Did SGU prepare u well for Step 1?

[vtrain]

For those studying for the test, or who have taken it already, what areas did u feel that SGU did a less than adequate job of preparing you for? What areas did SGU prepare u well for? Thanks!

[rokshana]

I would have to say yes. Everything you need to for step I IS presented in the classes or in the text associated with them. How you utilized your time at SGU makes the difference. If alll you did was cram for each test, only learning the material for the here and now, without any retention won't prep you for step I - if you look at your studies, not for the test, but for step I and learn the material for the long term- then I think you are well exposed to the level of material you need and can use the time after 2nd year to review and cement material.
There will be things on the exam that you will not have seen- and guess what- wouldn't have ever seen- that's just the way it is.

I've mentioned it before- i thought that the biochem class isn't as geared to the boards as other classes, but kaplan will help with that.

[jrosenberg]

from all my friends a term ahead who are getting their scores back now, they said they felt that SGU did a really good job preparing them for the boards. One of my friends said that SGU did an "excellent" job!

[stephew]

a heck of a lot better than harvard will.

[LabRishi]

a heck of a lot better than harvard will.

Seriously? :eek: You're joking right?

[stephew]

no i most certainly am not. However get the bigger picture- harvard students are less reliant/dependant upon the guidence of teachers and curriculum. Theyve got a VERY weird curriculum and often bypass a lot of the "catchpoints" seen on the usmle. My husband just was reviewing with them and they didnt know what rouleaux formation was. They'll be great docs because they're self-reliant and smart. But the USMLE guiding they don't get they need less of as a group.

[sgutexan]

I recently got my score back (229) and can say that SGU successfully prepares you for the USMLE. It may not seem like it, but I would say that this is especially true for Path, Micro and Pharm. I would also suggest the live lecture Kaplan course. I did well in SGU (3.73 GPA), but Kaplan was especially good at giving clinical scenarios for the first year. The course presented Anatomy, Embryo and Biochem in a clinical matter that was not taught at SGU, but is ultimately the way it is tested on the USMLE. Good luck to everyone and be confident in the material taught during your first two years. The instructors actually have a reason for having you memorize all those seemingly insignificant facts.

[nabhan007]

As was said to me when I asked the same question, you will be a "Step 1 killing machine" by the time you're done Vinnies. Mind you I was doubtful till the day I left Vinnies, but honestly there is a method to the madness. You will notice as you study for the step 1 that material you originally thought was insignificant but emphasized during preclinicals is actually very relevant board material. Keep in mind that as a foreign medical school, all SGU has to recruit students is their reputation and their board scores, so the curriculum is very step 1 heavy. Remember how reassuring that 93% step 1 pass rate is?

[IndianBabu]

Nice, this is all great news. We should all be optimistic.

Thanks guys,

IndianBabu

[TaxiDriver]

Anyone have an idea of how they grade Step 1? Because it is a mystery.

If you walk out of the exam feeling you failed, then you probably passed or even did better than expected.

If you walk out of the exam feeling you did okay, then you might have failed or not do as well as you thought.

[seagoddess]

i'll let you guys know when i take it or perhpas i should wait til i get my scores.

[drnick07]

This is my personal opinion (of course) but a school does not technically "prepare" you for any exam. Material is presented in lectures and it is up to you to learn it. You hope that the material presented is what you need to know for both course exams as well as boards.

So did i feel the info presented at SGU correlated with what was on Step 1? Yes. But had i never studied, it would not have mattered how well the courses were taught or how good of a reputation the school has. Take a look through First Aid for step 1 and see how much of it looks familiar to you. That should make you feel good that SGU is teaching you what you need to know. But remember, its still up to you to learn it. :bored:

And chances are, if you have a really high GPA (lets say 3.7) and did well at SGU, you will do well on Step 1 with minimum amount of preparation. And your success on step 1 will have very little with whether or not you took a review course and more to do with 1. how well you learned the material while taking the courses and 2. how well you learned (or re-learned) the matierial while studying for step 1.

While on the topic of GPA, when you start getting those clinicals grades it sure is nice to see that mediocre GPA start creeping up.

[vtrain]

Really? Are you saying it's easier to get A's and Honors in clinics than in pre-clinical? I keep on hearing that clinical grades are much more important that preclinicals, so that's good to hear.

[stephew]

yes its easier and yes its more important. Exception: if youre a grind who does better in books that with people. Also dont expect A's too much inthe UK. A "C" goes t omost people. Rare A's. This does NOT hurt you however come residency time. Its seen for what it is particularly when your comments from your rotations are positive from the UK.