USMLEWorld: Comprehensive enough?

[Psyche Estrelle]

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Hey everyone (apologies if there has been a similar question before, I didn't see one),

I'm currently studying for the Step 1 primarily using First Aid and USMLEWorld. I'm about a month out (test date May 6). Of course a high score would be nice, but I'd honestly be okay with just passing it if that's the best I can do. 🙂

My question is:
Is the USMLE Q-bank comprehensive enough to be used as study aid rather than just a "see where I stand" tool? In other words, if I were to know the content of the entire USMLEWorld Q-bank very very well, would that be enough to render me ready for the exam?

I ask because usually just knowing the answers to practice exams throughout the curriculum isn't enough to do well on tests... and I'm kinda hoping the Q-bank is different... don't wanna be burned on test day 🙂

 

[lord_jeebus]

It might be sufficient for passing, but I wouldn't use this strategy.

I think there are about 8000-15000 potentially testable facts on Step I (based on my attempt to make flash cards for anything I thought was testable) and although commercial question banks cover most of the "high yield" material, there's a lot of stuff that just can't get covered in the limited size of USMLEWorld.

You do mention that you are also using First Aid, and if you knew that very well also, I think you could get a respectable (but not stellar, unless you retained a lot from the past 2 years anyway) score.

 

[Cliff Huxtable]

It might be sufficient for passing, but I wouldn't use this strategy.

I think there are about 8000-15000 potentially testable facts on Step I (based on my attempt to make flash cards for anything I thought was testable) and although commercial question banks cover most of the "high yield" material, there's a lot of stuff that just can't get covered in the limited size of USMLEWorld.

You do mention that you are also using First Aid, and if you knew that very well also, I think you could get a respectable (but not stellar, unless you retained a lot from the past 2 years anyway) score.

So what combination of resources would be most helpful? I am trying not to overload on books because I'd rather know a few books very well.

Let's assume I don't remember much from the past 2 years.

 

[lantus99]

Board simulator series (BSS 5 books) is good to begin with. The cons are that they are nowhere near the style and format of this test now and take time to do! Almost 4000 questions I think. Some other members here I believe are using it too.

You will have to go through the questions to see what's useful but the explanations are good. I'm not sure if they're as detailed as UW though. In the end, closer to your exam stick with usmleworld.