USMLE Forums banner

Any Advice for a Newbie

2K views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  46879 
#1 ·
I've just started to study for usmle step 1 , any advice for me pls?
Best Regards
 
#2 ·
1) take your time. but not more than 7 month. max 8 and go in order like this
2) Kaplan lecture note, and video first
3) NBME 13
4) Usmle world, tutor paced tie paced, when done
5) UW self ass, 1
6) FA read and cross read with wrong info on UW.
7) UWSA 2 - FA for wrong
8) NBME 15 , see where you lack read FA and UW section on it.
9) FA cover to cover
10) NBME 11 - use UW and FA for section you are weak
11) NBME 12 - FA only for weak
12) NBME 7 - UW and FA now for weak spot

pace out NBME every 10 days.

when you hit 250+ on NBME take the exam you will get over 250 for sure.
 
#4 ·
Thank you very much Dr Shima

1) take your time. but not more than 7 month. max 8 and go in order like this
2) Kaplan lecture note, and video first
3) NBME 13
4) Usmle world, tutor paced tie paced, when done
5) UW self ass, 1
6) FA read and cross read with wrong info on UW.
7) UWSA 2 - FA for wrong
8) NBME 15 , see where you lack read FA and UW section on it.
9) FA cover to cover
10) NBME 11 - use UW and FA for section you are weak
11) NBME 12 - FA only for weak
12) NBME 7 - UW and FA now for weak spot

pace out NBME every 10 days.

when you hit 250+ on NBME take the exam you will get over 250 for sure.
Thank you so much I will follow directions as u mentioned , I will inform you my progress :)
 
#3 ·
Start out with kaplan videos and lectures, get to understand general concepts and principles and identify high yield subjects.
Use FirstAid to review those high yield subjects and as a memorizing tool.

Use Uworld Qbanks to practice what you have been reading and studying. After first read take some self assessment tests like UWorld SA or an NBME to see where you are at. That will help you identify your weak spots. Then go on with your second read of Kaplan and/or FA and start doing more questions. You can also strengthen your concepts with Goljan or other books.

When you are 2-3 months from your exam, do more questions, you can either repeat your UWorld qbank or get another good question bank like USMLERx (from the FirstAid guys). In that period you are supposed to know most of the subjects and high yield stuff, and start practicing test taking skills, like timing, so you have to do a TON of questions.

You should prepare for 6-12 months. Sometimes it can take more than what the average student takes, depending on your studying schedule, work hours, or other factors. Im taking some 10-12 months for example, it also depends how much has passed since you were a medical student and saw basic science concepts. As an IMG I barely skimmed through most of those basic sciences concepts 4-5 years ago, and in a different language, while most US graduates would take the STEP1 just after doing basic science courses in their school, and with a focus on what the STEP1 tests.

In my opinion, knowing how to take the test is a big factor, learn the type of questions, how to read them, how to identify the buzz words, how to go for your hunch, how to time your test etc. That is all done after you have studied all of the concepts, and during the last weeks of your preparation.
 
#5 ·
Thank you

Start out with kaplan videos and lectures, get to understand general concepts and principles and identify high yield subjects.
Use FirstAid to review those high yield subjects and as a memorizing tool.

Use Uworld Qbanks to practice what you have been reading and studying. After first read take some self assessment tests like UWorld SA or an NBME to see where you are at. That will help you identify your weak spots. Then go on with your second read of Kaplan and/or FA and start doing more questions. You can also strengthen your concepts with Goljan or other books.

When you are 2-3 months from your exam, do more questions, you can either repeat your UWorld qbank or get another good question bank like USMLERx (from the FirstAid guys). In that period you are supposed to know most of the subjects and high yield stuff, and start practicing test taking skills, like timing, so you have to do a TON of questions.

You should prepare for 6-12 months. Sometimes it can take more than what the average student takes, depending on your studying schedule, work hours, or other factors. Im taking some 10-12 months for example, it also depends how much has passed since you were a medical student and saw basic science concepts. As an IMG I barely skimmed through most of those basic sciences concepts 4-5 years ago, and in a different language, while most US graduates would take the STEP1 just after doing basic science courses in their school, and with a focus on what the STEP1 tests.

In my opinion, knowing how to take the test is a big factor, learn the type of questions, how to read them, how to identify the buzz words, how to go for your hunch, how to time your test etc. That is all done after you have studied all of the concepts, and during the last weeks of your preparation.
Thank you so much for ur advices , I have stress at the moment , it's a very big deal , I'll try to do as good as I can , I bought kaplan and FA and I'm going to start the first read :cool: I set my goal on 260 to achieve at least 250+ .
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top