Summer after M1---Stupid to get USMLE-World?

[cbtk18]

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I just want questions to review what we've already covered in M1 so I don't forget it.

Would it be a waste of the program doing so early?

I've also got 1st Aid and an old set of Kaplan review books.

 

[jilliumm]

As someone studying for it now, yes it would be a waste. The questions in UWorld require both M1 and M2 knowledge - even some of the biochem and anatomy questions have M2 concepts. Enjoy your summer.

 

[Vergie]

I'm a second year at DCOM studying for boards now.
If you really want to study some over the summer I would read Micro made ridiculously simple and at least read the first 15 chapters to get your bacteria down. If you still want to do more then finish the book. If you still want to do more and want to take the USMLE, I would read lippincotts illustrated review of Biochem (the blue book).


There's no reason to do USMLEworld right now although you will definiitely want to get it at some point.

 

[cassrae]

I just want questions to review what we've already covered in M1 so I don't forget it.

Would it be a waste of the program doing so early?

I've also got 1st Aid and an old set of Kaplan review books.

ENJOY your summer, don't get Uworld yet, definitely a waste of time and money at this point.

 

[Perrotfish]

I honestly think it might be a good idea to get a 1 year subscription to Kaplan or USMLERx (NOT UWorld, save that for your real review) and do a little periodic review of what you learned, particularly neuroanatomy if you've already taken it. By 'a little' I mean a maximum of 1 afternoon every two weeks. I didn't do this, but I felt like if I had done it it would have boosted my retention.

But, yeah, it's this is definitely a 'less is more' situation. Mostly just sit back and enjoy your last summer ever.

 

[HTxFrog]

Absolutely do not even consider getting UWorld. I was in your position after M1 trying to figure out what I could study over the summer, but there really isn't any high yield stuff you can do. Actually there isn't even much low yield stuff you can do. I read the exact same thing on here last year, and I was like oh whatever they are just saying that. I bought RR path, read like a chapter and then realized how pointless it was. You should do whatever you can to strengthen your application aside from step 1 studying. Do research or something. Then as soon as M2 starts have Rapid Review Path ready and read it and listen to the corresponding audio as many times as you can as you cover that material in class. Do the exact same with First Aid. Any other big classes you have like pharm, buy the best rated review book for them and use it along with your classes. Wait to review M1 material until January for a June test or else you will forget it. Then just use the Taus method from January-June and you will be Golden. I even attached it for you

 

[PokerDoc]

take the summer off and relax, everyone I know who spent MS I summer studying told me they regretted it or are just so socially awkward they had nothing better to do. (I know you're in former category 😉)

 

[Rochester]

take the summer off and relax, everyone I know who spent MS I summer studying told me they regretted it or are just so socially awkward they had nothing better to do. (I know you're in former category 😉)

agree 100% with above

 

[mongrel]

Definitely enjoy your last full summer ever. No questions. Maybe some occasional First Aid browsing.

 

[singinfifi]

It won't do you much good at this stage in the game. I second what someone said about MMRS. If you can memorize one bacteria every 2 days (really, take like, 30 minutes a day, not even) your life will be SO much easier. Summer of M1 year I also got a hold of some of the pharm/general path notes from one of the then M3's.

I did about an hour a day over my summer,MAYBE an hour and a half.
Not too taxing. Half an hour of MMRS and then half an hour of either pharm or path.

now, keep in mind, this wasn't done to "get ahead" this was done because I have a nearly pathological fear of failure and thought that since I'd never HAD pharm or path before I was destined to crash and burn. This is not the case. you will be FINE in your M2 year (and yes, even be able to be prepared for boards (...you know, as prepared as one gets)) if you just take the summer off and ENJOY yourself.

So if you wanna read for your own betterment, or because you want to get a jump, go for it. If you feel like you SHOULD or HAVE TO don't. You don't. Enjoy yourself. 🙂