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I know that the concept of USMLE Step 1 prep has been hashed and re-hashed to death on this site, but I was curious about using the aforementioned resources in regards to a Step 1 studying timeline. I have basically been told the following by this guy on youtube:
USMLE Rx: Good to start with early on (say 1 year before) as it helps you review First Aid if you have difficulty sitting down and straight up reading the book (which sounds like me). Not so helpful when you are just a few weeks from the test. (I was imagining that I might be able to work on a few of the Rx questions every day of the week as a way to "break up" my First Aid review - but can Rx be used in lieu of the text, or must it complement it?)
Kaplan Qbank: Helpful later on, but can be pedantic at times. Some questions are harder than real USMLE questions. Optional.
USMLE World: An absolutely necessary resource, but more helpful closer to the actual date of the exam when your knowledge is more developed. Preferable over Kaplan.
Can someone comment on the perceived pros and cons of each of these resources? If someone wanted to start prepping for the exam early on, how would you suggest they start breaking into it (apart from doing well and paying attention in med school classes). I am not the kind of person who will do well prepping for this exam if I do not spread out my studying over a long period of time. That's why I am keen on purchasing the USMLE Rx question set, but only if people seem to think it's a worthwhile way to review material.
Thoughts?
USMLE Rx: Good to start with early on (say 1 year before) as it helps you review First Aid if you have difficulty sitting down and straight up reading the book (which sounds like me). Not so helpful when you are just a few weeks from the test. (I was imagining that I might be able to work on a few of the Rx questions every day of the week as a way to "break up" my First Aid review - but can Rx be used in lieu of the text, or must it complement it?)
Kaplan Qbank: Helpful later on, but can be pedantic at times. Some questions are harder than real USMLE questions. Optional.
USMLE World: An absolutely necessary resource, but more helpful closer to the actual date of the exam when your knowledge is more developed. Preferable over Kaplan.
Can someone comment on the perceived pros and cons of each of these resources? If someone wanted to start prepping for the exam early on, how would you suggest they start breaking into it (apart from doing well and paying attention in med school classes). I am not the kind of person who will do well prepping for this exam if I do not spread out my studying over a long period of time. That's why I am keen on purchasing the USMLE Rx question set, but only if people seem to think it's a worthwhile way to review material.
Thoughts?
