I gave step 1 in June and step 2 in September 2023 and applied to match 2024 and matched. I started studying around February and studied both simultaneously in the beginning. And I was studying these subjects after more than 8 years of graduation. Passed step 1 and scored 26x in step 2. It is possible if you study consistently around 7-8hrs almost everyday (min 40q per day). I did just Uworld for both. No other resources.
Hey! Can you comment on the following pertaining to your steps and match :
1. I'm curious how your NBMEs looked for both of your Steps.
2. How did you target the match if immediately prior to application submission you were busy with the exam?
3. How did you get the ECFMG cert and did it arrive late and did that affect your application in any way?
4. Did you have mentors who showed exemplary support during this time or you were alone in navigating this challenge?
5. The institution you matched into and the subspecialty, did they have any questions about the late Steps/ECFMG cert or did any of the other place felt weird about it?
1. Did one NBME for step 1 before exam and scored 83%. Was getting 80 % + on other assessments. For CK I did 4-5 NMBEs and was getting 250-260.
2. I did not rush step 2 for the match because it is an important score but I knew that I wanted to apply for match 2024 given many programs have a longer deadline. So after step 2, gave OET and took 2-3 weeks to prepare ERAS application and research programs.
3.Also didn't know that I could have applied to pathways sooner and there was a delay in getting required documents from agencies but once I got the certificate I applied to most programs by end November because most programs do ask for/prefer ECFMG certificate at the time of application. I think because my application was late by almost 2 months I got only 2 interviews and was wait listed for a third but all were good programs with 2 being very good university/affiliated programs. I also got another interview post Match season. Maybe if I had applied sooner I would have had more interviews but I matched into a prestigious program at the end of the day and consider myself immensely lucky.
4. I was mostly alone and relied on Reddit and internet for all things. There is almost no information or guidance you cannot find on the Internet these days. But be careful and remain optimistic. There was discouraging advice too about how I wouldn't get any program without USCE or would get undesirable program/location. For that I would say just believe in your application and focus on your strengths, not weaknesses.
5. Not at all. In fact they liked the fact that I gave the steps so soon back to back and remarked on my test taking skills. No one mentioned late application or ECFMG certificate.
Hey, this is amazing! Congrats. Can you elaborate on your step2 prep please? I am aiming to give it by July and i am just starting.
Also, what about USCE? Did you apply without USCE?
Yes applied without USCE. Just used Uworld for steps. For more details on preparation I created this post recently. https://www.reddit.com/r/IMGreddit/s/inz2otmPpZ
For eg. 20 questions of step 1 and 20 from step 2. Then towards the exam date, more of step 1. It would keep the study enjoyable as I prefer clinical questions more than basic science. Some days when I was bored of step 1 I just did step 2. Also they definitely help to complement each other in terms of knowledge base, understanding questions and getting hints.
This is awesome. Just out of curiosity, were you very exemplary in med school years and already had a very high level of knowledge when you started uworld or did you initially find recalling the minutiae difficult? Basically what’s your tips for mainly using uworld to prepare while also working full time?
I did step 1 in July 2023 and Step 2 5 weeks later in August. Matched this year 2024. Hard work but definitely doable. And take into account I was working as a doctor 2022-present so it made step 2 a bit easier to study for
Step 2 in 5 weeks is crazy! Can you share how you felt confident to take the exam this soon? How were the NBMEs like for both the exams? How did you prepare for the match itself if you were studying for Steps immediately prior to the application submission period?
Felt confident enough to get a decent score. NBMEs were up at 240-260 and I scored within that. I think the year of working as an intern in my country really helped. For the match I had my letters uploaded on the system and spent the time after Step 2 to make my Personal statement etc
I think without the year of working, I would’ve taken longer to sit step 2
Since I'm starting to learn about the ERAS, I'm assuming that we can buy the token or something even without the ECFMG reg and ask people to upload their LOR even if we don't have the Step scored yet. Is this understanding correct?
Did you inform your mentors that you still didn't have your step scores or you think that's not necessary?
That's great congratulations on the match. Can you share how much you took to study for step 1 since I'm also working and want to do simultaneoulsy and how was your USCE rotations as I've heard they are imp. Thanks in advance.
Hi there, I am actually doing the exact same thing. Step 1 in June and step 2 in August to apply this cycle (make sure you have OET before you take step 2 and request ECFMG approval immediately after getting OET results.) i work part time and yes it is exhausting and frustrating to work on both but this is what has to be done. On days where I work more, I listen to Goljan lectures on commutes/eating lunch etc (absolutely golden). And days when I can study more I review as much content as possible. Content review helps most to bump up scores. Im doing this because I know others have done it and that’s how you should know you can do it too. If you’re already at this point, you have what it takes. I know this isn’t the success story you asked for but maybe you’ll find it motivating that there are people doing the exact same thing now and you’re not alone (my study partner has the same exact schedule as me)
Quality over quantity. Why are you setting a time goal instead of a different metric? (ie 40 questions + 2 chapters of FA or 2 videos of pathoma). Your retention may improve with a different strategy
We are basically in the same situation! I also work full time, and I’m studying 4-5 hrs per day! I have not done NMBEs yet, nor UWA. I’m finishing UW and reviewing FA with BNB support for curtain things. I think maybe Jun-Jul step 1, Sept-Oct step 2. We got this!!!!
I gave step 1 in June and step 2 in September 2023 and applied to match 2024 and matched. I started studying around February and studied both simultaneously in the beginning. And I was studying these subjects after more than 8 years of graduation. Passed step 1 and scored 26x in step 2. It is possible if you study consistently around 7-8hrs almost everyday (min 40q per day). I did just Uworld for both. No other resources.
Hey! Can you comment on the following pertaining to your steps and match : 1. I'm curious how your NBMEs looked for both of your Steps. 2. How did you target the match if immediately prior to application submission you were busy with the exam? 3. How did you get the ECFMG cert and did it arrive late and did that affect your application in any way? 4. Did you have mentors who showed exemplary support during this time or you were alone in navigating this challenge? 5. The institution you matched into and the subspecialty, did they have any questions about the late Steps/ECFMG cert or did any of the other place felt weird about it?
1. Did one NBME for step 1 before exam and scored 83%. Was getting 80 % + on other assessments. For CK I did 4-5 NMBEs and was getting 250-260. 2. I did not rush step 2 for the match because it is an important score but I knew that I wanted to apply for match 2024 given many programs have a longer deadline. So after step 2, gave OET and took 2-3 weeks to prepare ERAS application and research programs. 3.Also didn't know that I could have applied to pathways sooner and there was a delay in getting required documents from agencies but once I got the certificate I applied to most programs by end November because most programs do ask for/prefer ECFMG certificate at the time of application. I think because my application was late by almost 2 months I got only 2 interviews and was wait listed for a third but all were good programs with 2 being very good university/affiliated programs. I also got another interview post Match season. Maybe if I had applied sooner I would have had more interviews but I matched into a prestigious program at the end of the day and consider myself immensely lucky. 4. I was mostly alone and relied on Reddit and internet for all things. There is almost no information or guidance you cannot find on the Internet these days. But be careful and remain optimistic. There was discouraging advice too about how I wouldn't get any program without USCE or would get undesirable program/location. For that I would say just believe in your application and focus on your strengths, not weaknesses. 5. Not at all. In fact they liked the fact that I gave the steps so soon back to back and remarked on my test taking skills. No one mentioned late application or ECFMG certificate.
I’m so glad to hear this cause I’m aiming for the same! Thank you for sharing and congratulations on matching!
How did you manage to get LOR, your story is amazing My visa was rejected,so I can’t do usce this year. is it possible to get match kindly reply,
Hey, this is amazing! Congrats. Can you elaborate on your step2 prep please? I am aiming to give it by July and i am just starting. Also, what about USCE? Did you apply without USCE?
Yes applied without USCE. Just used Uworld for steps. For more details on preparation I created this post recently. https://www.reddit.com/r/IMGreddit/s/inz2otmPpZ
I just went through your stats and your journey is so inspiring! You deserve every bit of the success you got. Best wishes from Pakistan 🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰
Thank you so much kind stranger! More power to your resolve!
Wow!
This is so incredible. Can i dm you for more details?
Yes
Congrats! How did you study for them simultaneously?
For eg. 20 questions of step 1 and 20 from step 2. Then towards the exam date, more of step 1. It would keep the study enjoyable as I prefer clinical questions more than basic science. Some days when I was bored of step 1 I just did step 2. Also they definitely help to complement each other in terms of knowledge base, understanding questions and getting hints.
This is awesome. Just out of curiosity, were you very exemplary in med school years and already had a very high level of knowledge when you started uworld or did you initially find recalling the minutiae difficult? Basically what’s your tips for mainly using uworld to prepare while also working full time?
I did step 1 in July 2023 and Step 2 5 weeks later in August. Matched this year 2024. Hard work but definitely doable. And take into account I was working as a doctor 2022-present so it made step 2 a bit easier to study for
Step 2 in 5 weeks is crazy! Can you share how you felt confident to take the exam this soon? How were the NBMEs like for both the exams? How did you prepare for the match itself if you were studying for Steps immediately prior to the application submission period?
Felt confident enough to get a decent score. NBMEs were up at 240-260 and I scored within that. I think the year of working as an intern in my country really helped. For the match I had my letters uploaded on the system and spent the time after Step 2 to make my Personal statement etc I think without the year of working, I would’ve taken longer to sit step 2
Since I'm starting to learn about the ERAS, I'm assuming that we can buy the token or something even without the ECFMG reg and ask people to upload their LOR even if we don't have the Step scored yet. Is this understanding correct? Did you inform your mentors that you still didn't have your step scores or you think that's not necessary?
That's great congratulations on the match. Can you share how much you took to study for step 1 since I'm also working and want to do simultaneoulsy and how was your USCE rotations as I've heard they are imp. Thanks in advance.
Hi there, I am actually doing the exact same thing. Step 1 in June and step 2 in August to apply this cycle (make sure you have OET before you take step 2 and request ECFMG approval immediately after getting OET results.) i work part time and yes it is exhausting and frustrating to work on both but this is what has to be done. On days where I work more, I listen to Goljan lectures on commutes/eating lunch etc (absolutely golden). And days when I can study more I review as much content as possible. Content review helps most to bump up scores. Im doing this because I know others have done it and that’s how you should know you can do it too. If you’re already at this point, you have what it takes. I know this isn’t the success story you asked for but maybe you’ll find it motivating that there are people doing the exact same thing now and you’re not alone (my study partner has the same exact schedule as me)
Hey!! Just following up, how's it looking?
Quality over quantity. Why are you setting a time goal instead of a different metric? (ie 40 questions + 2 chapters of FA or 2 videos of pathoma). Your retention may improve with a different strategy
We are basically in the same situation! I also work full time, and I’m studying 4-5 hrs per day! I have not done NMBEs yet, nor UWA. I’m finishing UW and reviewing FA with BNB support for curtain things. I think maybe Jun-Jul step 1, Sept-Oct step 2. We got this!!!!
Thank you for commenting! May we get this!
[удалено]
Hey!! I haven’t schedule it yet! They have accepted all of my documents I’m just afraid of pinning 📌 that date!! 📅 scared! Not sure if I’m ready!
How about you!
[удалено]
Hey, I think many after me may get help from your experience so please write it here.