You feel great about and fully dedicated to your plan to take the USMLE Step 1 without attending a formal prep course. That is, until Day 1, when terror sets in:
“Where do I even start on Earth?”
Although studying with a friend has partly comforted you, you are desperate for someone to just tell you, “This is what you have to do right now to ace the Step 1 test,” since your study partner is equally as nervous as you are.
Here’s where your tutor for the USMLE comes in. I’ve worked with study buddies and tutors in the past, so I can assure you that, even though it’s not obvious now, you’ll quickly see why your tutor is a crucial member of your study team.
In keeping with the value of one-on-one instruction that we previously outlined, you and your USMLE tutoring would create a customized study regimen. It is important to keep in mind that while perusing the readily available internet study resources, they take a broad approach and may not be equally beneficial to all candidates. If you decide to work with an experienced tutor, they will create a study plan and resources specifically customized to meet your needs. The customized timetable is designed to address any conceptual difficulties you may have in certain areas so you may study for the test more effectively and without feeling overburdened.
5 Ways a Study Buddy and a USMLE Tutor Differ:
1. Your tutor is a neutral party
If you’ve spent any time with your medical school colleagues, you’re probably well acquainted with the constant barrage of success advice that comes from EVERYONE. But as you may have seen, a lot of people give advice just to justify their OWN techniques.
The biggest worry for a medical student is that they have overlooked an important opportunity that would have elevated them to the status of academic superstars. When you mention Goljan to a buddy, he says, “Well, I’ve heard that all you need to know is in FIRST AID.” It’s likely that he’s just telling himself excuses for not using your resource yet.
Eventually, a study partner will undoubtedly do this, but your tutor won’t. Recall that your tutor has passed the test and is offering advise that is free from any exam-related fears. Therefore, before you stop utilizing Goljan due to your friend’s well-intentioned advice, discuss this with your teacher to determine the resource’s usefulness in relation to YOUR study needs.
2. Your tutor is experienced in this, and EXCELLENT
Three categories of individuals may be able to assist you in completing the USMLE Step 1 study guide: A study partner who will take it at the same time as you, a friend who just completed it, and a tutor—someone who has successfully completed the test and assisted hundreds of other students in doing the same—are the three people who can help you succeed.
Your teacher has not only passed the test the first time around with remarkable results, but he or she has also studied for Step 1 with numerous other students and has probably gained knowledge from their experiences as well. From their own experiences, tutors know what makes a successful student, and with every USMLE Step 1 cycle that they pass, they continue to hone these tactics.
It is preferable to take your tutor’s advice to heart when you are genuinely unclear about your study strategy and to listen to your friend’s advice.
3. You set the timetable for your tutor.
A study partner may be a great resource for exchanging ideas and solidifying knowledge. Sadly, though, your friend is also cramming for this test and may not always have the time to patiently explain a complex idea to you, but your tutor will. As a matter of fact, having a personal tutor has the advantage that you decide the schedule, the goals, and the speed. Your tutor will ensure that you don’t move on before you’re ready, no matter how long it takes.
4. Your tutor doesn’t need your help in school or emotionally.
You will become the most self-centered version of yourself after completing Step 1, and it won’t be nice. You want to talk about nothing else except this test; it’s the most significant test you will ever take. Fortunately for you, your study partner is only interested in talking about Step 1! However, he wants to discuss HIS challenges, therefore you have to give your friend a chance to vent if you want your friendship to endure.
It is entirely your focus when you meet with your tutor. How fantastic is that? You’ll likely never have a relationship this low-maintenance yet fruitful, and you’ll look forward to this “selfish” period of time the whole way!
5. Your tutor’s sole objective is to assist you in realizing your full potential.
During your USMLE preparation, your study partner will come in extremely handy. Your friend will support you during this difficult period, help you stay focused, and maybe even give you a social outlet that you wouldn’t otherwise have.
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If you’re excellent study partners, you’ve already talked about how, in the end, you each have to do what’s best for yourselves to perform to the best of your abilities on this test. But it may be really difficult when your hobbies don’t match and you’re in dire need of help! Nothing is lost at this very time. Your tutor is someone whose objectives ALWAYS coincide with your own.
The goal that unites you both is to make sure that you keep getting better and do your best in this test. This will serve as a priceless support system for you starting now and continuing until the day you call your tutor to celebrate reaching your goal and sharing your score with them. We believe your tutor will surely provide you with all the guidance, tips and tricks that will definitely help you cope with the USMLE exam.
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