Difficulty of USMLE exams

[Kinkerz]

Hi, I'm an English A-level student applying to medical school later this year. I might be getting ahead of myself here, but I would very much like to work in America once qualified (if I get in that is).
I'm wondering how difficult the USMLE exams are, and the best times to take each stage...
I'm aware that competition for places is tough for international applicants, but i've been to San Diego a few times and really like the place, is there anyone who knows the competition for places in San Diego?

Cheers in advance.

[Scottish Chap]

Originally Posted by Kinkerz

Hi, I'm an English A-level student applying to medical school later this year. I might be getting ahead of myself here, but I would very much like to work in America once qualified (if I get in that is).
I'm wondering how difficult the USMLE exams are, and the best times to take each stage.....
I'm aware that competition for places is tough for international applicants, but i've been to San Diego a few times and have fallen in love with the place, is there anyone who knows the competition for places in San Diego?

Cheers in advance and i'm sorry if I seem naive and annoying.

Welcome.

Step 1 of the USMLE covers all of the basic sciences for medicine and ideally should be taken once you've covered the following in medical school: physiology, biochemistry, genetics, nutrition, anatomy, microbiology, immunology, pathology, pharmacology, behavioural, sciences, neuroscience, statistics. The details are a little more severe than what is covered in a British medical school, but it's absolutely do-able. I promise. It's not an impossible test. Just make sure you do lots of multiple choice practice questions.

Step 2 covers all of the core clinical attachments: medicine, paeds, surgery, psychiatry, obstetrics/gyn, neurology, family medicine etc.

Most Californian residency programmes are competitive - in part due to the location, but it's definitely not impossible for an overseas graduate.

Take one step at a time, and all will fall into place. Good luck.

[Kinkerz]

Thanks alot Scottish Chap! Very helpful!

[bibiobisesan]

Dear ScottishChap,

I am about to start med school as a mature student this September. It has been my dream to specialise in the US and hence the following questions:

1. Can I take the USMLE step 1 after my pre-clinicals or would I be required to finish med school?

2. Do summer research programs help with residency applications?

You probably have answered this questioons before but would appreciate your advice. Many thanks

Bibi

[Bambi]

Originally Posted by mihir

We're allowed to take Step 1 & Step 2 Written or "CK" at anytime...

Er.. no you aren't! You have to have completed your pre-clinical studies and your med school has to sign stuff to say that you have.

[mihir]

Hmm didn't know about that...thanks for the info.

[Bambi]

London isn't the only place you can do it by the way, there are loads of places now, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, London, somewhere in Wales and a couple more places that I can't remember.

[mihir]

Thank for correcting me again.....I've just deleted my flawed original post!