INVISTA NO SEU SUCESSO:
Preparing for Step 3 requires balancing focused study methods and resource management. Top resources include UWorld for MCQs and CCS practice, Free 137, and First Aid for high-yield content. Strategies such as mastering biostatistics, pre-planning CCS orders, and utilizing test-taking skills like eliminating obvious answers enhance preparation efficiency. Practical tools like scratch sheets, YouTube tutorials, and medications for test-day discomfort were also highlighted. For CCS, users debated the relevance of external tools like CCScases.com versus free resources, emphasizing that familiarity with the software is key.
Community feedback stressed tailoring preparation to individual strengths and weaknesses, especially for residency-based test-takers. Scoring benchmarks were a focal point: ~80% on UWorld or Free 137 indicates readiness, while NBME 6 scores like 158/200 (~240 range) offer predictive insights. Users highlighted that quality trumps quantity, recommending that practice tests can be skipped if time-constrained. Collaborative sharing of resources such as offline NBMEs or study subscriptions was another recurring theme, reflecting the supportive culture in the Step 3 community.
Resources:
UWorld for both MCQs and CCS cases (highly recommended for quality).
CCScases.com and Free 137 for CCS practice (comparison frequently debated).
YouTube Video on CCS (shared link: https://youtu.be/qmxWuV4psFs?si=JyuHZRipAskhV7Aw).
First Aid quick facts for review of high-yield topics.
NBME 6 offline as a predictor of test performance.
High-Yield Divine Podcast/Resources for targeted preparation.
Prometric testing center insights for optimal testing environment.
Scores and Benchmarks:
UWorld MCQs: ~80% on blocks is excellent.
CCS: Over 70% considered good for passing.
Free 137: Scores above 70% recommended for readiness.
NBME 6 offline: A score of 158/200 (~79%) correlates to ~240 range on Step 3.
Methods:
Prioritize quality over quantity in UWorld review.
Avoid practice tests if time-constrained; focus on studying instead.
Write a CCS pre-case checklist for orders, patient age, and gender.
Review test-taking skills, like reading question endings first.
Use First Aid or Boards and Beyond selectively for high-yield refreshers.
Opportunities:
Maximize learning during residency by studying daily.
Leverage community-shared resources like offline NBMEs and study materials.
Practice drug ads, QI, and patient safety, as these form a significant part of Step 3.
Tips and Tricks:
Bring medications like zofran and loperamide if prone to test-day nausea.
Use scratch sheets during CCS to organize thoughts and avoid errors.
Practice biostatistics rigorously; aim for accuracy using 2x2 tables.
Familiarize yourself with copy-paste functions in CCS software for efficiency.
Take minimal breaks between test days to avoid overstudying.
Post 1: 265 Step 3
This post outlines one user’s strategy and experience scoring 265 on Step 3. The user describes their journey from Step 1 to Step 3, detailing their approach to studying. They highlight the importance of UWorld, CCS cases for software familiarity, and test-taking strategies. The poster critiques prognostic and pediatric/OB-Gyn questions, but praises biostatistics for its solvability through systematic methods. They emphasize quality over quantity in preparation, advocate against practice tests, and share practical tips such as pre-listing orders for CCS cases to avoid errors. The user suggests that residency in Internal Medicine eased their preparation.
The comments showcase diverse reactions, from admiration of the poster’s score to practical follow-ups on study methods. Some users requested specific resources like the YouTube video mentioned. Discussions emphasize varying preparation approaches—some lean on CCS cases and UWorld, while others feel they need comprehensive practice tests. A recurring theme is tailoring study strategies to individual circumstances, with many appreciating the poster's efficiency and insight.
Post 2: Offline Nbme 6!
The user seeks advice about converting mistakes in Offline NBME 6 to a score. They aim to estimate their performance before taking Step 3.
Most comments focus on the availability of the NBME resource, with no direct answers to the user’s question about score conversions. The thread reflects a demand for offline resources and hints at the communal sharing culture within the subreddit.
Post 3: Those Who Got 230+
The user requests feedback from those scoring above 230 on Step 3, particularly scores on Free 137, assessments, and comparisons with the real test.
Responses highlight differing philosophies: some favor skipping practice tests in favor of focused study, while others stress their utility for gauging weaknesses and simulating exam conditions. Specific scores and insights reveal how Day 2’s complexity surprises many examinees, validating the need for preparation in CCS and biostatistics.
Post 4: UWorld Step3
The user is seeking a UWorld subscription valid through February or March.
Commenters responded by offering available subscriptions, reflecting the collaborative environment of the subreddit, where shared resources are a norm.
Post 5: CCS Cases - Doing Bad
A user struggling with CCS cases shares their poor performance and requests tips. They express concern about their upcoming exam in two weeks.
Comments emphasize persistence and practice as key to improving CCS performance, with one user stating improvement comes after about 40 cases. Humor and camaraderie are evident, with shared anecdotes about difficult cases (e.g., the diarrhea case). Others ask for recommended resources.
Post 6: Passed
The user celebrates passing Step 3 with a score of 205, feeling relieved despite guessing on most questions. They credit their prediction from NBME 6.
Comments are celebratory, congratulating the user and reinforcing the importance of passing over high scores. Questions about prep details, especially CCS case similarities to external tools like CCScases.com, dominate the discussion. Several users affirm that consistent CCS practice suffices for passing.
Post 7: Prometric Testing Center Recommendation
The user seeks recommendations for testing centers in New York and New Jersey, asking for insights on accommodation, transport, and staff professionalism.
Responses are location-specific, with positive remarks about Westbury for its proximity to hotels and transport, and Philadelphia for its supportive staff. The thread highlights the value of firsthand testing center reviews in minimizing test-day stress.
Post 8: Can I Pass?
A second-year Internal Medicine resident expresses concern over limited preparation time and seeks advice for studying effectively in 8 weeks.
Commenters offer targeted advice: CCS cases, biostatistics, and ethics are key focuses. Study strategies differ, but most suggest a mix of video resources and question banks like UWorld. Some recommend using prior step materials selectively to review high-yield topics.
Post 9: U y.
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This post has no content, sparking humorous and nonsensical comments.
Responses include jokes and lighthearted banter, reflecting the community’s tendency to engage with even vague or accidental posts.
Post 10: NBME 6
The user shares their 79% score on Offline NBME 6 and seeks feedback on its significance.
Commenters equate the user’s score to the 240 range, providing reassurance. Resource-sharing dominates, with links to the NBME material exchanged.
Post 11: Done Day 2
The user expresses concern about their performance on CCS cases and MCQs on Day 2 of Step 3.
Encouraging responses reassure that not all cases ending early is common and doesn’t necessarily indicate failure. Commenters share similar experiences, normalizing the user’s anxiety. Many revisit the CCScases.com vs. Free 137 debate in grading and software familiarity.