[usmlelover]

Ok folks, i've been long overdue, but I did not get free after the exam. I'm in a tough graduate course, and work in research. I had two exams right after my step1, and one more to go at the end of this week. But, I owe this to this forum. Thanks a lot, guys. Loved reading the exam experiences. Didn't read any questions on this forum, though.

I'm a 2005 grad, and came to the U.S. last August on F1 visa. I got a scholarship, so I have to work in a lab., and maintain my grades in grad. school. That way, i could pay for my steps and send some money home once in a while. I started studying for Step1 in October and gave it 7months. On an average, I ended up studying 3hrs. or so in a day, but my speed is good (plus thanks to God, some courses here helped me in genetics, and molecular biology).

This is what all i studied twice:
1. Patho.- BRS, listened to Goljan's audio(he's the best), Pathophysiology for Boards & wards(once)
2. Physio.- BRS, but went thru the graphs in Kaplan(i realised late that this is a much better book).
3. Biochem.- Kaplan (very good)
4. Pharm.- Kaplan, very good in First Aid.
5. Anatomy- High yields for Gross, Embryo, Neuro, Histo(couldn't complete this).
6. Behavioral Science- BRS (too good)
7. Micro & Immuno- Javitz (very good for immuno)
8. First Aid- made me cry, but did it twice. I liked its Pharm, though.
9. USMLEWORLD- did 1600 of them, and made notes from the explanation. Excellent. Scored 65% cumulative, (during the last 30days, it was 70-80%)
10. Did all the NBME's: scored 211(470)on I on 12thFEb., 224(520)on II on March13th, 228(560)on III on April14th, 236(580)on IV on April23rd.

- The last week, I just went over my notes (2notebooks)4times, and First Aid once. Kept on listening to Goljan till the end.

The exam was easy, only 2or3 CT scans (did netanatomy for those). A lot of molecular biology, but I had it covered well. The questions were pretty straightforward, except for dermatology(which was my weakpoint) and I finished each block with 10min. to spare; but my center had a pwer failure due to thunderstorm that day for 30min. But, i did not lose any time, it was started at right where I left it.

I'd love to answer any questions (Thank God. it's over, but I'll be taking my C.S. in June, and CK in August; so, I'll never get time to relax). Wish me luck.