USMLE Step 1 Study Plan

1
USMLE Step 1 Study Plan

• Kelsey Richardson MSIII
• klrichar_at_usc.edu
• Louis Hirsch MSIII
• lhirsch_at_usc.edu

2
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 Qs and review of everything
• FYI Most people take the exam 2-6 weeks
  following the cumulative

3
Study Plan
Week 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
4
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)

5
Essential Books Materials

• First Aid for the USMLE Step 1
• Goljans Rapid Review Pathology
• Goljan Audio Lectures
• Kaplan Qbank (dont need Qbank PLUS)
• USMLE World (better than Qbank!)
• Flash cards for microbiology and pharm
• We used BRS cards (very concise)

6
Kels vs. Lou

• First Aid for the USMLE Step 1
• K read it a billion times
• L read it twice
• Goljans Rapid Review Pathology
• K read it 1.5 times
• L read it once
• Goljan Audio Lectures
• K once
• L twice
• Kaplan Qbank (dont need Qbank PLUS)
• K finished it
• L did half
• USMLE World (better than Qbank!)
• K finished it
• L did a little more than half

7
Kelseys Extra Books

• Goljans Rapid Review Biochemistry
• Costanzos BRS Physiology
• Step Up to Medicine was popular during ICS
• If you love tables and charts, Kaplan Med
  Essentials is useful

8
Extra Tips

• Switch to USMLE world around the cumulative
• Take breaks!!! (weekend off after cumulative
  exam)
• Dont push back your date (know your peak)
• Stick to your plan. Dont 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