USMLE is considered the gateway to practice medicine in the US. Being one of the most targeted exams in the medical field, it is taken by US nationals as well as international students.
The exam comprises 3 steps. Step 1 exam tests student’s conceptual knowledge of basic science. Passing it will take students to Step 2, which assesses students’ aptitude in clinical science and basic patient-centered skills. USMLE Step 2 preparation is necessary to get through it and appear for the next and last step. Step 3 tests the student’s understanding of biomedical and clinical science. Passing all steps makes the candidate eligible for a license to work as a doctor in the US.
The international student appearing for the imminent step of the exam needs to plan their travel to avoid hampers on the eleventh hour.
8 Travel Tips for International Students Going to Appear in USMLE
Every step of USMLE is crucial for medical students to make the dream come true. As preparing to appear for the exam is as important as preparing for the exam, it brings the pressing need for international students to prepare for traveling to the US to take the exam. Though USA travel guides are available, they must be supplemented with some tips when taking an exam in the US.
To prepare for taking the exam, here is a roadmap for the international students appearing for the USMLE.
- Arrival and Departure Should be Planned First – The first and most crucial step in the sequence is to have a plan for the arrival and departure from the US. This broad aspect includes certain minor points such as how to travel from the airport to the state where the exam is scheduled, how to travel to your accommodation, and the processes and plans to return to your country. Get them into a listicle and plan them accordingly.
- Ensure Visa Formalities are Completed – Visa formalities are an indispensable part of the travel to the US. Out of all visa options, F-1 visas and J-1 visas suit best for students. Although both are structured to meet the needs of immigrant students, they differ in the purpose of immigration to the US. While an F-1 visa is for students involved in full-time studies in US schools and universities, a J-1 visa is for students who migrated for any educational or cultural exchange programs. After deciding on the type of visa you want to go with, be prompt in filling out the DS-160 form. Then go with the scheduling of the interview, paying fees, and attending the interview.
- Arrange Your Accommodation – The stay before and after the exam is also a vital step in this process. It should be closer to the test center to cut down the travel time from and to the center. The candidates can consider university accommodation, homestays, or any rental accommodation option such as hotels. Some colleges provide University housing facilities for immigrant students. Here candidates can interact with other candidates and get a group of like-minded students. While homestay with the families of some known people will be economical and safer and will also be helpful in emergencies. The last option to stay in rental accommodation can be planned using online portals and apps.
- Visit for Your Test Center – As per the exam guidelines, the candidates should reach the exam center 30 minutes before the commencement of the exam, failing which the candidature will be canceled. So, having a proper insight into the exam center a few days before the exam is necessary to avoid last minute rush.
- Understand the Immigration Requirements – For a hassle-free stay in the US, make sure your visa type complies with your purpose of stay, the documents are up to date, and get thorough with the immigration requirements. Here the “National Embassies” will work as a potent advisor to dictate Dos and Don’ts. Being familiar with immigration provisions will mitigate the hassles in your stay.
- Keep the Needed Material for the Exam Ready – The scheduling permit, identity proof, etc should be kept ready before traveling. As per the USMLE guidelines, the accepted documents for the exam are a Passport, Driving license with photograph, National Identity Card, and any other form of unexpired, government-issued identification. The scheduling permit for the exam can be either produced in printed form or electronically via smartphone. Keep the documents ready beforehand.
- Keep Contact Details of Significant Liaisons – Try arranging the contact details of any family member, friend, or known person residing around your stay. If possible, inform them about your arrival and the purpose of your stay. If no such contact is available, arrange the contact details of your National Embassy. In emergencies, such as losing any document, any medical emergency, or there appears a need for any directions during the stay, these contacts will work as a guide.
- Keep Notes and Study Material Beforehand – The travel time and the stay at your temporary accommodation need to be utilized effectively. Keep your crisp and concise notes consolidated and revise them as much as possible. If the notes are in digital form, keep your tablet or laptop with you and use them productively during your journey and stay.
The above key point supplements the safety tips for US trips to simplify the travel and stay.
Conclusion
As commonly said “Preparing for the best is best for preparing”, the above key tips will help international students in making their travel plans for USMLE.
The exam time pressure may crop up the anxiety level. Hence it is advisable to have good sleep and eat well during the stay to keep the mind calm and composed. If possible, get in contact with other aspirants appearing for the USMLE to have good companionship with like-minded candidates.
The aspirant will get the tentative dates of the exam from the student’s community. Try aligning your exam preparation and travel arrangements with it and gear up when the schedule permits for the exam is released.
Concluding with the words of Zig Zigler (Famous American Author) “Expect the best: Prepare for the worst, Capitalize on what comes”.
