God I hate studying for massive tests

[Mo0o]

I've been studying for the USMLE Step 1 Boards the last 5 weeks, about 10-12 hours a day, 7 days a week. It. Fucking. Sucks. At this point I feel like a retarded monkey thats trying to grab more bananas while the ones in its hand are falling out left and right. The SAT and MCAT were a walk in the park compared to the hours i've put into this.

For anyone that's taken the Bar or similar exams, how the hell did you stay sane at the end. Can't wait for this bullshit to end.


Edit: Just got scores back. 246. I think thats around 85%tile. wootwootwoot

 

[TecHNooB]

At least you have the willpower to put in that many hours Most people don't.

 

[newnameman]

I find it difficult to believe that studying 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 5 straight weeks is the most effective studying strategy.

 

[Rockinacoustic]

Another reason I want nothing to do with Med School...

 

[Mo0o]

Originally posted by: newnameman
I find it difficult to believe that studying 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 5 straight weeks is the most effective studying strategy.

There's no other way to do it. Theres no extra time to do it and if you spread it out too far you end up forgetting much of what you learned in the first place. Most of the test is all memorization rather than learning techniques to figure out problems (SAT/MCAT etc). This is pretty much the tried and true method. People take 3-6 weeks and do 8-12 hours depending on how much they can handle.

 

[sjwaste]

Originally posted by: Mo0o
I've been studying for the USMLE Step 1 Boards the last 5 weeks, about 10-12 hours a day, 7 days a week. It. Fucking. Sucks. At this point I feel like a retarded monkey thats trying to grab more bananas while the ones in its hand are falling out left and right. The SAT and MCAT were a walk in the park compared to the hours i've put into this.

For anyone that's taken the Bar or similar exams, how the hell did you stay sane at the end. Can't wait for this bullshit to end.

I'm studying for the bar right now. Pretty much going insane, so I'm no help.

Good luck, though, I hope you pass.

 

[Mo0o]

Originally posted by: sjwaste

Originally posted by: Mo0o
I've been studying for the USMLE Step 1 Boards the last 5 weeks, about 10-12 hours a day, 7 days a week. It. Fucking. Sucks. At this point I feel like a retarded monkey thats trying to grab more bananas while the ones in its hand are falling out left and right. The SAT and MCAT were a walk in the park compared to the hours i've put into this.

For anyone that's taken the Bar or similar exams, how the hell did you stay sane at the end. Can't wait for this bullshit to end.

I'm studying for the bar right now. Pretty much going insane, so I'm no help.

Good luck, though, I hope you pass.

I think step1 is diff from bar in the sense that the score is what matters most. Most people pass but passing with a really mediocre score is pretty shitty. GL w/ the bar

 

[Ballatician]

I really don't like memorization based tests. Good luck, I have a few friends in the same boat as you.

 

[sjwaste]

Originally posted by: Mo0o
I think step1 is diff from bar in the sense that the score is what matters most. Most people pass but passing with a really mediocre score is pretty shitty. GL w/ the bar

Ah, yeah, we either pass or we don't. Virginia's a particularly hard state. Tests the most subjects of any other. But once I pass, I pass, they don't even tell us our score unless we fail.

So what does the USMLE 1 get you if you don't pass with a good score? Is it used to evaluate you for residency, or does it adversely affect you in med school?

Wait, did you graduate med already?

 

[RKS]

Originally posted by: Mo0o
I've been studying for the USMLE Step 1 Boards the last 5 weeks, about 10-12 hours a day, 7 days a week. It. Fucking. Sucks. At this point I feel like a retarded monkey thats trying to grab more bananas while the ones in its hand are falling out left and right. The SAT and MCAT were a walk in the park compared to the hours i've put into this.

For anyone that's taken the Bar or similar exams, how the hell did you stay sane at the end. Can't wait for this bullshit to end.

Can't basically practice medicine without passing your boards (or are there different boards after you are licensed)? My cousin took some after he had started with a practice.

The bar is do-or-die, without it you are the same as a paralegal with an associates degree. It's a tough 2.5 days and it's really not just memorization. You have to know the law and it's application.

 

[sjwaste]

Originally posted by: RKS

Originally posted by: Mo0o
I've been studying for the USMLE Step 1 Boards the last 5 weeks, about 10-12 hours a day, 7 days a week. It. Fucking. Sucks. At this point I feel like a retarded monkey thats trying to grab more bananas while the ones in its hand are falling out left and right. The SAT and MCAT were a walk in the park compared to the hours i've put into this.

For anyone that's taken the Bar or similar exams, how the hell did you stay sane at the end. Can't wait for this bullshit to end.

Can't basically practice medicine without passing your boards (or are there different boards after you are licensed)? My cousin took some after he had started with a practice.

The bar is do-or-die, without it you are the same as a paralegal with an associates degree. It's a tough 2.5 days and it's really not just memorization. You have to know the law and it's application.

I wouldn't say the bar is do or die, at least not in the sense that you need to pass on the first try. Even the largest firms generally let you fail once and take it again.

Can you retake the boards if you fail?

 

[Mo0o]

Originally posted by: sjwaste

Originally posted by: Mo0o
I think step1 is diff from bar in the sense that the score is what matters most. Most people pass but passing with a really mediocre score is pretty shitty. GL w/ the bar

Ah, yeah, we either pass or we don't. Virginia's a particularly hard state. Tests the most subjects of any other. But once I pass, I pass, they don't even tell us our score unless we fail.

So what does the USMLE 1 get you if you don't pass with a good score? Is it used to evaluate you for residency, or does it adversely affect you in med school?

Wait, did you graduate med already?

It's one of the main components in your residency application. So it determine a lot of what fields you have a shot at applying for and how cushy of a location you get in that field. So a low score can essentially block you off from dermatology, plastics etc. And even in the less competitive fields, you might only match to buttfucknowhere.

I think you get a max of 3 shots to pass the thing but 1 failing score and its game over for a ton of programs. Basically, :"failures need not apply." But really, failing the boards is a really low possibility for anyone in a qualified US med school since they screen pretty well and have a solid curriculum.

I haven't graduated yet, i just finished my first 2 years which is pretty much all lecture. After taking the test I go into the hospitals for 2 years to be buttfucked by everyone and anyone. Then I get my MD and repeat the process for 6+ more years.

 

[sjwaste]

Originally posted by: Mo0o

Originally posted by: sjwaste

Originally posted by: Mo0o
I think step1 is diff from bar in the sense that the score is what matters most. Most people pass but passing with a really mediocre score is pretty shitty. GL w/ the bar

Ah, yeah, we either pass or we don't. Virginia's a particularly hard state. Tests the most subjects of any other. But once I pass, I pass, they don't even tell us our score unless we fail.

So what does the USMLE 1 get you if you don't pass with a good score? Is it used to evaluate you for residency, or does it adversely affect you in med school?

Wait, did you graduate med already?

It's one of the main components in your residency application. So it determine a lot of what fields you have a shot at applying for and how cushy of a location you get in that field. So a low score can essentially block you off from dermatology, plastics etc. And even in the less competitive fields, you might only match to buttfucknowhere.

I think you get a max of 3 shots to pass the thing but 1 failing score and its game over for a ton of programs. Basically, :"failures need not apply." But really, failing the boards is a really low possibility for anyone in a qualified US med school since they screen pretty well and have a solid curriculum.

I haven't graduated yet, i just finished my first 2 years which is pretty much all lecture. After taking the test I go into the hospitals for 2 years to be buttfucked by everyone and anyone. Then I get my MD and repeat the process for 6+ more years.

So when it comes to residencies, what are the "best" matches? Probably the highest paying fields, but then are there varying degrees of prestige in the hospital that selects you?

Is there anywhere I could look this up, just for my own curiosity? I'd love to know what fields are the most competitive.

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: Mo0o
I've been studying for the USMLE Step 1 Boards the last 5 weeks, about 10-12 hours a day, 7 days a week. It. Fucking. Sucks. At this point I feel like a retarded monkey thats trying to grab more bananas while the ones in its hand are falling out left and right. The SAT and MCAT were a walk in the park compared to the hours i've put into this.

For anyone that's taken the Bar or similar exams, how the hell did you stay sane at the end. Can't wait for this bullshit to end.

I did 8-10 hours/7 days a week for 10 weeks for the bar last year. (1) it sucks (2) it sucks more during the summer when you're friends are constantly on vacations/bbqs/etc

 

[Mo0o]

Originally posted by: sjwaste

Originally posted by: Mo0o

Originally posted by: sjwaste

Originally posted by: Mo0o
I think step1 is diff from bar in the sense that the score is what matters most. Most people pass but passing with a really mediocre score is pretty shitty. GL w/ the bar

Ah, yeah, we either pass or we don't. Virginia's a particularly hard state. Tests the most subjects of any other. But once I pass, I pass, they don't even tell us our score unless we fail.

So what does the USMLE 1 get you if you don't pass with a good score? Is it used to evaluate you for residency, or does it adversely affect you in med school?

Wait, did you graduate med already?

It's one of the main components in your residency application. So it determine a lot of what fields you have a shot at applying for and how cushy of a location you get in that field. So a low score can essentially block you off from dermatology, plastics etc. And even in the less competitive fields, you might only match to buttfucknowhere.

I think you get a max of 3 shots to pass the thing but 1 failing score and its game over for a ton of programs. Basically, :"failures need not apply." But really, failing the boards is a really low possibility for anyone in a qualified US med school since they screen pretty well and have a solid curriculum.

I haven't graduated yet, i just finished my first 2 years which is pretty much all lecture. After taking the test I go into the hospitals for 2 years to be buttfucked by everyone and anyone. Then I get my MD and repeat the process for 6+ more years.

So when it comes to residencies, what are the "best" matches? Probably the highest paying fields, but then are there varying degrees of prestige in the hospital that selects you?

Is there anywhere I could look this up, just for my own curiosity? I'd love to know what fields are the most competitive.

Most competitive probably dermatology, plastics, orthopedics, ENT, opthomalogy. Then theres subspecialties that are hypercompetitive like interventional radiology (on top of an already competitive specialty in radiology). The best residency programs are basically teh best hospitals in the US, so places like Mass General, Sloan Kettering, Brigham Young. Chances are, if you've heard of the hospital, they have a kick ass residency program. Obviously some places specialize in certain treatments but the best ones are generally good at everything.

It's def true that the most competitive fields tend to pay very very well and teh least competitive fields pay RELATIVELY poorly. The actual knowledge that goes into each field is probably comparable so its not like you really need all the very best in one field and can settle for the retards in another. Its just the pay that really forces residencies to sep out the allstars from the scrubs

 

[sjwaste]

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug

Originally posted by: Mo0o
I've been studying for the USMLE Step 1 Boards the last 5 weeks, about 10-12 hours a day, 7 days a week. It. Fucking. Sucks. At this point I feel like a retarded monkey thats trying to grab more bananas while the ones in its hand are falling out left and right. The SAT and MCAT were a walk in the park compared to the hours i've put into this.

For anyone that's taken the Bar or similar exams, how the hell did you stay sane at the end. Can't wait for this bullshit to end.

I did 8-10 hours/7 days a week for 10 weeks for the bar last year. (1) it sucks (2) it sucks more during the summer when you're friends are constantly on vacations/bbqs/etc

Hey CT, I don't think I ever responded to you, but I did end up quitting my job to study for the bar. It was definitely crazy working 50 hrs a week and studying, so as of right now I have my full time cram right up to July 28/29.

MBE is looking like it'll work out, just have to get my essays up a little bit.

 

[sjwaste]

Originally posted by: Mo0o

Most competitive probably dermatology, plastics, orthopedics, ENT, opthomalogy. Then theres subspecialties that are hypercompetitive like interventional radiology (on top of an already competitive specialty in radiology). The best residency programs are basically teh best hospitals in the US, so places like Mass General, Sloan Kettering, Brigham Young. Chances are, if you've heard of the hospital, they have a kick ass residency program. Obviously some places specialize in certain treatments but the best ones are generally good at everything.

It's def true that the most competitive fields tend to pay very very well and teh least competitive fields pay RELATIVELY poorly. The actual knowledge that goes into each field is probably comparable so its not like you really need all the very best in one field and can settle for the retards in another. Its just the pay that really forces residencies to sep out the allstars from the scrubs

That's interesting, why is derm so competitive? I've never really thought of them as highly respected in the medical community. When I think of top tier docs, I think cardiology, oncology, radiology, and maybe orthopedics.

I can see plastics pays well because I'm sure 75% of the clientele is elective. Where does ER fall into that rank? I've heard the work is shit, but I can't think of an ER doc not being respected. Is there no correlation there?

 

[amol]

Good luck dude! I'm 2 steps behind you ... studying for my MCATs right now. Then gotta apply. Well, then I gotta do my first couple years of med school, so maybe 3 steps behind .

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: sjwaste

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug

Originally posted by: Mo0o
I've been studying for the USMLE Step 1 Boards the last 5 weeks, about 10-12 hours a day, 7 days a week. It. Fucking. Sucks. At this point I feel like a retarded monkey thats trying to grab more bananas while the ones in its hand are falling out left and right. The SAT and MCAT were a walk in the park compared to the hours i've put into this.

For anyone that's taken the Bar or similar exams, how the hell did you stay sane at the end. Can't wait for this bullshit to end.

I did 8-10 hours/7 days a week for 10 weeks for the bar last year. (1) it sucks (2) it sucks more during the summer when you're friends are constantly on vacations/bbqs/etc

Hey CT, I don't think I ever responded to you, but I did end up quitting my job to study for the bar. It was definitely crazy working 50 hrs a week and studying, so as of right now I have my full time cram right up to July 28/29.

MBE is looking like it'll work out, just have to get my essays up a little bit.

Good choice mate, it'll pay off in the long run. The passing for the MBE was very low last year, something like 116 Raw. Just make sure you have your canned topic sentences down cold for any given area of law.

By the way, I think you made mention in some other threads you are working government after the test? Where did you end up? I'm trying to leave private and go back to government but as you can imagine, it's not the best time/.

 

[Mo0o]

Originally posted by: sjwaste

Originally posted by: Mo0o

Most competitive probably dermatology, plastics, orthopedics, ENT, opthomalogy. Then theres subspecialties that are hypercompetitive like interventional radiology (on top of an already competitive specialty in radiology). The best residency programs are basically teh best hospitals in the US, so places like Mass General, Sloan Kettering, Brigham Young. Chances are, if you've heard of the hospital, they have a kick ass residency program. Obviously some places specialize in certain treatments but the best ones are generally good at everything.

It's def true that the most competitive fields tend to pay very very well and teh least competitive fields pay RELATIVELY poorly. The actual knowledge that goes into each field is probably comparable so its not like you really need all the very best in one field and can settle for the retards in another. Its just the pay that really forces residencies to sep out the allstars from the scrubs

That's interesting, why is derm so competitive? I've never really thought of them as highly respected in the medical community. When I think of top tier docs, I think cardiology, oncology, radiology, and maybe orthopedics.

I can see plastics pays well because I'm sure 75% of the clientele is elective. Where does ER fall into that rank? I've heard the work is shit, but I can't think of an ER doc not being respected. Is there no correlation there?

A lot of derm is just pure cash, the hours are cushy. So lots of people wanna do it. Same w/ a lot of the top fields.

ER docs are kind of seen as the cowboys of medicine (this is only from a med students perspective so if anyone else has more insight, please feel free to chime in). I dont think they're seen as very academic but I think everyone realizes they're really damn good at what they do and its a really unique field.

 

[sjwaste]

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug

Good choice mate, it'll pay off in the long run. The passing for the MBE was very low last year, something like 116 Raw. Just make sure you have your canned topic sentences down cold for any given area of law.

By the way, I think you made mention in some other threads you are working government after the test? Where did you end up? I'm trying to leave private and go back to government but as you can imagine, it's not the best time/.

So far I'm scoring 104 raw or so on simulated MBEs, and I haven't even studied evidence or con law yet. I think I can get myself into the mid 120s raw, which historically would be 135-140 scaled. Need 133 to waive into DC, so that's a goal. MBE is only 40% on VA, though. I'm very good on Torts (80% or so), Contracts (65%), and sometimes Property.

We just have a ton of essay topics. A few are a given (VA Civ Pro, Wills, Trusts, Dom Rel), but hopefully they don't test us on anything goofy like Suretyship, Local Govt, or Tax -- although I think I actually know those pretty well. There are ~12 subjects plus the MBE subjects that are fair game for essays, 9 total.

I am going government, through the Presidential Management Fellows program, which is a federal hiring program for all grad programs. The drawback is that my initial rotation is non-legal, since there aren't direct appointments to attorney positions. I basically have to find a way into an attorney-advisor rotation, but I've been told by many former PMFs that getting that position at the end of the 2 year fellowship is almost a given. Govt applications are way up, but if I learned anything from my prior work as a consultant, its all heavily based on knowing people at the agency you want to work. Definitely a tough time, I couldn't get a direct attorney appointment or a clerkship in the DC area, and my grades/school/rank would've been competitive in other years.

I have a friend who is an asst. city attorney near here. She loves her job. Have you looked into that at all?

 

[sjwaste]

Originally posted by: Mo0o

A lot of derm is just pure cash, the hours are cushy. So lots of people wanna do it. Same w/ a lot of the top fields.

ER docs are kind of seen as the cowboys of medicine (this is only from a med students perspective so if anyone else has more insight, please feel free to chime in). I dont think they're seen as very academic but I think everyone realizes they're really damn good at what they do and its a really unique field.

That's interesting. I guess the best fields are those where most of your patients are elective?

I have to tell my fiancee about psych. That's actually what she wants to do, she's been kicking around med school. I've been trying to give her whatever I can to get her to take the MCAT and give it a shot, and from googling, psych seems to be less competitive.

I'm still holding on to the idea that I might attend med school when I'm older, but I doubt it will happen. Just let me know when you graduate so I can sue you

 

[Mo0o]

Originally posted by: sjwaste

Originally posted by: Mo0o

A lot of derm is just pure cash, the hours are cushy. So lots of people wanna do it. Same w/ a lot of the top fields.

ER docs are kind of seen as the cowboys of medicine (this is only from a med students perspective so if anyone else has more insight, please feel free to chime in). I dont think they're seen as very academic but I think everyone realizes they're really damn good at what they do and its a really unique field.

That's interesting. I guess the best fields are those where most of your patients are elective?

I have to tell my fiancee about psych. That's actually what she wants to do, she's been kicking around med school. I've been trying to give her whatever I can to get her to take the MCAT and give it a shot, and from googling, psych seems to be less competitive.

I'm still holding on to the idea that I might attend med school when I'm older, but I doubt it will happen. Just let me know when you graduate so I can sue you

I think if all she wants to do is mental health, psych is not a bad way to go. I think she'll get Rx'ing priv in a lot of states. But if she wants to do some kind of healthcare, def go med school because your options are much more open

Edit: Two more years, then im no longer covered by my med school, better get the paper work ready

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: sjwaste

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug

Good choice mate, it'll pay off in the long run. The passing for the MBE was very low last year, something like 116 Raw. Just make sure you have your canned topic sentences down cold for any given area of law.

By the way, I think you made mention in some other threads you are working government after the test? Where did you end up? I'm trying to leave private and go back to government but as you can imagine, it's not the best time/.

So far I'm scoring 104 raw or so on simulated MBEs, and I haven't even studied evidence or con law yet. I think I can get myself into the mid 120s raw, which historically would be 135-140 scaled. Need 133 to waive into DC, so that's a goal. MBE is only 40% on VA, though. I'm very good on Torts (80% or so), Contracts (65%), and sometimes Property.

We just have a ton of essay topics. A few are a given (VA Civ Pro, Wills, Trusts, Dom Rel), but hopefully they don't test us on anything goofy like Suretyship, Local Govt, or Tax -- although I think I actually know those pretty well. There are ~12 subjects plus the MBE subjects that are fair game for essays, 9 total.

I am going government, through the Presidential Management Fellows program, which is a federal hiring program for all grad programs. The drawback is that my initial rotation is non-legal, since there aren't direct appointments to attorney positions. I basically have to find a way into an attorney-advisor rotation, but I've been told by many former PMFs that getting that position at the end of the 2 year fellowship is almost a given. Govt applications are way up, but if I learned anything from my prior work as a consultant, its all heavily based on knowing people at the agency you want to work. Definitely a tough time, I couldn't get a direct attorney appointment or a clerkship in the DC area, and my grades/school/rank would've been competitive in other years.

I have a friend who is an asst. city attorney near here. She loves her job. Have you looked into that at all?

CONGRATS on the Presidential Management Fellows appointment, from what I understand, it's incredibly competitive.

City Attorney is MY ABSOLUTE IDEAL job and I have applicable experience but no openings that I know of I would jump on it in a heart beat but I'm keeping hope alive that I'll find myself in a City Attorney office sometime in the future.

 

[sjwaste]

Originally posted by: Mo0o

I think if all she wants to do is mental health, psych is not a bad way to go. I think she'll get Rx'ing priv in a lot of states. But if she wants to do some kind of healthcare, def go med school because your options are much more open

Edit: Two more years, then im no longer covered by my med school, better get the paper work ready

She'd want to go to med school and get into psychiatry. I don't know that there's a whole lot of respect out there for psychologists, even from her, and it was her undergraduate major.

I got an A in Torts, you better watch out