Step one Study Guides

Is there any way to post a .doc file? I just tried to attach my study schedule, but it wouldn't let me.

can't attach word or excel documents directly, although you can post PDF files.

If you have some way to put it on a webpage you can post a link.

Here are a few good links with downloadable study guides and sample schedules (remember that your schedule should reflect your personal studying preferences and strengths and weaknesses in certain subjects. Whatever you do though, don't waste too much time with anatomy, embryo, biochem, or pharm though (max 2-4 days each depending on the amount of time you ahve to spend)!):
http://www-personal.umich.edu/~danielbc/2004/study.html
http://www.medfools.com/downloads.html
http://www.residency.info/falcon/index.php?page=13
http://www.medinfo.ufl.edu/year2/usmle/studytips.shtml
http://endeavor.med.nyu.edu/student-org/student-council/boards.html
http://www-personal.umich.edu/~chenll/studyaids.html
http://jeffline.tju.edu/JMCstudents/usmle/AOA-USMLE-Step-1.doc
http://www.mdtool.com/step1guide.html

Here are some good free online medical websites that you can look up USMLE topics on:
http://www.emedicine.com/
http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmanual/sections.jsp
http://www.rxlist.com/
http://www.vh.org/

Regarding my personal USMLE schedule, I can't find the amount of time that I spent on each subject specifically. My dean of student education met with us all and helped us come up with a schedule.

Books:
First Aid: Obvious choice. Don't need to know anything beyond this book in anatomy, biochem, and pharm; but be sure to know everything in this book on these subjects (eg memorize brachial plexus). Not really meant to be read cover to cover or to learn new material, meant to remind you of subjects you have learned in the past and to memorize specific facts on those topics. If you encounter something you don't understand in this book, you should look it up in another book (eg BRS pathology). I followed a subject-based schedule for the first 4 weeks of my studying. A new edition is released every ~November. I'd reccomend purchasing it during November of your second year, but if you have an older edition, I don't think that it will be a problem.

Step Up: A High Yield, Systems based review for the USMLE Step I: Some students used this book instead of First Aid so that they could follow a systems based approach. Personally, I found that it was useful to use both books, by going over a systems based schedule during the last week of my studying while using this book. I don't think that anyone should go without first aid, but I think that this book is pretty useful too even though it's supposed to serve the same function as first aid. Make sure that you purchase the second edition or the revised first edition, as the regular first edition was riddled with errors.

Crashing the Boards: This is another "comprehensive" book that I found to be an easy read. I particularly liked the sections on biochem, although in retrospect, they were probably a little bit too detailed for USMLE purposes.

BRS Pathology and Physiology: These books should be read cover to cover, with particular emphasis on BRS pathology. It's helpful to do the questions at the end of each chapter as you read, and to read the books in conjunction with reading first aid. BRS Phys should be bought and used during first year, and Pathology should be bought and used to study during second year. You should use the book to help you study for your classes so that you will be used to using them when it comes time to study for the boards.

High Yield and/or BRS Behavioral Science: Definitely a subject that should not be neglected. A few years ago, one of my dean's told me that the author of these books (the same author wrote both books) actually writes the behavioral science questions on step I. A few upper year students reccomended that I re-read high yield BS the day before my USMLE which I did, because it's "light" reading and high yield. Most of the questions in behavioral science are not intuitive. I preferred the BRS series over the high yield series because it has practice questions at the end of every chapter.

Clinical Micro Made Ridiculously Simple: I didn't read this book cover to cover, as it's too in depth for USMLE purposes. I actually used my lecture notes for most of my micro studying. It's still useful to use this book to look up micro topics you find in USMLE and it has a lot of good mneumonics in it too. You should use this book to study for your micro class too, it's probably the best micro text out there for med students.

Clinical Vignettes:
Underground Clinical Vignettes versus Step Up to the Bedside: I'd reccomend Step up to the bedside over the UCV series mainly secondary to cost and the fact that the UCV series has too many cases to read through. I didn't really use either of these books for step I even though I owned both books/series', but many of my classmates who did found them to be useful because step I has a lot of clinical vignettes in it.

Question Book:
Q Bank vs Board Simulator Series: I think that Q Bank is another requirement for USMLE purposes because it has so many "similar" questions to the USMLE, and it saves you a lot of time in page flipping and getting you used to staring at a computer screen for 8 hrs. If you are scoring 60%+ on Q bank, you should pass. BSS has a lot more detailed questions then Q Bank, probably too detailed and challenging for step I purposes, which some students liked. I wouldn't reccomend purchasing this in additon to Q bank unless you have a lot of time to do practice questions or you will be away from the internet for a while during your study time.

Buzzwords for Step I: I thought this book was useful light reading for when you may be traveling places or just want a "break" from studying. I'd reccomend it, but I wouldn't call it required.

Good luck on the test! Remember that even though you may be nervous as your test date approaches, try to avoid pushing your test date back unless you *really* feel unprepared or if you haven't completed Q bank. Once you make a schedule, try to stick with it. Don't dwell on anatomy just because you don't know as much as you knew during first year, you don't need to for step I purposes. Usually, 1 month is plenty of time for step I purposes if you have learned the material well during first and second year. If you had trouble during first or second year, my dean of student affairs frequently reccomends that students push back one of their third year rotations so that they may have more time to study or to enroll in a USMLE course like Kaplan.

kalel - nicely put

I had an absolute brilliant MuDPhuD give me some great advice:

Originally posted by praying4MD
I had an absolute brilliant MuDPhuD give me some great advice:

Click to expand...

words to live by. did you ever get my pm?

hi guys

new to this forum.
I just wanted to know where can I buy material for USMLE.
Is there any specific site for it?
I want this information for sister so I am layman to medical.
I would appreciate your help and reply.

For USMLE materials, try Amazon or E-bay. You can go directly to a medical school book store, but you will end up paying more than if you get the materials on-line. I usually just go to my book store to see if I want the book, then I buy it on-line.

Any thoughts on Kaplan's System based books? I've used BRS throught the first to years along with first aid ... my current plan:

Review first aid for two days ...

Do Kaplan systems 100 pages a day ... 75 questions at night, 75 in the morning (qbank)

then end up with Fist aid for two days ...

I like the idea of keeping it simple ... using Kaplan as my main source and referencing BRS, rid. simple, etc.

Thoughts?

hey Guys

My schedule is Kaplan Organ Systems books, 70 pages a day for 30 days (but I think I'll use high yield neuroscience b/c the Kaplan neuro section is way too long!)

Goal is to do 100 questions a day (50 random, 50 on the subject studied)

Then do corresponding sections in first aid at night.

For wrong Qbank answers, write the info into first aid when your review your tests

I started 3 days ago...I've been keeping up with the reading, but I've only been doing about 50 questions per day...I plan to do more next week.

souljah1 said:

words to live by. did you ever get my pm?

Click to expand...

Nope, never got your PM. send it to me again please! I'd love to catch up with you man. hope all is going well with you.

sorry my previously brilliant post was erased or something, but here was his advice for Step I studying:

Know First Aid COLD. Don't overload on reference materials or study sources. His mistake was that he had about 5 different primary study sources for the step and it ended up that if he had just known First Aid backwards and forwards instead, he would've done better. He still did exceptionally well, but he knew miniscule details that didn't help all that much and actually said that funnily enough, there were like 5 questions on the exact same subject and from the same page out of First Aid.

hope that helps.

take care souljah and update me on your life soon.

Is there any noticeable difference, aside from the price, between the 2003 and 2004 versions of first aid for step 1?

EDIT

hey everyone,

well the links in kalel's post to various study schedules don't work, except one. And I can't open Hercules' 3-week study schedules, it just comes up as gibberish. So can anyone share with me new/current/updated study schedules for Step 1? I just need a plan, then I can not freak out and just do it. Thanks!

Rachana

rachana said:

hey everyone,

well the links in kalel's post to various study schedules don't work, except one. And I can't open Hercules' 3-week study schedules, it just comes up as gibberish. So can anyone share with me new/current/updated study schedules for Step 1? I just need a plan, then I can not freak out and just do it. Thanks!

Rachana

Click to expand...

See if this works:

Hercules said:

See if this works:

Click to expand...

Thanks, Hercules. Did you really only study for 3 week? That's amazing. I'm trying to figure when to schedule my date right now, I'm not sure how long I should take to study (4, 5, or 6 weeks?) Anyways, anyone else have schedules to share??

Our advisors at our school actually do our schedules for us...but we don't have them yet. But I know that they advise us to do a systems based approach, but to study things like biochem, micro/immunology, and neuro alone. They also advise us to study Behavior Science for an hour every day! I guess this is because it is an easy thing to do at the end of the day when you are tired and it makes up about 10% of the exam.
As far as length...I have heard between 4.5-5.5 weeks...that 4 might make it a little tighter and 6 is just too long...you will be pulling your hair out. I personally would not even try it in 3 weeks. It is too important.

rachana said:

Thanks, Hercules. Did you really only study for 3 week? That's amazing. I'm trying to figure when to schedule my date right now, I'm not sure how long I should take to study (4, 5, or 6 weeks?) Anyways, anyone else have schedules to share??

Click to expand...

Hi,

I tried to search for this but didn't come up with anything really good.... I have many of the old standby review books (BRS Path, Phys, Micro Made Simple, HY Embryo, FA, Step Up) but I also have the Kaplan Lecture notes, of which I've only gone through the Neuro and some Physio. Now I'm wondering if I have too many books and which i should actually use to study during my 6 weeks of Step 1 study time in June. Is it better to spend the time and go through all of Kaplan or can people recommend what's better for a particular subject, etc? thanks!!

It's not bad to have a lot of books in case you need extra of a particular subject, but by the time you get to the six weeks, you should commit to a few, using first aid as your base. I also used Kaplan lecture notes, finding them especially helpful for behavioral sciences, some anatomy, and select physio topics I needed help on. The behavioral sciences review questions in there are awesome. Anyway, I think BRS path is what you should use for path; knowing that book alone will put you way above the curve on path/pathophys knowledge (bulk of the test). I cannot emphasize that enough. It's awesome. After I would do a chapter, I'd find a corresponding chapter in robbins review of path-that will make you solid. For pharm, all you need is first aid.

And of course, Kaplan Q bank (blocks of 50 random questions) is essential as you go along.

bump.

My humble take.
Step I:
The best way to do well in study hard towards the end of your M2 year (esp path).
Use First AID during the year (make a lot of additions/notes), then review this a couple times during your study period.
I used this and reviewed BRS path mainly.
I read a physio review book and micro rid simple.
The time required to study is different for everyone, but I studied 4-5 days a week for three weeks. I did ALL of the q-bank questions and read the answer explanations. Try to rush through the exam and do not discount fatigue. Just go with your first answer and never look back.
Step II:
I studied for six days for four hours per day as I did not need the score. To my surprise, I did better on Step II.
What to use: Crush Step II and Q-bank
P.S. I also used a few sections in first AID that I had annotated when studying for shelfs.

Here is a sample organ systems-based study schedule for those who are interested in studying in that manner. I created this schedule along with two of my friends, and all of us had great success with it.

Good luck to everyone!

thanks, bigbad. does anyone else have an organ systems based study schedules and/or feedback about using this approach to studying? would be much appreciated.

I got this from a friend. I tried to attach it but couldn't get it to work. Thus i lost the formatting. I'm sure you can figure it out. I'll begin studying in 3 weeks. It is over the max. post size, so i'll split it into 2 and hopefully a mod won't mind. Then again if the upload function worked i wouldn't have to resort to such tactics.

6 Week Study Schedule for USMLE Step 1

Day 1 - Initial Assessment& Comprehensive Review
1 Understand the USMLE step 1 Pages 1-37 First Aid for the USMLE
30 min
http://www.usmle.org/step1/
default.htm USMLE.org 15 min
2 IMG’s and special situation students Pages 39-65 First Aid for the USMLE
30 min
3 Initial Assessment 150 Question Sample Test
Material
NBME CD provided with
USMLE registration
packet OR
Download from
http://www.usmle.org
3hrs
4 Begin Comprehensive Review
Anatomy
Behavioral Sciences
Biochemistry
First Aid for the USMLE
4 hours
total time 8hrs 15min.

Day 2 – Continue Comprehensive Review
1 Continue Comprehensive Review Microbiology
Physiology
First Aid for the USMLE
TOTAL TIME 8hrs

Day 3 - Finish Comprehensive Review# Goal Assignment Soue
1 Finish Comprehensive Review Pathology
Pharmacology
First Aid for the USMLE
Step 1, 2002 8hrs
TOTAL TIME 8hrs

Day 4 - Begin Biochemistry# Estimate
1 Proteins Chapter 1-4 Lippincott’s Illustrated
Reviews - Biochemistry 3hrs
2 Metabolism – Part 1 Chapter 5-15 Lippincott’s Illustrated
Reviews - Biochemistry 5hrs
TOTAL TIME 8hrs

Day 5 – Continue Biochemistry
#1 Metabolism – Part 2 Chapter 16-23 Lippincott’s Illustrated
Reviews - Biochemistry 4hrs
2 Metabolism – Part 3 Chapter 24-28 Lippincott’s Illustrated
Reviews - Biochemistry 3hrs
2 Genetics Chapter 29-33 Lippincott’s Illustrated
Reviews - Biochemistry 2hrs
TOTAL TIME 9hrs
Please Note: Due to the overwhelming amount of information presented in Biochemistry, we recommend the student
concentrates on the illustrations and charts presented in this book, as time will not permit a complete cover-to-cover review.

Day 6 – Biochemistry Assessment & Begin Anatomy
Review
1 Biochemistry Assessment ALL Biochemistry
Questions
Qbank – Kaplan
http://www.kaplan.com 2hrs
2 Spinal Cord, Thorax, Abdomen, Pelvis Chapter 1-4 High-Yield Gross
Anatomy 5hrs
TOTAL TIME 7hrs
.
Day 7 – Continue Anatomy Review
1 Perineum, Upper limb, Lower limb,
Head and Neck Chapter 5-8 High-Yield Gross
Anatomy 6hrs
TOTAL TIME 6hrs


Day 8 – Anatomy Assessment & Begin Embryology
1 Anatomy Assessment ALL Anatomy Questions Qbank – Kaplan
http://www.kaplan.com 3hrs
2 Embryology Review Chapters 1-5 High-Yield Embryology 4hrs
TOTAL TIME 7hrs

Day 9 – Continue Embryology
1 Embryology Review Chapters 5-end High-Yield Embryology 5hrs
TOTAL TIME 5hrs

Day 10 – Embryology Assessment & Begin Neuroanatomy
1 Embryology Assessment ALL Embryology Questions Qbank – Kaplan
http://www.kaplan.com 2hrs
2 Begin Neuroanatomy Review Chapters 1-5 High-Yield
Neuroanatomy 5hrs
TOTAL TIME 7hrs

Day 11 – Continue Neuroanatomy Review
1 Continue Neuroanatomy Review Chapter 6-end High-Yield
Neuroanatomy 5hrs
TOTAL TIME 6hrs
Day 12 – Neuroanatomy Assessment
1 Neuroanatomy Assessment ALL Neuroanatomy
Questions
Qbank – Kaplan
http://www.kaplan.com 4hrs
2 BREAK
TOTAL TIME 4hrs
Day 13 – Begin Microbiology se
1
Bacteriology:
Gram +
Gram –
Acid Fast
Mycobacterium
Chapters 4-15 Clinical Microbiology
Made Ridiculous and
Simple
8hrs
TOTAL TIME 8hrs
Day 14 – Continue Microbiology Review
1 Antibacterial Medications
Chapters 16-19
Pen’s
Anti-ribosomals
Anti-TB
Others
Clinical Microbiology
Made Ridiculous and
Simple
4hrs
2 Fungi and Anti-fungal Medications Chapters 20-21
Clinical Microbiology
Made Ridiculous and
Simple
2hrs
3 Begin Viruses
Chapters 22-23
Replication and Taxonomy
Ortho and Para
Clinical Microbiology
2hrs
TOTAL TIME 8hrs
Day 15 – Continue Microbiology Review
1 Continue Viruses
Chapters 24-28
Hepato Retro Herpes Other DNAOther RNA
Clinical Microbiology
4hrs
2 Antivirals Chapter 29 Clinical Microbiology
2hr
2 Parasites Chapters 30-31
2hrs
TOTAL TIME 8hrs

Day 16 – Microbiology Assessment
1 Microbiology Assessment ALL Microbiology
Questions
Qbank – Kaplan
http://www.kaplan.com 8hrs
TOTAL TIME 8hrs

Day 17 – Begin Immunology Review
1
Antigen
Antibody
Assays
Immunogenetics
Immune Response
PP 6-32 High-Yield Immunology 4hrs
2 Immunology Overview PP 209- 217 First Aid for the USMLE
1 2hrs
TOTAL TIME 6hrs

Day 18 – Continue Immunology Review
1
Inflammation
Hypersensitivity
Immunodeficiency
Autoimmune
Transplantation
Cancer
Immunization
Pages 35-68 High-Yield Immunology 6hrs
TOTAL TIME 6hrs

Day 19 – Immunology Assessment & Begin Biostatistics
1 Immunology Assessment ALL Immunology
Questions
Qbank – Kaplan
http://www.kaplan.com 5hrs
2
Begin Biostatistics:
Descriptive
Inferential
Hypothesis
Pages 1-47 High-Yield Biostatistics 3hrs
TOTAL TIME 8hrs

Day 20 – Continue Biostatistics Review & Biostatistics
Assessment
1
Continue Biostatistics:
Correlation Techniques
Research
Epidemiology
Medical Decision Making
Pages 47-77 High-Yield Biostatistics 4hrs
2 Biostatics Assessment ALL Biostatistics Questions Qbank – Kaplan
http://www.kaplan.com 4hrs
TOTAL TIME 8hrs

Day 21 – Begin Behavioral Sciences Review
1 Behavioral Sciences Review Chapters 1-13 Board Review Series
Behavioral Sciences 8hrs
TOTAL TIME 8hrs

Day 22 – Continue Behavioral Sciences Review
1 Behavioral Sciences Review Chapters 14-26 Board Review Series
Behavioral Sciences 8hrs
TOTAL TIME 8hrs

Day 23 – Behavioral Sciences Assessment& Begin
Physiology Review
1 Behavioral Sciences Assessment ALL Behavioral Sciences
Questions
Qbank – Kaplan
http://www.kaplan.com 4hrs
2 Cell Physiology Chapter 1 Board Review Series
Physiology 1hr 30min
TOTAL TIME 5hrs 30min








Day 24 – Continue Physiology Review
1 Neurophysiology Chapter 2 Board Review Series
Physiology 2hrs
2 Cardiovascular Physiology Chapter 3 Board Review Series
Physiology 2hrs
3 Respiratory System Chapter 4 Board Review Series
Physiology 2hrs
TOTAL TIME 6hrs

Day 25 – Continue Physiology Review
1 Renal Physiology Chapter 5 Board Review Series
Physiology 3hrs
2 Gastrointestinal Physiology Chapter 6 Board Review Series
Physiology 2hrs
3 Endocrine System Chapter 7 Board Review Series
Physiology 3hrs
TOTAL TIME 7hrs

Day 26 – Physiology Assessment
1 Physiology Assessment ALL Physiology Questions Qbank – Kaplan
http://www.kaplan.com 4hrs
2 Pathophysiology Assessment ALL PATHOphysiology
Questions
Qbank – Kaplan
http://www.kaplan.com 4hrs
TOTAL TIME 8hrs

Day 27 – BREAK/Catch-up day
# Goal Assignment Source Time
Estimate
BREAK
TOTAL TIME 0hrs
Day 28 – Begin Pathology Review
1 General Pathology
Cell Injury Chapter 1 Robbins Pathologic Basis
of Disease 1hr
Chapter 1 Pathology Review by
Edward Goljan 1hr
Inflammation Chapter 3-4 Robbins Pathologic Basis
of Disease 1hr
Chapter 2 Pathology Review by
Edward Goljan 1hr
Hemodynamics Chapter 5 Robbins Pathologic Basis
of Disease 1hr
Chapter 5 Pathology Review by
Edward Goljan 1hr
Nutrition Chapter 10 Robbins Pathologic Basis
of Disease 1hr
Chapter 6 Pathology Review by
Edward Goljan 1hr
TOTAL TIME 8hrs
Please Note: Considering the extend of Pathology coverage on USMLE 1 it is recommended that this subject is studied in
depth a lot more than what is provided in one review book alone. Corresponding chapters of Robbin’s Pathology Textbook are
mentioned in this schedule however, should the student feel the need to concentrate on one source only it should be said that no
one review source is usually ample coverage of all the material in Pathology.

Day 29 – Continue Pathology Review
1 General Pathology
Genetics Chapter 6, 11 Robbins Pathologic Basis
of Disease 3hr
Chapter 7 Pathology Review by
Edward Goljan 1hr
Neoplasia Chapter 8 Robbins Pathologic Basis
of Disease 2hr
Chapter 9 Pathology Review by
Edward Goljan 1hr
TOTAL TIME 7hrs





Day 30 – Continue Pathology Review
1 Systemic Pathology
Cardiovascular Chapter 12,13 Robbins Pathologic Basis
of Disease 3hr
Chapter 10 Pathology Review by
Edward Goljan 1hr
Lungs Chapter 16 Robbins Pathologic Basis
of Disease 2hr
Chapter 11 Pathology Review by
Edward Goljan 1hr
Blood Chapter 14 Robbins Pathologic Basis
of Disease 2hr
Chapter 12 Pathology Review by
Edward Goljan 1hr
TOTAL TIME 9hrs

Day 31 – Continue Pathology Review
1 Systemic Pathology
Lymph and Spleen Chapter 15 Robbins Pathologic Basis
of Disease 1hr
Chapter 13 Pathology Review by
Edward Goljan 1hr
Immune -- Robbins Pathologic Basis
of Disease --
Chapter 14 Pathology Review by
Edward Goljan 2hr
Gastrointestinal Chapter 18 Robbins Pathologic Basis
of Disease 1hr
Chapter 15 Pathology Review by
Edward Goljan 1hr
Liver, Gallbladder, Pancreas Chapter 19,20 Robbins Pathologic Basis
of Disease 2hr
Chapter 16 Pathology Review by
Edward Goljan 1hr
TOTAL TIME 8hrs





Day 32 – Continue Pathology Review
# Goal Assignment Source Time
1 Systemic Pathology
Kidney, UT, Male GT Chapter 21-23 Robbins Pathologic Basis
of Disease 2hr
Chapter 17 Pathology Review by
Edward Goljan 1hr
Breast, Female GT Chapter 24, 25 Robbins Pathologic Basis
of Disease 2hr
Chapter 14 Pathology Review by
Edward Goljan 2hr
Endocrine Chapter 26 Robbins Pathologic Basis
of Disease 2hr
Chapter 19 Pathology Review by
Edward Goljan 1hr
TOTAL TIME 10hrs

Day 33 – Continue Pathology Review
#1 Systemic Pathology
Musculoskeletal Chapter 19 Robbins Pathologic Basis
of Disease 2hr
Chapter 20 Pathology Review by
Edward Goljan 1hr
Skin Chapter 27 Robbins Pathologic Basis
of Disease 1hr
Chapter 21 Pathology Review by
Edward Goljan 1hr
CNS, eye Chapter 30,31 Robbins Pathologic Basis
of Disease 2hr
Chapter 22 Pathology Review by
Edward Goljan 1hr
TOTAL TIME 8hrs

Day 34 – Pathology Assessment – Day 1
1 Pathology Assessment 50% of all Pathology
Questions
Qbank – Kaplan
http://www.kaplan.com 8hrs
TOTAL TIME 8hrs
Day 35 – Pathology Assessment – Day 2
1 Pathology Assessment Remaining 50% of all
Pathology Questions
Qbank – Kaplan
http://www.kaplan.com 8hrs
TOTAL TIME 6hrs

Day 36 – Begin Pharmacology Review
1 Pharmacokenetics Chapter 1-2 Lippincott’s Illustrated
Review 2hr
2 ANS Drugs Chapter 3-7 Lippincott’s Illustrated
Review 6hr
TOTAL TIME 8hrs

Day 37 – Continue Pharmacology Review
1 CNS Drugs Chapter 8-15 Lippincott’s Illustrated
Review 8hr
TOTAL TIME 8hrs

Day 38 – Continue Pharmacology Review
1 Cardiovascular Drugs Chapter 1-2 Lippincott’s Illustrated
Review of Pharmacology 8hr
TOTAL TIME 8hrs

Day 39 – Continue Pharmacology Review
1 Respiratory, GI and other drugs Chapter 22-27 Lippincott’s Illustrated
Review of Pharmacology 8hr
TOTAL TIME 8hrs

Day 40 – Continue Pharmacology Review
# Goal Assignment Source Time
Estimate
1 Chemotherapeutics Chapter 28-38 Lippincott’s Illustrated
Review of Pharmacology 8hrs
TOTAL TIME 8hrs

Day 41 – Pharmacology Assessment – Day 1
# Goal Assignment Source Time
Estimate
1 Pharmacology Assessment ALL Pharmacology
Questions
Qbank – Kaplan
http://www.kaplan.com 8hrs
TOTAL TIME 8hrs

Day 42 – Pharmacology Assessment – Day 2
# Goal Assignment Source Time
Estimate
1 Continue with Remaining Questions ALL Pharmacology
Questions
Qbank – Kaplan
http://www.kaplan.com 3hrs
OR
Review First Aid Pharmacology Pharmacology Section First Aid for the USMLE
Step 1, 2002 4hrs
TOTAL TIME 7hrs
---- End of Schedule ----

I just want to add a few thoughts since I have already recieved my score.
As you know, I got a 240/97. A good score that I am def. happy with. But there's always the thoughts that I could have done better.
If I could do it over I would use:

1) Kaplan lecture notes.
2) Rapid review for pathology by Edward Goljan
3) Qbank
4) NBME 1/2
5) Board Simulator Series
6) Qbook
7) Goljan audio
Micro made ridiculously simple (helped me memorize the micro- my worst subject in med school)

The way I would study would be:

Read kaplan lecture notes 1X thru and work thru the books doing all the problems. Don't memorize yet, just read for complete understanding.

After each subject read the corresponding section in First Aid

After each subject do the Qs in Qbook. Qbook is easier than Qbank.

When doing path, you should read Goljan's book before going thru the audio. This will save you time when going thru the audio. I only got thru 12 lectures of audio but did remember about 5 Qs from them. I think if you have time, go thru the audio. If not, Rapid review is fine if your path foundation is strong.

Read thru kaplan notes again for the second time. Start memorizing. You never know when your going to run out of time and you won't see this material again. Don't forget to read the corresponding sections in First Aid after each read thru the kaplan notes.

Start Qbank. Do them subject wise after you finish each subject. I did subject wise cuz my personality can't handle sporadic randomness. I trip out. If you want to do the entire Qbank in a week randomly, go for it.
but after your 3rd revision of the subjects, you should be done with Qbank.

Take nbme 1 some time like 2 weeks before your exam. If you like your score....your final prep days are coming up. If you don't like your score, your going to need to repeat the above process again. Since you've already done qbank, your going to need to do another Q source. I suggest BSS or USMLE rapid review Qs. NMS is also okay.

Read thru the notes again a third time or possibly your 4th time. Do BSS Qs. Read corresponding sections in FA before or after you read the section in kaplan or for goljan in path.

Do NBME 2.
and take the exam.

Basically the point is, do as many revisions as you can using kaplan and goljan for path. Use Goljan audio if you want but start early or you won't finish it b/c of time constraint (like me). Read FA as you go thru the kaplan books. Don't put FA off, or you won't use it (like me)
You should do Qs towards the end of your prep. Like in the last 2 months.
Use qbook first, the Qs are easier, than use Qbank, and when these two sources are done, than use BSS or whatever Qs you like.
Do nbme to gage where you are at, during the final 2 weeks of prep. Do not care about what you are scoring on any of these Qs except for NBME. NBME is the only legit correlation. Do the nbme in the timed mode and pretend its the real exam, your score will hover close to the nbme score.

I did about 3-4 revisions for most subjects. but anatomy and physio I only did 2X and a real shady 3rd time using just jotted down notes. For path, micro, and pharm I did like 4-6 revisions. Had I done five revisions for all the subjects and did not neglect embryo and histology (which I really didn't study) I didn't even do any practice Qs thu out my prep for anatomy. I basically sacraficed the entire subject by just reading thru HY gross and neuro a couple of times. Had I just stuck to the above plan, I'm sure I would have gotten the 99.
I wish someone would of told me this earlier before I started my prep. I would have saved about 2-3 weeks of prep time.

Good luck to you all who are taking this exam!!!
BErk

Previous posters have mentioned Goljan audio as a useful review tool. What exactly is it and how do you obtain it?

~Thanks

I have Kaplan Step 1 Books that I got from my friend who took the Step 1 in 2002. I will be taking it this time next year. Is this too old of an addition?

pa2do said:

I have Kaplan Step 1 Books that I got from my friend who took the Step 1 in 2002. I will be taking it this time next year. Is this too old of an addition?

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Hi, I just toke the step 1 tody. In my opinion, the 2002 version is just fine. I have 2003 version and have browsed at my friend's cica 1999's and they aren't much different except a couple more pics on mine.....and, your 2002 version should be much better than my friend's. Anyways, the point is, I used Kaplan to understand the concept and I also used FA and other supplements so it is not necessary, in my opinion, to have the most update version of Kaplan set.

Hope that helps.

J. Peterman said:

Previous posters have mentioned Goljan audio as a useful review tool. What exactly is it and how do you obtain it?

~Thanks

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Goljan is a professor of Path at Oklahoma State Med. A little eccentric, but a great lecturer that makes things stick. Ebay should have sellers with both audio (mp3) and lecture notes (not the best in quality since they are photocopied). Every now and again there is someone selling the actual notes handed out at the review session. He provides these lectures for Kaplan and there is a huge black market on Ebay.

Does anyone know if his lecture follows the Rapid Review book as well???

G0S2 said:

Goljan is a professor of Path at Oklahoma State Med. A little eccentric, but a great lecturer that makes things stick. Ebay should have sellers with both audio (mp3) and lecture notes (not the best in quality since they are photocopied). Every now and again there is someone selling the actual notes handed out at the review session. He provides these lectures for Kaplan and there is a huge black market on Ebay.

Does anyone know if his lecture follows the Rapid Review book as well???

Click to expand...

Goljan's students will tell you that the RR series is basically the same.

G0S2 said:

Goljan is a professor of Path at Oklahoma State Med. A little eccentric, but a great lecturer that makes things stick. Ebay should have sellers with both audio (mp3) and lecture notes (not the best in quality since they are photocopied). Every now and again there is someone selling the actual notes handed out at the review session. He provides these lectures for Kaplan and there is a huge black market on Ebay.

Does anyone know if his lecture follows the Rapid Review book as well???

Click to expand...

I've looked at both and it seems that the audio lectures tend to follow the "black market" notes better. These notes have high-yield stuff that is NOT included in the rapid review book. There is also alot of space available for you to add your own notes.

I've seen lots of mention of First Aid, but not much of Kaplan books. Do you recommend them?

If you recommend them, which is better?
A) The Kaplan lecture notes from the actual classes
B) The Kaplan Home Study Step I books

Thanks!

anyone else with any study schedules? I'm looking to take 5 weeks to study. most likely taking COMLEX & USMLE.

-J

Here's the Penn Method in case anyone is interested.

Books needed:
First-Aid for the Boards - USMLE part 1
Lippincott's Biochemistry
Lippincott's Pharmacology
Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple
Microbiology and Immunology (by Lange..orange and dark grey book) BRS Pathology BRS Physiology High Yield Anatomy High Yield Embryology High Yield Neuroanatomy High Yield Behavioral Sciences High Yield Histology

Question Sources:
Kaplan's Q-bank (2500 questions + answers online), 1 month subscription Appletion and Lange's USMLE Step 1 (1200 questions + answers, including 2 full-length exams)

Schedule (First 25 days*) - Background Reading
* These days are meant to get your familiar with the material. Don't get caught up on trying to memorize every detail. These days are not for memorization. They are just meant for you to see all the material once and to distill out the most testable points in order to take notes upon for further study (see "last 5 days" below). These days are approximately 8-9 hours of studying/day. Make sure you sleep, eat, and work-out religiously during this time. Also, try and relax for 2-3 hours per night (i.e hang with significant other, watch movies, go out of the library).

2 days First-Aid for the Boards (only cursory reading - get a feel for what you are up against)
4 days Biochemistry + 50 biochem questions per night
1 day Histology + 50 histology questions
3 days Microbiology (Micro made ridic simple only) + 50 microbio questions/night
1 day Immunology (Lange's book) + 50 immuno questions
1 day Embryology + 50 embryology questions
3 days Physiology + 50 physiology questions/night
1 day Anatomy + 50 anatomy questions
4 days Pharmacology + 50 pharmacology questions
1 day Neuroanatomy + 50 neuroanatomy questions
3 days Pathology + 50 pathology questions/night
1 day Behavioral Sciences + 50 behavioral sciences questions

So for each of first 25 days of reading, you review (in 1 hour each morning) the corresponding section from First-Aid. While you are doing your readings for the day, you take all your notes in the margins of First-Aid on the section that relates to that day's readings. At night, you do 50 to 100 practice questions on the topic (i.e Biochemistry) that you read about that day and read ALL the explanations for each question at the back of the Book or on the Kaplan Website.

Schedule (Last 5 days*) ->
key to a 250+ score:
*WARNING: last 5 days are the absolute meat of getting the score.
Everything you've done before
this is just a warm-up. These days are approximately 12-14 hours of studying/day. Besides eating, sleeping and working-out, you are doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ELSE BUT STUDYING.

Day 1 - review Biochemistry, Physiology sections of First-Aid (i.e deeply study these sections and all the notes you wrote in the margins). This should take approximately
5-6 hours. In the afternoon,
do 150-200 questions/answers related to Biochem, and Physiology.
Day 2 - review all small topics (i.e. Histology, Anatomy, Embryology, Neuroanatomy, Behavioral
Sciences) and Pathology sections of First-Aid plus your notes. Do 150-200 questions related to these topics.
Day 3 - review Pharmacology and Micro + Immuno sections of First-Aid plus your notes. Do 150-200 questions related to these topics.
Day 4 - review First-Aid sections/notes: Biochem, Physio, Path. Do 1 practice test from Appleton and Lange.
Do more questions related to these topics.
Day 5 (Last Day!!!) - Review First Aid sections/notes: Micro + Immuno, Pharm, and small subjects. Do second test from Appleton and Lange. Do more questions related to these topics.

Does anyone have a 3-4 week study plan using the Kaplan Lecture notes and First Aid? Our school requires we turn one in. Thanks!!!

hi guys
I am new member...and I need some help to find out study plan for USMLE step 1
now I am a 3rd year med school students so give me some advice when I should give the exam .....how am I to prepare for the exam..I want to start now..

Here's what I've come up with. My school requires us to sign a contract with a detailed study plan. I'm going to try to spend the mornings using Q-bank and First Aid and then the Kaplan Lecture notes for subject based study in the afternoon. I would love some suggestions!

BigBadBix said:

Here is a sample organ systems-based study schedule for those who are interested in studying in that manner. I created this schedule along with two of my friends, and all of us had great success with it.

Good luck to everyone!

Click to expand...

if u don't mind what did you get?

PhillyGuy said:

Here's the Penn Method in case anyone is interested.

Books needed:
First-Aid for the Boards - USMLE part 1
Lippincott's Biochemistry
Lippincott's Pharmacology
Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple
Microbiology and Immunology (by Lange..orange and dark grey book) BRS Pathology BRS Physiology High Yield Anatomy High Yield Embryology High Yield Neuroanatomy High Yield Behavioral Sciences High Yield Histology

Question Sources:
Kaplan's Q-bank (2500 questions + answers online), 1 month subscription Appletion and Lange's USMLE Step 1 (1200 questions + answers, including 2 full-length exams)

Schedule (First 25 days*) - Background Reading
* These days are meant to get your familiar with the material. Don't get caught up on trying to memorize every detail. These days are not for memorization. They are just meant for you to see all the material once and to distill out the most testable points in order to take notes upon for further study (see "last 5 days" below). These days are approximately 8-9 hours of studying/day. Make sure you sleep, eat, and work-out religiously during this time. Also, try and relax for 2-3 hours per night (i.e hang with significant other, watch movies, go out of the library).

2 days First-Aid for the Boards (only cursory reading - get a feel for what you are up against)
4 days Biochemistry + 50 biochem questions per night
1 day Histology + 50 histology questions
3 days Microbiology (Micro made ridic simple only) + 50 microbio questions/night
1 day Immunology (Lange's book) + 50 immuno questions
1 day Embryology + 50 embryology questions
3 days Physiology + 50 physiology questions/night
1 day Anatomy + 50 anatomy questions
4 days Pharmacology + 50 pharmacology questions
1 day Neuroanatomy + 50 neuroanatomy questions
3 days Pathology + 50 pathology questions/night
1 day Behavioral Sciences + 50 behavioral sciences questions

So for each of first 25 days of reading, you review (in 1 hour each morning) the corresponding section from First-Aid. While you are doing your readings for the day, you take all your notes in the margins of First-Aid on the section that relates to that day's readings. At night, you do 50 to 100 practice questions on the topic (i.e Biochemistry) that you read about that day and read ALL the explanations for each question at the back of the Book or on the Kaplan Website.

Schedule (Last 5 days*) ->
key to a 250+ score:
*WARNING: last 5 days are the absolute meat of getting the score.
Everything you've done before
this is just a warm-up. These days are approximately 12-14 hours of studying/day. Besides eating, sleeping and working-out, you are doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ELSE BUT STUDYING.

Day 1 - review Biochemistry, Physiology sections of First-Aid (i.e deeply study these sections and all the notes you wrote in the margins). This should take approximately
5-6 hours. In the afternoon,
do 150-200 questions/answers related to Biochem, and Physiology.
Day 2 - review all small topics (i.e. Histology, Anatomy, Embryology, Neuroanatomy, Behavioral
Sciences) and Pathology sections of First-Aid plus your notes. Do 150-200 questions related to these topics.
Day 3 - review Pharmacology and Micro + Immuno sections of First-Aid plus your notes. Do 150-200 questions related to these topics.
Day 4 - review First-Aid sections/notes: Biochem, Physio, Path. Do 1 practice test from Appleton and Lange.
Do more questions related to these topics.
Day 5 (Last Day!!!) - Review First Aid sections/notes: Micro + Immuno, Pharm, and small subjects. Do second test from Appleton and Lange. Do more questions related to these topics.

Click to expand...

This sounds like a great schedule. Do you have any idea as to what sort of scores people who did follow it, ended up getting? thanks!

Aside from Q bank, what questions are recommended? IV Q bank? Pretest? Kaplan Q book? Others?

Dreds,

Aside from Qbank, I would recommend NMS for the USMLE Step 1, make sure to complete it in its entirety. Also, Robbins Review book - tons of questions. Some students would even say to complete the Appleton & Lange q's, both exams. In addition, make sure to complete the NBME exams, at least form 1 & 2, 3 & 4 are pretty new, not a reputable as the first two. But hey, it wouldn't hurt to complete them all, although not necessary.

Just stick to the usual. If you have any further q's, don't hesitate to contact me.

dreds said:

Aside from Q bank, what questions are recommended? IV Q bank? Pretest? Kaplan Q book? Others?

Click to expand...

Hello all.
To those who have experience with kaplan lecture notes and or kaplan home study edition...which one would you recommend. They both are on ebay and would really like some advice as which one to get.
Many thanks

Silly Q, but does it matter that I picked up FA2005? Any major changes to 2006?

Weirdoc said:

what is robbins review of path?

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http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0721601944?v=glance

Hi everybody,
I am absolutely new here..just planning to get ready to start for USMLE step 1.Anyone out there can you help me ,with this burning question(!!) is it okay to study Kaplan material,listen to the lecture at home..or actually should I go for Kaplam coaching?I mean which one will be more effective?I am really really distressed....need help.......

Does anyone have a gradual study plan (one that starts in January) and builds up to the month before boards? Thanks!