How I scored “250-“ on the USMLE step 3
It was quite difficult for me to find the systematic answers to my questions regarding this exam, so I dig through many forums, feedback, and opinions. Here I share my recent experience of USMLE step 3 preparation and taking. I would be glad if it helps somebody to excel in this topic.
In a nutshell : UWSA 1 – 231 (93rd), NBME 4 – 680 (high), UWSA 2 – 227 (89th), NBME 8 – 570 (good), USMLE step 3 – 249 (94th).
Timeline : in my case preparation was scattered within one year, but the net time I would estimate as about 2 mo of dedicated studying.
Background : old grad, 240-250 on steps (step 2 was taken 2 years ago), worked as an internist in Russia.
General rules : Q-banks always did in “timed random” mode. If I have done Q-bank once, the second pass just focused on the wrong questions.
Study resources :
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Started with MTB 3, did just selected topics (weaknesses according to 2CK report), totally 50 % of this book.
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Kaplan step 3 Q-bank, one pass, made notes of wrong concepts. Didn’t like it as found some questions outdated and low-yield. Didn’t remember the average, and I think it is irrelevant as I have finished it one year before the test.
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UW step 3 Q-bank, one pass with notes. Liked it. 70% correct, 81st percentile (picture attached), then did behavior questions from UW. Finished UW 1 mo before the test
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The first pass of CCS cases from UW (both written and interactive) – relaxed mode with the random notes.
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100 CCS cases (https://www.ccscases.com/) – did 50 %, don’t like it, because I felt that they are too exaggerating the indications for the routine low-yield tests (like always made me feel bad that I haven’t cultured the blood or urine in any mildly febrile patient or another minute mistakes).
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The second pass of the UW interactive CCS cases, quickly, checking the mistakes and noting them. Did around 15 cases a day, to adjust me to the exam mode.
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“Crash step 3 CCS cases” – quickly skimmed nearly 50 % of cases, just those which I felt uncomfortable with, then skimmed CCS cases from FA step 3 – it took several hours.
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Read my notes from the Q-banks, listened to CCS cases from Archer workshop, skimmed pharm and biostat from FA 1.
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Last month I did the MOCK exams every week, so was tracking my performance, and noticed that it was decreasing (pictures attached). Maybe I was a bit tired. So I decided to take another Q-bank – checked several free samples (MedChallenger, BoardVitals and Amboss). Liked Amboss the most (first for the huge free sample, then for quality) – did all questions for step 3 (900) and selected topics from steps 1 and 2, averaging around 60 % I guess. Was quite surprised with this Q-bank as a very good tool for my preparation. You can download an unlimited free sample for 14 days from my link or look for it elsewhere.