How does Step 1 relate to medschool courses?

[OTheHorror]

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I am an incoming medical student and have been reading a lot on these forums about when/how to start preparing for Step 1. One of my main points of confusion is how Step 1 relates to regular medical school course work. Is thoroughly understanding one's course work insufficient for Step 1 preparation? The impression I get is that Step 1 covers things other than what we will learn in our medical school classes? Could someone please clarify my understanding of this? I understand that medical schools differ in their courses, but is there a general trend as far as how course work relates to what is tested in Step 1?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Scooby Moo]

I am an incoming medical student and have been reading a lot on these forums about when/how to start preparing for Step 1. One of my main points of confusion is how Step 1 relates to regular medical school course work. Is thoroughly understanding one's course work insufficient for Step 1 preparation? The impression I get is that Step 1 covers things other than what we will learn in our medical school classes? Could someone please clarify my understanding of this? I understand that medical schools differ in their courses, but is there a general trend as far as how course work relates to what is tested in Step 1?

Thanks in advance.

This is all just my opinion but...

I think that, ideally, thoroughly understanding basic sciences coursework is a good way to get onto the road to Step 1 success. The problem is the sheer volume of material that is presented during those first two years of school. Unless someone has a photographic memory, is compulsive about review, or is simply an uber-genius...a lot of that material is going to be forgotten.

When it comes right down to it though, I think any question you will be presented with on the Step 1 will have been covered in some direct or indirect way during your coursework. It's just a matter of being able to remember it.

All that being said...the better you are able to do (more you are able to gain an understanding of) during your basic sciences courses, the easier time you will have when it comes time to review for the Step 1.

 

[bigfrank]

In my opinion, the Step I tests for the most part breadth as opposed to depth of information. Keep this in mind. Do not memorize every step of the TCA cycle, for example, but be darn sure that you have every regulated step memorized and what regulates it.