timeline

[Skittles23]

Can any students currently in the clinical program please provide a timeline for a prospective Jan vs. September starting student, let's say Fall 08' and Jan 09', like when I would complete basic sciences, when I would take Step 1, begin clinicals and complete clinicals, take Step 2, apply for a residency match, and begin the residency program.
Thanks.
Skittles 23

[TBL2008]

I would say most students finish 5th (or 6th) semester on the island and go back to the US and take off the following semester. During that time students are studying for Step 1, take it, wait for scores, apply for fin aid, and then wait for a clinicals assignment. It takes almost a whole semester to do all of that. Lots of students don't take off a whole semester. Some take the Step 1 exam the following week after 5th (or 6th) semester.

The late Spring or Summer before you apply to residency (remember you apply for residency Sept. 1st of any given year) is when you will take Step 2. You can graduate and finish in any semester but most residencies start in June or July of any give year.

IMO get started with med school as soon as you can. If you can get started Fall semester, DO IT. Putting it off until Jan gives you no buffer in case you do need to stay on island for 6 semester or if you want to take off that semester post-island like 90% of students.

[Skittles23]

thanks , TBL, that was very helpful.
Skittles23

[Skittles23]

I would say most students finish 5th (or 6th) semester on the island and go back to the US and take off the following semester. During that time students are studying for Step 1, take it, wait for scores, apply for fin aid, and then wait for a clinicals assignment. It takes almost a whole semester to do all of that. Lots of students don't take off a whole semester. Some take the Step 1 exam the following week after 5th (or 6th) semester.


In Fall08' start semester 5 ends Spring10' I take the term off to study for USMLE 1 (Summer 10'). Is there a set date when clinicals start? As you say some students take test right after 5 semester, without taking one for USMLE? How can they do this? Are you allowed to choose the date when you begin your clinicals? or is there a deadline you need to have STEP 1 scores to get your appointments? Any response to this topic would be very appreciated. Thanks.
Skittles23

[FOID]

In Fall08' start semester 5 ends Spring10' I take the term off to study for USMLE 1 (Summer 10'). Is there a set date when clinicals start? As you say some students take test right after 5 semester, without taking one for USMLE? How can they do this? Are you allowed to choose the date when you begin your clinicals? or is there a deadline you need to have STEP 1 scores to get your appointments? Any response to this topic would be very appreciated. Thanks.
Skittles23

after your step 1, then you can sign up to start clinicals

[FOID]

you have to take step1 within the following semester (that'll give you 4 months)