I'm HORRIBLE at Standardized Tests, how should I study for Step 1

[StayingFocused]

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So I'm in u.s med school now but got in after a lot of trouble and taking the MCAT 3 times and finally doing well enough, after getting wait-listed.

So I had to jump through a lot of hoops to get in. My biggest problem was the MCAT. I know now that I need to work my butt off for the Step 1. I feel like I need to study like an IMG for this test.

Should I start now?? As an M1? If I study like how "regular" med students do, the naturally bright ones, in only 1 month, I will FAIL. I know it.

How should someone who is really bad at standardized tests approach the STep 1. Who here sucks at standardized tests but pulled it together for Step 1?

 

[tripwm]

Disclaimer: M2- I haven't taken Step. The MCAT tested you different than Step will.

Advice, you can't exactly begin studying for Step yet. The main issue is that first-year (while not as heavily waited on Step 1) is essential for building the base for Step 2. This means you don't want to get a question bank yet.

Instead, get the BRS texts for each subject. These come with 10-50 questions at the end of each chapter of material, many of which will be in vignette style (as seen on Step). Additionally, for phys and other classes, you can find invaluable practice problems (like Guyton Hall for phys, costs $, or use UMich practice questions for Gross). The more questions you do, the better you will get at the genre of questions seen on Step.