Question about old Kaplan books.

[Lawliet2008]

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Hey guys, new timer here on this forum.

My dad bought the USMLE Kaplan books in 1998 for himself, and they are still in mint condition. I don't know about any changes to the test, but do you think I could just use them, or do I have to go out and buy recent ones?

 

[tfom08]

You probably could, but I think you will definitely be seeing some differences and stuff that has been updated. People use Kaplan books that are a few years old and don't have any problems, but you are talking 10+ years. I would spend $100 and buy a more recent set off of an upperclassmen that will only be 1-3 years old.

 

[Lawliet2008]

Thanks a lot. This is something I've been wondering about for a while. When I get back home, guess I'm gonna have to shell out more money. Oh well.

 

[tfom08]

Yeah, I can't say for sure because I haven't seen 10 year old kaplan books, but I have seen a First Aid for Step 1 from 1997 and it's about half the size of the newer one. I think Step 1 prep in general has been stepped up significantly since then, not to mention the cell bio and stuff like that that wasn't even known in 97. The new Kaplan set is like $500, so buying a used one for around $100 isn't bad.

 

[igottaquestion]

Yeah, I can't say for sure because I haven't seen 10 year old kaplan books, but I have seen a First Aid for Step 1 from 1997 and it's about half the size of the newer one. I think Step 1 prep in general has been stepped up significantly since then, not to mention the cell bio and stuff like that that wasn't even known in 97. The new Kaplan set is like $500, so buying a used one for around $100 isn't bad.

But what about the fact that a highly recommended text on these forums is the *1999* version of High Yield Cell and Molecular Biology? This is what leads me to believe that my 2001 Kaplan Biochemistry book should be adequate as well. Maybe Step I doesn't test the most cutting-edge info???

 

[diosa428]

But what about the fact that a highly recommended text on these forums is the *1999* version of High Yield Cell and Molecular Biology? This is what leads me to believe that my 2001 Kaplan Biochemistry book should be adequate as well. Maybe Step I doesn't test the most cutting-edge info???

I think that preference is actually b/c that's the most condensed version of the HY cell and mol bio, which makes it a faster, easier and more relevant read.

 

[igottaquestion]

I think that preference is actually b/c that's the most condensed version of the HY cell and mol bio, which makes it a faster, easier and more relevant read.

Right, but one would also think that it might contain outdated information, making it less useful. The fact that this doesn't seem to outweigh its usefulness in being condensed suggests to me that 2001 Kaplan Biochemistry (which contains cell bio) should be okay too.

 

[diosa428]

Right, but one would also think that it might contain outdated information, making it less useful. The fact that this doesn't seem to outweigh its usefulness in being condensed suggests to me that 2001 Kaplan Biochemistry (which contains cell bio) should be okay too.

It's not really a big deal since molecular biology hasn't exactly changed much. I don't really think biochem has either...

The only thing you might consider is that some of the drugs could be outdated/missing. I have the Kaplan Biochem book from 2007 and there are a lot of little notes talking about how this drug alters this or that, especially in the molecular bio sections. The biochem chapters contain a lot of info about metabolic diseases, but I doubt that's changed much. But if you have an updated first aid I doubt it's going to be a huge problem.

 

[tfom08]

But what about the fact that a highly recommended text on these forums is the *1999* version of High Yield Cell and Molecular Biology? This is what leads me to believe that my 2001 Kaplan Biochemistry book should be adequate as well. Maybe Step I doesn't test the most cutting-edge info???

I don't think Step 1 tests cutting edge info for the most part, although there may be some. And I won't even argue that you can't easily pass the test using 10 year old kaplan books because you don't have to have a great study source to pass step 1. What I will argue is that you have to take into account that a decent proportion of the info has changed or been updated in the past 10 years and that the depth and/or focus of the exam might have changed in the past 10 years. I haven't looked at the old set so I can't be sure but I really don't think it's worth the chance since you can get a recent set for a reasonably cheap price just by emailing upperclassmen and letting them know you want to buy a set. If someone does decide to use a set of books that old, more power to them and I'd love to hear what they think afterwards.

 

[Powel6016]

Look at the size of the old version of the kaplan books and the new ones. The 2001 editions have anatomy and physiology in one book. Now there are two thick books for each subject. If your comparing for instance 2004/05 books to the new ones, the 04/05 are still good.

You can find good deals on ebay, I would def upgrade.