How much time off can one take?

[radgirlbadgirl]

my school is telling me that i can only take 4 months off to do the kaplan course & take the step 1. they say that they have to follow acgme regulations. i wanted 6 months just b.c i am scared and don't feel confident.

is there any weight to this 4 month rule or are they just going to be missing my tuition?

i don't really understand why they would care.

please let me know what you think.

[hyperfocus]

I was trying to figure out the same thing....my school told me only 4 months but i want to take a little bit extra time just to make sure i'm fully prepared

[preetin]

can't you guys take a sick leave and ask for 6 months off?

[jameslynton]

Originally Posted by radgirlbadgirl

my school is telling me that i can only take 4 months off to do the kaplan course & take the step 1. they say that they have to follow acgme regulations. i wanted 6 months just b.c i am scared and don't feel confident. ....me know what you think.

I think you need to plan on a four month study period. Schools really call the shot on taking the step tests. So if they are giving you four months - I would suggest you figure out a way start early and work smart. What materials do you have that you can begin with?

[radgirlbadgirl]

i was just trying to figure out whether this is a legitimate rule. my school is saying that the acgme says that 4 months is all. however, i highly doubt that they are dictating that my school to only give 4 months.

i honestly think that they'll be missing my tuition money. my school is not horrible but not so greatly organized that it would be so strict.

i want to take 6 months, not a year.....there is no way i am going to screw up my future by taking the test without feeling 100%

just frustrated that after all the crap....i can't get the time i want off.

anyways, still waiting to talk to them. i really hope they are not doing so for a business thing...to keep the income flowing in

[jameslynton]

Originally Posted by radgirlbadgirl

i was just trying to figure out whether this is a legitimate rule. ... all the crap....i can't get the time i want off....to keep the income flowing in

If it is a rule - it is most likely posted on the acgme website. Or you can e-mail ACGME or call them and ask about it. Several schools handle this differently. Some give you X amount of time with a deposit, others give you several months (and I mean several like in two) after 5th semester to take the exam and then you have to have a passing score before you can schedule clinicals. Pretty much I know some of the rules from Ross, AUA, SGU and St James due to my own research. I have talked with folks at MUA-N & MUA-B and some SMU types, I don't know the rules at thoses schools. Kaplan is just ok - I have heard of several review courses that are better. PM me we can talk off forum.