How to Pass USMLE Step 2 CS

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amine2086

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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.

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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.

Hey, thanks a lot. Very informative. :)
 
I used the materials mentioned above! Passed!! Wrote in Philly had good notes and dx but terrible phys exams. I counciled every pt. Thanks!
 
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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.




where did you take it?
 
Hi, Ive read a lot of forums over the past few months so I wanted to contribute to those that worry as much as I do about these exams. I am an IMG but born and raised in America. I took less than 2 weeks to study for this exam with a study partner. I only used FA and did the cases twice and went over the mini cases thoroughly maybe once. When I didnt have a partner to practice with, I would cover up the work up and diagnosis for the mini cases and try to come up with as many on my own as I could. First set of advice, PRACTICE! I did a physical and note almost every time I did a case. This is honestly what I think helped me. I had everything down to a routine so the day of the actual exam, I tried to just reenact that routine. During the exam, be extra friendly and they will love you. I honestly walked out of the exam thinking I failed, I convinced myself over the last month and half that I had failed and done everything wrong. Here are some of my mistakes so you guys understand why I was freaking out so much and so worried:
MISTAKES:
Didnt summarize for 3 cases
Did a half ass neuro exam for a patient
Had a patient who told me it hurt to take deep breaths and I still listened to his lungs
Didnt do straight leg test for someone who needed it
Didnt offer water or a tissue to a patient who was coughing
Didnt counsel a person on smoking marijuana because he said he only did it occasionally and I thought that was fine
Positive I was monotone the whole encounter
Forgot a patients name the whole encounter so just referred to the patient as Mr.
Patient one case kept correcting that I said pain and they were saying it wasnt really a pain
COMPLETELY messed up my phone encounter
Talked to a patient who was lying down the whole exam while standing over him
Ran out of time on one case and didnt get to answer the challenge question.
My notes werent that great, I used the format from FA but practiced on the CS interface
My diagnosis were off, on at least 4-5 cases.
Things I did right:
Knocked, draped, introduced myself, identified patients name, wore glovess, helped the patient lay down and get up
Asked permission to do a physical exam
Asked if it was okay to untie the gown and listen to the heart and lungs
Used proper draping
closed on every case but my closures werent that great, I was really general. Usually didnt really give a true diagnosis just said infection or something else a little more serious. Pretty sure i lost points for that so dont do that! Try to give at least 1-2 diagnosis and always add, or it could be something else.
Counseled everyone who smoked cigs, unsafe sex and alcohol. Caged 2 patients
Used empathy a lotttt, I was overly nice to all patients.

The exam isnt too hard, but honestly the nerves kick in on exam day so you have to have a routine in your questions or else youll freeze up and do horrible. Everyone does bad on the first case, no matter how easy it is. The best advice soemone gave me was to forget about the case right after you do it so you dont ruin your mood for all the other cases. Best advice ever! Youll convince yourself you did horrible after its over. Thats normal.
I found out I passed yesterday, and I was shocked! Happy and thankful but still shocked! that just shows you really dont have to do everything perfectly to pass! Hope this helped! Good luck to everyone!
 
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Congratulations on passing!

I was wondering if I answered a parent's question incorrectly for a peads case, would they fail me?
 
Hi..im an img.
Could anyone pls tell me what material to use for step 2 cs.
How about the Kaplan course?
Many people take it,is it worth?
And any preferred location for taking the exam?pls help!!
 
Hi..im an img.
Could anyone pls tell me what material to use for step 2 cs.
How about the Kaplan course?
Many people take it,is it worth?
And any preferred location for taking the exam?pls help!!
First Aid CS & Kaplan USMLE step 2 CS Core Cases...
Practice Practice Practice and Practice.
 
There are a lot of anxiety provoking posts on student doctor network about Step 2 CS. I hope by sharing this I can help calm anyone down who is worried about it.
I just found out today that I passed without anything close to borderline (I had to take it early since military match is earlier). I studied for 1.5 days (yes, one and a half, not 15), read through first aid once and then re-read some of the highlights the night before. More time may be needed based on circumstances and how far removed you are from year 3, but it was enough since I was in the middle of clerkships and FM stuff was fresh. Didn't practice my PE on anyone. Didn't use any other resources except for this short video () and the Step 2 CS info manual on their website (http://www.usmle.org/pdfs/step-2-cs/cs-info-manual.pdf). Definitely messed up on a couple of the #1 DDx, did not do very thorough physical exams (just focused on the CC and did heart/lungs on everyone), did not "count to three" with my auscultations. I did not run out of time on any patient encounter, but used just about all 15 minutes to make sure that I counseled and answered "their question." I did not memorize all the questions to ask for each CC, I just acted how I normally act in FM clinic, maybe a tiny bit more thorough. I think people get messed up when they take First Aid too seriously- if you do every single PE maneuver and ask every single question they tell you to ask in the history, and do a full ROS (I never did a full ROS), YOU WILL RUN OUT OF TIME and lose points on the counselling/wrap up portion. Just treat each patient like a real patient, not like a computer, even though they do have checkboxes. And most of all, the percentage of people that fail on SDN is way higher than the general population (2%). Hundreds of people take this test every day and only 2% fail, so the odds are always in your favor. I let SDN make me freak out, but don't make my same mistake
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Best of luck to everyone!
 
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