Which one -- Kaplan or Falcon or Pass Program???

[Baby Robbins]

Hi,
I'm trying to decide between these programs. Can someone please tell me how their experience was and if they would recommend the program? Thanks.
BR

Dear BR

I think these review courses are a lot like medical schools - some are better than others. I took the step 1 Falcon review last year & it wasn't that good as it was nothing more than 7 weeks at a bad hotel w/bad meals. I exchange emails w/a med student who took Falcon this year & he wasn't happy w/it at all & would not go back to them for step 2. In fact our experiences were similar. I would suggest that you do a search of the posts about Falcon & Kaplan by different people on this & other forums regarding this topic of the different step 1 reviews & make your decision.

I think you would be safer w/Kaplan because they have been around a lot longer doing this type of thing. Look at their reference material - its pretty good. Kaplan seems to be the choice of most of us. Its tried and proven. You also could have Goljan to teach path if you signed up w/the right review city. Their instructors just seems to be better. Have you thought about getting the Kapaln videos & review it yourself?

Of course, you can't please everyone & there will always be those who are unhappy. We can't all pass on the 1st try. Good luck w/your decision & I hope this answers some of your questions. I'm not trying to bash Falcon & I'm not affiliated w/Kaplan, but just trying to answer your question.

[Cadusma]

I think it depends on what type of student you are.

PASS Program
If you really want to understand the physiology and concepts behind medicine, then choose the PASS Program. This is a pattern-based learning approach. They provide a very nice housing package, for an additional charge, along with the course.

Kaplan
If you understand the physiology and concepts, but are weak on details, then go with Kaplan. Kaplan will provide you with text books that cover, at least, 90% of what you'll be expected to know for the exam. However, you may only be see 40% of that material on your exam. Which means a lot of extra studying. You may have to find housing on your own, but they have many more branch locations across the country.

Falcon
Falcon has had controversial reviews by many, and it might have something to do with inconsistencies between their professors. I can't comment too much about this program, but I do know of several study buddies who had tremendous success with the Falcon (Dallas) approach.

You can learn a lot from these programs. I think the best thing about these programs is that they get you focused on studying. In all cases, I would advise that you consult with graduates from these programs before making any firm decisions.

[gbono2]

I personally am using the pass videos for my third try. I'm very pleased w/the basic approach used to instruct the material. I feel that if this is any representation of the live program , then it should be a worthwhile experience. The videos have clarified many concepts for me.

Kaplan has been around for a long time. So by default 1 would assume they have lasted this long because their material & program works.

There is another review out there that I just learned about. It is called Topper. They guarantee your money back if you don't pass step 1 after taking their review. The review is a little expensive, but who cares about the cost if you pass.

[Cadusma]

For those using, or thinking about using, the Pass Program video lecture ...

Successful graduates of the Pass Program recommend supplementing the program with at least two things:
1) First Aid for the USMLE Step1
2) Plenty of questions (NMS, Kaplan Qbank, Kaplan Qbok, Rapid Review, BSS, etc.)

You want to have a review and you do not want to redo the whole medical school again! I guess any review that is longer than 10 days is just a waste of time. Has anyone tried Yuol's company or Northwestern Medical Review? Both of them offer short-term and focused courses. I am opting to select one of the two but just don't know which one to pick--any suggestions?

[gbono2]

I don't know about NW. I've got Youel's review on tape. I don't like it. He gets too tied up in his mneumonics. They are unusable nothing you can easily relate to. Now, his questions book is good. I'm going to put his tapes & books on Ebay real soon. According to Dr. Youel, he ahsn't changed his prep materials since 2002. He is planning an update in late 2005 or 2006.

Hope this helps.

Thank U gbono2! I decided to enrol with Northwestern. I will share my experience after I finish the course on August 22. Thank you so much!!!!!

I went to school in Guadalajara. They did not do a great job in preparing me. I took step 1 and got a 151. I took the falcon program and got a 203. It worked for me.

Someone wrote about the hotel not being nice. I thought it was really nice.

I see you have put this on some other forums. I'll bet you don't even go to med school in Mexico. In fact, I bet you are a falcon plant trying to lure someone into taking the review. Get a life & quit lying to people on these forums by writing this deceitful trash.