step 1

[Dr. Rosenrose]

---

Members don't see this ad.

When should you start to study for step 1?

 

[aquaboy]

When should you start to study for step 1?

1st day of medical school.

 

[scootad.]

Ideally, 1st day of medical school. Realistically, 3 months before test date. I would get my hands on an annotated copy of First Aid from someone who crushed the test.

 

[phoenixsupra]

All depends on what score you want. 😉 I'd go with what scootad says if you want to do really well. Only do the "four weeks" if your goal is to fall flat on your face. 🙂 Good luck.

 

[velo]

I've talked to a lot of 3rd/4th year students about this and they all tell me that here everyone just focuses on their classes 1st/2nd year, studies hardcore over the summer right after 2nd year, and then crushes the exam. So I guess that's my plan...

 

[phoenixsupra]

I've talked to a lot of 3rd/4th year students about this and they all tell me that here everyone just focuses on their classes 1st/2nd year, studies hardcore over the summer right after 2nd year, and then crushes the exam. So I guess that's my plan...

Yeah, that's pretty much what I did. There was no way I was studying anything on top of pharm in second year. My classwork was more than enough for me. I'd advise you to schedule it as late in the summer as possible though. I also took a little break before I started my boards campaign to recharge the ol batteries. That helped a lot. Take the "four weeks" thing with a giant pinch of salt though. Longer is better. For me anyway.

There are people that study for it from day one though. Generally they do great. Most of them end up making the "four weeks" claim. So work hard and take as much as you feel you need. Good luck.

 

[souljah1]

4 weeks is ideal, any more than that and things start leaving your head each time you try to cram something new in.

 

[samyjay]

Does anyone know if the free practice materials you can get from usmle.org is different from the 2 NBME practice tests. THANKS!

 

[mpp]

Yes, they are different.

 

[UnderDoc]

There is no good answer to your question. Stay on top of the material in your classes, especially during the second year. Start thinking about the boards about three months ahead of time... do some practice questions here and there to get a sense of the format of the exam and the types of questions posed. Based on how comfortable you feel with the material, and standardized exams in general, plan to spend anywhere from 6 to 1 week(s) studying for Step I. I took 2 1/2 weeks of dedicated study time, which was just about right for me, though everyone is different. Don't spend too much time thinking about Step I until the latter fourth of your second year. Just try to be interested in the material presented in class and do well on your med school exams.

 

[tbowen2k]

When should you start to study for step 1?

I don't think you should! Ever!

 

[AlbertConstable]

So let's say I want to start studying from the 1st day of med school...

What are some suggestions on a good system?

Which books should I get? What should I focus on in the books?

I would like to begin studying from day 1 but I won't be familiar with the material enough yet to formulate my own system until later. If I wait until later, I'll have to spend extra time catching up on the earlier stuff. Granted, this may not be a big deal, I'd rather just start doing a little each day from day 1.

So those who have Step 1 experience, if you were to go back in time to start studying a little each day from day 1 of med school, how would you set it up?

By the way, my school is "standard" with Anatomy, Physio, Histo followed by Biochem, Microbio, Neuro, Path in the first year.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[slickrikk]

When should you start to study for step 1?

If you are in 2nd year, I suggest you focus your studies on knowing everything about 2nd year you can possibly know. Memorize BRS Pathology if you can. When 2nd year finally ends then do Qbank from Kaplan and choose some good high yield books for 1st yr review. (I did neuroanatomy, biochem, anatomy, and embryo). As far as q bank is concerned, if you can get 75-85% of those questions correct you will rock boards. MAKE SURE YOU DO ALL OF Q BANK. TRUST ME....good luck

 

[AlbertConstable]

Anyone?

 

[shocker]

I just finished 1st semester and I am reviewing BRS Biochem and Anatomy at a leisurely pace. I intend to review after each semester.

I am focusing on the big picture and clinical stuff, i.e. nerve lesions, enzyme deficiencies, etc.