Best books to use during 2nd year for Step I review?

[osumc2014]

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I know there's like a thousand threads about this, but I want some input from those who just took their boards and got their scores back and are still fresh, what are some good books to use for each subject for a decently comprehensive review during the year?

Thank you!

 

[isoquin]

First!

i mean... first aid.

oh, and this thread: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=187956

 

[osumc2014]

First!

i mean... first aid.

oh, and this thread: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=187956

perfect! i was trying to find something like that! thanks, any new test takers have anything to add?

 

[qmcat]

The only board books I used during the school year were RR path and BRS physio (along with First Aid of course). If you want to read more books, then you can try Levinson's review of micro and immuno, but only read the immunology section... and then use CMMRS for micro. First Aid has everything else that's on boards.

Also, I haven't gotten my scores back yet, so take what I say with a grain of salt.

Good luck

 

[Brewmeister]

FA (duh)
RR Path
RR Biochem (diamond in the rough)
BRS Physio
Lippincott Micro Cards (amazing)
BRS Pharm cards

 

[neuromaniac]

I have heard that RR biochem is a diamond too.. It is very good

 

[cliquesh]

I'd read Rapid review path, first aid, and brs physiology. Nothing else is needed. I actually only used First aid and one chapter of BRS physio and I did pretty well.

 

[neuromaniac]

Yeah I'm sticking to RR Pathology, FA 2012 (when it comes out) and BRS Physiology. 75% of the boards is PPP (Path, Pharm, and Physio). I have not taken the exam yet, however, I have heard from multiple credible sources that the big "3 Ps" are the most important subjects. Biochem is also important. I have heard about anatomy being tough on the boards, but I wonder how HY anatomy even is on the boards...anyone have any thoughts?

 

[Brewmeister]

I'd read Rapid review path, first aid, and brs physiology. Nothing else is needed. I actually only used First aid and one chapter of BRS physio and I did pretty well.

Not true. I am a huge proponent of using as few books as possible when preparing for exams but the Biochemistry section of FA is extremely deficient. Unless you have a strong background, pick up RR Biochemistry (also written by Goljan). Anatomy on Step 1 is Limb + Neuro + crapshoot. Those 4 books + a brain will get you a high score.

 

[cliquesh]

Not true. I am a huge proponent of using as few books as possible when preparing for exams but the Biochemistry section of FA is extremely deficient. Unless you have a strong background, pick up RR Biochemistry (also written by Goljan). Anatomy on Step 1 is Limb + Neuro + crapshoot. Those 4 books + a brain will get you a high score.

I guess everyone's test is different, but all of the biochem I had on my usmle was from FA. I got a 251 and FA's biochem plus question review was more than enough.

 

[Brewmeister]

I guess everyone's test is different, but all of the biochem I had on my usmle was from FA. I got a 251 and FA's biochem plus question review was more than enough.

Yeah I mean if you're the type that is able to learn primarily from questions then God bless you. I needed to go back and really learn the pathways. Got a 258.

 

[poorracerkid]

UW and FA is all one needs.

 

[ThePursuit]

Definitely FA. Read the relevant 5-15 pages before every M2 test and annotate. when you actually study you've already seen the organization and have made margin notes that really help jog your memory. I used BRS etc for shelf exams and then have them available as a reference to RARELY used after M2 when studying FA for step one (and obviously using UWORLD). Your focus should absolutely be on destroying every shelf exam, thus preparing yourself with knowledge when you actually have time to learn. that 1 month is only review folks, you can't learn then what you didn't already know from earlier in the year...