Studying for the USMLE Step 1

Let’s talk about the Step 1 USMLE examination: Ugh! I know how dreading the idea of taking this exam can be and how stressful. Trust me, I was just in your shoes. But, let me also tell you that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and YOU. ARE. CAPABLE. Let’s dive in. Which resources to use? This is very subjective. Something that works for one might not work for another person but, let me give you a list of a few and I will also tell you which ones I personally used.

• uWorld

• First Aid USMLE Step 1

• Sketchy Micro/Pharm

• Pathoma and/or Goljan Audio Path

• Divine Intervention Podcast ​ During my Step 1 studying, I personally used too many resources and I will also explain how I changed my studying for Step 2 and how I recommend the latter way of studying over my former BUT, this still permitted me to pass the exam so here we go. I used all of the above resources EXCEPT Divine Intervention Podcast and frankly, that’s probably the one I SHOULD have been using (which I did for Step 2 CK and got me a 25-point increase from Step 1).

How to use these resources: I believe that having a set plan for your day is the way to go. You don’t need to stress yourself out with trying to check boxes each day but, you should have an idea of what you would like to get through and do your best to properly study those.

1. uWorld: During Step 1, I tried doing a minimum of 40 questions each day (which I did NOT do during Step 2CK – See my Step 2 CK study page for more information on that). I would attempt at trying to do all these questions and then spend part of that day and the following reviewing them thoroughly. I am not the type of test-taker that struggles with time therefore, I did not time myself. If you do struggle with that, I would recommend timing yourself every other day or every few days to work on that, it is important.

2. First Aid USMLE Step 1: I started using this during my third semester of basic sciences. If you have NOT started doing this, that is ok. No panic mode here. I had made a list of all the subjects (Cardio, GI, Heme, etc) in order of my weakest to my strongest subject. When making my schedule, I would go by subject and read a few pages from that subject that day. I started that way because I knew that getting closer to the exam, I would feel more pressed for time and maybe not study those as well if I kept them last. This way, the ones I was comfortable with were last to read and felt much easier/less pressure to learn anything new. I typically took notes directly into the book so I could have it all in one place. Finally, when I would do my uWorld questions and would review, I would go back in the book as well permitting me to see the same information more than once.

3. Sketchy Micro/Pharm: I SWEAR BY THIS RESOURCE! I know that it is a hit-or-miss situation but, even now, being in residency, I remember drugs and bugs because of this resource. It is a great resource for my visual learners out there. I would recommend going from the beginning and make sure you are putting all your attention into the video when watching. Don’t try to multitask otherwise, it will not work. You can eat and simple things like that but, I would not try to vacuum the house while watching these videos if you know what I mean.

4. Pathoma/Goljan: Most people swear by Pathoma! I did use it initially but soon realized that nothing was sticking by using this resource therefore, I shifted toward Goljan and MY! The difference for me. I think it is important for you to try and see which works. If you see something does not work, change it. That’s my best advice. For Goljan, I used blank pieces of paper and basically made my own mini textbook. I would listen and take notes. The subject/answers I really didn’t know, I would spend more time and write more notes on it to fully understand it.

Lastly, how long to study!? I spent a total of 8 weeks of dedicated study time. I think that 8 weeks is too long. My last week, I felt extremely burnt out from so many hours of studying daily. During step 2, I did 6 weeks and I thought it was the perfect amount of time. It is up to you and how you feel obviously but, this is what I would recommend! ​ You got this! Don't hesitate to reach out. You can also check out my tutoring plans and/or USMLE Schedules for more help!