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- Feb 16, 2009
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I just found out that I PASSED the CS. Hasta la vista USMLE until step 3. I am a BIG beneficiary of SDN so thought I would share my CS experience and few things I learned that may benefit others taking/retaking the test in the future.
First, my experience: I am a U.S. allopathic medical student but English is my second language. I took the test on 10/31, about a week after taking CK. I took both of these test during a "research block." By the time, I was done with CK, I was exhausted and did not really have much stim left to study for CS. I borrowed a copy of FA for CS (3rd edition) from a friend and read the first couple sections. I have done well in my clerkships, passed my school's OSCEs with flying colors and knew stats were in my favor (~98% of U.S. allopathic students pass in their 1st attempt). So, I was not too worried and walked into the test feeling confident. The test day was something else. I felt rushed the whole day. Having had not practiced writing notes on the USMLE software, I did not finish first couple of my notes. I did not have time to counsel few of the patients. I missed one obvious diagnosis and for 2 patients the symptoms were so vague, I was not able to come up with solid differentials. Due to the time pressure, I had to rush through all the physical exams and I forget some things here as well. But I made sure to stay calm (regardless of how anxious the patient was), was nice and as helpful to SPs as possible, was empathetic, asked open ended questions (followed by closed ended ROS questions) and made sure tell the patient what the next step was before leaving the room. After the exam, I thought I may have FAILED and started remembering all the things I have done incorrectly. The fact that we have to wait 6-8 week for the results is no fun. I was not ready to shell out another $1200, travel + find lodging in another city, and wait another 6-8 weeks to find out whether or not I passed this so called "English Proficiency Test." So, I am glad to be done with this test.
Now, here are few tips for future test takers:
1. Prepare: I did not take the test seriously but in retrospect I wish I have prepared better. If nothing else, more preparation would have made the test day and post-test waiting more bearable knowing that I have done everything I could. Here are six things you can do to prepare: (i) Read though USMLE CS site and the latest test bulletin located at http://www.usmle.org/step-2-cs/ (ii) Read FA for CS (the 3rd edition is fine in my opinion) (iii) Practice writing notes using the official CS software found here: http://www.usmle.org/practice-materials/step-2-cs/patient-note-practice2.html (iv) Take a look at these threads: (a) http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/freaking-out-about-step-2-cs.1032446/ (b) http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/what-does-it-take-to-fail-cs.1042028/#post-14675326 (c) http://www.benwhite.com/medicine/how-do-you-fail-the-usmle-step-2-cs/ (v) Practice (using FA) with a friend, classmate, anyone you can convince to to act as an SP (vi) Watch this video on 10 tips to pass the CS the first time:
2. Relax during the test day. Get a good-night sleep. Get to the test center early. The last thing you want to do is rush to the test center, miss the orientation and see your first SP while trying to catch your breathe. Discounted hotel rate information can be found here: https://www.aamc.org/meetings/153904/clinicalskills_mtgs_homepage_teaser.html. Site specific travel information are located at (i) Atlanta: http://www.usmle.org/pdfs/travel-info/atlanta.pdf (ii) Chicago: http://www.usmle.org/pdfs/travel-info/chicago.pdf (iii) Houston: http://www.usmle.org/pdfs/travel-info/houston.pdf (iv) Los Angeles: http://www.usmle.org/pdfs/travel-info/losangeles.pdf (v) Philadelphia: http://www.usmle.org/pdfs/travel-info/philadelphia.pdf
3. Once the test is over, RELAX. I can't emphasize this enough as I am guilty of this more than anyone else. Once you walk out of the test center, there is nothing you can do that will change the outcome. So relax and move on with your life. You don't have to be perfect to pass this test. If you have put some time into preparation, you will pass. Best of luck and make sure to post your experience here after you are done.
First, my experience: I am a U.S. allopathic medical student but English is my second language. I took the test on 10/31, about a week after taking CK. I took both of these test during a "research block." By the time, I was done with CK, I was exhausted and did not really have much stim left to study for CS. I borrowed a copy of FA for CS (3rd edition) from a friend and read the first couple sections. I have done well in my clerkships, passed my school's OSCEs with flying colors and knew stats were in my favor (~98% of U.S. allopathic students pass in their 1st attempt). So, I was not too worried and walked into the test feeling confident. The test day was something else. I felt rushed the whole day. Having had not practiced writing notes on the USMLE software, I did not finish first couple of my notes. I did not have time to counsel few of the patients. I missed one obvious diagnosis and for 2 patients the symptoms were so vague, I was not able to come up with solid differentials. Due to the time pressure, I had to rush through all the physical exams and I forget some things here as well. But I made sure to stay calm (regardless of how anxious the patient was), was nice and as helpful to SPs as possible, was empathetic, asked open ended questions (followed by closed ended ROS questions) and made sure tell the patient what the next step was before leaving the room. After the exam, I thought I may have FAILED and started remembering all the things I have done incorrectly. The fact that we have to wait 6-8 week for the results is no fun. I was not ready to shell out another $1200, travel + find lodging in another city, and wait another 6-8 weeks to find out whether or not I passed this so called "English Proficiency Test." So, I am glad to be done with this test.
Now, here are few tips for future test takers:
1. Prepare: I did not take the test seriously but in retrospect I wish I have prepared better. If nothing else, more preparation would have made the test day and post-test waiting more bearable knowing that I have done everything I could. Here are six things you can do to prepare: (i) Read though USMLE CS site and the latest test bulletin located at http://www.usmle.org/step-2-cs/ (ii) Read FA for CS (the 3rd edition is fine in my opinion) (iii) Practice writing notes using the official CS software found here: http://www.usmle.org/practice-materials/step-2-cs/patient-note-practice2.html (iv) Take a look at these threads: (a) http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/freaking-out-about-step-2-cs.1032446/ (b) http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/what-does-it-take-to-fail-cs.1042028/#post-14675326 (c) http://www.benwhite.com/medicine/how-do-you-fail-the-usmle-step-2-cs/ (v) Practice (using FA) with a friend, classmate, anyone you can convince to to act as an SP (vi) Watch this video on 10 tips to pass the CS the first time:
2. Relax during the test day. Get a good-night sleep. Get to the test center early. The last thing you want to do is rush to the test center, miss the orientation and see your first SP while trying to catch your breathe. Discounted hotel rate information can be found here: https://www.aamc.org/meetings/153904/clinicalskills_mtgs_homepage_teaser.html. Site specific travel information are located at (i) Atlanta: http://www.usmle.org/pdfs/travel-info/atlanta.pdf (ii) Chicago: http://www.usmle.org/pdfs/travel-info/chicago.pdf (iii) Houston: http://www.usmle.org/pdfs/travel-info/houston.pdf (iv) Los Angeles: http://www.usmle.org/pdfs/travel-info/losangeles.pdf (v) Philadelphia: http://www.usmle.org/pdfs/travel-info/philadelphia.pdf
3. Once the test is over, RELAX. I can't emphasize this enough as I am guilty of this more than anyone else. Once you walk out of the test center, there is nothing you can do that will change the outcome. So relax and move on with your life. You don't have to be perfect to pass this test. If you have put some time into preparation, you will pass. Best of luck and make sure to post your experience here after you are done.
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