Page 1 of 17: FAQ: Should I join Kaplan for USMLE or not ?

vzx · Credits: 4943 My Scrapbook My Reading List 5 Books

Hello folks.

I'm still preparing for my GRE exams which are due on 29th june, but am planning in advance for my USMLE 's as well. I'm looking at 2009 residency and so have ample time with me to prepare. But i'm still in a dilemma. Should i join kaplan or not ?

I've gone through some heavy cerebration but still am not quite sure. Here are some of my P.O.V.'s

About Kaplan

Pro's

1. U are compelled to attend the 4hr lectures a day. That makes sure that u atleast study 4 hrs a day.

2. Regular exams keep u prepared with the subject

3. An environment of study, which is not possible in most college reading halls because of a wide variety of students studying for diff exams

Cons

1. The price... 73K is just too much

2. Only 1 way communication i.e. lack of interaction

3. Cant manage internships (9am to 1pm) with kaplan timings (4 pm to 8 pm) without getting fatigued.

=====================

About study at home

Pro's

1. Home atmosphere, can take a break at anytime unlike kaplan where breaks are also scheduled.

2. Can study acc to my own study schedule

3. Saves a lot of money (73K), for which i can buy myself a nice laptop and stuty kaplan notes and DVD's on the go (even in clinics)

Cons

1. Cant adhere to a strict schedule (atleast true for me, dunno about you ppl)

2. Home distractions and lack of a proper atmosphere

=====================

These are just my Point of views.. I'd like to know yours as well. And the final question is Should i join Kaplan or not ??

P.S. - I've kept a poll on this thread which will help some other ppl decide as well

Cheers
Vzx

caps31382 · Credits: 1119 My Scrapbook My Reading List 3 Books

well im in a same dilemma ...so i didnt post anythin so far... but recently i read in other forum that a person got 99 studyin d kapln notes n dvds .. he had latest kaplan notes but old dvds ....
still he did it.
accordin 2 me it ll all depend upon ur MOTIVATION ....if u r motivated then no need to join i suppose.....off course wit complete notes ....
bye

vzx · Credits: 4943 My Scrapbook My Reading List 5 Books

yes well... Motivation is not a problem. But sometimes study at home does not appeal to me. I've never ever studied at home for 3-4 hrs at a stretch.

I recently asked a few of ma friends who joined kaplan and even they're not sure if I should join kaplan or not... hehe... All of them give the same answer "It depends upon you".. What we need here is opinion of ppl who have actually taken kaplan classes and also given atlest step 1... So that we may find out if the classes are actually beneficial

Cheers
Vzx

pepene · Credits: 1104 My Scrapbook

is the info provided on kaplan lectures sufficient for prep or do we need to read thru the notes completely for the exam?also where can i get the questions to practice for Step1/2?if anyone has any info kindly help..

Yoga · Credits: 188 My Scrapbook

I wld say KNOW FIRST AID COLD ....Then, you can supplement w/ other stuff.

pass_usmle · Credits: 1388 My Scrapbook

I would say that definately yes.....Kaplan notes are more than sufficient. And if coupled with the lecture DVDs then u have it all.
Agree with Yoga too that First Aid is very good. But it is a supplement to the Kaplan notes...not vice verse. u can pass by reading first aid but to score u have to use Kaplan notes.
My 2 bits...anybody please correct or add.

sunilusa · Credits: 191 My Scrapbook

where we will get kaplan books

pass_usmle · Credits: 1388 My Scrapbook

The original ones from the Kaplan centres. Certain bookstores is major medical colleges offer photocopy of them. They are cheaper. ask ur friends. Tell me where are you from and I think someone will tell u where u can get the notes in your city.

bangaloredoc · Credits: 282 My Scrapbook

Hey guys dose anyone know where one can get Kaplan DVD's in Bangalore??

medisid · Credits: 4715 My Scrapbook

Hey Bangaloredoc....
They are not sold in shops. U have to contact someone through the forum to get them.
Bye

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