UK Student - When Should I write USMLE Step 1?

[Blitz2006]

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So I'm most likely going to write Step 1 this summer....but need advice to confirm it.

I'm currently in 2nd year medicine in the UK (5 year program). First 2 years is basic medical sciences, last 3 years are clinical rotations.

Most of the material covered in 1st 2 years overlaps with Step 1. However, there is a bit more pharm and path we do in 3rd year that may help for Step 1 prep.

However, this summer I have 3 months to study, whereas next summer (after 3rd year), I have 1 month. I figure the extra 2 months is key, since most of Step 1 stuff is memory work, and this is why I have decided to write it this summer as opposed to next.

Would you agree with me?

Thx

 

[Sage880]

As most of step 1 is the 3 P's (Path, Pharm, and Physiology) you shouldn't do it until after your third year. That's the ideal time to do it. I know people who did it after 2nd year but failed or barely passed.

 

[Blitz2006]

As most of step 1 is the 3 P's (Path, Pharm, and Physiology) you shouldn't do it until after your third year. That's the ideal time to do it. I know people who did it after 2nd year but failed or barely passed.

Hmm, thx for the response.

I plan on reading Board Review Series (BRS) for Pathology next month, will that not help me be prepared for Step 1?

I've done a lot of Phgy and Pharm in my undergraduate degree, as well as in med school, so not too worried about those. Even done a bit of Path as well.

I just feel the 3 months is more beneficial than 1 month I get next year, especially since most of the stuff is fresh now (basic medical sciences).

Appreciate your input,

 

[Sage880]

Alright, I tend to think "more is more" and don't put as much stock into stuff being fresh in your mind. The USMLE doesn't test facts as much as people think. It really tests to the limit how well you really understand concepts.

If you're not done your school's path course I think you'd be doing yourself a disservice by writing the exam early. Especially with how important that score is for securing a residency spot.

I studied for the exam in the summer of second year. Then I did nothing for the fall of third year and started again around Christmas time. You'll be studying for finals at the end of the year anyway and it overlaps. Then I wrote the exam early July of third year and wish I wrote it in June cause I was ready. I did absolutely no study in the 2-3 weeks before the test. I scored very well and if I had to do it again I'd do it the same way.

Of course, only you know what's best for you but that's my advice. If you think you've got enough path/pharm and won't get anything more really out of 3rd year then maybe it makes sense for you. Best of luck!

 

[Blitz2006]

Alright, I tend to think "more is more" and don't put as much stock into stuff being fresh in your mind. The USMLE doesn't test facts as much as people think. It really tests to the limit how well you really understand concepts.

If you're not done your school's path course I think you'd be doing yourself a disservice by writing the exam early. Especially with how important that score is for securing a residency spot.

I studied for the exam in the summer of second year. Then I did nothing for the fall of third year and started again around Christmas time. You'll be studying for finals at the end of the year anyway and it overlaps. Then I wrote the exam early July of third year and wish I wrote it in June cause I was ready. I did absolutely no study in the 2-3 weeks before the test. I scored very well and if I had to do it again I'd do it the same way.

Of course, only you know what's best for you but that's my advice. If you think you've got enough path/pharm and won't get anything more really out of 3rd year then maybe it makes sense for you. Best of luck!

Thx sage,

Im reading over BRS next few weeks, and I'll see how I feel then. Is BRS sufficient for Step 1? I also Have Kaplan Pathology, and High Yield Path.

Any Path books you can reccomend? I have Robbins, but the book is a beast...Doubt I can learn it all by end of August...heh.

Thx