Hi, I am Bar Joe, a graduate of the University of Nigeria, I
started the USMLE process after graduation and I am currently in the interview
process, at this point I decided to put this write up because I feel that the
process can be made easier if we are being guided appropriately and if we start
early enough to prepare. The aims of this write up are
1, Prevent people from making the same mistakes I made while
preparing for the exam,
2, Try to help you understand the current state of the USMLE
exams,
3, Encourage more Nigerians and perhaps Africans to attempt
the exams and get very good scores.
What is USMLE?
The USMLE is the United States Medical Licensing Exam
Why USMLE?
Training in the USA offers better opportunities under the
best of trainers so that you will be able to maximize your potential and be the
best you can be.
How should I study for the USMLE?
I believe that the study technique should focus on
understanding concepts and could be achieved through Kaplan notes, Kaplan
videos, UW questions and first aid.
What I did was to start with Kaplan notes and videos subject
wise so that I could have a general idea of the concepts.
Then during my second read, I read the Kaplan note, UW
questions, first aid, subject wise for e.g, I read Kaplan physiology, UW
physiology, first aid physiology then read Kaplan pathology, UW pathology and
first aid pathology and so on.
Repetition is the key.
WHAT SCORE SHOULD I AIM FOR?
I usually don’t like telling people the score to aim for but
you should try to maximize your potential and get the highest score you can
possibly get. The truth is that hundreds of applicants get 260s and 270s. To
prove that you are better you need to score well above the average of the
American graduates.
How Competitive Is The process?
I will want every international medical graduate to
understand that the process is extremely competitive and they are competing
against he best in other parts of the world and they have a lot of factors
against them (e.g. old Year of graduation, visa status, attending a medical
school outside the USA etc). The only factor they can change is the score they
get. To further buttress this point, I heard some programs receive as many as
5,500 applications for just 22 slots and more than 1,500 of the applicants score
more than 240. This explains the need to get a very good score.
How Long it Takes To Prepare For Step 1?
The duration of study depends on your IQ, when you graduated
from medical school, the number of hours of study and the technique of study.
It could range from 9 months to 1 year or more for step 1.
What factors decide whether I get a placement or not?
Scores: It is the most important factor and probably one of
the very few factors you can modify to get a placement. Other factors includes,
your year of graduation, research, clinical experience, year of graduation
Can I get very competitive specialties?
Yes, You can. Anything is possible in the united states even
Neurosurgery. But, you have to work very hard, you also need to get clinical
experience and letters of recommendation in your preferred specialty. You need
to also try to do electives, observership and externship in your preferred
specialty.
What is the cost of the USMLE exams?
Will I be able to pursue this process, it is too
expensive?
I understand it is an expensive process, especially
considering the current economic challenges. But you can reduce the amount of
money you spend by getting very high scores, writing your exams once and
planning.
Must I attend Kaplan live lectures?
I believe the live lectures can help, especially if you need
an academic environment or you need a student visa to come to the USA. But if
you don’t have the money for the live lectures don’t feel bad as you can still
get a very high performance but you will need to work harder.
Any Tips To Improve My Chances?
1, Form study groups.
2, Start preparing for the exams as soon as you can,
preferably during medical school and write the exam when you feel your NBME
scores are more than your target score, but the earlier you write the better.
3, Join USMLE facebook groups and USMLE forum online so that
you can get the views of others in other parts of the world.
4, Try to get involved in research projects both as a
student,intern and medical officer. You can meet your consultants and tell them
that you are interested in being part of their research project.
5, Try to publish your community health research project
6, Always ask questions. NEVER DO IT ON YOUR OWN.
7, Don’t fail any step, especially the Clinical skills exam,
which is the easiest to pass, easiest to fail, most expensive and most distinct
exam. MAKE SURE YOU DON’T SPEAK FAST IN THIS EXAM. You can improve your
chances of passing by practicing online with a lot of people online via Skype
and getting a tutor if you wish also try not to write the exam in
Philadelphia.
8, Focus on the deficiencies of your training. For me it was
behavioral sciences, statistics and genetics.
9, Don’t apply many years after graduation.
10, Read your materials several times. If you need to read
it 10 times to master it please read it.
11, make friends with current residents in training.
12, NEVER POST OR REQUEST FOR QUESTIONS. ECFMG WILL SEIZE
YOUR CERTIFICATE IF YOU DO. BEWARE OF THEIR IRREGULAR BEHAVIOUR SECTION
13, some people might need a tutor to maximize their
potential. If you need a paid skype tutor please let me know. My email address
is chimeziembachi@gmail.com
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
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