When to begin UWorld if hoping for 2 passes

[drdude21]

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I haven't even bought UWorld yet, so I guess I'm asking this question based on its time commitment -- which I understand can be substantial. I'm hoping to get through it at least 2x. Second year ends April 27 and I'm registered for Step 1 on June 1, so I'll basically have exactly 5 weeks for dedicated study.

What I'm thinking as of now is that I'll start UWorld (6 month subscription) right at the beginning of January. I'll do subject blocks for systems we've already covered, so that I'll have gotten through most if not all of it by the end of classes.

Have other people followed a similar schedule? What's it like trying to balance UWorld alongside classes?

Also, at this point I've decided that my main resources for Step 1 will be UWorld, FA, RR Path, BRS Physio. I've been going through FA/RR/BRS along with the courses we've been taking since the beginning of MS 2. Would cream myself if I got 245+, which I think I'm totally capable of. Is this a good plan? I debated long and hard about doing Kaplan's Qbank, but finally settled against it.

Thanks for reading! 😍

 

[just one]

I don't have an answer for your original question but the advice I have consistently gotten is to do the question banks on random. Doing the blocks allows you to chose answers based solely on the system you are reviewing. I bought Kaplan and uworld and plan on doing the Kaplan systems then once I'm done going through uworld on random. If you do uworld twice you will remember some of the questions the second time around.

 

[missmedschool]

I plan on going through UWorld twice as well. I would say to do a block every day starting in January. If you do that as well as questions related to coursework I think you should easily get through it twice. At least, that's what I plan on doing.

 

[missmedschool]

Also, I would do the question blocks on random, mixed, timed mode to simulate real exam experience, and I would only do systems/subject based blocks to go along with coursework.

 

[Aclamity]

Is UW best used after your first pass through the material? I currently have kaplan and have been using that for subject-specific questions. I really wanted to use UW to simulate "real exam" situation, but also don't want to run the risk of not finishing it. But if I'd be better off using kaplan until I get through 1 pass I will do that. ty

 

[Robot Skeleton]

Is UW best used after your first pass through the material? I currently have kaplan and have been using that for subject-specific questions. I really wanted to use UW to simulate "real exam" situation, but also don't want to run the risk of not finishing it. But if I'd be better off using kaplan until I get through 1 pass I will do that. ty

Yes, in my opinion, UW is best used after you have completed your first pass (or at least 80% done with your first pass). I think you've got the right strategy--using UW to simulate the real exam situation. That's the only way you'll be able to practice working through the USMLE-type reasoning. I also think using Kaplan as a source of questions as you make your first run through is a great idea. That's what I did, working through them in an organ-based fashion.

I think people go a little crazy with UW, with the multiple run-throughs, and the excessive note-taking. It's a great resource, but there was only one question that was an exact replica from UW on my test, and some of the detailed answer explanations they give are way beyond what you need to know. My opinion: do it once, do it well, don't go nuts.