Ist it good to start studying for Step I from day one?

[jhu1]

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I really would love to match i orthopedics residency and I do know it has a high Step I requirenmen. I was wondering is it a good idea/possible to study step I texts in addition to your own text in medical school? is it gonna be helpful at all?

 

[SoCuteMD]

I really would love to match i orthopedics residency and I do know it has a high Step I requirenmen. I was wondering is it a good idea/possible to study step I texts in addition to your own text in medical school? is it gonna be helpful at all?

No. Study for medical school. Study for Step 1 once you are done studying for the first two years of medical school.

I know some people advise studying for Step 1 during the spring of 2nd year, but I really see that as "Robbing Peter to pay Paul." I didn't study specifically for Step 1 until 4.5 weeks before my test, but I did well in my first year classes and very well in my 2nd year classes. I was very pleased with my Step 1 score.

 

[domer621]

The best way to do it is to work hard and really learn the concepts taught in class.

I don't see a problem buying BRS Phys to complement your first year phys class. I think 2nd year is when you should start looking into review books, though.

 

[71263]

No. Study for medical school. Study for Step 1 once you are done studying for the first two years of medical school.

I know some people advise studying for Step 1 during the spring of 2nd year, but I really see that as "Robbing Peter to pay Paul." I didn't study specifically for Step 1 until 4.5 weeks before my test, but I did well in my first year classes and very well in my 2nd year classes. I was very pleased with my Step 1 score.

Agreed. 👍👍

What most people dont realize is that ALL their classes are represented on Step 1 in some way, shape, or form. Granted, its much more weighted towards M2 year, but if you can do as well in class as you are able, then you are already ahead of the game.

 

[blue_feiyan]

study from your review book sources during your classwork. Try to have at least gone through First Aid once before you really start officially studying for Step I. That way, your study sources will not be unfamiliar to you when you start your serious Step I studying.

But while you're actually studying for Step I, my advice is to stick to one or two really good sources and QBank. That's all you really need to do well.

 

[Kazema]

Your main task during first year is to figure out how to learn. Your main task during second year is to actually start learning stuff.

Doing a lot of Step 1 specific studying doesn't make sense until you know what you should be getting out of it.

 

[dhoonlee]

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[cdql]

You can pick up review books with each course and try to skim over the material as you go over it in years 1 and 2.

If you're really motivated, reading RR Pathology and perhaps listening to Goljan's audio probably couldn't hurt too much. (The real question is, how much you're picking up if you're just skimming here and skimming there)

I find I lack the self-discipline to do that and just started once the school year had ended. Seemed to work out just fine.

 

[mules05]

I don't think it's worth it to, say, study molecular bio while you're in the middle of anatomy to prepare for step 1. I used the BRS review books for every class 1st and 2nd year, and also used the PreTest series during 2nd year (I used the book for the course I was in at the time). While these review books don't have enough info to really rock your class exam, they help to clarify information, and for me they also pointed out what were the really important topics. Despite the fact that every factoid presented in class was given equal weight in lecture, the high-yield topics from the review books and questions books were the topics that showed up on the exam. Every time.

I also found it helpful to review corresponding information from prior courses when studying for a current course. For example, when learning GI physio, I looked back at GI anatomy. When learning about cardiovascular pharm, I looked back at CV physio. It really does all interrelate, and I felt like taking the time to understand the big picture helped me on the class exams, and refreshed info in my head that ultimately helped me do very well on step 1.

 

[SkylineMD]

just think about it this way: MOST (not all but most) people who do really well on their boards were also the people who were doing well in their classes. So definitely focus more on your classes when you're taking them than on step 1

 

[lord_jeebus]

The trick now is not to discount anything they try to teach you with the mentality that "it won't be on the boards." Do not believe what anyone tells you; it is all fair game and you should focus on learning it all well.

I had to relearn biochem 2nd year because I fell into this trap.

 

[lord_jeebus]

If you want to give yourself an early advantage, I would suggest using your spare time to make connections with attendings in your ortho department and getting yourself published.

Being trusted by someone big in ortho is probably worth 30 Step I points, or more.

 

[discreet44]

For 1st year, I'd say to focus primarily on your school's syllabi, and maybe add BRS Physio if you don't like the recommended textbooks. You really don't need to be thinking about boards in the 1st year, just learn as much as you can in your courses. Contrary to what others say, I recommend doing *some* boards specific studying throughout 2nd year. This doesn't mean you should neglect your coursework. Of primary importance, start doing board-type practice questions as early as possible in 2nd year(ie. Webpath, Robbins review, etc.). Then if you are motivated, pick up some of the board review books in the fall to use with coursework and just read them once or twice with each course. It will greatly facilitate your boards-specific studying in the spring if you're already familiar w/ FA, BRS, Goljan, or whatever you decide to use.