My Full USMLE STEP 1 Experience (6 weeks of studying and the aftermath)

Preparing for the STEP 1 exam was one of the hardest things I've done in my life. Although it wasn't pretty at times, I vlogged my entire experience to share with you all and to remind myself how hard I worked. (I HOPE I PASSED!!!)
music: bensound.com

[@susulicious1996]

This is the most genuine, raw, and true usmle vlog I’ve come across.

[@monamokhliss8100]

and the "america revere" one is amazing too

[@moa6081]

Moyasar H. I wish more usmle vlogs were like this

[@zedvle]

I liked America’s better. No shade. Just preference Edit: after watching the whole thing again, I have to give her credit for showing all the ups and downs. Both vlogs are excellent and I definitely respect their hustle. I cannot imagine working on something for 12+ hours everyday for 6 weeks. Thank you for sharing

[@Mimi-ts9tq]

America revere is awwwwsome too.... I have watched that video several times....❤❤❤❤

[@studylive7040]

she inspired me to upload my first year university honest experience

[@teachmeasap2669]

THIS IS AN ACTUAL FOOTAGE OF WHAT A MEDICAL STUDENT GO THRU. A COMPLETE ROLLER COASTER OF EMOTIONS AND MULTIPLE MENTAL BREAKDOWNS BUT ALL WE DO IS GATHER COURAGE AND START AGAIN :) LOADS OF LOVE AND PRAYERS FOR YOU. MAY YOU PASS THE TEST WITH FLYING COLORS AMEN !

[@Leah_Luxxe]

I cried when she was talking about the struggles and how she’s asleep when everyone’s awake and awake when everyone’s asleep. Proud of you Maha !

[@ahmdshhn]

Hard life what we face as medical students after all this hardships We are psycho 😿😿😿

[@RachelSouthard]

Studying for this monster of an exam looks absolutely horrible and terrifying. Thank you so much for taking us along in your studying. Can’t say I’m excited for this step in my journey...but what can ya do🤷‍♀️😩

[@thebandito3856]

Rachel I love your videos!

[@Khan-ip9jk]

This was the most honest vlog I have ever watched. More power to you. Inshallah everything will go well. Ameen.

[@mandywilliam1953]

I’m a silent subscriber, you’re incredible. Thank you for posting this

[@RetroKidd0]

CAN'T BELIEVE YOU WERE FASTING AND STUDYING FOR USMLE?!!!!! YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE....SUPERWOMAN!!! NO MATTER WHAT THE RESULT IS, THAT IS AN INCREDIBLE FEAT!!

[@fa5102]

May Allah SWT bless you and you pass with a score above what you desire. Amen

[@muslimueez]

I'm an IMG and i've been studying for step 1 for about 7 months now. 7-10 hours a day 5/6 days a week. My exams in February and i just now started my second pass of everything. Today I had the exact same breakdown as you @9:36. I was so ready to quit because my uworld percent is barely 60 and i took my first nbme and i barely passed it. But seeing you experiencing the same emotions i had experienced today and that this video showed up in my recommendations on this day of all days, genuinely made me feel like everyone goes through what i am going through. I cannot begin to thank you enough for showing that very difficult moment, and all the subsequent high's and lows. To anyone else who's reading this and is also going through a rough patch of studying, I wanna say that inshAllah it'll get better. God never gives us a challenge that he know's we will not be able to conquer.

[@user-bn1qu5iz2w]

Thank you so much for writing this, God bless you. How was your exam? I hope you did well

[@muslimueez]

@@user-bn1qu5iz2w My exam went well, 239, but i pushed it to march 21st. Covid shut everything down on march 17th and i eventually got a date for july 9th, 4 months later. It was very very rough but alhumdulillah i made it.

[@Halabala305]

Sooner or later when you're a successful smart beautiful looking doctor with her master degree and tons of patients are waiting for their turns to be treated. u will look back on these hard shitty days filled with tears, stress and pain and say one thing : it all lead to this and its worth every tear. If my tears worth saving millions of ppl's lives then damn right it's worth it

[@estebanocon5041]

daliya muala millions?

[@Halabala305]

@@estebanocon5041 yeah cuz one life is worth millions

[@aliciaochoa4275]

Something that my nursing instructor taught me when taking these really hard test that quiz you on literally everything is: it is not about retention but about understanding the content. We all try to memorize everything, and of course some things you have to, but I've found that when it comes to medicine everything is connected. If you learn the concepts and the connections, then when you are taking those test you might be able to use some reasoning and not just rely on memorization alone. In my nursing classes, I've become so desensitized to test and bad grades. It got so bad tours the end of my courses I would only look over the information the day before the test and solely rely on my test-taking skills and luck to pass my test, and I barely did. Through my experiences, I found that what my teacher said to be very much true. When I only tried to memorize all the text and all the key point, I wouldn't do great. When I started thinking more, meditate on what I read, sat down and just thought for some time about what I was learning, visualizing the content, finding the connections to what I already knew, then I started doing better. I understand my nursing classes aren't STEP 1, but I think this method of looking at studying and medicine can help us all.

[@kaisersnewgroove]

You were very strong for posting this and thank you on behalf of everyone who has felt hopeless for an upcoming exam or just any stressful event in life!

[@sherries1223]

On behalf of all test takers, and personally from a new med-schooler, thank you. Bless you. 💜

[@zinkoffanddgohome]

Thank you for sharing your raw and honest experience. It means a lot to someone going through the same thing.

[@abigailvega7306]

I love that you are so real. Everyone is so used to seeing the optimism and happy easy breezy moments. What people also need to see are the moments that you literally feel like you will not get through it. THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS! Its motivating seeing you get through it.

[@cyajohnson9701]

Studying for the MCAT now and this is literally how I’ve been feeling. Can’t even imagine how stressful USMLE is gonna be 😅 (speaking it into existence tho) love how real this blog is b/c the process is never pretty

[@miguelbarrera4383]

Cya Johnson lol I read your comment and thought I was reading my own I just posted the same thing

[@abunusayba1]

😂😂 likewise here mate! Tryna manage full time job family and school and on top of that studying for the mcat! Hope y’all accomplish y’alls dream! Good luck!!

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

Cya Johnson I wish you well. I took the MCATs in 94. They were "only" 5 hours and 45 minutes. Now, they are so much LOOONGER and, with even MORE sections !😫😰 I hope you do well and get into Medical school, Lord willing (insha'Allah)!

[@lizakhan6892]

abdulqadir ali how do you study for mcat I just finished gcses and not sure what I should be doing

[@abunusayba1]

Liza Khan I don’t know what the gcses is but I have Kaplan prep and recently went back to school to complete my science courses and also use that as my study guide.

[@tierramoultrie9322]

Thank you so much for sharing this! It’s so refreshing to see someone be honest about the mental marathon we have to endure because it’s not just content. I feel like so many step (or just med school in general) vlogs gloss over the challenges so when you start struggling you feel inadequate or ungrateful. I start 2nd year tomorrow, and I so appreciate being able to see this viewpoint now. Best of luck to you, Maha! Thanks again for taking us on the journey with you 💕

[@samanthacornejo3924]

you’re such an inspiration and such a beautiful soul! the strength you have is SO motivating! thank you for vlogging the hardest time of your life! it’s appreciated! :”)❤️

[@emilyveith6811]

THANK YOU for posting this vlog. You are such an inspiration. You are absolutely right in saying that by posting this you are letting others know that having these feelings are normal. I am also a terrible test taker and I will definitely be coming back to this video for reassurance when I’m in these positions in the future (hoping I will even get there 🤞🏼). You are going to be an INCREDIBLE doctor 😁

[@roz6074]

Thank you for being so honest and open!! It's so nice to see that you're not sugar coating things or leaving out the bad parts. So appreciated

[@fatmak_af]

I was crying all throughout. Thank you so much for this vlog, it does help knowing that I'm not alone in this.

[@erinororke8645]

I cannot thank you enough for posting this and keeping it so real. You are incredible and you will make an AMAZING doctor!

[@monicapalande8830]

Thank you for posting this! I always see everyone talk about how much they are learning in med school and never talk about how much taking exams like these are so tough and how they make you feel etc. I am thankful to be able to watch a voice like you talk about every part of your journey

[@tamsh16]

Thank you for posting this. I'm starting medical school in a few weeks and to be honest, I'm ecstatic but also very very afraid. Thank you for not hiding how hard this process really is, your honesty is helping me mentally prepare to face this mountain!!

[@ayshak.1043]

This is the most real vlog I’ve watched from a med student and so relatable for everyone too. Thank you for sharing this, you’re so strong 💕

[@nim_19]

It was hard to watch you so upset and defeated but you did it 😭❤️ surviving step seems like an achievement in itself!! I’m glad you showed how crazy it can get damn it’s really not easy. Thanks for being so honest and strong!

[@adjackson68]

You are such an incredible person. I deal with a lot of health issues and I see a lot of doctors and nurses, and I can honestly say, your energy and spirit is what is needed in the medical profession. You are doing all of the right things. Just keep pushing and know that you have people out there rooting for you.

[@anniebhumbla2233]

i teared up so many times during this videos, thank you for documenting such a stressful time. IM SO HAPPY YOU DID WELL

[@katlinwebb4092]

I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you for just opening up and being honest about the realness of medical school. I graduate university this year and I am considering going to medical school; have been my entire life, but seeing how honest you are about BOTH your acheivmnets as well as your struggles is more than helpful its honestly comforting in knowing that you arent the only one and that sometimes you really do just have to let go and let life run its course. I believe in you and your abilities and I would be proud to have you as my doctor. So much love for you!

[@swethaprabhala812]

ahhh so proud of you and this is so inspiring!!

[@esdraspanchamepavon7532]

Have been waiting for this for a while! Congrats on the Engagement!

[@raghadaisameldin9261]

Is she engaged??

[@nma478]

Raghda Isam Yes

[@Wordy95]

I didn't even know she was dating, she's super private

[@tayyibahyussoff5514]

that's amazing how did u find out

[@nma478]

tayyibah yussoff She announced it on her Instagram

[@marissavelazquez5571]

Thank you so much for being so honest! I’m entering 2nd year and I am so anxious, and I’m glad to see how honest you were about your anxiety. It made me feel so much better!

[@Gigi-fj9jv]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for posting this and for keeping it real ❤️ We are all praying for you. You're my inspiration, Maha 😍

[@evelynorusa1802]

Good luck!!! I’m rooting for you on passing! You definitely put in lots work and effort. Thank you so much for sharing!♥️

[@lydia3139]

I really appreciate you posting this. It’s been such an inspiration to watch. I’m taking the UK Med school entry exam in 6 weeks & want to work so hard but am always so terrified of failing. This video has let me know I’m not alone. And I hope you did amazing! 💕

[@eseo6989]

Thank you so much for sharing. This is exactly how I felt when I was studying for the MCATs. Your hardwork will pay off!!!

[@tar4604]

Girl. I feel this on a very deep level as I am in the second week of my dedicated, after having my exam cancelled d/t Corona twice, and seeing it negatively impact my progress, your video reminds me that this journey is full of ups and downs. Just gotta stay focused and trust the process.

[@mennaamin4312]

Thank you so much for opening up and sharing this with us ,this really means a lot ❤

[@hannahsherfinski]

Thank you for sharing your experience! I’m about to start my MD-MPH program this fall. I love how candid your videos are! They give a real perspective about what med school is like :) I hope that STEP turned out well in the end!

[@kinleyshook-chaconmd]

Thank you for being vulnerable and open with your experience.... This added humor to my day during my study period and tells us all that we are not alone. :-)

[@jacquelinemacklin8272]

You're so amazing and strong to post this. Thank you for being so raw, authentic and showing your vulnerability.! So many students experience these feelings too, and it's amazing that you are starting this conversation, i hope many students continue to talk about this and support each other. You're an inspiration to all past and future medical students. Xxoxoxox

[@dr.sakthiganeshsubramonian9161]

Now rest, you warrior! You’ve worked so hard throughout the years. Hard work never goes in vain :) All the very best!

[@fikire4284]

Thank you so much for being honest and sharing your experience with us.I wish you all the best!

[@missswatimahapatra]

I just really appreciate you sharing your experience and congratulations on completing such a difficult process and your engagement! I'm starting my second year in a week, and honestly terrified, but watching you go through this was a helpful reminder that you're not alone.

[@joshvasquez336]

Thank you for being so open I’m currently in step and this vlog made me realize I’m not the only one struggling with the lifestyle of step and all the stress that comes along with it

[@nikkirimlinger1285]

This was so raw and real. I feel for you girl. I will be taking the MCAT next summer and i’m already worrying about it. I get bad test anxiety myself and worry about my mental stability during my years in med school. But i am SO excited and I know this is my path in life so I will push through and hopefully succeed. Wishing you the best of luck. Can’t wait to continue following your journey ❤️

[@elizbethkieffer6887]

Thank you so much for posting this! Going into medical school, I am grateful to hear the good and the bad of it all so I can mentally prepare!

[@faryalminhas]

this was so raw and must've been difficult to post! thank you for sharing this! we all feel like this at one point or another, and this video was really authentic to the experience we feel as students! I wish you the best of luck and hope that your score is what you hoped it would be InshaAllah!!!

[@christinanicole7420]

Thank you so much for posting this. This is pretty much how I felt studying for the MCAT so I really appreciate it, especially for us with test anxiety. Will look back to this video once I start my step 1 prep!

[@taylorw5657]

Thank you so much for posting this. I don't think you really understand how necessary this video is for other students like me! No one ever talks about this side of medical school, so again thank you! I wish you the best, and of course you passed, you're amazing!!

[@nadiakamal7335]

I wish i could hug you right now!!! Thanks for being honest! Will definitely keep you in my prayers

[@nevertheless2024]

Girl, I love how you are so real! Took my mcat around the same time and I was struggling as well. Inshallah khair!

[@thealligator1992]

Thank you for sharing this, Maha! You don't know how much this helped me. This journey is surely hell

[@Ianjoel58]

Literally checking your channel so often just hoping to hear you did as good as you wanted. Prayers go out to you. You worked your hardest and that’s something to be proud of on it’s own. Hope the scores show it too

[@user-mf9in5dd4t]

thank you for being so honest about your feelings

[@Sabreeeena]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. This is deep and raw and so genuine and i'm so glad you got through it! You really inspired me. Keep doing what you're doing.

[@immarockstar333]

Thank you beyond everything for sharing this. I’ve been feeling this way year one medical school and people don’t wanna talk about how hard it is. We are always taking about the good stuff and what we’ve learned so thank you for because everyone feels this way. ❤️

[@respnostress7870]

Hey girl, finally a video I can relate too. I've been studying for the past 7 weeks as well (pushed it 1 week) take it tomorrow and I don't think I've questioned anything more in life. But they say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and I think it is really true. We just need to accept that no score will ever define us but this process is meant to destroy us so you can't let it. Let this be character building not destroying which you obviously did :). Either way I'm really proud of you and there is solitude in knowing that you're not alone in what you're feeling. The hard work you put in will never be accurately reflected on any percentage even of you ended up with a 280. Just keep working hard and trust Allah in knowing that he knows what's best for you even if you can't see it sometimes (only thing keeping me going) !! Year 3's let's get ittttt !

[@user-rz8vp1bd2y]

Thanks for posting and being real through this process. I really appreciate it. I went through a lot of anxiety as well thru it so I can relate to you!

[@qiyamahmuhammad7299]

Thank you so much for sharing, as crazy as this may sound I needed to see this. I needed to know I wasn't the only one who stays up late through out the night, cry and stress through out the day Medical school is such an emotional roller coaster.

[@carolina5971]

Congrats on getting through It and your engagement!!! Happy to see you back on KZbin 😁

[@alanoodasalieh3696]

I can’t relate and I can’t pretend to. But seeing you go through all this pain and stress pains me especially because of how excited you’ve been in med school. Inshallah any other tests you have to go through will go through a better process. We all luv ya

[@Gkaur27]

Currently feeling all these emotions that you felt. Thank you so much for posting such a raw vlog!

[@kisw.7141]

Lex is such an amazing friend!!!! Thank God for your bond

[@mariac.9117]

This blog is so inspiring to me! I am truly thankful that you had made this blog! You got this! Don’t give up! Hope the best happened!

[@jennieelgohari8510]

You’re a human being and this video is so organic! I needed to see this....one Egyptian American girl to another!! You’re amazing and keep pushing

[@mimib7440]

Thank you so much for posting this. I am studying for the Bar exam and am going through the same roller coaster of emotions. But I see that you passed so it was all worth it. I am INSPIRED!

[@coco-ew8zo]

Thank you so much for posting this, as it gives it a realistic view to med school and is super insightful for aspiring med students!

[@livvyy4life]

Thank you for your unbridled honesty in this video!

[@ayadriouech5952]

omg the most emotional video in your chanel but i really love it !! and i have been waiting for it for a loong time ! Btw congradulation for your engagement, i wish you the best

[@evelyngartstein8496]

i really appreciate you sharing your experience and congrats on making it so far!!

[@zaydcartagena3863]

Inshallah you’ll do great on your exam. Sending prayers from Wisconsin!

[@farihatasneem9770]

You are amazing!!! Thank you for showing us your real journey through the process ❤️❤️

[@fatimaghrebi1218]

Thank you for being real with us about how this process is going for you. Inshallah, you pass with your desired marks and take time to destress from all of this.

[@privantikhan9697]

Thank you for being so honest about your experience and showing so much vulnerability

[@fibonacci5957]

What a crazy journey.. I’m so proud of you Maha. What a warrior, no matter the results!! ❤️❤️

[@dianao500]

I just took Step in April and GIRL this is so similar to how I felt. I wish more people talked about how mentally taxing it all really is. All I heard before was "you'll be fine". I wish more people said "you'll be fine, but it won't be easy to get there". I hope everything went well for you!

[@sandrameesala6804]

This was so helpful! My USMLE practice test didn't go well either and I was crushed and felt like a failure! Thank you so much for posting this!

[@Fearless634]

😭thank you for posting this video. My MCAT is also in 6 weeks and I’m lowkey freaking out and overwhelmed. Thank you for showing that this is normal. I pray you get your target score on step!!

[@rafaellalitvin3609]

Maha, this is really important. You were so brave to film and post this video. I'm sure it will help a lot of people struggling while preparing for the Steps, or really just any of these life-defining, mind-numbing, soul-breaking exams we keep having to take. As an IMG I always thought American med students wouldn't struggle as much as we do when studying for the Steps and it was really eyeopening to see that we all freak out the same. I'm wishing you the best with your scores and the rest of your time as a student. Don't let them bring you down! Medicine is an amazing profession, even if the system keeps trying to make it less than. And it's about much more than what you memorize or fail to for the exams. You're going to be a great physician, this is just something we all have to, unfortunately, get through. Sending you all the positive energy from Brazil :)

[@maiarahmed2669]

You've got this Maha. You inspire all of us to work our butts off for what we love. Making dua that you pass. Inshallah Allah will ease your stress. Your hard work doesn't go unnoticed by him. We love you!

[@sarahyaqoob970]

Thanks for being so real in this video, appreciated a lot! May Allah SWT ease your struggles and give you the best of results In Sha Allah, and Congratulations on your engagment habibti!

[@khadijakasmani1077]

Loved this video and really shows the grow that medical professionals have to overcome! Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@antrelle7480]

Aww Maha, I haven't met you but you are absolutely amazing. You wouldn't be there if you weren't capable. Thank you for being so open and sharing your experience. A lot of people post step 1 videos but they always just vlog once they've made it out on the other side. I really hope you got your goal score!

[@dzire1]

I thought I was the only one that went through this. Thank you for sharing your REAL journey. Hard times pass and one day it will be worth it 💛

[@abod505site]

THIS IS THE MOST TRUE VLOG I EVER SAW keep it up , I wish you the best in your life you will be a great doctor

[@axa4483]

Hey, I’m praying for you girl. In sha Allah everything will go well and don’t give up you got this.

[@Emma-de9if]

I'm grateful that you shared it! Mine is next week and watching this motivated me a lot, thank you so much ❤❤❤

[@JayThePancake]

You're an inspiration! Thank you VERY MUCH for posting this... Seriously!

[@mariananorori9610]

I'm truly thankfuk you decided to upload this vid. This is the kind of encourage I needed, thank you thank you thank you, I hope and I'm sure you ace that exam. love you

[@sanaa.2195]

Hi Maha! Thankyou for sharing this experience. I just finished my fourth year in med school (still two to go than another one to prepare for a fina exam). This year has been the toughest, while fasting, sitting on my chair 24/7. It's hard I know. Feeling lonely and the sensation of losing the best years of mi life. The panic attack thing is soo real, I felt nervous and anxious all the time, it sucks. Stay strong! Inshallah we will be doctor's in a couple of years!!!

[@victorogbolu4112]

This is emotional real behind the scenes stuff. They only tell you about the success story they never tell you about what they went through to get there congratulations on this milestone

[@alyssagonzalez2513]

This video got me. I took the mcat this summer and felt very similar to you while I was preparing. I know it's no USMLE but it made me feel better knowing there are plenty of intelligent people who go through the same emotions. Thank you for sharing :)

[@himibegum1961]

Thank you for sharing this experience with us and keeping it real! Stay strong, sending you lots of love. 💗

[@chelsealerae6654]

Love from Trinidad! As a first year med student i appreciate you showing both the ups and downs of medical school. Gives me something to relate to. Also you put in the work you deserve to reap the benefits!!

[@monavejdani5046]

Wow to all the emotions you are feeling and the emotions that have been passed me to. YOU ARE SO UNBELIEVABLY AMAZING!!!!! Believe in yourself and you CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🙏🙌

[@tulsi4631]

This was one of the most helpful videos I’ve seen on this entire platform. From the bottom of my heart, one bad test taker to another, thank you so much.

[@rose360x1]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I’m about to start my second year of med school and I’m already freaked about STEP 1.

[@aliyahkhan4917]

Not in the medical field myself, but still watch for motivation! Insha’Allah you got this girl♥️👏🏻

[@karimwilson144]

Very courageous of you to share this. Very insightful and informative. Shares the different aspects of USMLE we're not used to discuss. Best of luck in your future. Thank you!