Maximizing Your Score on the USMLE Step 1: Strategies and Study Plan

📚The USMLE Step 1 board exam is crucial for future physicians, and maximizing your score requires careful planning and preparation.

⏰Creating a well-structured schedule during the dedicated study period is essential to ensure adequate coverage of all topics.

📖Selecting the right study resources, such as UWorld, First Aid, Pathoma, and Sketchy, can enhance your understanding and retention of key concepts.

💯Consistently reviewing and practicing with practice exams, like NBME tests, can help you become familiar with the question style and improve your pacing and test-taking skills.

✨Being flexible and adjusting your schedule as needed, while staying committed to your study plan, will help you stay on track and overcome challenges.

How long is the dedicated study period for the USMLE Step 1?

—The dedicated study period for the USMLE Step 1 generally varies between four and eight weeks.

What are the recommended study resources for the USMLE Step 1?

—The UFAP protocol, which includes UWorld, First Aid, and Pathoma, is highly recommended as core resources. Additional resources like Goljan audio lectures and Sketchy micro can be helpful as well.

Should I push back my test if I don't feel fully prepared?

—It is generally not advisable to push back your test solely based on feeling unprepared. The key is to have a solid study plan and stick to it, as waiting for the ideal level of preparedness may cause unnecessary delays.

How many practice exams should I take before the USMLE Step 1?

—Taking multiple practice exams is recommended. It's advisable to take one towards the beginning of your dedicated study period for self-assessment purposes, and the rest closer to your test date to help refine your test-taking skills and build endurance.

How should I allocate my break time during the actual test?

—It is recommended to take breaks between each block, even if they are short. Plan your break time carefully, considering shorter breaks at the beginning when you are less fatigued and longer breaks for meals.

00:00The USMLE Step 1 exam is crucial for future physicians and requires careful planning and preparation.

03:00Creating a well-structured schedule during the dedicated study period is essential.

06:31Selecting the right study resources, like UWorld, First Aid, and Pathoma, can enhance understanding and retention of key concepts.

06:50Consistently reviewing and practicing with practice exams, like NBME tests, is important for familiarizing yourself with the question style and improving pacing and test-taking skills.

08:04Flexibility and adjusting your schedule as needed, while staying committed to your study plan, will help you overcome challenges and stay on track.

08:38The dedicated study period for the USMLE Step 1 generally varies between four and eight weeks.

09:14The UFAP protocol, which includes UWorld, First Aid, and Pathoma, is highly recommended as core resources for studying.

10:07Pushing back your test solely based on feeling unprepared is generally not advisable, as having a solid study plan and sticking to it is key.