USMLE Step 1 Study Plan

Kelsey Richardson MSIIIklrichar@usc.eduLouis Hirsch MSIIIlhirsch@usc.edu

Overview

• Week 0: Spring break (rest and have fun)

• Weeks 1-7: ICS class + first aid

• Week 8: Study for the cumulative (ICS)

• Weeks 9-12: Practice Q’s and review of everything

FYI: Most people take the exam 2-6 weeks following the cumulative

Study PlanWeek 1 Neuro, MSK

Week 2 Biochem, genetics, path

Week 3 Endocrine, repro

Week 4 Heme/immuno, embryology, gross anatomy

Week 5 Cardio, respiratory

Week 6 Renal, behavior/psych

Week 7 GI, catch up time

Week 8 Study for cumulative

Weeks 9 -12 USMLE World + review

Kaplan Qbank

USMLE World

How we made our study plan

• Follow ICS topics• Difficult subjects early (Biochem)• Lighter near the end to allow for catch up• Recently studied topics near the end

• Use Goljan audio, etc. to supplement each system

• Use flash cards throughout (pace yourself)

Essential Books & Materials

• First Aid for the USMLE Step 1

• Goljan’s Rapid Review Pathology

• Goljan Audio Lectures

• Kaplan Qbank (don’t need Qbank PLUS)

• USMLE World (better than Qbank!)

• Flash cards for microbiology and pharm– We used BRS cards (very concise)

Kels vs. Lou• First Aid for the USMLE Step 1

– K: read it a billion times– L: read it twice

• Goljan’s Rapid Review Pathology– K: read it 1.5 times– L: read it once

• Goljan Audio Lectures– K: once– L: twice

• Kaplan Qbank (don’t need Qbank PLUS)– K: finished it– L: did half

• USMLE World (better than Qbank!)– K: finished it– L: did a little more than half

Kelsey’s Extra Books

• Goljan’s Rapid Review Biochemistry

• Costanzo’s BRS Physiology

• Step Up to Medicine was popular during ICS

• If you love tables and charts, Kaplan Med Essentials is useful

Extra Tips• Switch to USMLE world around the cumulative• Take breaks!!! (weekend off after cumulative exam)• Don’t push back your date (know your “peak”)• Stick to your plan. Don’t listen to other people. • Electronic books? (handy during ICS class)• Assess your test taking strategy• Review the equation page towards the end• Study with or near people• Take the practice test at your site• You can listen to all 4 heart sounds on the test!• Spiral bind your First Aid