I've frequented these boards for years, but never posted because I felt that I did not have much to contribute. My friends, i am please to announce that my life has changed drastically in the last 10 weeks. I finally have something to contribute that I know will change lives. I am currently taking the ********* program, and was excited to see its mention on value md, because it has been my little secret weapon. I thought nobody knew about it, but I guess the word is getting out. THIS PROGRAM AND ITS PEOPLE ARE INCREDIBLE!
Let me tell you a little about myself. I'm that guy who chose to go to medical school for the wrong reasons. The guy you saw partying it up on the island, getting caught up in the wrong things, and basically wasting mom and dads money. You know the cocky, over-confident guy who has already started talking about residencies and practicing, without even worrying about step 1.My thinking was "hey I got through basic sciences partying, so the boards should be no problem, plus I got mommy and daddies connections."
So I made it off the island, like many of us, but boy did I get a rude awakening on my return to the mainland. The economy was down, mommy and daddy cut funds off, and reality kicked in....."I have 3 months to take the most important test of my life and I really dont know s***t." So I signed up for Kaplan because someone told me its the gold standard and has the highest pass rate. In retrospect I could have taken any course PASS, FALCON, PRINCETON REVIEW, it wouldn't have mattered. All the programs are basically the same, they sell you books and lecture all day, and at the end its all about the time an effort an individual puts in. I own almost every step 1 resource you could and 80% of them have the same material, obviously there are some that are mandatory and superior, but my point is that it really does not matter what you use because no resource will be 100% and you can not learn everything.
I was delusional and had made the mistake of lying to myself, thinking I could scam my way through step 1 without putting in an honest effort. I was never ready, not even close. After Kaplan I studied my way (half-*** way) and delayed my test to the last day possible. Two week before the exam some sense kicked in and I cancelled my test. AT THIS POINT I HAD NOTHING TO SHOW, JUST ANGRY PARENTS, AND A BUNCH OF LIES TO KEEP PEOPLE OFF MY BACK. I gave up, got a job and worked for a year. Never opened a single book.
Then one day I get a phone call from one of my island friends that changed my life. He was like "YO! I know your clowning around, but if your serious, there is this program that just started down in florida, and I guarantee you will pass." At first I was a little skeptic and to be honest my life's trajectory was heading the opposite direction. I recently got engaged, and was starting to make a little money, and was content with my decision to give up on med school. My friend convinced me to come down to *********, he was like "what do you got to lose, dont give up that easily."
So I get down here and the first thing I do is tell DR. N, our guru/professor that I have little to no knowledge, never took step 1, and have not opened a book in a year. Can you help me? Without any hesitation she looks at me and says "absolutely!"
I have learned more in the last 10 weeks, then I did in 2 years of Basic sciences.This program focuses on the individual, everyone is different and requires an honest unbiased analysis in formulating an efficient approach. If I could only use one word to describe this program it would be "INTIMATE." The first day here you are given an NBME, depending on your results DR. N creates an individualized program.
The tutors here are amazing, and keep you motivated, something you do not get from the big programs. All the people teaching are here because they truly care and are damn good at what they do. The approach is all-inclusive. Some people think that this test is all about knowledge, from my view its maybe 30% knowledge and 70% psychological. The notes are incredible, they are the best and most complete I have ever seen. The one on one tutoring is priceless, you learn how to attack the exam and build confidence. Believe it or not, there are little tips and tricks that do work!!! and from what past "eagles" have told me helped increase their step 1 score by 20-40 points.
I love the support we get, unlike other programs where you get the material, but everything else is on you. The tutors keep track of how many questions your doing, and make sure you are not wasting your time or theirs. The program is the only one of its kind, there are no more than 20 people in our class, which is why the experience is so personal. The small class sizes, prometric center simulated testing room, one on one tutoring, daily micro/pharm/path drills, and constant coaching have brought me from zero knowledge to weeks away from taking my exam.
Lecture is every other day, because whats the use of going to lecture everyday if you don't get the time to soak it in. The off days are great I cover the previous days material, keep up with questions, and get to clarify confusing topics with my tutor.
I do not know if there is a waiting list or not, but if you want to know more pm me or checkout out the website *********.com
I will make sure to let everyone know how things turn out. As of right now, the confidence I have gained, and the concept based approach to learning material has given me the drive. I have a REASON AS TO WHY I WANT TO BE A DOCTOR NOW. After step 1, I plan on coming straight back to knock step 2 out as well.
Wow this is a long first post! KEEP READING!
The one thing I have learned is that anything is possible. I know there are many people on the forums that have failed their exams, or for one reason or another have lost motivation. Don't worry guys, as long as there are programs like *********, there is hope. In the words of ROCKY BALBOA:
“The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place, and I don’t care how tough you are,
it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it.
You, me, or nobody, is gonna hit as hard as life.
But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get it and keep moving forward.
How much you can take and keep moving forward.
That’s how winning is done ! Now if you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth.
But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers,
saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody ! Cowards do that, and that ain’t you!”.
‘Rocky’ Balboa
GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE ON THEIR STUDIES!


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