Thread: Take Step 1 before 5th Semester?

Hey folks.
Is it possible to take a break after 4th semester and take USMLE Step 1 before beginning 5th semester? Or will you not be allowed to register until after 5th is finished?

thanks to anyone taking the time to answer this question.

you have to get certified by the school to take step 1, it's a multi step process which includes you passing the comprehensive exam and the kaplan simulated exam (not sure about this one though, at least it was the case when i was there). all this happens in 5th semster, so no you can't take it before that

Originally Posted by lasagnajames

Hey folks.
Is it possible to take a break after 4th semester and take USMLE Step 1 before beginning 5th semester? Or will you not be allowed to register until after 5th is finished?

thanks to anyone taking the time to answer this question.

According to conversations I have had with 5th semester students... the answer is no.

In an effort to ensure that our school's average USMLE score remains high, they have instituted another hoop for students to hop through. In addition to the Kaplan course, 5th semester students now get to enjoy a slew of new courses and an exam they have to pass in order to be allowed to take Step I. (most 5th semesters I have talked to are not too pleased with the new required courses).

I'm sure by the time I make it to 5th semester, it will be even more difficult.

Originally Posted by lasagnajames

Hey folks.
Is it possible to take a break after 4th semester and take USMLE Step 1 before beginning 5th semester? Or will you not be allowed to register until after 5th is finished?

thanks to anyone taking the time to answer this question.

absolutely not

Originally Posted by kemper6036

absolutely not

what he said...no way, no how

Basicly to sit for step 1 you have to have Dr. B sign your form you print out for step 1. He will only sign it once you recieve a passing score on all 5th semester classes and pass at least 1 comp exam. The kaplan exam is also required to leave the island, but you will get to have your form signed and mailed off after you finish all 5th semester classes and pass a comp.

Its how it was when I was there, and it could have changed, but I doubt it.

Nope, don't believe you can do that.

Originally Posted by Macgyver1

Basicly to sit for step 1 you have to have Dr. B sign your form you print out for step 1. He will only sign it once you recieve a passing score on all 5th semester classes and pass at least 1 comp exam. The kaplan exam is also required to leave the island, but you will get to have your form signed and mailed off after you finish all 5th semester classes and pass a comp.

Its how it was when I was there, and it could have changed, but I doubt it.

The Kaplan requirement may be a thing of the past very shortly.

Yup to everything everyone said above. The earliest you can take it is about 3-4 weeks after you leave the island. Even then, with us, there was a certain score requirement you needed to get on the first comp in order to be certified to take Step 1 at the earliest possible date after finishing 5th semester. (I finished April 8th, the earliest we could take it was the 22nd). However, you can take Step 2 whenever you want.