just got back from my vacation, and the mailbox was full of info for fellowships. awhile back, there was a post about intentionally "tanking" the last couple blocks of the steps if you felt you were doing poorly, and then retaking them, better prepped, and doing very very well. the whole arguement was over what was better, a fail followed by a 225, or a pass witha 182 first try. well, looking over all these fellowship apps, the one thing I have noticed on EVERY app, they dont even ask for USMLE scores(what the heck, they will see em eventually with your transcripts anyways). the one thing they all asked for, right after you personal info, was each step...how many attempts before passing. the wording on most is such that they obviously use that as a weedout point, people who EVER failed a step getting weeded out. so study your butt off, and PASS the first time. oh, and back to the point about feeling like you are doing poorly during the exam...I thought there was no way I was going to even pass by the halfway point on both step 1 and 2. when I got my scores, they were very good(especially step 2!). gut feeling let me down there.

Good advice, Jim. But, I personally don't know anyone who purposefully "tanked" Step 1 or 2 after actually starting the test... I know they may have thought of it after the first block (including myself).

-Skip

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http://www.studentdoctor.net/

The first block is always the hardest, b/c you feel like you didn't know the material as well as you thought....then you get into a groove and finish. From my experience and the people that took them, if you come out of there thinking that it was super-hard, and you think you did terrible on it, most people pass. It is the ones that come out thinking it wasn't too bad or it was EASY..........those are the ones who failed. I don't know why anyone would tank it b/c you never know if one keeps trying that they may just pass.........

good info

Thanks for the info. Very valuable to friends of mine who are happy they can take the step 3 times.

JIm I agree totally with with the advice you have given. I am finally at the end of a long road. I completed and passed step three. What a relief! I have had basically the same feelings about all the steps. During the exam you feel like you know a few things but there is a sense of dread that you may be failing. The feeling about step three was no different from steps one and two. I am a Ross graduate and have successfully passed all steps on the first try with competitive scores.

Now that I am done with the USMLE I am thankful for the education I received at Ross. Granted I studied hard for each step, however a good foundation was laid that enabled me to do well. The key is hard work and dedication. I remember back in the not so distant future I was cursing the mini exams and life on Dominica. But now I have begun my second year of psychiatry and soon I will be applying for a child fellowship. As Tweedale has said on many occasions, "Be proud of your school". I certainly am.
Jim you may know me also as peg leg pete. P.S if any of you have any interest in psychiatry feel free to write to me.

psych_md:

Its great to hear from someone who has suceeded to show all those students and prospective Ross students that the Ross system does work if you study hard and apply what you learn.

I have been telling them that as an interested parent but comingf rom you is more meanngful.

Good luch with your career choice.

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When you become my age you will realize all of the hard work and studying was worth the effort.
"60 years young" another 60 to go if my doctor sons keep me alive with free prescriptions!!

congrats on the pass on step 3 psych MD, or should we say, Peg leg pete? I will have mine coming up very soon. looking forward to it. oh, and a special peg leg pete message. dont forget, sept 19th is "International Talk Like a Pirate " day. aaarrrrghhh, mayteys, another kubuli fer me! as for the comment about tanking the boards, yes, i cant remember if it was the ross or the general IMG board, but i remember someone argueing with me that failing wasnt so bad, especially if followed by a really good score. I always thought that was a little crazy. to everyone, do your best, and youwill go far!