Advice needed regarding step 1 gameplan

[FriedChocolate]

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Hello,

I am entering my 2nd year in a few weeks, and although I realize it is early, I'd like to consider how to spread out studying for Step 1. I don't think that trying to fit all the studying into the final 5-6 weeks would work favorably for me. I'd like to, if possible, keep the test in mind throughout this year- reviewing consistently, although obviously far more later, since so much of the test is 2nd year material.

My general idea was to read review books of MS1 material throughout year 2, as well as the large-volume memorization that has no doubt been forgotten, such as biochem and microbio.

I'm not sure how useful this would be, though. I'd really appreciate advice from those who have gone through this already. It's important to me that I perform very well on this test, and I'm willing to take on the extra work to earn this goal.

Thanks!

 

[BrisketAttack]

ace path. that's your ticket to a 250+ score. studying low yield crap during 2nd year will take time away from path, which you should be studying. you'll be able to get biochem straightened out in the 5 weeks before step 1. for biochem you just need to know FA and let kaplan or UW fill in the gaps.

 

[UditNarayan]

try putting concepts and facts together, and path is your best opportunity to do this. path may integrate physio, micro, immuno, neuro and it would help you in the long run if you could review those sections while you go through your path course. it would be a refreshener of long lost knowledge, but by the time you get to step 1 study time, you would have already seen some of the info. i started to glance thry goljan rapid review half way/at the end of my path/pharm course and i think it was overall pretty helpful.

like you say, don't go nuts about the step just yet. the best thing you can do is learn MSII class material as best as possible, since it may let you have a high baseline score even before starting to study for the real deal.

 

[GMDMD]

I tell all of the second years I know not to stress about Step1 until spring break at the EARLIEST.

If you don't use it, you lose it. Unless you're a mental champion it is almost impossible for details to stick for more than about 6-8 weeks. And if you're a mental champ then what's the point of stressing early? Trust me, or ask any 3rd year- Step1 material disappears from your brain FAST.

You may spend 80 hours during xmas break studying for step1 but if you only recall about 8 hours worth of material.. was it really worth it?

Learn the material you're on very well. Your goal should be to honor every class 2nd year. If you're motivated, listen to the appropriate Goljan audios for the module you're in (to familiarize yourself when you listen to it again during hardcore review) and follow along in FA / BRS phys / Path book of your choice throughout the year. But again, focus on learning the material you're on very well. Not only is this the best prep for Step1, but you'll get great grades too.

You'll get diminishing returns trying to review 1st year material.

 

[Instatewaiter]

Best way to do well on step 1 is to do well in your classes. In addition to that you can do some basic things.

For micro use micro made ridiculously simple. You dont have to memorize it but get familiar with the format.

With your organ systems:
1) read BRS phys the weekend before you start the organ system.
2) Read RR path along with/as you finish an organ system- see what it has and what it doesnt
3) Skim first aid to see what it has and doesnt have


Overall use the books you're going to use on step 1 during the year. You dont have to study too hard during the year but you should be looking over the review books to make your life easier.

Start "studying" after christmas break if you really feel the need to (which will inevitably turn into after spring break, which will inevitably turn into when school ends)