How in the world do I pass Step 3 after decades?!! - dustyaintdead

[ArchivalUser]

I almost feel like this message should be written in Sumerian, given my USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 testing dates of antiquity! I sat for Step 1 in 2001 and Step 2 in 2008; passing on first attempts with both. I sat for Step 3 in 2014, but failed; during which time I was enrolled in my psychiatry residency. It was not the Residency itself, but vicissitudes of life then, and over the last six years that hampered my preparation and confidence for this final hurtle.

Preparing for my first Step 3 attempt, I enrolled in the 3 month Kaplan online video lectures, and QBank. I also completed UWorld question bank, but only once; scoring approx. 60% on completed modules. Master the Boards, and First Aid for Step 3 were my other resources.

My Step 3 nemesis was running out of time on modules (e.g., having >15 questions unanswered with 5” left.)

Please help! I plan to take Step 3 again in August 2020. I’m willing and able to dedicate 6 or more hours daily until that time. I’ve reviewed different forum comments which in addition to Kaplan, and UWorld also recommend utilizing NBME, MKSAP, and Uptodate. But I can find few money-trees in my neck of the woods.

Thank you most sincerely for any and all resource suggestions, study-plan / test-taking recommendations, helpful links, and supportive comments.
“ [These] woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.”

[ArchivalUser]

This is no the first time I take the test. I recommend to prepare really good in BIOSTAT AND CCS.

Went back to my Step 2 ck books. IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT.
MTB for step 3.
USMLE Practice materials Questions and CCS!!!!
Uworld score average 80%.
NBME 4:510
NBME 5:270
USMLE Assesment both:223
MKSAP but I didn't finish. Average 64%.

OF COURSE MY UP TO DATE. SPECIALLY THE CLINICAL AREA, Diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. FOR THE HIGH YEILD TOPICS.

I practice DAILY MY CCS. WHICH HELP ME A LOT!!!!!!!!!!!.
Prepare for time MANAGMENT and have your techniques.

Score: 204. I got all the ccs. My ccs was in the highest area but my biostat was in the lowest. I believe that my ccs help me a lot.
You can do well in the question but if you fail in ccs and biostat, you will no pass.
Practice biostat daily ( formulas, abstracts!!!!!!)

IF YOU HAVE A DREAM. NEVER GIVE UP. FIGHT UNTIL THE END. I KNOW IS EXTREMELY PAINFUL!!!! AND DONT LET PEOPLE(anybody) TURN YOU DOWN. BELIEVE ME ITS FEEL SOOO GOOD WHEN YOU PASS.

TAKE DAY BY DAY, DESPACITO.

THANK YOU TO MY FAMILY AND MY DOG NARUTO.

[ArchivalUser]

Hello , I read that you are in psychiatry residency.
Currently I am looking for PGY-2 OR PGY-3 SPOT Neurology residency available.
Please let me know if you know any spot available. thanks.

[ArchivalUser]

congratulations

[ArchivalUser]

Aricept123,

Thank you so very much for both your advice, and words of encouragement. I will incorporate those suggested Step 3 prep resources into my study plan as much as possible; MKSAP is rather expensive, however it would clearly be a worthwhile investment towards passing Step 3. I also appreciate your recommendations to maintain strong focus on ccs, biostat, and augmentation of test-taking skill [time management.]

Congratulations on passing Step 3! 👏🏼👏🏼 Your discipline and resolve helped gain that victory. Maintain them as comrades and you will surely be successful both in obtaining a match and completing a neurology residency. I congratulate your family and pet also, who share in your success; clearly, “ there doth remain faith, hope, love -- these three; and the greatest of these is love.”

If I learn of an opening in a neurology residency I will surely let you know!

[ArchivalUser]

Thanksssssss a lot!!!!!!!!!.

[ArchivalUser]

get study partner which is more motivating then studying alone. There are plenty of ppl on Skype who study like this. I personally passed after gazillion years later too.

[ArchivalUser]

Studying non stop .... as sim0le as that !

[ArchivalUser]

Master the boards step 2 and step3
U world
Ccs cases ( 100 cases)
Prepare well in the cases and u will pass

I did all this and passed 224 was my score ..

Good luck to u

God bless !