Kaplan or BRS Biochem?

[Pox in a box]

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Like the cousin thread on physio...

 

[Janders]

Like the cousin thread on physio...

Haven't taken the test yet here, but I enjoy reading the Kaplan text a lot more than BRS. I've heard on the grapevine that it is an acceptable read for Step 1.

 

[Pox in a box]

Haven't taken the test yet here, but I enjoy reading the Kaplan text a lot more than BRS. I've heard on the grapevine that it is an acceptable read for Step 1.

How long did it take you to read Kaplan Biochem cover-to-cover (the white one that comes with the live lecture series)?

 

[Linus2807]

How long did it take you to read Kaplan Biochem cover-to-cover (the white one that comes with the live lecture series)?

I just took the step and kaplan biochem was plenty for me. I did not have any problems with the questions

 

[streetdoc]

any feedback on the BRS usage?????
no time for kaplan...don't have it anyway.
streetdoc

 

[smgilles]

any feedback on the BRS usage?????
no time for kaplan...don't have it anyway.
streetdoc

I have read both and I think BRS is much more indepth than Kaplan Biochem.

 

[viper]

Read the Kaplan biochem - it is very good. I would say you can read it in about 3 days (2 if you have some biochem knowledge already).
Haven't heard good things about BRS, here's a review:
http://www.gotmedbooks.com/findbook...=108&limitnum=5&searchtype=browse&category=12

The other book that people use a lot and is good is the Lippincott's illustrated, here's that one (and you can see inside the book too by going here - click view inside):

http://www.gotmedbooks.com/findbook...m=91&limitnum=0&searchtype=browse&category=12


Personally I would say use the Kaplan and supplement with the Lippincott Illustrated whenever needed since the Kaplan one does skimp on details in some places.

 

[Pox in a box]

I have read both and I think BRS is much more indepth than Kaplan Biochem.

Is it too in depth for Step 1? I have a feeling it (BRS) is.

 

[Janders]

How long did it take you to read Kaplan Biochem cover-to-cover (the white one that comes with the live lecture series)?

A few caveats:
*I was reading it part time for a few hours at a time in the evening
*I listened to most of the lectures that went along with it
*I have a strong background in mol. bio.
*I have a weak background in biochem proper.

This said, I think it could be covered well in two strong days of studying, or 3 weaker days. It depends on if you need to spend time thinking about how things work, or if you are just reviewing the concepts (and all the blasted pathways).

 

[smgilles]

Is it too in depth for Step 1? I have a feeling it (BRS) is.

Most definitely! I would stick with Kaplan for step 1. In fact I am spending the next 3 days with it.

 

[GITM]

Even Kaplan Biochem +lectures is way too in depth!!

 

[Pox in a box]

A few caveats:
*I was reading it part time for a few hours at a time in the evening
*I listened to most of the lectures that went along with it
*I have a strong background in mol. bio.
*I have a weak background in biochem proper.

This said, I think it could be covered well in two strong days of studying, or 3 weaker days. It depends on if you need to spend time thinking about how things work, or if you are just reviewing the concepts (and all the blasted pathways).

Does anyone know how long the Webprep that goes along with the book takes to go through and if you listen to the entire session, does it cover the entire book or just the highlights? Thanks in advance.

 

[pharmer]

Sorry, is everyone talking about the Kaplan Biochem Lecture notes?

 

[Pox in a box]

Sorry, is everyone talking about the Kaplan Biochem Lecture notes?

The white lecture notes that are given to students who attend the live lecture series for USMLE Step 1. There are about 8 total books (one of them is on biochemistry) in the set. There are spaces in the margin for notes to be taken during the lectures. They claim that they are to be utilized in conjunction with live lectures. While they probably would be better used with lectures, they are fairly sufficient review materials by themselves.

 

[Linus2807]

i actually read the home study biochem. i thought the home study was very good, except it may have been lacking in physio, other than that very good. I felt it prepared me very well except for physio. Physio i think BRS was better.