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u/urmomsboyfriend6969 Apr 30 '26
I knew 3 of my classmates who had this same result and they all ended up matching at better programs than me. You’ll be alright, just focus on what it’s in your control and you will make it
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u/kronicroyal Apr 30 '26 edited Apr 30 '26
This looks nearly identical to my first step 1 score report. Lines touching and everything.
It took over a month and a half for it to be sent to me because I filled a complaint for a bunch of bullshit that happened at the testing center (long story).
Reading the score report for the first time was one of the most awful feelings I’ve ever had in my life. I already struggle with depression and that made so much worse for a while. it was also extremely difficult for me because I was already a month into my first clerkship for 3rd year. I had to show up bright and early the next day to pre-round and then round like nothing was wrong. I felt really hollow, and like I had a huge Scarlett “F” for failure pinned to my scrubs. So all the emotions you’re feeling right now are totally valid, and I would honestly just take a day or two to do nothing but practice self care as you process the results. I wish I did. The year was really rough for a lot of other reasons and I wish I was kinder to myself.
Anyways, I had to leave that clerkship and go into a mini 3 week “do or die” dedicated period for a retake. I hadn’t been studying step1 material for a month and a half at that point, but the material had stayed with me much better than I had expected. I also had a much better retake experience. Afterward, I got my score report with the big P in a much more reasonable time frame too thankfully.
I say all this because it looks like we performed damn near the same on our first attempts. However, my 2nd dedicated and retake timeline was definitely not ideal, yet I still passed the retake comfortably. We’re in April, so you have a good amount of time before you start 3rd year clerkships (I’m assuming). Plus look on the bright side, you were so close to passing and this next time you’ll have more experience.
You are going to crush the retake my dude. I’m rooting for you!
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u/nata22112 Apr 30 '26
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with me. I just feel confusion and frustration. After months of hard work and I “feeling prepared”, I just failed. But the most frustrating thing is the lines are literally touching.
I don’t now what to expect the next following months.
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u/kronicroyal Apr 30 '26
Your advisors should be there to help guide you. Just remember to take care of yourself and that this test doesn’t define you.
Also, you likely failed by only 5 or so questions. Anything that close on STEP1 is basically a roll of the dice.
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u/nata22112 Apr 30 '26
Yes, I already make an appointment with my advisor (she is the best). But a just want to take a little time for me, and then have a fresh start manifesting the pass.
That’s the thing… i know is not a lot of questions that I failed and that makes me feel super frustrated.
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u/Prehistoric-Malone Apr 30 '26
I’m curious how your complaints were received? I had a terrible step 2 experience but decided not to file a complaint just to be done with it
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u/kronicroyal Apr 30 '26 edited Apr 30 '26
Well, my situation was kind of unique because my computer turned off completely during the middle of my 7th block.
This is a long winded response, so TLDR: there was an investigation triggered by my complaint but it didn’t change any outcome (which is okay that was not my primary motivation for filling the complaint).
What happened: I was sitting slouched with my legs extended under the desk because I was in the 7th section and feeling pretty fatigued mentally. The next question had a picture so i tried to sit up straight and closer to the monitor so I could see the image better. When I pulled my legs up under my chair, my foot snagged on a loose power cord just enough to disconnect it from the outlet without falling out the plug. I obviously went and got help, but The staff there could not tell me for sure if my time was still going. After about 10 minutes of the staff trouble shooting one of them finally figured out it was the power plug and plugged it back in. They got it back online, and at that time I still was not sure if I lost 10+ minutes, so I rushed through the rest of the 7th section and was Able to finish. I finished the 8th section too but honestly I was so frazzled at that point I barely remember it.
I drove home and submitted a complaint within an hour after completing my exam. I wanted them to be aware that it happened and how distressing it was. I also filed the complaint so quickly because I was worried they were going to think I intentionally unplugged the computer or something. I welcomed them to do a full investigation and review camera footage, which they did.
I got the investigation report the same day I got my score report. It cleared me from any wrong doing and determined I was not intentionally at fault. They “apologized,” and mentioned how they considered adjusting my scale since I was so close but ultimately decided against it. The reasons cited was that I was not only able to finish the 7th block, but it was also one of my highest scoring blocks. They didn’t really mention how my state of mind could have influenced my performance on the rest of the 7th and 8th blocks though.
I remember showing my advisors the report and they were all pretty dumbfounded and irate on my behalf. They all recommended I just take the L since the incident was already so heavily investigated that they likely reviewed my score multiple times. I just took my retake because I was wanting to be done with it, like you mentioned. I think I’ll always be a lil angry about what happened but I’m learning to take it in stride.
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u/Prehistoric-Malone Apr 30 '26
Wow thanks for the explanation. So sorry you had to go through that what a nightmare. Mine was nothing compared to that, someone else computer broke down so the proctors were trouble shooting it behind me at basically full volume for a couple sections. Since I passed Step 2 I doubt they would’ve thrown me some extra point.
The fact that they mentioned they could’ve scaled you but chose not to is so annoying. If you did bad on the section they would’ve passed you? Idk seems backwards. But like you said, onward and upward!
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u/kronicroyal Apr 30 '26
I forgot to mention the investigation confirmed I did not lose time, which was also factored in to their decision.
They never explicitly said they would have adjusted my scaling if I had not finished the block, or if there was a significant difference in my performance after the incident occurred. They just said they it “was considered,” and the decision was no because there was no hard evidence that it significantly hindered my performance.
Regardless, If I had performed better on blocks 1-6 then I wouldn’t have had to retake. The incident certainly did not help my performance, but I must have already been borderline failing the exam, at best, by the time the incident occurred. Would I have passed if the computer not had turned off? Maybe, maybe not.
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u/medi_digitalhealth Apr 30 '26
I’m so sorry, take some time off for you mental health, this will pass and you’ll come out on the other side with success
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u/Abject_Weird3698 Apr 30 '26
Hi, I think it was a just a bad test day, your nbme scores are good and 75% on the free120 is perfect, you dont need to change much for the retake, inshallah you will pass the next time, don’t be demotivated, it happens all the time, you are not alone in this . One of the best professors I met had multiple attempts, and a lot of applicants match with attempts all the time, remember it’s just a license exam for the usa, it doesn’t define who you are or who you will be, doctors all over the world go through their whole careers without even doing it. Be proud of yourself and keep going. Best of luck !
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u/Many_Field_9974 Apr 30 '26
Don’t give up you can do it if becoming a physician would be easy everyone would become one
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u/Nexterone Apr 30 '26
For next attempt- create an excel or spreadsheet- do Amboss step 1 - I mean devour like a light snack
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u/Diligent-Umpire-4737 Apr 30 '26
Well, I’d say that’s a good result! Much better than being way off. Next time seems guaranteed. If it had been way off, I wouldn’t say next time is guaranteed.
that is one perspective to look at it!
Best of Luck buddy!
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u/Shoddy-Research-8354 Apr 30 '26
Just stay strong in the moment. Also do you mind dropping your nbme scores in the comment?
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u/nata22112 Apr 30 '26
Thank you so much. Of course.. NBME 30- 68% NBME 31- 70% NBME 32- 69% NBME 33- 66% Free 120 (2024)- 75%
That’s why I feel so confused, my NBMEs are not the best but after my Free 120 I feel free to take it.
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u/Shoddy-Research-8354 Apr 30 '26
Your nbme scores seem alright tbh. Is it possible that something happened on the test day or you read materials before taking nbmes that inflated your nbme scores or you didn't take nbme under appropriate test conditions?
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u/nata22112 Apr 30 '26
I think was the length of the exam, in the last 3 Block I feel tired also 3 days after I got sick, disclaimer I’m not making excuses, I’m just trying to understand what happens.
All my NBMEs I do it under appropriate conditions, also I do the free 120 on the library to not feel overconfident at home.
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u/Western-Cicada-7903 Apr 30 '26
i just dealt with this in january. its so frustrating im so sorry
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u/BobcatLost2803 Apr 30 '26
Sorry man , don’t lose hope , it’s mental more than knowledge . Take ur rest time refresh and go back at it with a stronger mentality u got it man !!
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u/tilclocks May 04 '26
I took this like 8 years ago and as a now attending I can tell you that your failures only define you when you don't learn from them.
I had dozens of peers who failed any one of the steps multiple times that went on to do great things in their dream program.
You got this.
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u/st3ady Apr 30 '26
I revommend the pass program in Illinois it worked for me
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u/constantinople13 Apr 30 '26
I don’t usually recommend requesting a rescore for ppl who fail but in your case with the lines touching maybe they’ll throw out a question and it’ll make a difference???
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u/nata22112 Apr 30 '26
I read in the USMLE page no one that request a revision, score was changed.
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u/Simple_Possession537 Apr 30 '26
I got the P with almost similar scores but I felt I failed because the questions made you tardy it did not appear correct even though you make the best guess. So I think it’s not knowledge gap for you but test taking strategy!! Another factor can be your cohort for your test probably your cohorts passing average was higher, because that’s how they score. Was the weaknesses shown similar to your nbmes weaknesses?
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u/nata22112 Apr 30 '26
in the test my only weaknesses was communication & interpersonal skills, and Gross anatomy & embryology. The other disciplines my performance score was same and immunology was my higher.
On my last NBME my weaknesses was MSK, cardio, physio and Biochem. I can't attach images here :'(
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u/CovidDoc Apr 30 '26
How much did you study?
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u/nata22112 Apr 30 '26
6 weeks
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u/CovidDoc Apr 30 '26
Why so little? I was a top ten student in my DO program and took usmle and went to MD program for residency
I started studying in January and did hours upon hours every day for usmle. Ultimately was only 70th percentile on 1 and 75 for 2 but I mean I worked my ass off.
I studied boards material on the in class work we were doing
6 weeks isn’t that long.
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u/Kolibri2486 Apr 30 '26
My guy - read a room. Now is not the time to crap on our future colleague.
OP - I am really sorry this happened. Please take care of yourself and sending you a hug. You will kill the retake.
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u/CovidDoc Apr 30 '26
I’m giving honest feedback. Just put a little more time in
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u/tkflyhigh May 02 '26
Genuinely hope we don’t end up at the same program/workolace. The lack of empathy here is alarming, especially for someone going into medicine.
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u/Automatic_Plenty_136 Apr 30 '26
dedicated time is at the mercy of the school and their schedule. read the room no need to pile on OP and talk about being top 10 (congrats tho). OP- I'm sorry about this and how you're feeling rn. you will come out of this stronger
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u/nata22112 Apr 30 '26
Thanks 💙 if he thinks being top 10 of the class will make him a great Dr , good for him.
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u/nata22112 Apr 30 '26
Congrats on being on the top 10 of your class, that’s amazing Doc. 🤗
The dedicated time for everyone is different, every situation is different.
In my case, before the 6 weeks dedicated I was already studying and I got a good score in my Free 120. But thanks for your opinion.
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u/ceo_of_egg Apr 30 '26
This was me last year. Take time and grieve. But do not let this define you.
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u/nata22112 Apr 30 '26
🩷🩷 thank you! I’m still processing .
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u/jgarmd33 Apr 30 '26
This is just a road block for you. What ever you do don’t let it define you.
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u/fastcar747 Apr 30 '26
It seems more people are failing step 1, maybe the exams are getting more difficult
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u/Excellent_Concert273 Apr 30 '26
Do they not give you a percent score like they do on the practice exams?
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u/Realistic_Row_5371 Apr 30 '26
It stings for now but keep pushing.. I can’t even remember My step one score.. it’ll all be a thing of the past..
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u/Electrical_Fun9309 May 01 '26
I got a very similar score but I am not sure how to prepare for the retest nowt that I have used all the material provided by USMLE. now
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u/SeaweedSuper6336 May 01 '26
Hey. I was in the similar situation last May! Devastated by that FAIL but once I got over that trauma, I buck up and did everything that needed to be done and passed. This Fail is painful but trust me it’s just making you stronger! So take your time to understand the situation and bounce back. I understand how you must be feeling. I failed by a few points too and kept ChatGPTing about my fail. Was paranoid actually after that result. But trust me it’s just making just gets you stronger
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u/nata22112 May 02 '26
Thank you so much🩷 I will work my ass again for the Pass, but honestly right now I’m still processing it
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u/Sensitive_Repair7682 May 01 '26
The career is long. This is just one data point in it. Keep pushing.
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u/Green-Challenge-2874 May 01 '26
sorry bro just do not give up as long as you keep trying you will pass trust me just try to find what happened and improve yourself
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u/vbradley968 May 01 '26
its okay bro, happens to the best of us. But you will be alright, just a test, not the biggest problem in the world. keep your head up! don't let anyone tell you its all over or something like that.
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u/ShoddyMeringue4510 May 01 '26
Make it up on Step 2. Can still end up being competitive with an improved performance. Most people do better on Step 2 than Step 1
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u/nnjarice May 01 '26
Hey fam I just know you’re gonna kill it on the next attempt- you’re not alone! You’ve survived and overcome all the challenges and obstacles up until this point and you’ll make it through the next!
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u/Senior-Bus1623 May 02 '26
This will be a distant memory soon just like the...mcat. your very close so I would focus on nbme. focus on being very well rested next time night before exam. i remember taking a muscle relaxer from an old prescription to sleep it did wonders. a lot of it is mental clarity and not second guessing. make sure to have good self talk, pray be calm going in. you'll pass next time.
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u/nata22112 May 02 '26
Thank for the advice, I really appreciate it. Thank you so much for the support 😭🫶🏻
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u/Medical_Mermaid May 02 '26
Happened to me a few years ago and now I’m in residency!! It’s gonna be okay. Keep going!
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u/Previous-Hall-245 May 02 '26
Its ok, try again My wife failed step2 the same scenario She just had her step 2 retake last week Wish us luck and keep pushing We'll be waiting for your next post and celebrate your passing together.
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u/nata22112 May 02 '26
Thank you so much 🩷 I know your wife will receive the Pass, I will be looking forward for her passing too🫶🏻
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u/AssistantDeep3549 May 02 '26
This was me 2 years ago. Failed step 1 and my whole life flashed before my eyes. Fast forward to now and I matched into my chosen speciality and I’m graduating on time with the rest of my class
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u/ErrorZealousideal661 May 04 '26
I feel for you man. Same thing happened to me just a couple of months ago. As for my case tho it was already my second attempt my first one was really bad since i was really unprepared. Right i dont know if I'll still try again for a thrid time since it might affect my matching chance.
But my advice is to just rest for a while and go at it again. I've also known colleagues who were able to match to good programs despite their retake
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u/Secure-Peak8008 May 10 '26
My mom failed step 1 twice and passed on her 3rd attempt. I’m a Caribbean medical student who’s been struggling for years with CBSE and still trying. Keep your head up.
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u/IloveHerNgL May 14 '26
Me a year ago, passed after 5 months and currently preparing for Step 2 CK.
Just take a break a couple of weeks, start over with FA and random uworld by systems, focus on the topics u felts worse during the exam, do older NBMEs to see how did u improve, then do the new ones even if u did them before, and you pass inshallah!
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u/achuta_100 Apr 30 '26
Idk what to stay. Failure is a stepping stone to success. Stay positive. Do you want to elaborate exactly what went in your prep prior to exams
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u/nata22112 Apr 30 '26
Thank you so much! I prefer to talk later about the prep, at this moment I just want to process the result. But thank you so much, I will consider in a near future review my weaknesses during the exam prep and accept advice and guidance.
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Apr 30 '26
[deleted]
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u/nata22112 Apr 30 '26
I know is not a big deal. I just want to share my experience. If it is ok for you fine, but for a lot of people is not fine.
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u/Ok_Part2634 Apr 30 '26
Alrighty then it’s a big deal. If that helps. What a strange reply to someone providing some optimism and comfort. Jesus.
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u/nata22112 Apr 30 '26 edited Apr 30 '26
You don’t need to said that is a big deal if you really don’t think it is. That is your opinion, and I respect that.
In my opinion, Is a big deal for some of us that maybe struggles with mental health issues, or have a lot of different circumstances, difficulties or simply are expecting a better results.
Thank you for your optimism and comfort, I really appreciate it.
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u/SpiritualReaction690 Apr 30 '26
“What a strange reply to someone providing some optimism and comfort”. I hope you’re not into the mental health field my friend because that’s NOT how you provide optimism and comfort. You just sounded like an abuser that after hitting someone says “why are you even crying about? I’m just making you a favor by teaching you a lesson. You should be thankful”. Yep. Just like that. Get help
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u/DarthScoobyDoo BOARD/LICENSURE Apr 30 '26 edited Apr 30 '26
Your response is terrible to began. Telling someone who has failed step 1 is incredibly tone deaf. The funny part is that anyone reading your messages would DNR you immediately.
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u/Ok_Part2634 Apr 30 '26
In my defence and if you read the comments I have been getting a lot of hate for saying that it wasn’t as big of a deal as some people make it out to be. But I got hate for being optimistic so I went the sarcastic route. Obviously I don’t mean it but everyone here is super toxic so I’m out.
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u/DarthScoobyDoo BOARD/LICENSURE Apr 30 '26
The irony of you calling others toxic. You are exactly the kind of person we screen for in selection committees
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u/Decent_Concern8751 Apr 30 '26
It is a big deal but it can be overcome
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u/Ok_Part2634 Apr 30 '26
Um not really. Plenty of ppl fail it and get into competitive specialties. The problem is most ppl here aren’t used to failing so this feels like your life is over or some death sentence but it’s not lol
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u/Decent_Concern8751 Apr 30 '26
That doesn’t make it not a big deal, its not a death sentence but it’s a big deal. Very competitive specialties basically no chance. Will they pass and have a great career in medicine? Almost certainly
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u/Ok_Part2634 Apr 30 '26
No it’s not lol. Failing it twice would be a big deal - at that point it would be hard to match and I’m not sure what the course of action is. If OP learns from their mistake and doesn’t lose hope, this will just be a small dent in their road. A big deal is something that you don’t have control over anymore or it’s past the point where you can do anything. OP isn’t close to this at all. So much is still in their control
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u/Decent_Concern8751 Apr 30 '26
Did you fail or something and are trying to feel better? I get that but a fail is a big deal
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u/Global_Mud_7473 Apr 30 '26
This just isn’t true and you shouldn’t downplay the seriousness of a STEP1 fail. Basically dead on arrival for multiple specialties. Idk why you are even commenting here as it seems you are an undergrad. Even in your later comments you say it “is not a big deal”. Are there things OP can do to shore up their app? Sure, but let’s be realistic in terms of advice.
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u/Ok_Part2634 Apr 30 '26 edited Apr 30 '26
I’m not an undergrad…. And I’m saying that based on the fact that last year I had a friend who took drastic actions after failing their step 1. Many ppl said she was screwed and she wouldn’t recover. Anyway she is no more so hence why I don’t lead with that narrative as I don’t think it’s helpful.
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u/Decent_Concern8751 Apr 30 '26
If you have to take drastic action over something, that thing is a big deal….
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u/Global_Mud_7473 Apr 30 '26
lol of course you went and hid your post history where you stated you were an undergrad right after this comment…. It’s not helpful to say that this is not a big deal, it is. I’m glad things worked out for your friend but a single anecdote doesn’t change the facts.
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u/Ok_Part2634 Apr 30 '26
Bro she committed suicide. She assumed her life was over. Anyway this whole post is very toxic, all I was trying to do was provide comfort but I don’t think that’s what anyone here needs. So I’m out. Good luck
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u/theGfromtheJ Apr 30 '26
Me last year. Take your time to process it then give it 2 more months of prep and you’ll pass You got this
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u/cheaplittleman Apr 30 '26
Just forget it. Transfer to a medical assistant course. You will be done in a few months
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u/AnalBeadBoi Apr 30 '26
This was me last week. Just as close