USMLE Step 1 Prep Course(s)

[SGUROCKS1]

Hi guys,

I just wanted to ask as to those who took the Kaplan Step 1 review courses (both in NJ, Delaware, or Atlanta) as to how it was and whether it is worth it?

I don't mean to brag, but I currently have a cummulative 4.0 GPA and will also recieve an A in Path due to the scores of the previous Path exams.

I feel that I have a pretty good grasp of the concepts so a good review will help me to polish up all the 1st year stuff. Considering that majority of the Step 1 is second year related material I am not too worried, YET. I would appreciate any comments and experiences of prior SGU students that have gone thru the process of recently taking the step 1. Thanks

[vtrain]

If you've done well in your courses, you probably don't need Kaplan, unless you do better with lectures and are worried about how to organize your studying time. Just get a set of kaplan books, RR, FA, and do about 5000 practice questions and you'll be set.

[rokshana]

i agree with vtrain. I took the class in atl and felt that i could have used the 6 weeks better than i did. The kaplan class in 6 weeks is very fast paced and time comsuming and by the end of the day you are EXHAUSTED!!

if you LEARNED the material throroughly during the classes, then all you really need is to sit down, review the material, and do questions (and questions, and questions.....) for ~7-10 weeks- no class need, but if you crammed for the exams and don't have a good grasp of all the material or have big gaps, then taking a class may help.

i got a good score and I took the class. Can I say the class is the reason I got a good score- i dunno- if you THINK you need it, well it can't hurt, but was it the reason I got a decent score, well who knows?

after you finish in vinnies, i suggest you take an nbme test and see where your baseline sits- they are freakishly accurate in predicting your step I score, then go from there.