Discussions

add a comment

OMM heavy on COMLEX 3?

Guys, should I expect a ton of OMM on the test?

mock-fracture59
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

0 1
COMLEX_Level_3

Yeah, definitely brush up on your OMM. It’s COMLEX, after all.

rhetorical-toy70
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

4

Is back-up specialty necessary?

Considering applying to a less competitive backup specialty. Thoughts?

mutilated-valise78
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

2 2
ERAS

Depends on your scores and LORs, really. Talk to your advisors about your competitiveness.

single-minded-sovere
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

6

If you're not super confident in your primary choice, why not? Always good to have a plan B.

insubstantial-rendit
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

2

How important is Step 1 score really?

Yeah so how much does the Step 1 score actually affect your residency applications?

protracted-trouser63
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

3 1
USMLE_Step_1

It's pretty important but not the only thing. Good scores open doors but PDs look at your whole app.

damn-ball58
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

5

Are emails still a thing?

Should I send a Love You email or is that too old school?

mass-produced-bedrol
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

9 1
Interview

Definitely send them. It could make a difference, especially if you're on the borderline of getting in.

academic-negotiation
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

-2

Should I discuss personal failures?

Had a big failure during undergrad. Should I mention it and the lessons learned or sweep it under the rug?

parked-bulldozer88
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

Address it head-on and focus on what you learned and how you've improved since then. Shows maturity and ability to handle challenges!

born-again-confiscat
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

6

Is my PI's letter good enough?

Only got a solid letter from my research PI, enough for applying to clinical residencies?

manifold-newswoman65
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

It’s good for showing research ability but try to get at least one more from a clinical setting.

resourceful-haunch10
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

2

Test site choices?

How do I choose a test site for COMLEX?

square-milestone85
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

2 1
COMLEX_Level_3

Pick something close and convenient. Check reviews maybe for quietness level and space.

blue-eyed-vendor19
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

3

Best time to start ERAS?

When do you guys think is the best time to start working on ERAS application?

crafty-hock18
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

3 1
ERAS

Start early, like April or May. Gives you plenty of time to revise and perfect everything.

insubstantial-rendit
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

1

Anki decks for CK?

Any specific Anki decks you'd recommend for step 2 CK?

fallen-vivacity75
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

4 1
USMLE_Step_2

Zanki’s Step 2 deck is solid. And if u want something shorter, try the WiWa or Dope decks.

indulgent-county48
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

12

Failed Step 3

Just got my results back and I failed. Feeling pretty low. Any advice?

concomitant-scarlet5
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

6 2
USMLE_Step_3

Hey, it happens. Review where you went wrong, take a little break, then hit it again. You've got this!

pretrial-accent30
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

15

Lots of docs have been there. Take time to reflect and regroup. Focus on weak areas and don’t lose hope.

precocious-blinker41
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

8

How to tackle weak areas in COMLEX prep?

I have a few weak spots that I just can’t seem to get down. Any strategies you folks recommend?

magic-headway59
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

11 1
COMLEX_Level_1

Focus on understanding the underlying principles, not just memorization. And don’t hesitate to ask for help or use additional resources like videos or tutors if needed.

early-morning-decora
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

1

Pediatrics shelf exam tips?

Peds shelf exam in a month, any advice on how to ace it?

undisturbed-archer30
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

5 1
USMLE_Step_2

Do the UWorld Peds subject review twice, and check out the Emma Holliday Ramahi lecture on YouTube. 👍

mass-produced-bedrol
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

17

Best coffee for exam prep?

Need that caffeine fix but don’t wanna crash. What coffee do you recommend during prep time?

disaffected-competen
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

12 2
COMLEX_Level_2

I switch between green tea and light roast coffee. Keeps me alert without jitters!

year-end-foal25
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

6

Cold brew saves lives. Smooth and no crash, perfect for long study sessions.

squeaky-reconstructi
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

4

Is Level 3 pass/fail?

Just confirming, is Level 3 pass/fail or do they still score us?

differing-start-up84
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

12 1
COMLEX_Level_3

It’s scored. You’ll get a numeric score, so do your best!

undeveloped-opponent
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

9

Asking academic advisor vs rotation supervisor for LoR

Better to ask for a LoR from my academic advisor or the doc I did rotations under?

artificial-scare11
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

Rotation supervisor, if they saw you in action. More relevant insights into your performance.

born-again-confiscat
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

1

Combining research with observerships?

I’m thinking about combining a research position with observerships. Good idea or too much on the plate?

red-cloak82
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

If you can manage your time well, combining both can really enrich your application and provide a comprehensive learning experience. Just be sure not to burn out!

closing-melodrama80
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

4

Experience using AMBOSS for CK?

Anyone used AMBOSS for Step 2 CK prep? Thoughts?

mythic-shaver67
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

6 1
USMLE_Step_2

I used it as a supplement to UW. Great for diving deep into topics.

blue-and-white-fusio
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

7

Is USCE still critical during the pandemic?

With the pandemic, how critical is it to have US clinical experience?

sickening-barge21
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

1 2
IMG_Students

USCE is always a plus, but programs understand the current situation. Focus on what you can improve given the circumstances.

pleasurable-solemnit
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

6

Yeah, definitely still important. Try tele-rotations if you can't travel.

compositional-groom1
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

6

Struggling to decide on a specialty. Any advice on how to pick the right one?

Struggling to decide on a specialty. Any advice on how to pick the right one?

eight-hour-pantry35
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

10 2
Fellowship

Think about what you enjoyed most during rotations and where you see yourself in the future. Talk to mentors!

jovial-bickering44
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

6

Consider lifestyle, what kind of patients you enjoy working with, and the kind of impact you want to make.

year-end-foal25
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

2

Multidisciplinary research teams?

How do you guys feel about working in multidisciplinary teams for research? Pros and cons?

retired-fluoride19
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

4 1
Research

Love it, brings different perspectives and can elevate the quality of the research. Logistics can be a bit of a challenge, though.

diseased-right-of-wa
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

7

Interview travel expenses?

Interview season is coming. How do you manage travel expenses?

wide-eyed-skimmer31
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

12 2
Fellowship

Some programs offer stipends or have low-cost accommodations for interviewees, so always ask!

ornamental-liquidati
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

14

Save where you can, like staying with friends or using points for flights. Every little bit helps.

pleasurable-solemnit
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

10

Handling rejection from programs?

Got my first rejection today. Feeling pretty bummed. How do you guys handle rejections?

dead-altar74
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

10 2
Open_Positions

Focus on the opportunities you still have. One rejection isn’t the end!

classified-conclusio
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

7

It’s tough but remember, it's just a part of the process. Keep your head up!

contentious-priestho
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

4

NEED HELP: What drives you to medicine?

Looking for inspiration! What core experiences are you guys writing about to answer this classic question?

erect-surfer46
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

For me, it's a blend of personal illness in the family and the amazing doctors we met. Made me realize this is what I'm meant to do.

grinding-joke43
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

12

I’m talking about a volunteering gig that really opened my eyes to the impact of healthcare, kind of cliche but it's true for me! What about you?

tinny-sprawl17
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

4

Patient's confidentiality in Speaking test?

Do we need to act like the Speaking role play is real? Like, do I pretend to keep things confidential?

parked-bulldozer88
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

10 1
OET

Yessss, pretend it’s real! Shows you can be trusted with patient info.

handmade-eyebrow57
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

7

Test day tips?

Step 3 test day coming up. Any last-minute tips?

million-dollar-hotbe
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

10 2
USMLE_Step_3

Sleep well, and don't underestimate the length of the test day. Keep snacks handy!

unattractive-mausole
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

10

Hydrate well, skip heavy breakfast, keep light snacks. Stress will eat your energy up.

undecided-minority56
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

5

Mentioning red flags in personal statement?

Should I address past academic issues in my personal statement?

momentous-leaflet89
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

If it significantly impacted your journey, yes. But spin it positively—explain how it was a learning experience and how you've grown from it.

rotting-flounce15
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

11

Handling mistakes in residency?

Made a mistake during my rotation and feeling down. How do you handle mistakes?

disgruntled-greeting
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

7 1
Fellowship

Everyone makes mistakes. Learn from it and talk to someone if you’re feeling really troubled.

fluffy-lobby45
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

10

Alternative Pathways in Residency

Anyone else exploring alternative non-clinical pathways during or after residency?

unlit-mattress57
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

7
ERAS

Is taking a review course worth it for COMLEX?

I'm considering signing up for a review course for COMLEX Level 1. Has anyone done this and thought it was worth the cash?

nonaligned-oeuvre17
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

4 2
COMLEX_Level_1

Depends on your study style. I preferred self-study and used the money to get high-quality question banks instead.

nautical-monotony65
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

12

Absolutely worth it for me! Gave me structure and filled in gaps in my self-study. If you can afford it, I say go for it.

influential-stovepip
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

6

Break schedule

How did you schedule your breaks during Step 3?

observable-denouemen
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

14 2
USMLE_Step_3

Break after every other block to save time and keep the momentum.

magic-headway59
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

16

I took a short break every block, just to stretch and keep my focus. Worked well for me.

fretful-subway59
Medical School Type
-
Exam Type
-
Number of LORs
-

8