Call for Step 1 Advice

the key to step I, II, and III is....
have sex, lots of sex...safe sex mind you, but lots of it

I agree that one should study as much as you can to boost your score, but be realistic. I was given an old copy of first aid half way through my first year and then I bought the latest edition during my second year. This way I was forced to transcribe my old notes into the new edition. I then reviewed this twice, read micro simple and a physiology book. I did all of Q-bank and ended up studying about 3-4 hours/day for 2 1/2 weeks. This way I had a nice vacation prior to third year. As for step II (8 days studying @ 3-4 hours/day), I used crush and a few sections in first aid that I previously used studying for my shelf exams. I also did 80% of Q-bank. Using this system I received scores of 234 and 240 for step I and II, respectively. I know some may frown upon these, but I was very happy (and added to my vacation time).

I am throwing in my advice because I really did not like First Aid for step one. I used only Kaplan review books and took the course (it was offered at my institution - there is no way I would have traveled to have done so). I also used the Qbank as a semi-religious experience. I felt that this was more than adequete. I think that the Qbank is the most important part as the questions, I felt were more difficult than the real deal. Also, they get you in the frame of mind of taking this exam. I did not have shelf exams at my institution, so I can't speak of how these prepare one for the exam. I felt I did great on step one with this method. Step II is much easier. I only used first aid, breazed through crush and did the qbank, and I felt like I blew it out of the water. How much step II realy matters in the grand scale, on the other hand, is up for debate. In any case. I think that the most important thing is not getting too psyched out by the damn thing. I really is a mental endurance test as there is no way that you have had any experience sitting and thinking for seven to eight hours straight. The best advice is to not get psyched out by the thing and just do it. I have some friends who are still studying for the thing (they obviously aren't going to be going into ortho), and the sole reason in my eyes is that they are just completely psyched out by the thing. So, positive attitude is key. And, not everyone is a feaking wonderkid. Take it seriously and prepare accordingly. Vacations are minor in the grand scheme of things. The goal is your career. Good luck!!

You need 6 weeks.

Do BSS - one book per week for 5 weeks. Study 8 hrs/day Monday-Friday.

Take every weekend off!

The last week - Do Kaplan Q bank. After doing BSS, you will be prepared to answer 300+ questions per day (Q bank is MUCH easier than BSS!!). I spent the final week studying with a buddy using kaplan and projecting the questions on a big screen. We worked much longer hrs the final week (mostly due to nerves rather than needing more knowledge).

Results - 240s

I don't believe in being over prepared... You won't have to study like this again, maybe ever. I guess that is to be seen.

This is his recipie for success. I had the same results using an entirely different system. Figure out what works for you -- and work on your weakest subjects.

You cannot just swallow anyone's program in totality Take pieces of advice and incorpoate it into a plan that will work for you. If you had your shit together you could smash this exam with 4 weeks of intense prep.

Remember your cramming -- so if you wait to long and spread it out you will forget a lot of what you have previously learned.

It is all about peaking at the right time. If you study too long you risk burn out/depression/and psyching yourself out. You have to just make a schedule stick with it and to peak for the big show.