USMLE STEP 3 TIPS:

Days have gone where you just need a passing score on Step 3. Now, time has come where some programs are looking at the Step 3 scores too. There are some programs which kept a cut off score of 85 percentile during the 2010 match season. Step 3 is administered over two days. First day you will get multiple choice questions. Second day you will get 4 blocks of multiple choice questions, each lasting for 45 minutes and the CCS questions.

STUDY MATERIAL:

Procure the updated and latest versions of the study material.
Kaplan notes for Step 2 Ck are more commonly used by IMGs to prepare for Step3. Some also use Step 3 material. Few physicians use other board review courses to prepare for Step 3.
IMGs subscribe USMLEWORLD Q bank for step 3 while others use Kaplan question banks to prepare for their tests.
IMGs use Saher CD's and USMLEWORLD CCS cases to prepare for the CCS part of the Step 3 exam.
Some IMGs use CRUSH step 3 to revise the step 3 syllabus quickly, as its contents are very concise.
Some IMGs are doing questions on MKSAP to improve their scores.

TO GET HIGH PERCENTILES:

Approximately 2-3 months of dedicated preparation is required for Step 3.
Doing clinical rotations at a teaching hospital in the United States before taking Step 3 exam will have a positive impact on the score.
Read CK and Step 3 material.
Revise the entire syllabus at least 3 times.
Review all the questions you failed to answer correctly on your first attempt. Also, try to figure out why did you make that mistake?
Review all the questions with audiovisual slides in your question banks few days before taking your test.
It is always a good idea to make a self assessment with some practice tests 2 weeks before taking your exam.

PRACTICE TESTS:

Doctors choose different practice tests like NBME, USMLEWORLD, KAPLAN, etc. Some physicians even take a simulated practice exam at the prometric centre few days before their exam to get acquainted with the test centre accommodations and soft ware. Practice tests improve your test taking skills and time management.

If you score well/ high on the practice tests then revise the entire syllabus and take your test in 2-3 weeks. If you are not comfortable with your practice test scores:
Never be in a hurry/ rush to take main exam if your scores on the practice tests are low.
Take time; re-analyze your weaknesses and strengths, figure out the areas where you are not comfortable and prepare a plan to rectify your mistakes and improve on your strengths.
It's always a good idea to take at least a month to correct all the deficiencies before taking another practice exam. When you take some time to prepare and consolidate all the content after a poor performance on an initial practice tests, your scores on the next practice test improves. That's the positive sign.
Be honest with your efforts to see the difference in the results. Good scores on your practice tests make you feel confident, comfortable while taking the main exam, which further enhances your performance.

DAY BEFORE EXAM:

Remember that you worked hard and you will achieve what you want.

Get all the necessary documents to be taken to the test centre ready. Valid photo ID card, Scheduling permit and the Prometric confirmation notice are very important documents to be carried by each examinee to the test center.
Pack some food to be carried to the test center as it is going to be a day long exam.
Be calm and peaceful. Don't worry about the exam.
Eat regular diet and go to bed at regular time. Don't try to go to bed too early or too late.
Have a bath with warm water before going to bed. Drinking warm milk before going to bed helps with your sleep too.

ON THE DAY OF EXAM:

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Take breaks at regular intervals and try to be as calm and composed as possible.
If you really had a difficult block take a few minutes of break time, munch and drink something which you have carried to the test center, relax and refresh your self before starting the next block.
Each CCS question is allotted 25minutes. Some times the CCS questions close earlier than the time allotted if you type in all the right orders. Don't get panicky.
While dealing with CCS try to think of differentials, order the necessary diagnostic and routine investigations depending on the hospital setting.
Visualize as if you are treating a real patient.
Don't forget to address preventive health services like immunization, regular health check ups, Pap smear, Diabetes and hypertension care, dietary changes and supplements if necessary and other safety precautions depending on the individual patient needs.
You can take break between each CCS case. If you come across a difficult case just take a break and relax before starting the next case.
Always keep an eye on the break time. If your break time exceeds than allowed, it's going to reduce the test time.
If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask the proctors at the test center.
At the end of the first day, don't forget to collect your Scheduling permit from the test center staff as you need it for the second day of the exam.

NOTE: Check for the updates regarding any changes about exam pattern, eligibility requirements, syllabus, rules and regulations for test taking regularly at www.usmle.org