For those who have already taken USMLE step 1, would you guys say that biochemistry is tested lightly? In the book "med school confidential" they mention that biochemistry is only tested lightly on step one. I noticed in FA biochem has one of the largest review sections so I was a littly confused by why there would be such a big review section if it was only a lightly tested subject.
-
CycleTrack and SDN are teaming up to make medical school admissions more transparent and accessible! Read the announcement to learn how we’re supporting the future of CycleTrack’s free application-tracking tools .
Step I Step 1 Biochem
Started by MikeTheGipper
Get help with your application
Use all the free resources available to you from SDN: articles, guides, expert advising, forums discussions, and school research.
I think Biochem varies wildly from one experience to the other. Some are more heavily tested than others in it. The thing is, even if it was tested lightly, the questions can come from many topics within biochemistry. The fund of knowledge that is being tested is wide. You literally can be asked anything from Vitamens, to Heme synthesis to purine salvage to glycogen storage diseases... etc, which is why Biochemistry probably has a large section in FA.
On the other hand, while Anatomy is tested lightly, it would be extremely bizarre if you were asked about origins and insertions or detailed relations. Basically the fund of knowledge tested is much more limited.
On the other hand, while Anatomy is tested lightly, it would be extremely bizarre if you were asked about origins and insertions or detailed relations. Basically the fund of knowledge tested is much more limited.
Last edited:
Don't ignore biochem dude. what is it, like 35-40 pages of FA.... too big of a subject man. I had tons of nutrition on my test. In my opinion, once you get biochem down, its not too bad. Get it done early so that you could go back and review it a couple more times
When they say "tested lightly," they mean that it is going to be more straight forward than other sections (such as physio) because it is more about pathways and enzymes (vs. a myriad of variables that can all change and affect the outcome...as in physio).
Know your biochem, but know it on a superficial level (e.g. if this enzyme is missing then what disease results from it).
Know your biochem, but know it on a superficial level (e.g. if this enzyme is missing then what disease results from it).
i read rapid review biochem and felt that it was a very decent review. it took around three days but very worth it. if you have doubts on your biochem knowledge base but confident in other subject areas, then i would go ahead and read that book since it kinda just reinforced everything that you were taught in path, micro (abx, etc), etc.
