i didn't take the exam yet ... but i have some information which i hope it will be useful for you :
1- u have to dedicate a time to study for the board ... usually 4-8 weeks ( only study for the board )
2- u have to get the high yield books because it's waste of time to study from the big books
must get : first aid ( read it's introduction and it will tell u what really important )
and u free to choose other books : like gojlan rapid review pathology , lippicont biochemistry .... etc - look at the forum and see what the students like to use -
3- doing questions : like usmlerx , u world .. etc
work hard and good luck