Because I am now in the Spring class, it’s a lot less crazy of a timeline. I finished Step 1 early March, scores are released 3 weeks after on a Wednesday and since then, all I’ve needed to do was complete some pre clinical assignments and wait aka try to enjoy life for once.
I was placed in the St. Barnabas, Beth Israel, Bergen Regional – rotation so I get to stay in North Jersey and we start June 6. That means from my step date, I’ll pretty much have about 3 months off. Unfortunately they didn’t give us our starting date until early May so it was hard to plan anything significant over the 3 months but you can probably still squeeze in a vacation or two.
I started buying a few books and things like shorter white coats and scrubs and such on Amazon because you can do that in America.
Hey, I was wondering if you could give a solid timeline of how things work at SGU?
I am confused over how many ‘terms’ there are? I thought it was just 2 years with a total of 4 terms? The rest, you spend state-side.
Also, what do students do between their first and second years? Is it possible to do some sort of observership or research under a doctor? Or do most people just take a nice vacation?
When do people normally take the Steps? and USMLE?
Sorry for all the questions!
Hey Tom,
Fall terms are early Aug – mid Dec.
Spring terms are mid Jan – mid May
Summer term is the 6 weeks before your second Fall term
In terms of what is/will be covered you can find that here: http://www.sgu.kevin-ly.com/2016/04/07/sgu-curriculum-changes-for-fall-2016-2/
There is an insignificant amount of time between 1st and 2nd year so just take it as a break and time with the family and friends at home. You can probably do something very short term but it’s very difficult to do since you have maybe 4 weeks.
If you start in the August class, you’ll take Step 1 sometime between June-Aug of your second year. If you start in the January class, you’ll take it between Jan-Mar of your second year.
Hey I love your blog so much! Can you please post more about clinicals?? I don’t know much about it. And I don’t know who to ask
Hey!! How is Beth Israel? I’m nearing the end of term 4 (finals on thursday) and by the Grace of God I’ll be a term 5 🙂
I’m interested in that hospital but know nothing about it please give some details
Newark Beth Israel is a great teaching hospital. Diverse population of patients with very unique pathologies that make things very interesting as a student. They are also very open to students being there and even most patients are willing to have you join in on their care. The same can’t be said about some of the other hospitals where patients do not want students involved.