subject Exams or Clinical Sciences, known as “Clinical Mastery Series (CMS) forms”.
3) Comprehensive Clinical Science Self-Assessment, known as “NBME”.
I will explain how to use each resource.
1) UWorld
2) Self-Assessment for Subject Exams or Clinical Sciences, known as “Clinical Mastery Series (CMS) forms”.
3) Comprehensive Clinical Science Self-Assessment, known as “NBME”.
I will explain how to use each resource.
UWorld is the most comprehensive study resource that is far superior to all other study materials.
Your primary goal should be to master as much content from UWorld as possible.
It’s very important to do at least two full passes of UWorld.
Your primary goal should be to master as much content from UWorld as possible.
It’s very important to do at least two full passes of UWorld.
During the first pass of UWorld, I used “My Notebook” feature to save content for review.
I did the first pass by Shelf Subjects and summarized content from each question I reviewed into “My Notebook”.
I reviewed few sections from “My Notebook” daily.
I did the first pass by Shelf Subjects and summarized content from each question I reviewed into “My Notebook”.
I reviewed few sections from “My Notebook” daily.
While reviewing every question, I spent enough time to understand the concept being tested, why I missed the right choice, and why other choices are wrong.
Unlike Step 1, concepts in Step 2 are easier to understand and UWorld is more than enough to master them.
Unlike Step 1, concepts in Step 2 are easier to understand and UWorld is more than enough to master them.
While you progress through UWorld, you will build your concepts and test taking skills.
These skills include how to solve each question within time and how to exclude wrong choices.
Read the explanation of each wrong choice carefully, and learn how to think like UWorld.
These skills include how to solve each question within time and how to exclude wrong choices.
Read the explanation of each wrong choice carefully, and learn how to think like UWorld.
Because most Step 2 questions are very long , it’s very important to do all blocks in 40-question timed mode to be comfortable with the time on test day.
Read the last sentence of the question, take a quick look at the answer choices, then read the question stem carefully.
Read the last sentence of the question, take a quick look at the answer choices, then read the question stem carefully.
After completing the first pass of UWorld, I did all the available “CMS forms” for each subject.
These forms are generally easier than UWorld and “NBME” assessments, but reading the explanations is useful to solidify the concepts and improve on weak subjects.
These forms are generally easier than UWorld and “NBME” assessments, but reading the explanations is useful to solidify the concepts and improve on weak subjects.
During the second pass of UWorld, I did multiple test simulations of 8-blocks in 9 hours, similar to the real test.
I think this helped me to build the stamina for the test day and maintain focus throughout the 9 hours.
I think this helped me to build the stamina for the test day and maintain focus throughout the 9 hours.
It’s very important to take all the available “NBME” assessments on the website. These assessments will expose you to a new style of questions, and make you more confident on test day.
Don’t only focus on the score, use them as an opportunity to improve your test taking skills.
Don’t only focus on the score, use them as an opportunity to improve your test taking skills.
The only regret I have from my preparation is that I wasted time and money on doing half of Amboss question bank.
Amboss questions are poorly written, designed to trick you and make you doubt yourself. They will only destroy your test taking skills. Don’t waste your time on it.
Amboss questions are poorly written, designed to trick you and make you doubt yourself. They will only destroy your test taking skills. Don’t waste your time on it.
It’s better not to focus too much on your Step 2 target score to avoid being disappointed on practice tests when you don’t reach your target.
Instead, focus on doing the right work everyday. Your score is proportional to doing your best everyday and using the right resources.
Instead, focus on doing the right work everyday. Your score is proportional to doing your best everyday and using the right resources.
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