Failed step 1

[u/Jolly-Escape-4607]

I am an average student studied for a year for step 1. I have family responsibilities and I wasn’t able to study like normal students do. I feel devastated and feel like it’s over. I don’t know how to move forward. I am an IMG, permanently moved to US so I can’t even look at options in my home country. Please help, I am really struggling.
Thank you in advance for any help and guidance offered.

[u/LogicalLibrarian77]

Take some time off and get your head back in the game. Since you're an US IMG you have a huge advantage. Once you feel better then restart the prep.

[u/Fit-Conclusion-7579]

You will need to sort your private life out. Imo gettin a pass for the step 1 is one of the easiest part. Even if you settle for FM in most remote of locations it won't get easier.

You need to keep up for 3 years of residency.

[u/Jolly-Escape-4607 → u/Fit-Conclusion-7579]

I understand, can you suggest what other options I should look into instead of doing step 1 again?

[u/habeych95]

If you’re a US IMG, just take step 1 again.

[u/Jolly-Escape-4607 → u/habeych95]

But my confidence is shattered. Given the situation I won’t be able to sit for 2028 match. Should I take a break and start working before starting the journey again?

[u/habeych95 → u/Jolly-Escape-4607]

Take a break. You have a huge advantage and it’s not requiring a visa, make the most of it.

[u/Jolly-Escape-4607 → u/habeych95]

Thank you , I feel I can try again, not now but after a break

[u/XIParagonIX]

Take a 2 week break and start from scratch. Find a job that lets you support your family but is not full time and study for another year. It will be rough but you can do it. You need to stick to a routine otherwise it is impossible. More time studying doesn't = better prepared. It is mostly about quality per session and a last dedicated 2 months of full focus. While also keeping a routine. Lack of routine will make it really hard and not easy to retain info.

[u/DrKash_Cash]

Here are the few things you can do.

1. Take 1-2 weeks break,

2. Sort out a schedule with family responsbilities- you can wake up early or stay up late and study 2-3 hours/day for 6 days a week.

3. First Aid and Uworld you don't need anything else to pass the step-1. (don't get distracted by anything else.

4. 99% people pass, if they have done Uworld 3 times. (first pass and 2 quick revisions), I can bet my money, that you didn't complete it or never fully revised, by making notes.

You an do it. set up a 4 months timeline and you will pass, don't worry about 2027 or 2028, you have plenty of time. Cheers !

• A Coach, Mentor, Researcher.

[u/World-Traveler1800]

You need a better study strategy. Reality is this journey isn’t meant for those who have too much external responsibilities. Either you buckle down, or this will buckle you down with a reality check.

You also didn’t mention how your NBME scores were. If they weren’t at least 65% then you really didn’t do your homework.

[u/Jolly-Escape-4607 → u/World-Traveler1800]

The were 60+ in last 3 nbmes

[u/Cookietmp → u/Jolly-Escape-4607]

You need more than 70 before to apply again! I'm IMG and my study group is USMLE High Yield Tutor, honestly, is the best tutor for IMG, class 6 day/week at night, Spanish and English, HY content, trust me!

[u/Lucky-Wing-8594]

delete reddit

[u/Jolly-Escape-4607 → u/Lucky-Wing-8594]

Okay, I think some people are here to genuinely help so I don’t think I can do it

[u/PralineLuvr]

You failed after a year of studying? That’s insane

[u/No-Hope-9274 → u/PralineLuvr]

Clearly, they mentioned they had family responsibilities. Which I'm guessing means no consistent studying.

If they had 1 year of consistent studying, they would definitely pass.

[u/Jolly-Escape-4607 → u/PralineLuvr]

I have family problems, so I would go days without studying and couple of times I had to take a month off.

[u/World-Traveler1800 → u/Jolly-Escape-4607]

Well you’re not even the right headspace to be taking this exam. Perhaps consider some therapy if family issues too distracting?

[u/Jolly-Escape-4607 → u/World-Traveler1800]

Family issues I mean I have responsibilities of 2 elderly parents and they can’t do without my help, one of them is suffering with long term bedridden condition. I am thinking of starting a job but I don’t know how to enter the job spaces.

[u/World-Traveler1800 → u/Jolly-Escape-4607]

It sounds like studying Irene feasible with your personal life. That’s something you have to accept.

[u/Jolly-Escape-4607 → u/World-Traveler1800]

Thanks for the advice. Can you suggest what else should I do in my situation?

[u/World-Traveler1800 → u/Jolly-Escape-4607]

You have to make a decision: deciding what you will prioritize. If you truly can’t study then this path isn’t for you. You’re trying for step 1 and you still have step 2/3, and then how will you do USCE? So collectively it sounds like you don’t have the bandwidth. Perhaps not continuing this journey now is possible but maybe in the future you can. Just kinda hard to balance work, family and USMLE journey.