Step 2 CK
While it seems that test taking is all I do lately, I am just returning from a month off from taking step 2 CK. CK is a nine hour computerized test that is graded on a similar scale to the step 1 test - 360 questions, 60 of which are experimental and the other 300 determine your score. Unlike step 1 instead of pathophysiology, you are graded on diagnosis skills and treatment. In my case, that is a very good thing because EM pretty much that.
Now about step 2 CK, it felt very different than step 1. I purchased the Kaplan Qbank with a friend, and Kaplan questions felt MUCH harder than the real test. I am not willing to hazard a guess on my score, but I feel better about this test. I also took that same month off to take PALS (pediatric advanced life support) and audit ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support). Even though they cut into my study time, I feel like I got alot out of them. Trauma and peds are relatively 'high yield' on Step 2 it seemed. They are also pretty high yield on my EM rotation that is just starting.
Labels: CK, Clinicl Knowledge, Kaplan, medicine, rotations, Step 2
Give me my money back CS
Give me my 1000 dollars back!!! I just took
Step 2 CS (clinical skills) in Houston. An entire day dedicated to me 'performing' 'exams' on 'patients.' What's with all the
''? These were standardized patients pretending to be ill, with me pretending to examine them because they didn't have physical findings. I paid about 1500 dollars - the test plus my flight - to do something that I do regularly at my home med school for free. I even have to take another OSCE at my school, but at least they won't charge me.
I cannot say enough bad stuff about CS. Their end of test survey didn't even have a write in comment option to ask how they could improve it. How about not having stupid security measures in which you confiscate my feminine products? Was I planning on writing an entire History and Physical on a tampon? Really? Did we need an hour of boring video orientation in which you repeated the instructions already gave us? Was it necessary to give me a 'warning' for deleting my half finished word when the time ran out?
I will be really pissed if I didn't pass. I'm not really sure how I couldn't have, since I even put some time into preparing and because I've passed every previous CS type practice test with flying colors. I'd say more, but I was forced to promise to not reveal extensive details of this absolutely worthless test in the event that it would help someone 'cheat' on their future test.
Labels: clinical skills, CS, Step 2, usmle, worthless
