Skip to main content

USMLE Step 1

Every person has his/her own way of preparing alongwith the books used but I would mention here the standard books recommended by most of seniors. The first 8 and the last 2 are must.

  • Kaplan lecture notes of all the 7 subjects
  • Kaplan Dvd Lectures
  • Goljan Audio Lectures of Pathology + Goljan Pathology(very highly recommended)
  • Kaplan Q bank
  • USMLE world Q bank
  • USMLERx Q bank
  • First Aid Review
  • First Aid Q& A
  • Kaplan Q book
  • BRS esp Physio.
  • Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple (MRS)
  • Hi-Yield(MCQs) Gross Anatomy, Embryo, Neuroanatomy recommended by few
  • NBME Online Self-Assessment Exams
  • UWorld Online Self-Assessment Exams

The standard recommendation for study is

  • 1st read of Kaplan lecture notes with Kaplan Dvds
  • 2nd Read Kaplan lecture notes with First Aid and Q banks.
  • Practice as much MCQs as you(Kaplan Q bank, USMLE world Q bank, USMLERx Q bank)
  • 3rd Read with First Aid revision and more practice of MCQs
  • NBME, UWSA & other online MCQs practice

Different Individuals study in a different way with more and less number of reads but this is the basic and most widely recommended way.

Guest (not verified)

Sat, 08/22/2009 - 07:31

hi umarbhai..its a great work that you are doing on this side.. i got my score of usmle step-1..got only 90(220)..i am from india..so can you please tell me should i go further in this us residency???

 hi i am not sure if that's a very bad score to leave USMLEs. I would recommend getting good scores in Step 2 CK and clearing Step 3 before application alongwith research experience and externships might really help...however 220 is not a very low score...so I wont recommend u to leave ur aspiration of US residency...tc and best of luck!

Dear Umair Bhai i am in finale year, i want to take usmle but confused whetr should i take step2 first or step1 as thre are alot of subjects that have resemblance with step2 kindly help me out as my clases has jzt started for finale year, secondly gudie me how to handle both usmle ( whatever u thnk better to take jzt after finale year) kindly guide me

guest (not verified)

Sat, 09/19/2009 - 12:37

hi.. i wanted to ask if i start preparing for usmle from today onwards (ie start from a scratch) wat should be the timeline of the exams wich will allow me to participate in the residency aplication in sept 2010....yani in  how many months should i give step1 ,2 etc...moreover do i need to clear all the steps 1 ,2, cs before applying for match  ...your opinion will be a gr8 help for me

 

 my piece of advice get your CS done before step 2 CK, either before or after step 1.... because it take 3-4 months to get CS result and only 3 weeks for step 1 and step 2 CK... so my recommendation for you would be.... apply for step 2 CS NOW...... and start preparing for step 1 because it takes around 1-4 months(varies from person to person) to get the application done... once you are done get a date of CS after step 1 and get a date of step 1....

now give your step 1... then CS... then CK... but before doing everything apply for CS and step 1... you have to apply for CS earlier to get a date... this way you might be able to be ECFMG certified before Sep 1....

You dont have to get all 3 steps done for interview... you can apply on the basis of only 1 but... you dont get many interview calls or from a good place if you have only one score... tc n best of luck!

Visitor (not verified)

Sat, 09/19/2009 - 15:29

hi i wanted to ask if i start preparing for usmle from today onwards(ie start from  a scratch)wat should be the timeline of the exams that will allow me to participate in the residency aplication process in sept 2010..means  wen should i give step1,2 etc..moreover  do i need to pass all the steps 1,2,cs for becoming eligible for residency application...i heard that minimum we shud pass 1 and ck before september..but im confiused...your opinion will be gr8 help for me..

neepa (not verified)

Sat, 10/03/2009 - 21:27

hello sir ,

first of all congrats for such a good score and for this site as it is of a gr88 help to the juniors

welll i am in my first year mbbs and aspire for us so want to know like when should i really start my prep for the exam(usmle - step 1 ) and like practically when will i b able to give the step 1 . also i am not undestanding the term of marks like someone has got 90/220 (arbitary number ) so what does it mean i mean how much marks the paper was and like why is it not that good score for non green card holders also as i know that most of the step 1 has chapters right from first year like anatomy etc. like then should i study the kaplan individual subject material with the video lectures and can u explain the thing about the residency for non americans

thanx in advance sir

keep up the good work !!!!!!

cheers !!!!!

neepa (not verified)

Sat, 10/03/2009 - 21:43

helllo sir ,

well first of all congrats for such a gr888 score and for the site as it is of gr88 help to juniors like me :)

i m in frist year mbbs and aspire for US  so want to ask a few doubts abt the exam :

1 ) well when will i b practically able to give the step 1 considering clearing of my basics and dion all the procedure required for step 1 like (the whole list given in the materials  done as soon as possible)

2 ) as step 1 has the subjects which are of first year too so how to actually study for those subjects through usmle piont of view like studying what material of usmle duirng the course

3 ) can u explain what is the residency program and like how to gurantee our selves for a safe thing  in getting there and i read earlier that if u give exam earlier in your course u can aplly for residency so is it that the ones who hav cleared there step 1 can get to apply i mean not after clearing the step 3

4 ) i dont understand the way in which the marks are written i mean like in the last post its 90 / 220

so how much marks the paper was and how much did one scored also in the last post its written like it is not a bad score but i guess its not at all a bad score but as u are more aware so how much does a non green card holder should get in order to gurantee his addmission in one of the top pg branches or may be university of our choice

 thanks a lot neepa for your kind words! I wud convery Ali and Junaid abt ur comments!

1. varies from person to person.....anything from 2 months to 2 years....

2. go through all the Kaplan lecture notes and Kaplan Dvds during your medical school... it really helps... moreover try reading that subject from First Aid during your medical school... if you can do some MCQs then thats great!

3. well you can apply for residency with only one step's score and result of all 4(USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, USMLE Step 2 CS and USMLE Step 3).... the more results and better scores you have... the better it is but no one can guarantee anyone... however you can increase your chances by playing a safe bet...

4. first two digits are the percentile and 3 digit is considered to be the real score... though I am myself not 100% sure... probably some visitor can comment! 

As I mentioned before..... the more score you have the better it is.... there is no real cut-off values... so try to aim as high as possible... tc n best of luck!

sunaina (not verified)

Tue, 10/20/2009 - 07:11

hi , m have graduated recently ....plannin to take step 1 next month  .... does no clerkship means no residency ?

 visitor

Visitor (not verified)

Wed, 10/21/2009 - 12:28

Hi

Your site s excellent.thanks for all d help.thanks to all d info on your site. m really confused about d prep for mle.ll only kaplan and the qbank do?

varies from person to person... however I think so... it is sufficient... if u prepare it well.. but i would recommend adding first aid and usmleworld qbank to it...

Many people recommend to swap kaplan patho with goljan rapid review. If you are content with that bulleted style of text of goljan.

but as said earlier by umar bhai, it varies from person to person and your previous UG time understanding of concepts.

Visitor (not verified)

Sun, 10/25/2009 - 16:36

 
 

hi dr umar
i requested for ecfmg id last yr and i got one, but due to some reason i dropped the idea for taking the exam and didnt apply..the email id that i gave them while requesting the ID is not being used by me anymore..and the id they gave is lost by me..

now im planing to take the exam and i applied for the id one month ago(from another email address of mine) but i didnt recieve the id.
i sent them a reminder email.,they replied that an ecfmg id exists for my name ,wich was requested for, last year.then they asked my date of birth for connfirmation and i replied

now can u please tell me whether this will be a problem for me??
becoz im not using the old email address wich i provided them last year..will they send me the usmle id now on my current email address??
plz help me out with this
please

 hi... I dont see this as any big problem... I recommend you to visit the following link https://secure2.ecfmg.org/requestinstructions.asp

I dont think there would be any problem.. please visit the following webpage and then fill the provided form on the next webpage... 

rocky (not verified)

Wed, 11/25/2009 - 18:26

salam bro.

i find this site an excellent compilation of important infos regarding usmle.tx a bundle for ur hard work......i wanted to clear few thingsss,hope i would get an answer

 

1..if i score 99 in both steps but i have no usce,what are my chances

2.how much a green card helps?

3.how difficult is getting radiology or ortho residency for an img

4.i had a backlog in anatomy,will it create a bottleneck for me laterrr in match ,when it comes to interview calls....how much important is aggregate score of mbbs latar on....i had 63% overall percentage and i took 5 year 3 month to complete my mbbs

salam rocky, thanks for ur kind words..

1. it is always a chance game.. u wud have better chances with double 99

2. u can apply into more programs as few programs dont offer any visa and in others, it increases ur chances for matching....

3. it is.... plz visit "tough specialties to get in"

4. it is important somewhat....... but it does not carry much importance!

nishi (not verified)

Tue, 12/01/2009 - 17:23

hey..i just gave my final year exam.so m fresh with step2 clinical subjects.just wanted to know is it ok to give step2 b4 step1.i think my reading will go faster if i give step2 ck 1st.wanted to ask some1 who's given all 3 n would know it all.generally every1 follows the sequence of step1,then step2 ck.would it be better this way?

Hi Nishi,

It is ok if you ask me... I asked the same question from many of my seniors but I was told it is better if you give step 1 before step 2 CK, just because you have better concepts of basic sciences if you are done with step 1 but at the end it is your decision, you can give step 2 CK before step 1 but I would recommend you to have a look at step 1 books and listen to one or two dvd lectures to see if you have good concepts.... to go ahead with step 2 CK... patho and pharma have a major role to play...

Himanshu Adlakha (not verified)

Tue, 12/29/2009 - 12:52

 hello umar bro.....wazup?

actually i am gonna start with the pathology.......i have few queries

1. web path slides are useful?

2. abt 1900 slides are available on wb path...........which ones do i need to do?

3. also few u can tell abt..CTs n MRIs n Angiograms..........r the imp?........and from where to get them ( i mean sum link) n how many r sufficient for confidence?

thanks 

himanshu 

Hi Himanshu,

I m also preparing for step 1 these days... so I might not be to give the expert opinion...

But I would try to answer as far as I know... to the best of my knowledge...

1. Certainly...

2. I m not sure... wud try to ask someone...

3. yes they r... i wud try to look for one...

i jus got my final prof(year) mbbs result n marks r jus avg. i.e. 58% n my previous prof (year)results r almost like this only abt 60% or so, i wud like to know the impact of these marks on residency interviews....do they matter ? bcos most of the colleges in india the marks r like this only.....

 

I MEAN TO SAY HOW IMP. ARE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCES/MARKS.......W.R.T . USMLE./ RESIDENCY INTERVIEWS ETC.

  THANKS.

BY TC

umar

Thu, 01/14/2010 - 03:44

In reply to by Himanshu Adlakha (not verified)

According to the best of my knowledge, they don't matter much.... infact your hig USMLE scores can easily cover them up...

krishan (not verified)

Sun, 03/07/2010 - 13:37

hi umer bhy!first of all congratulations for this amazing amazing website.sparing time from ur own tough study schedule you are helping people beyond imaginations.its been almost three consecutive hours that i have been reading posts on ur website.

umer bhy im a final year student in india.i intend to start the prep of my step 1 exam in april next year i.e 2011.meanwhile i would really like to do something that will help me getting a good score in step 1.so what subjects would you recommend me to read from kaplan lecture notes at this point of time that will really help me get a good score and will also reduce my time of preparation for step1??also which are the subjects tested most in step 1 exam that need some thorough reading??

thankin you in advance

 Hi Krishan, thanks a lot for your kind words. 

I would recommend you going through all the subjects like Physio, Behaviour, Genetics, Immuno etc.

Subjects that are most tested vary from time to time but generally Biochem, Behaviour, Genetics, Patho are some of the most tested subjects.

joy (not verified)

Fri, 04/02/2010 - 22:01

Hi Umar bhai,

Thanks a lot for helping about visas last time.I have few doubts

1.Which book or website is to be used for radiographs.

2.Roughly how much chance is there to get a H1b for residency if i have taken and passed step 3 at the time of interview.

3.if i want to do clinical  research in US for about 6 months after my graduation,are there any paid researches so that i can be paid that much just to manage my basic needs.

Thanks a lot again. :)

1. m not aware yet... try webpath... wud let u know if i come to know of any...

2. there are more chances as compared to one without step 3

3. i dont think there are ny research spots for 6 minths... for yearly research spots, the pay generally is $2000 and above... per month excluding taxes...

Visitor (not verified)

Thu, 04/22/2010 - 14:31

Hi,

 I'm graduating this year in March.I am pursuing a masters in Biomechanics from Stanford Starting this September and hence plan to apply for residency by around 2012/13. Is it better to get my steps done right now ( before/during masters) or would it be better to do them after I finish masters?

Also, does Stanford medical school take Indian students?

visitor (not verified)

Sun, 05/02/2010 - 22:14

    Salam umer bhai,

i am currently in my final year mbbs in pakistan.

i am interested to give my mle during/ just after completing my degree..
1. how can we look for the seat availability and check for the exam dates.

2. what documents are required from the university for applying.

3. how long does it generally take to complete the revision of prep materials; mentioning here that i only have surgery and medicine in my final year and only medicine for my last semester, i.e june to october. we are already finished with our surgery in the complete first semester since june..


regards..

1. It is a fairly simple procedure. Once you register you would find marked dates on calendar while choosing date.

 2. before graduation, transcript; after graduation, degree or letter stating when would you graduate and get your degree.

3. varies from person to person... nything from 3 months to 14 months is possible... depending upon u and ur previous knowledge...

tresa (not verified)

Thu, 05/06/2010 - 15:21


hi umarbai...

i am indian student presently in US...i gratuated in 2007 november...now i got got married and shifted to US....now  planning to give my step 1 at sept...goinn to regester only...got some doubts...

1.will it be difficult to get a residency if i apply for2011 or 2012 match(thats around 5 yrs after i complete my graduation).??

2,.if i do my step 2 and cs by 2011 june..can i apply for next year residence??

3.my hubby is research person. so planning to do some kind of research in medical university...but will i get paid for that if i have a proper visa( but without clearing usmle)??and in what postition should i apply??

4.will it be enough to do a research instid of observership or externship??

5.should we do observership before we go for CS??

6.can we apply after we complete step 1??without CS and step 2?


THANKS A LOT IN ADVANCE....

and god bless you lot and lot for your good work...

bye...

umar

Fri, 05/07/2010 - 15:19

In reply to by tresa (not verified)

hi tresa

 thanks a lot for your kind words!

1. I don't think so... it might be a bit difficult but not impossible... so hope for the best and never lose hope!

2. yes, why not?

3. yes you can... if you became a research fellow/ post-doc fellow/ research assistant...

4. research + externship is the best combination.

5. it definitely helps... but does not assure a passing result... the most important thing for CS is practice, practice and practice!

6. yes you can... in fact every year all American medical students apply only on basis of step 1 score... but it is quite difficult for IMGs to get a residency position without clearing all USMLE exams prior to applying...

san (not verified)

Tue, 05/11/2010 - 01:42

hi umar bhai n others


I AM IN A UNIQUE CONDITION


I JOINED MEDICAL SCHOOL :SEP 2005
MY INTRNSHIP STARTED ON JULY 2009
NOW I AM TAKING 1 YEAR EXTENSION FOR ELECTIVES FROM JUNE 2010-MAY 2011
I WILL FINISH MY REMAINING INTERNSHIP(ie 15 days) ON JUNE 2011
I WILL GET MY DEGREE ON JUNE 2011

now the problem is what to write in my usmle application form?? my course is of 5 years but with extension it is of 6 years....so what to write about the duration???
and my internship period shows 2 year...............
plz help its urgent

I had the same problem and another problem was that my course was also delayed due to university session delay. These are the qs asked on my CS applxn form and what I filled. Below is what I think for you pertaining to my OWN thoughts.

Date of entry medical school:sep'05 My admission month/yea

Date to complete requirements of medical diploma: (jun'11 )Expected date of completion of internsip(with extension)

No of years attended: simple subtraction between above 2 dates (~6 years)

Expected date of grad : same above date of internship completion (jun'11)

Expected date of degree issue : for you it wud be june'11. My degree gets issued few months later, so i showed a date of 5 months after my internship completion.

Name of Degree: MBBS

Are you needed to do internship prior to receive degree: YES

Start date : Real start date :july 2009

End date: Expected end date : june'11

AND i did not fill in any clerkships dates of US in the form.

This is what I did and you inquire exhaustively before committing to my advices.

Best Wishes

dundu (not verified)

Tue, 05/18/2010 - 13:38

hii bhayya..! 

i  became a graduate on MAY 2010.i culd like 2 take STEP1 on october 2010..any suggesstions abt the pattern of exam preparation..! i didnt get time 2 prepare during my house surgency period..i wasted time till now.can u send a mail abt u r  NBME to my above email address..is it better to prepare alone or with my friend.? hw much time for each subject per day..?

pattern is mcqs... u r NBME??? what do you mean by that? its better to prepare with someone who is hard-working and persistent... time per subject varies from person to person... anything from 4 days to 15 days...

ms27 (not verified)

Thu, 06/17/2010 - 20:15


hi ,see i visited this page but i cudnt find any option where i shud register n then log in??2ndly i m planning to give mle in december-10 i i got usmle id no. from ecfmg,so wat shud i do next step? n when shud i apply for application, 3rdly wat u recommend me to do usmle world qbook or Qbank?? which is most important? i have kaplan Qbank series, which i have to finished first!! see i have not enough time thats why asking about us world qbank or qbook,

  thanks

  

hi umar bhai!i am in 2nd year in pakistan and my prof is in november.i have decided to start preparation for step 1.how should i start that alongside my coursework?what is the registration fee for step 1 nowadays?take care.bye!

Visitor (not verified)

Thu, 08/05/2010 - 10:26

Dear Umarbhai,

                      We are really thankful to you for creating such a wonderful website which has guided thousands of students all over the world..I am very much curious to know that how much you scored in step 1 ? Thank you for your great 

siddu (not verified)

Sat, 08/07/2010 - 11:45

hello umar...

u r doin grt job bro..

my self siddu doing my intern.planning to give step1 in this october..pls give u r valuable suggestion.in this moment what have to study only 2 months left...presently scores are decreasing is it really true?????

thanks bro

Please go through my article in detail: http://mededia.com/node/162 Most of your questions have been addressed. Scores never increase or decrease. All Step 1 scores are comparable to each other, whether given a month or a year apart.

Dinesh (not verified)

Sun, 08/22/2010 - 07:31

Hi Umar Bhai,i am preparing for my usmle,one of my uncle who completed his md pathology  wanted to plan for usmle too.he had a query in his mind about his eligibility,like,he's done with his md pathology  3 yrs back and his age is 33,my queries are

1. is there an age limit for  usmle aspirant and

2. what are his chances of getting an residency there in the same subject i.e,pathology 

1. No there's not... not that I am aware of!

2. well....... depends upon his CV but it is not impossible at all.... he might also try to apply for fellowship directly without residency.... after clearing all USMLEs....

Visitor (not verified)

Sat, 09/04/2010 - 10:12

hi , i need step 2 materials complete package immediately .  i have been searching the net day in and out ,, i m not able to find one..\\


please help with the names or links ,, 

i  m in chennai

Visitor (not verified)

Sat, 09/18/2010 - 17:10

Dear Umar,
I just want to know if I will have any problem because of my name at the ECFMG.
The thing is : In my passport I have a first name, three middle names ( one of which is two-parts separated by a hyphen) and a Surname.
My name at ECFMG does not include my third middle name! that means my first name, fathers name, grandfathers name and last name are correct, but the name before my surname is missing!
would that be a problem!?
thanks :D

doc.from.pak (not verified)

Wed, 10/13/2010 - 20:16


Dear Bro Umar!

First of all let me tell you that what you mentioned that you got so many oppurtunitites, the reason for that, this site speaks for itself. I was searching for some1 to give me an honest opinion, and i think no other than you can guide me better. It is regarding my USMLE's. I havent cleared any exam yet. I graduated in December 2008 and then did my housejob. Now im double minded about a few things. First i thought of applying for the next year match (i.e Sep 2011) for the 2012 match. But in order to be prepared for the Sep 2011 deadline, i have to clear my 3 exams in next 9-10 months which i think is a big risk since i ruin my scores. But people have been telling me that if i un-necessarily delay my exam for one year, it will weaken my application as they prefer fresh graduates. Kindly help coz im really confused. If i give my exams sooner, i may ruin my scores and if i delay it then they say fresh graduates are preferred. Kindly suggest me an honest option.

Thanks and regards!

Thanks a lot for your kind words. God bless you!

Delaying your exam does not necessarily improve your score... similarly giving it early does not ruin your score either... it is the quality of time spent in study which matters rather than quantity of time spent... if you can concentrate and study well... it is certainly do-able but if you cannot... it is not worth-taking the risk... graduates within past 2-5 years are generally preferred... make sure you score well because if you don't a fresh graduate with average scores is not preferred on a 2-3 years older graduate with great scores!!!

doc_risav (not verified)

Sat, 10/16/2010 - 04:40

dear dr umar.....


i am suffering from a dilemma....can u please help me...


i had been doing kaplan lecture dvds of 2007 along with xerox notes of 2008....for last 2 months..

recently i talked to a friend of mine,doing pgy1 in US,he insisted that i should take the kaplan 2010 coaching due to the uptodate of the materials and the growing difficulty level of the exam each passing year,in order to get a high score in step 1...

do you feel i should avail of the coaching?

or should i look to buy the materials of 2010 and study them?

thks in advance....


Kaplan coaching is ridiculously expensive and is not much worth it, in my opinion. 2010 kaplan materials aren't incredibly different from 2008 materials. USMLE Step 1 is not based on material limited to Kaplan. By all means use different resources rather than strictly Kaplan to update your knowledge.

Visitor (not verified)

Fri, 10/29/2010 - 20:18


Hi  everyone , i am filling application for step 1 and can someone pls guide me what to write in the option asking for clinical clerkships?

im still in my internship so im still not done with all of my rotations .... many ppl say they have left it blank cuz it can be changed later on .... can it be done ? or u need to fill ur clerkship exp in US, if any ?

kindly help

Thanks a lot !

lalarukh (not verified)

Fri, 11/19/2010 - 19:18

Hi umar,

hope u ll be doing fine ... i need to ask something

actually i have graduated 5 years back nd then i gave fcps-1 (passed it ) , also tired step-1 but failed

then i was busy for 2 years nd then i again sent step 1 admission but couldnt prepare nd just appeared nd failed

now i passed my step-1 exam with 98%

but i m little confused whether i ll get my residency there or not after passin step2 etc

will this failure in step1 effect my residency ?

i failed because i coundnt prepare properly

guide me plz

thanks :)

Hi

I am myself not sure but you wont know unless you apply. Your step 1 score is good; multiple attempts and time since graduation, do affect your residency interviews but I dont think they should affect that much that you would go unmatched, especially if you plan to apply in less competitive specialties! So hope for the best and give it a try! If you get good scores in subsequent exams, you still have a chance! All the best!

Visitor (not verified)

Sat, 11/20/2010 - 20:46

hi to all forum seniors.... i am currently in 2nd Year MBBS, i would be giving my 2nd prof exams in december 2010 and starting my 3rd year in Jan 2011...

I'm thinking of giving Step 1 during my graduation... But i am a little apprehensive because i havnt heard of ANYBODY do that except the AMGs...

Please guide me into the "risk-benefit ratio" of my decision... Thanksalot...

I think u should try to give it asap... if u get good scores in assessment exams like NBME, UWSA then go ahead otherwise keep on preparing... you dont need to rush for the exam... only give the exam if you do well in assessment exams... but if you could give step 1 soon... it would be the biggest favour you could do to yourself!

mubasher (not verified)

Thu, 11/25/2010 - 01:58

i have a question..........i graduated in 2006..........have done my step 1 and step 2 with double 99 scores..........done CS.........planning for step 3 and september 2011 application..........i mean for 2012 match...........i have a confusion.....i have heard that graduation date should be between 2 to 5 years........my graduation date will exceed 5 years unil 2011.......so how much effect this will make on my chances of getting aresidency in internal medicine?...........any one plz provide me a satisfying answer as i am extremely tense and not able to focuss on step 3 studies.........umar bhai a detailed answer from you will be satisfying..........thanx 

Dont worry; it is true that fresh graduates are preferred but its not like... with such good scores, you wont match. If you have good personal statement and do well in Interviews, you would definitely match. Every year, doctors match even with more than 5 years of graduation. Dont lose hope!

Visitor (not verified)

Thu, 12/16/2010 - 01:11

hello umar bhai,

I would first like to thank you for this fabulous site which has helped me a lot from my very first step towards the residency program. I have a question. I graduate in may 2011. by then i will have completed my step 1 , cs, 2 months of observership and 2 months of clinical electives. what i am worried about now is i got a step score of 219/93. and i would like to apply for the 2012 match. I dont think that the score is good enough.Hope by god's grace i could get a score of 99 in step 2. what do u think are my chances of grtting into an internal medicine residency program??and what more can i do to improve my chance of gettin one and which other programs could i get easily with the above score? Please help me out with this as i am really tensed and am looking for an advice..

    once again i thank you for this great effort of yours to help out the budding doctors..



Rj (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 07:51

Hello friends,

I plan to take my step1 in feb 2011. I have filled out the online part of form 183 and yet to send out the application to ECFMG. I have heard that ECFMG doesnt accepts application in the first 2 weeks of January. Considering this, should i send my application after 15 January ?

Also, How much time will it take for ECFMG people to provide me the scheduling permit ?

I dont think there is anything like that. They don't take exam in first two weeks but I dont think they dont even accept applications in this time. The time to get scheduling permit depends upon various factors, esp ur college... if they reply.. u can get a permit in a month otherwise it can take 3 months if ur college authorities do not reply ECFMG in time.

Visitor (not verified)

Mon, 01/03/2011 - 07:49

Hi Umar,

Need ur expert advice..

I graduated in july 2010, good research work locally and one international publication. i am almost prepared for my step 1 in march 2011. but i am confused and double minded after knwing dificulties and long procedure to get in to US residency program by one of my US citizen friend. I dont have a visa nor any experiance of working in US. I intend to apply for some research job in US and then after getting there i shuld plan further Or wat wud u advice.. my other option wud b to stay back and practise in Pakistan.


Thankyou

umar

Sat, 01/08/2011 - 06:04

In reply to by Visitor (not verified)

It is indeed getting difficult with every passing year but despite all that, each year, hundreds of Pakistanis are matched for residency!

amole (not verified)

Mon, 01/03/2011 - 10:37

hi umar , this is swapnil , how are ou , well happy new year ; its very inspiration to see that you are helping thousands of medical graduates to prepare for exams of foriegn nationals ,& opening thier bright future .

                   i do have some questions regarding myself can i ask you, o i forgot that ,i supposed to place questions heir.

ok , i myself a MBBS graduate from india, i am graduated in year 2007, with completion of my internship on dated 23/02/2007. then after i was having some health problems (IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME) .
now after doing contractural basis job for two years in government sector , i want ot prepare for the USMLE , will i be able to do that what is your advice ?  my friends told me that with continuing job it is hardly possible to prepare and give your best , but i have to work to finance my exam expenditure for USMLE.what do you suggest.  

Hi Swapnil, nice to hear from you! Happy New Year to you! Thanks for your kind words!

It varies from person to person; some people can study with job while there are few who cannot study sitting idle at home; if you can dedicate few hours every day for study, then I dont think it is impossible!

Sakshi (not verified)

Thu, 01/20/2011 - 12:49

Hello Umar Bhai,

I've got my usmle step 1 scores as 84 (203). I am presently doing my internship in India which is about to end by April 2011. Considering that I have not done any elective, Please can you guide me with such average score should I proceed further with USMLE preparation with the aim of doing an IM residency or start preparing for competitive exams in India. Please do help me....

Visitorx (not verified)

Sun, 02/13/2011 - 15:50

hi..m a final yr. mbbs student..well please help me as m really confused between mle n indian pgs...
1.in the first place i want a residency in surgery...(which alot of ppl hav told me is hell difficult in the us so kindda scared)
2.i dnt wanna settle abroad but wanna get the best of medical education...(atleast i can strive for that...which is obviously at the pinnacle in the us)
3.m not afraid of challenges..(jst afraid of lonliness...)...m a hard worker n a firm believer..n wanna channelize myself frm nw onwards...(the sooner the better..)i mean if i can get the same quality of edu n experience here in india...theres no question of goin abroad but eventually if for the sake of the same i wud hav 2 land up in the us anytime in future...its better i go there nw...
4.is research xperience necessary...??
5.can a person without any acquaintances n relatives in the us...survive...alone...???(i know the initial time is really tough professionally n personally but also preparing n goin there all by urself...sounds scary to me...)
pleeeeeaaaaseeee helpppp!!!ur advices r welcome..

Visitor (not verified)

Sun, 02/13/2011 - 18:37

Hi,

I just finished my final yr MBBS exams from India and plan to take up the USMLE following my one year of internship.

Firstly, is research experience necessary for a residency in the US?

Secondly,

Would I be able to take all the 4 tests from India or how many times will i have to travel to the US before getting a residency?

 Thirdly, If i start preparing from scratch right now, would i be able to manage a good enough score in a year or year and a half?

 Lastly,

What time of the year is the best to start taking the tests?


Visitor (not verified)

Tue, 02/15/2011 - 10:25

hi ,

 can you please tell me the usmle application process from id number till the exam application in brief, i studied ecfmg.org but little confused please help me...

Once you get id... you apply for the exam, fill the forms appropriately and then pay the fees... then you submit the required documents along with forms (like 186, 187, 344, 345 etc)... then they verify your documents from your medical school... it takes around 3-6 weeks and then they give your prometric scheduling no. by which you can schedule yourself for exam!

Ahsan Khan (not verified)

Tue, 02/15/2011 - 12:09

Slaam to everyone,

 I really appreciate brother Umar's efforts and dedication to help thousands of medical students like me,who didn't have any direction before reaching this website.

 Brother,i want to ask you that,if i don't have credit card,what are the other ways of paying to ECFMG for USMLE?

 May Allah Help you achieving your goal

Visitor (not verified)

Tue, 03/15/2011 - 06:27

Hi Umar,

I'm Currently a second year student studying in London. Is it true that it's very hard for British graduates to get residency in the US?

Also, I've heard that the best time to give the USMLE Step 1 is after the 2nd or 3rd year as you have better retention of theoretical knowledge. Is it wise to give the exam this early?

Thank you! 

Visitor (not verified)

Tue, 03/15/2011 - 07:16

friends,
my graduation date is around june 1st week.. iam going to apply step 1 exam this week.. so is there any problem if i put examination date after graduation date. iam confused because all my process will be done before graduation

swathi (not verified)

Fri, 03/18/2011 - 16:02


Hi,

I am so confused about the USMLE..went through your site but still not sure about the timeline.

I finished my MBBS in jan 2011 and am finish my one year of compulosory internship in March 2012.

I have just started preparing for the usmle. I'd like to take my step 1 before completing my internship. Now can you please tell me how long it will take for me to apply for the whole process of step 1 and take the step?

And if I want to do observership in the US, say in December 2012, after completing my step 2 CK from India, should i apply for a visit visa or take up am MPH course to get a student's visa?

Also, should i do step 2 CS before/after observorship? and how long will i need to prepare for step 3? because if i can't finish all this within a period of 6 months, it will be difficult with a visit visa..

Is the time frame i've given - taking step 1 in another 5-6 months, then step 2 ck in india in july 2012, then go to the US in 2012 december where i can take the rest of the steps with observerships - good?

Could you tell me approximately how much it would cost for the whole thing? I know it's around 4500 dollars for the steps alone.. how about the travel, stay, food, visa and observership expenses? also, once into a programme, will i need to pay any tuition fees as well?

Hope you can answer these questions..Thanks!!

1. varies from 2 months to 1 year

2. apply for the visa required by the program u r going to...

3. preferably give CS after you have some exposure...

4. step 3... again 2 months to 1 year...

5. again it varies... from $3000 to $8000

priya1 (not verified)

Fri, 04/15/2011 - 08:00

hi hello how are u actually i recently got graduate so ill sit at home to prepare for step 1 but i wont be joining any job for this yr and prepare for step2 later after 1 then go for externship i want to kn do anyone ask why we didnt join and job or is it ok to sit and study for usmle not working as i cant do both together confuse kindly help me sir

I am looking for step 1 study partner, about to finish first kaplan readings, 2 subjects left. Any one with the same plan and in in and around chandigarh or any place nearby,...please contact me I can relocate to study seriously....i want someone who is open for discussions...otherwise i find it very boring to study...i am a guy btw. my email: foramenmagnum@rediffmail.com

charan (not verified)

Tue, 04/19/2011 - 05:49

hey, first i wud like to say tht u r doing an amazing job by taking out ur time for many people whom u dnt even know:) im confused i mean really really confused, i got graduated in march 2011,now i  started studying, but i hav 2006-2007 books.can i start studying using them or get new version,if so from whr do i get new books from, n secondly shud i just study well or do research and etc,coz many say tht thy prefer people wid research n sum say gud scores r just enuf.im confused.if so from where to do research.im in india:)plz try to help me out.

Visitor (not verified)

Thu, 04/28/2011 - 11:03

hello,

  Your site is great to visit and worth a read...Good job...I just completed my m.b.b.s and am planing to go for step 1 by december.But all i am confused about is weather to go for house job/internship first or study and give step 1 and then start house job and meanwhile clear step 2 cs and ck...any advice would be appreciated

thanks

doctor (not verified)

Sun, 05/01/2011 - 22:46

Hello Dr. Umar!

I am very glad to see that you are back on advising students and guiding them on this absolutely amazing website! Thanks Bhai you are tha man :D!

so I am a fifth year medical student ,I decided to take a year off before my sixth year, I got a research grant for 5 months period during it I will participate in 2 research programs in Holland and there is a good chance that I get my name on  pubmed publications as the professor I work with is very active with it, I planned to spend the rest of the year by taking USMLE step one in four months( please tell me if you think its enough time to prepare for it) and then going for clinical electives for 3-4 months so that I can add them to the 2 months of elective in my 6th year curriculum!

please let me know what do u think of my plan and whether it may be worth it to get one year late for my graduation in order to do it!

I also want to ask you about the clinical electives, I already sent so many emails to almost every school and I hope I will be able to secure 3-4 months of  US electives but in case I couldn't get an acceptance in university hospitals for the whole period do u think it will still be good to get accepted in other affiliated american hospitals and institutes( not university hospitals  but affiliated teaching hospitals) ? 

one more thing, I did TOEFL and scored 104/120 R:26 L:26 S :27:W:25 and I want to apply for the NIH for an elective in may or June 2012 so do u think I have good chances If I apply soon with this TOEFL score and since you went to an elective there can you advice me on which elective to go for?

the last thing is that I am interested in internal medicine residency in the states and the total number of elective months I plan to take are 5 months so is it better to spend it all taking internal medicine electives or shall I seek electives in other majors as well!

thank you sooooooooooooo much man may allah reward you with the best things always!

laisor (not verified)

Thu, 05/05/2011 - 12:27

i have started my internship and got only 9 more months i have not taken toefl... not taken 1st step usmle.. i came through this site only now..its amazing...except that. i feel im too late for an elective ..what are other ways i can add something to my cv will trying for an externship help... if so when?... and is it risky in terms of getting the visa rejected...??

Visitor (not verified)

Sun, 05/08/2011 - 08:16

hello sir,

i am studying in final year part II and will be appearing for exams this winter.

when is the appropriate time for appearing Usmle? am i late for this??

i have no idea from where to start and what to do.please help me out in this.

is it necessary to have electiveship? will it help in further steps??

Visitor (not verified)

Sun, 05/08/2011 - 12:18

Dr Umar

Thank you for the wonderful site. I am a graduate from india and I completed my internship in january 2010. I have come to US for 2 months of externship with private doctors here and have even got a Research with a good university for 1 year period. I was wondering

1. Is it possible to give my steps along with the research I do during 1 year?

2.The research I am getting is on J1 visa. Hope it doesnt create problems in the future.

thank you very much.

Visitor (not verified)

Tue, 05/31/2011 - 20:02

hello,

i've currently finished with 3 months of internship and wish to give step 1 by oct-nov. i've started reading kaplan notes along with their videos and hv managed to finish physio and biochem. plz suggest how should i continue studting further in order to be able to give my exam latest by nov 15. plz suggest a timeline and the material that is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to complete. by reading posts on this website, i gathered that kaplan notes hv to b read for all subjects but some students adviced me to do goljan only for patho and skip kaplan patho. plz advice on this too...

Thank you in anticipation.

Cheers :)

Dr. Irtsam Shahid (not verified)

Sat, 06/11/2011 - 17:32

Umer Bhai Assalam-u-Alikum!!

 My name is Dr. Irtsam Shahid. i am a graduate from AIMC lhr and have recently completed my house job.

the thing is that the name on my degrees, id card and other official documents is Irtsam Shahid. but its M.Irtsam shahid in my house job certificates and attempt certificate etc.

 is it necessary for me to get my name changed on all my documents or shall i just leave it be.

regards

Irtsam

arshad (not verified)

Mon, 06/20/2011 - 15:36

hello, umarbhai....u r really a great guide for everyone here for usmle......i have little confusion....i ve finished my mbbs in march 2010...now i m preparing for usmle step 1.....is it late or i wont get any problem due to time lag if score nice?...pls give me ur standard suggestion....shud i continue my preparation with full efforts?.............thanks in advance bro.........

a (not verified)

Mon, 07/04/2011 - 10:45

Hi Umar,

Congratulations for all your efforts.All ur replies reflect your level of commitment.Hats off..

I am medica graduate with post graduation in Radiology(2010) in India.Though I had plans of USMLE during my graduation,it didnt materialise due to various reasons,But I am keen to get certified by the American Board.Now that I have gained quite some experience and also a valid US visa.I wish to prepare for USMLE now.

I just wanted to know if this is going to be a wise decision and probability of residency either in oncology and radiology.

I have some international exposure as I am into teleradiology as well as in radiology application development and travelled almost all around the world.

Looking forward for your suggestion

imran (not verified)

Wed, 07/27/2011 - 16:25

i have graduated in the year 2008 and done with my internship...if i wud like to get into any elective or clerkship or get into usce ...wat shud i do???how to get into research --need just an idea on how to get into it.....

thankyouu soo muchh in advance

and May Allah bless u for ur efforts...


Visitor (not verified)

Fri, 07/29/2011 - 12:45

Dear Dr.Umar,

i have recently applied for step 1 and step 2 cs but my application has been rejected due to some small error.i have to resubmit it again.in item 5 of application form they are asking if i had previously submitted an application to NBME and if so they are asking for nbme or usmle application identification number.what exactly do they mean by this number??and also , they said my form 186 is valid..so do i have to resubmit it along with the application form or is it not needed??please help me...reply needed asap....

Visitor (not verified)

Fri, 08/05/2011 - 11:28

Hi, i am in mid of step 1 prep....sometimes it becomes boring to study ... i am looking for a study partner with whom i can discuss and to whom i can teach a bit..coz teaching ignites the student in me :) Anyone near chandigarh..or northindia. Any one who is jolly to study with... can contact me if he/she is also in the same boat. My email: foramenmagnum@rediffmail.com

J Qureshi (not verified)

Tue, 08/16/2011 - 15:52

Salams,

    This website has amazing information for all med students. MashAllah, a great job done Dr. Umar.

 My dilemma is that I'm now entering the Final year of MBBS studies in Pindi. And as my Pakistani colleagues would know that it's a hectic academic year with lots of ward rounds and study hours. 


I am seriously considering, however, to start prep for step 1, as I've covered all the basic sciences subjects.(although haven't done any formal prep from USMLE books) Ideally I would like to prep for 6-7 months and take the exam in the mid of final year. 


We hear "myths" not to risk it during medical school, that it requires studies when you're totally free from everything else. 

Is it realistically possible to consider taking the step 1 with hardly 3-4 hours of daily dedicated prep for this time duration?

Esp. when one has to balance med school with it. I would love to hear from anyone who's taken it during med school, esp in final year MBBS...

I'm in dire need of help... to start or to focus on final year, or prep for step 2?

Visitor (not verified)

Sun, 09/18/2011 - 18:29

SALAM UMAR BHAI! 

Bro i am just garduated and did my internship in pakistan.  and i heared if some one doing step 2 directly before step 1 so by that if score is above to 80 u will get job in global countries very easily. is that true????

and sir what is the fee structure for atep 1, step 2, and step 3??????

       i will be waiting 4 ur reply thanks 

       May ALLAH alwayz bless you..

Fawad Gul (not verified)

Tue, 10/11/2011 - 17:40

Salam Umer Bhai!

I am preparing for step1 and i want to know that which book should be used for Behavioral sciences?

What you think which book is the best for behavioral sciences?

Plz do reply

 Looking frward to your kind reply.

May ALLAH Help you and us all. Amin

Thankyou

Visitor (not verified)

Wed, 11/02/2011 - 14:19


salam aliekum Mr Umar

i have failed attempt at step1 and now i am prereparing  to retake it

i haven't done step2 or cs yet

i want to ask you how that affecting in match?

and what can i do to increas my chances?

Visitor (not verified)

Wed, 11/16/2011 - 15:51

Dear Umar Tariq,


I am from India, I recently received my step 1 scores..i scored 191 and m terribly disappointed..i donno wat to do next..is der any point in taking step 2 or am i done wid the USMLE?? i gave my step 1 after oct 1st 2011..so they don have percentile scores now..

pls reply asap..



hi Dr. Umar.i appreciate your help by means of this forum.

i am student of 2nd year student.i have read almost all info about usmle in your forum and that really worked for me to  make up my mind to appear in usmle.

1-what is the ideal time for me to appear in step-1 (month & year ) i think in 2014 whn i will be n 4th year.....correct me if wrong

2-is it really very difficult to get residensy in surgery....if no then what should i do i my medical life to get in surgery.

3-which subject should i select for research elective in 2nd year.........is there any other institute other than AKU for research elective?

4-do you have any info regardng yer exchange programme?

5-which books i must read at this time for step-1 ,as i m reading kaplan notes.

6-then what is  ideal time for  step 2 ,cs,ck,csa(what is csa i dnt know about)and step 3.

sameer (not verified)

Sat, 12/03/2011 - 08:50

hi umar ,

 i have been following your site since i started preparing for my step 1 exam. this is a wonderful site  i must add, u r doing perfect job.

i failed in usmle step 1 , never thought about it in my wildest dreams.

now can u suggest me whether i should give further steps and repeat this exam  , do i have any chances of getting residency there?

i would like to know this from you,an advice is reqd.so that i can forget about US and concentrate on other options available. pls help???




aparna (not verified)

Tue, 01/03/2012 - 19:50

helo...im doin intrnship frm india an plannin to gv step1 in aug ds year....
i read ur blog...an its v.impressive....i feel a lot mre confident nw...thnk u :) wat i need to confirm z dat i had heard abt sme controversies abt those who do their residency frm us cnt put MD as their credentials....wil they remain MBBS.....if dey cm bck to their home country? plz i really need to knw since i plan to cme bck an m nt able to get ds info frm anywhr...

 my name thejus and i am from bangalore......i have a lot of questions regarding usmle...biggest one being...WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF MAKING IN THROUGH THE MATCH???..i wish to talk to you ...if  u wish to assist to please respond...it would be of great help..thank you

raj (not verified)

Thu, 01/05/2012 - 07:13

Hi umar bhai, i took my step 1 in september 2011 but i failed.... nw dnt knw wht to do... how much it really matters, should i retake it or just forget the dream of residency in US.....


Visitor (not verified)

Wed, 02/01/2012 - 15:28

Hey, anyone taking the Step 1 Exam (From Karachi) by July/Aug, please write here. Could use more people to study with! Thanks.

shivani (not verified)

Wed, 02/22/2012 - 14:55

hey.thank you for your guidance...it has helped me a lot! i got a step 1 score of 240.is it good enough to get a residency in internal medicine? i dont have a greencard or any research/clerkship

doctor umair (not verified)

Sun, 06/24/2012 - 14:20

salams DR umar,.....i wanted to ask is there any advantage to a us ist citizen in usmle exams.....i have done my mbbs from pakistan...will i be preferred ????...

Yes you will be having an advantage in getting residency. But I can't say that you will get into same field as you want...like if you want to get into internal medicine but your score is less than you might have to go for family medicine instead of internal medicine. But chances of getting into US medical program is higher compared to non US IMGs.

Visitor (not verified)

Tue, 07/10/2012 - 05:13

hi, can u plz answer sum qs regarding usmle?

1. i have applied for ecfmg and also got my id, i want to apply for usmle next year probably july what should i do further?

2. is it necessary to give step 3 as i have green card?

3 what is the best way to prepare for usmle?  what do u suggest as i am a final year student right now.

4.i visit usa ever year so i want to do electives here how can i apply?

                                 thanks

Visitor (not verified)

Tue, 07/10/2012 - 05:48

hi, 

can u plz answer few of my qs?

1 i have got my ecfmg id, i am planning to give usmle by july next year wat should i do now to apply?

2. do i have to give step 3 since i have got green card? how does a green card help u in scoring?

aj (not verified)

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 08:16

hi..i got 220 in 1st step. I wrote exam on 28th June 2012.I am an IMG.Can you please tell me abt my marks.is it average or below average..i am getting very tensed seeing ppl gettin very high score..please give me suggestions should i go ahead for CK

Add new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.

Filtered HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type='1 A I'> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id='jump-*'> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.