What's the PACE like at SABA?

[Dharma]

This question goes out to all current med students at SABA (or alum at SABA):

What's the PACE like at SABA in terms of lecture material. From my understanding, there are exams every 3rd Monday, but are these "block" exams or individual tests (ie. anatomy, histology, etc). Also, while on the topic, are these exams/midterms multiple choice (if so, how many options) or short answer?

Do people find it difficult to keep up with lecture material and textbook reading? How are the lectures presented? With so many midterms, it's almost as though you learn something one day, and then you have to understand & memorize, and then you have a test another day...or is it not that bad?

Also, could someone please clarify the basic sciences time line...

sept 07 - dec 07 = sem I
jan 08 - apr 08 = sem II
may 08 - aug 08 = sem III
sept 08 - dec 08 = sem IV
jan 09 - may 09 = sem V

So, when do people usually write their USMLE I? Is there enough time? When do clincials usually start?

thanks in advance!

[rdecastro]

Hmm. The pace...


About like using this:

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/hydropower-plant-usbr-hoover.jpg

to fill this:

http://z.about.com/d/cocktails/1/0/4/0/-/-/glass_shot.jpg (http://z.about.com/d/cocktails/1/0/4/0/-/-/glass_shot.jpg)

Your timeline is correct.

You write the USMLE whenever you want - it's computerized, you schedule it when you're ready.

You have to have TAKEN the USMLE Step I test before you begin your clinical rotations, and if you don't pass you finish the rotation you're in (usually psych) then cannot start any other rotations before you pass the test.

Once you complete basic sciences you must complete 72 weeks of clinical rotations (and Step II CS and CK)- and then finish them before mid-May each year, to be eligible for the match that year. It is possible to get a residency without the match, but the majority match to their residency.

[bigkap87]

The pace is fast but definitely doable. If you start in the fall you will have plenty of time to take step 1 although most take 6-8 weeks. I started in fall '05, I am taking step 1 next thursday and start rotations july 16 to give you an idea. Oh yeah, almost all lectures are presented on powerpoint.

[darkmansaad]

the pace is fine, my undergrad was probably just as difficult as this and there is nothing to do here but study. anyone who really wants to become a doctor can become one here, just dont get stressed out....all the people that seem to drop seem to have that in common

[Dharma]

The pace is fast but definitely doable. If you start in the fall you will have plenty of time to take step 1 although most take 6-8 weeks. I started in fall '05, I am taking step 1 next thursday and start rotations july 16 to give you an idea. Oh yeah, almost all lectures are presented on powerpoint.

Good Luck!!! I hope everything works out for ya!

[Dharma]

lol...excellent visual representation...simply brilliant!

Hmm. The pace...


About like using this:

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/hydropower-plant-usbr-hoover.jpg

to fill this:

http://z.about.com/d/cocktails/1/0/4/0/-/-/glass_shot.jpg (http://z.about.com/d/cocktails/1/0/4/0/-/-/glass_shot.jpg)

Your timeline is correct.

You write the USMLE whenever you want - it's computerized, you schedule it when you're ready.

You have to have TAKEN the USMLE Step I test before you begin your clinical rotations, and if you don't pass you finish the rotation you're in (usually psych) then cannot start any other rotations before you pass the test.

Once you complete basic sciences you must complete 72 weeks of clinical rotations (and Step II CS and CK)- and then finish them before mid-May each year, to be eligible for the match that year. It is possible to get a residency without the match, but the majority match to their residency.

[bigkap87]

Thanks Dharma- oh yeah, every 2-3 weeks there are 2-3 exams usually about 50 questions, multiple choice done on computers. I agree with darkmansaad as well, as long you relax and do not procrastinate, you will do fine.

[playarf]

Thank god for weekends...otherwise it would be impossible for me to keep on top of things...
its doable, but there is very little room for slacking off...

[gianefiasco]

Thanks Dharma- oh yeah, every 2-3 weeks there are 2-3 exams usually about 50 questions, multiple choice done on computers. I agree with darkmansaad as well, as long you relax and do not procrastinate, you will do fine.


YEah anyone can get through this with a little focus and determination. Nothing you learn is any more difficult then undergrad, its just a HEck of a LOT more material.

PRO INSIDER TIP: And if your doing badly, just make sure a few students are doing worse and ride the curve to a pass!!!

[JeebusLives]

if youre a january student how many weeks till the USMLE if you wanna make the same match as the september and may class before you? ive heard something like 3 weeks. is this true?