books

[helena]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I am a European student planning to take step 1 in August or September. I haven't started studying yet but I have First Aid 2005. Do I need the 2006 version? I've also heard good things about Step Up. I have the 2000 version, should I get the new one? I found this book on the Internet: Step-up to the Bedside: AND Step-up: A High-yield Systems-based Review for the USMLE Step 1. Is that another Step Up book or "the one"?
Do I need a high yield book for cell biology?
I have the 2nd edition of both BRS path and physio, do I need the newer ones? I know they are really important.
I got the rapid review for gross and developmental anatomy and was thinking about using it for anatomy and embryo review, is it any good? I am not sure of how to study anatomy, reading the whole book won't have me remembering much, do people just use anatomy books as a supplement to FA?
Did anyone use pharm flash cards?
Since it's been a while since I studied pre-clinical subject (I'm in my 5th year in a 5.5 year European style school) I did a NBME test to see where I stand before I start studying. I got just above 300 which is VERY much below passing step 1. I know I have 5 months to study now, but during 4 of those I will be going to school/working. I need to score above average since I am an IMG, do I have enough time?

 

[delicatefade]

You can probably stick with the 2005 version of First Aid unless you have extra $$$. As far as Step Up - there are two: Step Up: Systems Based Review and Step Up to the Bedside. The systems based review is better than First Aid for some things, worse in others. I use both, and I would get the newer edition. Step Up to the Bedside apparently walks you through some clinical scenarios, linking them to pertinent Step I info. I haven't seen it but some classmates of mine like it.

For anatomy, I would probably just study what's in First Aid and/or have an anatomy atlas with you as you study so you can look something up if it's relevant to what you are studying at the time. Otherwise, I'm planning on just using an atlas as I go through anatomy questions on Qbank.

I'll let someone else comment on BRS physio and path. Physio you can probably get away with not getting the new edition, but I'm not sure how much BRS Path has changed (I use Rapid Review) so I can't comment on it.

HY Cellular and Molecular Bio seems to be highly recommended, especially the first four chapters.

If I were you, I would make your own Pharm flash cards if you have time. That's what I'm doing and it's really cutting down on the reviewing I will have to do later because I'm putting in more time now in making them.