Thread: Step 1 Preparation at AUC

Hey guys, this question is for all AUC students that have taken step 1 after the fifth semester. Do you feel like AUC gives you adequate time for board preparation? In addition, can you guys tell me the general timeline of taking step 1? For example, when is the last day of class, and after your last final for that semester, how many weeks do you have off to take the step? Any input or advice will be much appreciated!! Thank you!

The curriculum has changed, and it remains to be seen whether the new arrangement will help or hinder Step 1 prep. I am in the current 5th semester class, and have complained all semester about the lack of Step review time. However, I did quite well on the first Comp, so I suspect that much of my complaining wasn't warranted. All that being said, students have a full 4 months to take Step 1 after finishing their 5th sememster.

If you want to take Step 1 immediately after your fifth semester (the day after finals week is over), you have to score above a certain point on the first Comp exam. If you don't, then you usually have to wait a few weeks after the end of your fifth semester to take it.

did you start your medical curriculum in JAnuary? 4 Months of step 1 preparation seems like a lot of time! Someone was telling me you have 2-4 weeks of preparation but this seemed way too little for the required amount of information you need to know

As it was explained to me- you are required to take a "semester" off where you are put on leave from the school, you will study or take a review class, get permission from the school so they can certify you to register for Step 1. Once you are done then you will be re-enrolled at AUC and can begin your clinicals. If you started in January- you would be likely be taking off Sept till Dec and begining your clinicals in January.

I started in May. Students have 4 months to take the Step regardless of the semester they started in, but do not have to use all of that time. We get to decide how much time we need to review, and whether or not we are going to do a review course (Kaplan, Falcon, Pass, etc.).

As for time during the current fifth semester, it's really tight, but if you're focused, it can be done. But during the fifth semester as it currently exists, there is no "designated step 1 study time." We are in class and seminars until the bitter end.

Originally Posted by tenordoc

I started in May. Students have 4 months to take the Step regardless of the semester they started in, but do not have to use all of that time. We get to decide how much time we need to review, and whether or not we are going to do a review course (Kaplan, Falcon, Pass, etc.).

As for time during the current fifth semester, it's really tight, but if you're focused, it can be done. But during the fifth semester as it currently exists, there is no "designated step 1 study time." We are in class and seminars until the bitter end.

According to Dr. Y, everything after pharm and behavioral ends is designated study time. There are only 2 hours of class in the morning, leaving the afternoons (and still much of the morning) free for studying. ICM 5 is also supposed to be preparation for the step. Of course, having not been through it, this is only what Dr. Y has told me, and not what I have had the chance to experience.

i'd like to think that the first 4 semesters are step 1 prep...hehe

if you are disciplined you have plenty of time regardless of what classes they shuffle in and out. during my time we had icm basically from 10am or so tim 5pm all the way to 3 weeks before the semester ended then it was only intro to clinicals.

some students relaxed more during 5th knowing they would take time after to study at home. some of us reviewed during 5th. i took step 1 two days after 5th semester finished along with about 5 or so other classmates. the rest took it anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks later and some form what they said took an extra 2 months to study...

Study every semester to remember not to pass and you will be ready for the Step at the end of 5th semester. I took my Step 1 2 weeks after my last final

ideally step 1 prep starts from first semester!

Not sure how things are now, but when I left the island, I felt horribly unprepared for Step I. Kaplan is not enough and (again, things may have changed by now... I hope), but the information tested/presented in classes didn't really correlate with Step I testable/high yield material. I felt that I got the majority of my test prep after I left.