Step I Biochem and Cell bio

[daact]

I have the kaplan books for biochem/cell bio. I was wondering if this book is to detailed for Step 1 and if I should switch to High Yield Cell bio and Biochem?

Thanks

 

[Spazz]

I've heard good things from reading SDN about the HY. Sounds like if you use that + FA you'd be in good shape ... def. a topic you don't want to gloss over since molec and cell bio seems to have become more popular on the Test.

 

[JaniceDickinson]

excellent question--

I was also wondering about the pros and cons of Kaplan Mol/Cell Bio vs. HY Mol/Cell Bio.

I've heard people enthusiastically endorse either one.

Any rockstars wanna break it down between Kaplan and HY mol/cell bio?

Thanks,
--JD

 

[lealf-ye]

I want to know this too. Is kaplan biochem enough for all topics in biochem and molecular and cell bio on step 1.

 

[cherrypie]

I want to know this too. Is kaplan biochem enough for all topics in biochem and molecular and cell bio on step 1.

Both books are really good. I feel that the cell/molecu part in Kaplan's book is a little weak but it is STILL a very good book. If you have time, go through it. You definately want to READ high yield cell/molecular. If you do not get what is going on in this book then refer to Kaplan but still read through the high yeild book. If you are short on time read the first few chapters, and the chapter on techniques. Also, the chapters on cell signaling etc.., really really high yield stuff. If you feel comfortable with biochem etc.. then maybe the kaplan book would be a bit overkill. But, do the questions at the end of each chapter and pay attention to the diagrams in the book. Dont get too bogged down about techniques of DNA blotting etc.., however you may get a few questions and it does help if you understand them a bit. If your exam was anything like mine you will not regret that you went through kaplan biochem book. However, exams do vary. I had alot of cell/molecular and biochemistry, gentetics. I know some people that did not have much on their exams. Either way, if you feel good about your background in those topics then stick with high yield cell and molecular book and you shold be fine. But, do not ignore this topic altogether. I really think the boards are getting into the genetics/cell/molecular part of things. hope this helps.

 

[lealf-ye]

Both books are really good. I feel that the cell/molecu part in Kaplan's book is a little weak but it is STILL a very good book. If you have time, go through it. You definately want to READ high yield cell/molecular. If you do not get what is going on in this book then refer to Kaplan but still read through the high yeild book. If you are short on time read the first few chapters, and the chapter on techniques. Also, the chapters on cell signaling etc.., really really high yield stuff. If you feel comfortable with biochem etc.. then maybe the kaplan book would be a bit overkill. But, do the questions at the end of each chapter and pay attention to the diagrams in the book. Dont get too bogged down about techniques of DNA blotting etc.., however you may get a few questions and it does help if you understand them a bit. If your exam was anything like mine you will not regret that you went through kaplan biochem book. However, exams do vary. I had alot of cell/molecular and biochemistry, gentetics. I know some people that did not have much on their exams. Either way, if you feel good about your background in those topics then stick with high yield cell and molecular book and you shold be fine. But, do not ignore this topic altogether. I really think the boards are getting into the genetics/cell/molecular part of things. hope this helps.

Thanks. This is REALLY HELPFUL. I would try to do both as much as possible.

 

[JaniceDickinson]

Thanks cherrypie--you're a rockstar.

So, to recap--HY Cell/Molec = first priority; if time, then Kaplan.

For biochem, I think I will use Kaplan and not HY.

And for cell/molec, I'll use HY and pick through Kaplan.

Stay cool,
JD

 

[cherrypie]

Thanks cherrypie--you're a rockstar.

So, to recap--HY Cell/Molec = first priority; if time, then Kaplan.

For biochem, I think I will use Kaplan and not HY.

And for cell/molec, I'll use HY and pick through Kaplan.

Stay cool,
JD

That's right, and be sure to do as many questions as you can. Good questions sources are Qbank, usmleasy by mcgraw hill, NMS questions (thier step 1 book w/ lots of questions), webpath website has some of the best path questions. But, again if short on time, just master qbank. And, DO the NBME practice tests they give out. Yes, it cost money but its well worth it. Do one early in your study and add one more later on. Or, you could do them all. And, whatever you do try not to add to many resources when it comes to reading or trying to learn things over again. try to be as simple as possible. Take care