step 2 ck experience by mymeghji

I studied 7 months for this exam. I would suggest between 5-6 months is also a good prep period. I think it is important to do your Step 1 first as a lot of questions are about basic pathophysiology/mechanism of disease and you would only be able to answer these questions well if you have a sound knowledge of basic sciences. Although I know that some people have done well in Step 2 CK even without doing Step 1 but I persnoally advise against it.

I used the KAPLAN center prep for 4 months, I did the videos two times over and the books 4-5 times over (Although I think that was an overkill, 3 times is enough). I used the USMLE World Q bank which I think is amazing value for money and what I would typically do is do a system like cardiology and then do all the USMLE World questions that same night and really go thru all the explanations well. Always do the questions under time pressure and never self paced. I also used the Kaplan Q bank which is not as good as the USMLE WORLD Q bank so if you have financial constraints go for the USMLE World one as it is much better. I did all the 3 NBME forms for Step 2 CK and the Kaplan simulated test. Finally in my last 10 days I used the First Aid Step 2 CK for a rapid review of everything. I think that the First Aid book is a great book for a quick last moment brush up.

My sincere advise is keep in touch with your step one knowledge especially Pathophysiology, Immune deficiencies, Hypersensitivity reactions, Organ transplantation rejection, Clinical Pharmacology, Metabolism etc, use the Step 2 CK Kaplan books and videos as your main base, do lots of good quality questions under time pressure and focus on understanding the mechanisms rather than memorizing things.

Good luck to everyone