So I got my scheduling permit for Step 1. 
Now I have to put my money where my mouth is when it comes to picking a date to take the exam. This is a decision that I rationally understand is actually not that big of a deal, but the whole strategy aspect of it is one of those things that you can go round and round with forever. (And I have, pretty much, with my friends.)
If I chose to take my test on the last day before third year begins, I would have slightly over seven weeks after my last final to study and prepare. I know a large number of my classmates who are taking this approach, and more power to them, but I don’t think that it would work for me. I think it’s all about knowing yourself, your strengths, and your weaknesses. I have often been told that procrastination is my middle name, and it’s sadly true. I think that if I gave myself seven weeks I’d waste about half of that time. I also think that if I go from Step 1 directly to third year without passing go and collecting two hundred dollars, I might possibly end up in jail. Because I’d probably explode, and there’s likely some sort of law against that.
So, clearly, for multiple reasons, I need some time between the exam and the start of third year. But how much?
My initial instinct was to shave 14 days off. That’s five weeks for studying, two for relaxation, and it seems pretty balanced to me. This was, however, before I started this semester of classes, back in those halcyon days when I mistakenly thought that I might have a spare moment for boards studying during the semester. Ah, the folly of youth. Also, when I told people that this was my plan, they looked at me as if I was utterly nuts. (Usually, they look at me as if I am completely crazy, so you can see that this was an upgrade.)
So, perhaps one week off? It seems so short and unsatisfactory. I’d actually like to go somewhere, and spend some time there, and this doesn’t seem adequate (I haven’t taken a real vacation since school started). Also, 6 weeks of studying still seems pretty procrastination-prone.
So now I’m not sure. My gut is still telling me to go with the 5/2 plan, but I’m questioning my sanity. I need to make this decision soon, though, in order to be able to schedule the appointment.
Hmmmmmmmmmmm.
