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<b>Dear Students,</b></div>
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Welcome to the <i>official</i> start of your dedicated Step 1 study period! We know each of you is on your own individual timeline—some of you may have already begun studying, while others may still be wrapping up coursework or personal commitments. Wherever
you are in the process, we want to remind you that <b>we are here to help</b>.</div>
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Beginning today, we will start posting updates and information to the <b>Medical Board Prep Brightspace</b> page. A few important notes as you get started:</div>
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<b>Your Brightspace Prep Page</b></div>
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This will serve as your <b>one-stop shop</b> for all Step 1 preparation information. You’ll find:</div>
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Modules with key resources and study tools</li><li style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 20px;">
Past presentations and important handouts</li><li style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 20px;">
A section dedicated to delays and related guidance</li><li style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 20px;">
Ongoing updates and timely messages about preparation</li></ul>
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<b>Tracking Your Progress</b></div>
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We will ask you to upload your progress throughout your study period.<br>
There are dedicated upload spots for your assessment results—<i>please use them!</i><br>
This information helps us support you more effectively, and it also informs how we advise future students.</div>
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<b>Weekly Updates</b></div>
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We’ll be posting <b>weekly‑ish updates</b> with tips, reminders, and information based on what we’re seeing and hearing in real time. We started this <b><i><u>"Step 1 Prep-Talk"</u></i></b> last year, and it became a helpful way to share relevant guidance quickly.</div>
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<b>Additional Features Coming Soon</b></div>
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As the semester continues, you’ll see even more added to the page, including:</div>
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An <b>anonymous discussion board</b> for questions and shared student insights</li><li style="font-family: Aptos, Aptos_EmbeddedFont, Aptos_MSFontService, Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 20px;">
An option for a <b>digital check‑in</b> beginning in a few weeks</li></ul>
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In short: <b>check this Brightspace page often!</b></div>
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<b>Most Important Message</b></div>
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Please reach out if you have <i>any</i> questions about your preparation, timeline, or readiness.<br>
You do <b>not</b> need to navigate this alone.</div>
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<b>Kickoff & Drop‑In Hours</b></div>
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If you’re on campus, we’ll be holding a kickoff with snacks and helpful resources tomorrow, <b>Tuesday, 1/6 from 2-330 in the Admissions Conference Room (WSK 1219) .</b><br>
Our usual <b>Thursday Drop‑In Hours </b>start this week. These will typically be from 2-3pm weekly although this week’s schedule has shifted slightly due to a prior commitment. I'll be open from 10-11am instead in my office (with snacks!).</div>
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We’re excited to support you throughout this journey—one step (no pun intended!) at a time.</div>
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Warmly,<br>
<b>MaryAnn & Dr Maimone</b></div>
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Mary Ann A. Grandinetta</p>
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Director, COM Educational and Career Success</p>
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*My pronouns: She/Her</p>
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SUNY Upstate Medical University</p>
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766 Irving Avenue</p>
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Syracuse, NY 13210</p>
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315-464-8851</p>
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<span style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);"><u><a style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" href="mailto:GrandinM@upstate.edu">GrandinM@upstate.edu</a></u></span></p>
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<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><u><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/DirctorofCOMEducationalandCareerSuccess@upstate.edu/bookings/__;!!GobTDDpD7A!IaRALTM7NBA76FsL1fUv0y4W8WkWXmuZDM_rDXdrnbQq3viz7ZdOpZT8QXETn-w1drS5yWh-ILhreCkorkrd4cwd7IRy5Q$"><img style="width: 187px; height: 66px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" height="66" width="187" data-outlook-trace="F:1|T:1" src="cid:cdb795d8-9539-4ce9-a6a5-58569aa5a68e"></a></u></span></p>
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*Adding pronouns to an email signature is one way of showing support for transgender and gender nonconforming students, friends and colleagues. Pronouns should be asked, not assumed!</p>
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