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I'm starting this thread for discussion on anything and everything pertaining to USMLE step 1 and general queries about MLE as a whole.. Since the older threads have become too long for surfing, i'll try to compile all latest queries into this.. All newbies r welcome to post even d simplest of their queries here, we'll try to answer them or direct u to d suitable threads as per d need. Good luck 2 all.. |
| dr_sharma wrote: |
| hi frens.pls tell me ,,,,,well i started my step 1 prep around 15 days back nd i want to know wether is is possible for me to give the first step in dec this year,,please friends be honest and do let me know,,,,take care all,,god bless.[/b] |
Step 1 needs 5-7 months of preps on n average, which means answer to ur question is a YES. If u work hard n sincerely even 3-4 months is not impossible. Bottomline is, d day u decide to take it, u shud be confident n comfortable with d level of ur preps.
For more views surf hot topics in d forums..
i hope to do it in dec..
can u please suggest me if its worth joining Kaplan for step 1 .. m plannin to take up in dec 2006.. i have heard they help in getting the Visa too after step 2 CK for CS...
pls advise.............
r these subjects worth it??
also what is the funda of joining epidemiology there n then take MLE ...do u start earning n ?? how r u supposed 2 pay ur living expenses???
my head is spinning!!
some 1 plsss try answering these ques soon....
well doc you have enough of the background and hence its very much possible to do the step 1 this december. In fact you'll master ll the things in basic sciences relevant to usmle in sooooooooo much of time avaialble. Its only i India that studens invest such a long time of 4- months as many a times they r doing simultaneous internship. But in your case if you are studying full time 2-3 monthsare more than enough just like the students do it elsewhere.
I'm having similar situation as that of yours. I had studied for Indian entrances for a year and now that i've got a good post-doc fellowship program in US i've decided to write usmle for continue at thesame institution with my residency. I consulted all the US collegues and they suggesteda good timeline of 8 weeks which i'm following and for that matter if you visit other forums you'll see most of the IMGs also ivest only 8-10 weeks (2.5) moths of prep and crak the exam...
Hope this helps.
well epidemiology/MP/MHA are choices available but clinical pharmacoloy/geneticsare too competitive to grab. Again in the above mentioned choices you get good amount of time to study for mle unlike PhD programs. If your main motto is to continue residency and to take other programs just to fetch entry,time and USCE in US then MPH/MHA/Epidio are for you.
But again you need good GRE scores to get good scholarship to cover your tution fees and usually 95% of times to get some on-campus jobs or TA/RA post to cover your living expenses.
Only disadvantage according to others is the excess of time (but i feel itsalways better to waitan extra year and get into god program for better opportunities lof fellowship later) and at times you have to pay tution of first semester (around $4-5000) in case you dont get scholarship (rest of the semesters cnan be managed with on campus jobs)
Advantages-
1.You cn get US letter of reco to help you in match.
2. You can grb some observership r RA ship to use it as US clinical experience (USCE) which gives you cutting edge.
3. You can request your program director and select some hopital based thesis work as a part of your courseand iclude it in research experience.
3. You are physically present in case of interviews of residency match.
4. Most importantly you dont have the uncertainity of visa for CS as contrary to popular belief many of the CS visa are rejected from the month of May,2006.
If you have other questions
I forgot to mention one thing. Its advisable to complete step1-2ck here and then after you arrive in US appear for step2-cs and step3 as these steps dont need too much of time commitment and can be handled very well with your courses there.
Step 3 specifically is important for getting H1B visa although not guaranteed one.
Hope this helps.
| surita wrote: |
| hi ,
can u please suggest me if its worth joining Kaplan for step 1 .. m plannin to take up in dec 2006.. |
Surita, its a complex decision of joining Kaplan or not.. U can see d discussion on d same topic at d following link and post ur views too..
Only RxPG members can see links here! Register or Login! |
| Quote: |
| i have heard they help in getting the Visa too after step 2 CK for CS...
pls advise............. |
Dear fren, nobody can help u GET a visa. People can counsel u about how to apply and appear for visa interview for better results but can't get u a visa.
As far as i know at least d delhi centre did no such thing and people had to take help from visa counsellors.
| surita wrote: |
| hi ,
can u please suggest me if its worth joining Kaplan for step 1 .. m plannin to take up in dec 2006. |
hi surita,
as far as i see it, i would suggest kaplan for step1 to anyone who doesnt have a study group.... if your folks can afford to let out 70 k and odd, go for it.
i took kaplan classes for step1...it benefitted me a lot.though the fee was almost 10 k less than what it is right now.
you`ll have to decide soon if you intend to take step1 by december.
do go through the threads which AshB has provided.
i am into physio now with patho going alongside..hope to finish them within 20 days,,so any of the friends want we can have a discussion on the topics and finer points of each chapter,,
one imp thing i wanted to ask was, does it matter from where i give my step 1 exam,,people suggested me not to give from delhi..wats the logic behind the whole idea.
anyone and everyone whos having any clue to my above query pls let me know,,,,take care all,,god bless.
well how many hrsare you reading physio n patho and waht are your resources? Coz if your studying for 8 hrs a day i thinks that too much of time and would probably a overkill. 10 days is more than enough to cover BRS for both n Qbook+Robbins review(1100)questions..
About delhi/any other centre, its a hopeless thing. I dont see any logic in that. Can you?
u have written about US based research and LORs.....but what about research work done in ones own college here in india during internship ....and what about LORs from one sown college . Are they of any use for the same purpose...
expecting ur reply ..THNX
| dr_sharma wrote: |
|
one imp thing i wanted to ask was, does it matter from where i give my step 1 exam,,people suggested me not to give from delhi..wats the logic behind the whole idea. anyone and everyone whos having any clue to my above query pls let me know,,,,take care all,,god bless. |
Its crap! Nothing of that sort is true..
| usmle1doc wrote: |
|
Well abt step3 its always good for H1 but not very helpful in getting residency coz NRMC-2005 publication says that its the Step1 score which matters the ost (FA says its step2) with no difference shown due to step3. |
Well i too read that survey. But this thing about step 3 scores has been told to me by quite a few seniors who in turn had enquired this from their PDs. Plus other experts in other forums also seem to echo these thoughts. That has made me form this line of thought.
@ mny- research in ones own college in India has credibilty only if its published with your name as 1st/2nd author. Only putting it as experience has no value as such.
On the contrary LOR from US based proff stting even your "experience" in research project has more credibility. Ya it sounds too egoistic in the part of fellow americans but unfortunately thats the way it is....
| usmle1doc wrote: |
| @ AshB- may be you are right. I just wrote what was officially displayed. Considering the discrepencies in official thing n real thing, Ya its always advantegeous to have step3 anyways... |
as they say, no single funda applies to getting residency, hence d discrepancies.
| usmle1doc wrote: |
| @ mny- research in ones own college in India has credibilty only if its published with your name as 1st/2nd author. Only putting it as experience has no value as such.
On the contrary LOR from US based proff stting even your "experience" in research project has more credibility. Ya it sounds too egoistic in the part of fellow americans but unfortunately thats the way it is.... |
Unfortunately what usmle1doc has said is correct. Anything with US tag is much more valued than Indian experiences. But dnt get disheartened, sumthing is better than nothing. Not many people from india have some research experience so if u have some, it at least sets u apart from them. Plus it gives something to write on ur CV, even if not of much value. Try to get a publication however small, to gain some leverage.
| usmle1doc wrote: |
| @ AshB- may be you are right. I just wrote what was officially displayed. Considering the discrepencies in official thing n real thing, Ya its always advantegeous to have step3 anyways... |
as they say, no single funda applies to getting residency, hence d discrepancies.
| usmle1doc wrote: |
| @ mny- research in ones own college in India has credibilty only if its published with your name as 1st/2nd author. Only putting it as experience has no value as such.
On the contrary LOR from US based proff stting even your "experience" in research project has more credibility. Ya it sounds too egoistic in the part of fellow americans but unfortunately thats the way it is.... |
Unfortunately what usmle1doc has said is correct. Anything with US tag is much more valued than Indian experiences. But dnt get disheartened, sumthing is better than nothing. Not many people from india have some research experience so if u have some, it at least sets u apart from them. Plus it gives something to write on ur CV, even if not of much value. Try to get a publication however small, to gain some leverage.
some programs insist on basic sciences while others think clinical sciences are more important.
some PD`s i had written to mentioned they need higher step1 scores while majority of them said they are concerned with step2 ck more than any other step.
some PD`s are lenient in ranking you if you have a good step3 score, even if your earlier scores have been in the not so competiteve range.
its an evergreen debate...the best way is to concentrate on all steps equally
u rock guys.
i went thro most of d threads b4 postng my query.
m planin 2gv part1 n march,
ck n aug
cs n oct.
will i be eligible 4 2008 match????(since ashbe wrote n 1 of d threads cs has 2be compltd by mid sep to be eligible 4 nxt yr match)
if not,wat possibilities cn i have beside waitng 4 2009 match?
al d best 2 u guys.
How long it'll usually take to clear all steps in USMLE ? I'm interested in paed & how is it doing postgraduate studies in us ??
Which is wiser, moving straight away to us or migrating once i've finished my pg back home ??
thanks
| dinuk wrote: |
| Hi, i'm a final year med student from uni. of Colombo, Srilanka. I'm looking for some information about <a href="http://www.rxpgonline.com/forum5.html">USMLE</a>
. How long it'll usually take to clear all steps in <a href="http://www.rxpgonline.com/forum5.html">USMLE</a> ? I'm interested in paed & how is it doing postgraduate studies in us ?? Which is wiser, moving straight away to us or migrating once i've finished my pg back home ?? thanks |
It takes anywhere from 12 months to 18 months. Getting Paeds is easier relative to other branches. Doing PG in ur home country or not depends on lots of factors for which see d discussions in d forums. But if u r sure of ur US dreams, going to US direct is always better acco to me.
Read thru d forums for detailed discussions pertaining to ur queries..
See d following thread for more links..
Only RxPG members can see links here! Register or Login! |
| Whiterose wrote: |
| hey tinkerbel,Ashbe,georgie
u rock guys. i went thro most of d threads b4 postng my query. m planin 2gv part1 n march, ck n aug cs n oct. will i be eligible 4 2008 match????(since ashbe wrote n 1 of d threads cs has 2be compltd by mid sep to be eligible 4 nxt yr match) if not,wat possibilities cn i have beside waitng 4 2009 match? al d best 2 u guys. |
Hi whiterose, i myt not have been able to put it clearly. Actually, the earlier u take step 2 CS, d better. Best time is before or in september. But simply to be eligible for 2008 match u'll have to take step 2 CS before 31st dec, 2007.
So u'd make it home comfortably to 2008 match.
Thanks for ur luck n same to u..
| usmle1doc wrote: |
| oops sorry i made a mistake ! the thread is by vinnetgsvm. I got so used to the name of AshB coz of his excelent support onthis forum that it came reflexly.. |
| dinuk wrote: |
| how would you apply for USMLE part 1 ?? is there a test centre in Sri Lanka ??
When do i need TOEFL ?? |
No need to take TOEFL for USMLE.
About application process, usmle1doc has guided u to the right thread.
U'll find all info about application process and test centres on ECFMG.org.
THANX 4 POURNING SM LIGHT ON MY IGNORANCE 4M UR M.L.E ENLIGHTENED SOUL!
1 MORE QUESTN.
4M WHERE CN I GT PART1 DVDS N GOLJAN AUDIO?
I VE EXHAUSTD AL SOURCES, LOCAL BUKSHOP,CONTACTS ETC,BT NO LUCK.
WHERE ELSE SHUD I TRY??
ANTICIPATNG REPLY......
i m new here!i waana know wat's d best time 2 give step1?aftr 2nd mbbs exam or during internship?
internship!
| docpearl wrote: |
| hi
i m new here!i waana know wat's d best time 2 give step1?aftr 2nd mbbs exam or during internship? |
Best time according to me would be during internship. But if u can work hard on ur clinical aspects and solve loads of clinical vignettes, u may also get a good score after 2nd MBBS. But thats always a risk.
Step 1 prep - Mid JAn Mid May ( 3.5-4 months)
Step 2 CS - Mid May to Mid June (1 month Prep + taking the exam)
Step 2 CK- Mid June to 31 august( 2.5 months)
Now is this plan OK. I am planning CS b4 CK as it takes 3 months for CS results to come out
Will I be able to apply in time?Also after getting all ur scores does it take any time afterwards or u can immediately apply?
well its gonna be a bit tough!
You need the scores of both the steps for applying the certification by ecfmg. The entire process takes min 1 month to 1.5 month.
Also you need to consider thep lan after CS. whether you are going to comeback n prepae for Ck or wanna stay in US doig some externshp? Wil it be feasible for you to complete all of this by 1st september?
you need to decide on this.....
I consider that you are done with internship too. So if you try n take your CS first (after intial reading of medicine/clinical skills) in Jan then come back or stay for each exam in 3 months (per exam) you'll be done with all scores by July-August and you'll be able to speed the certification process by personally visitng your medical college and asking to send the verification material by DHL for faster delivery etc.
Its surely possible! But you'll have to busy with USMLE 24X7.
All the best!
well is it really important to apply with ECFMG Cert in hand or can one apply with step 1 and CK scores and then give CS during interviews?
Will I get calls if I go this way. Also what according to you is minimum preparation time for Each Step?
About prep time it depends on the background. I had studied for Indian exams for 1 year during internship so I have fairly good idea abt all subjects. So i'm investing 9 weeks in step1 now after discussing the issue with my seniors who are in top programs in US. Also if have solid base of basic sciences (read std books in undergrad years) this much time is enough. And if you've worshiped harrison (as we did in final year) then you can ace the exam no matter which step. I'm taking a shot on 8-9 week prep (FULL TIME) instead of 5-6 months which is usually the case with Indian students, and i feel i'm going on a good pace.
The result will depend on my scores whether my strategy was right or not, till then its a personal decision.
Usmle1doc, if u dont mind can u plz mention ur time plan like when u r planning each step.
Also is it better to give less time to steps and apply early( like Sept 1) or its better to give more time to steps and apply a bit late
Also till when can one apply to get decent calls?
Also is it better to apply with ECFMG certified but late like in late October or early November or apply early with Step 1 and CK?
Awaiting your response.............
leave for US for my research fellowship program in december
cs- early january
ck july (as i'll be working as fellow)
certiication by late august
match application in september 1.
well as far as i've heard- after 15th september your applicaton goes into trash of reputed programs, but for realy bad programs you can get accepted till january.
Its advisable to have grt scores in 1 and ck and apply with your status as awaiting cs and currently doing externship in US. Many interviews will be in your hand in that case.
But its golden if you are through with all the 3 at the time of aplication no matter if it takes an extra year for best prospects in future....
about time line- the more time yo give, the ore time you require for prep. but its possible in short /just adequate time too(you can read the preparation log/diary thread for what i''m saying)
hope this helps....
| google_singh wrote: |
| Well usmle1doc....thanks for your response.
well is it really important to apply with ECFMG Cert in hand or can one apply with step 1 and CK scores and then give CS during interviews? Will I get calls if I go this way. Also what according to you is minimum preparation time for Each Step? |
Its best if u have ur all 4 steps completed b4 sept. Results of step 3 and CS may be a bit delayed after that.
Usmle1doc has already explained everything in detail. ECFMG certification is not important for interviews cos it takes few weeks ever after clearing all steps. But try to plan in such a way that u have scores upto step 2 CS latest by end of september and ur Step 3 score by the time of interviews so that u can ask for H1 visa.
People get decent programs, even after taking step 2 CS uptil november but of course chances of matching to top slot programs r reduced a bit with each passing day after september.
On paper, its as simple as that.. 20th Feb is d deadline. Till then u need scores upto step 2 CS (for J1 visa) and upto step 3(for H1 visa). But usually programs prefer step 3 status clear during d time of interview so that they can decide on H1 issue.
I have a few more queries and I hope u wont mind answering them.
1) Can u tell a bit about research fellowship program.....how does one get into it, what has one do in it , what are the eligibility requirements,are u paid for it and how long is the program and does it have any beneficial effect on matching into residency.
2)How good is it to apply in early sept with just step 1,CK, and CS [bold]SCORES [/bold]but Without ECFMG certification because it takes another 1-1.5 months for it
3) How good is it to apply in early sept with Step 1 and CK scores and with a mention that CS Result awaited
4) also can u suggest the best strategic timeline if I were to start my preparation in Mid Jan.
I know I have asked too many questions but I hope u wont mind.
i guess almost all your qs were already answered except for Res fellowship.
I think its a highly subjective thing basdo n background (edu and research),experienc and publications.
Its better to ace all the steps of usmle if residency is the main aim...
| Quote: |
| ECFMG certification is not important for interviews cos it takes few weeks ever after clearing all steps. But try to plan in such a way that u have scores upto step 2 CS latest by end of september |
Well from what I understand from AshB's quote he says ECFMG certification is not important for interviews But I think usmle1doc u say ECFMG cert is imp. So my 1 final ques is that do we get decent calls if we apply with just scores but without certification?Sorry for asking again but I am not getting it clearly....I hope u will help
hope this helps..
solve a problem for me???????? lol...how have u been? hey..help me out..m in deep trouble.... i m planning to give my step 1 in feb next yr..do u think that i ll then get sufficient time for step 2 ck..whats thew deadline for getting ur scores, when we need to apply in september..huh???? do answer, Ash... n tell me how r ur studies going?????????? Full steam ahead? how has rx been without me...dull? ( lol...)
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