12-22-2016, 12:57 PM
It was a long journey to finally take and pass Step 3. It feels good to get USMLE behind me.
This is what I did:
1. Questions, questions, questions, and more questions. I did 4-6 blocks, timed practically every day, up until the last day (3-4 blocks timed during the last week of the exam).
2. Sources: UW Step 3 (almost 3 times), UW Step 2CK (Peds, Ob-Gyn, biostat, TWICE), MKSAP, Meded, QMax, FA CK Question Book (I found a copy at thrift store, I know), http://www.firecracker.me (free questions), FRED questions all Steps (a couple of times), questions from back of StepUp to medicine book (for free at Barnes and Noble), UW Family Medicine, all the CMS questions (1200), http://www.usmle-yaleg.com (questions), some questions from Canadian Medical Board Series.
CCS: UW, I felt it was enough, I did better on MCQ's on both days. I should have practiced CCS more, but whats done is done.
Biostat: I did better on this section, I did all the biostat questions in UW, extra UW 70+ questions, read and analyzed research articles. Biostat on Step 3 is much SIMPLER than UW. Focus on basic concepts for understanding point of view.
Book: StepUp to medicine for reference. I didn't use MTB or FA, because I didn't use them for other Steps either, but if you find them helpful, go for it.
Other: UpToDate website, this was my main source.
Gap between day 1 and day 2: Two days
I dedicated 10 plus hours a day for 3 months. I mainly studied at my own, but was fortunate to have an extremely reliable, professional, and dedicated study partner for about 6 weeks during the first half of my prep.
According to USMLE 89% (its a big percentage) of IMG's pass STEP 3 on first attempt.
Create your own strategy, you have done Step 1 and Step 2, and you know what works for you. Just like Step 1 & 2, there are no shortcuts and hard work pays off.
I have two simple requests from my colleagues on this forum:
1. Please don't ask my score, if I wanted, I would have posted. My score has no bearing on your preparation and performance on the exam.
2. Please don't ask me to add you to my Skype contact list, I honestly don't have time, but feel free to ask a question and if I know the answer, I would be more than happy to respond.
May you all do well on this exam and beyond!!!