You need to get in the 70′s average for last 10 blocks. Anyway keep me posted.

Askdoc

That seems a good plan. In revising for atypical cases, make sure you review each case you miss with the aim of finding out why you miss the diagnosis and taking note of the key symptoms and signs that point out the diagnosis. You can even write out a flashcard for those particular case. MKSAP is best for Step 3, but if you have the time, it is also useful for Step 2CK.
Anyway, good luck and keep me updated.

Askdoc

The 4 most common reason that people do poorly in Step 2 CK is as follows;

1. Not studying enough detail. Most common mistake. Kaplan Notes has enough detail, but you need to retain and recall 85 to 90% of it. And that is impossible to do with less than 3 revisions.

2. Difficulty with next best step in management type of questions. The best way to study how to work up and manage patients is to use algorithms. Remember next best step depends on what was the results of previous diagnostic workup or previous response to treatment. Too many fail to learn this properly and it covers about 20% of Step 2 CK.

3. Pathophysiology or mechanisms of diseases. This accounts for 20% of Step 2 CK and some people have not covered this part thoroughly thinking it is just for Step 1.

4. Uncommon presentation of common cases. In Step 1, most clinical cases presents classically. In step 2 CK, although cases are common, presentation is atypical. For example, although sarcoidosis is most common in young, black female. They do occur in males, older people and other races. So in Step 2CK a sarcoidosis patient may be an old, white male instead. You need to be able to diagnoses the case even with atypical presentation or you won’t be able to answer the questions. Other ways clinical cases are tougher in Step 2 CK is the addition on both relevant and irrelevant normal findings. The addition of irrelevant abnormal findings that will not change the diagnosis. You need to be able to discern what facts are important and what are not. Remember in an actual live patient, they may present with symptoms that is irrelevant to their main complaint and you need to decide what is relevant and what is not.

These 4 are the most common reason for getting low score, although there are other less common weak points that can cause lower score.

Askdoc

I find ur blog very impressive and extremely helpul for those prepping for the USMLE. i have been struggling with my step 2 ck. i am still not able to get a good enough score in my nbme. n every time i got a low score i go back n read more on tht topic but still there is no improvement. i m using kaplan q book to evaluate myself but i dont feel its helpng me get better. i have read ur other posts to know what i cud be doing wrong but i m not sure what my weakness is. can u plz help me

Use the drug list in Katzung primarily. You can use Lippincott to read about the drugs themselves but use Katzung as guide as to what drugs you need to know. The method is memorize the prototype, know the difference between the prototype drugs and the major variants. As to minor drugs, just know what class of drugs they are. If the drugs mentioned is in Lippincott, then read it there, the detail is just about right. But if the particular drug is not in Lippincott then read it off Katzung itself. Questions in Katzung is more difficult than actual USMLE pharma questions.

Askdoc

Sorry for late reply. Anyway, do not take notes for Katzung’s review. Just use the drug list, OK.

Askdoc

Thanks!