USMLE Step 1 Study Plan

Kelsey Richardson MSIII klrichar@usc.edu Louis Hirsch MSIII lhirsch@usc.edu

Overview
Week 0: Spring break (rest and have fun) Weeks 1-7: ICS class + first aid Week 8: Study for the cumulative (ICS) Weeks 9-12: Practice Qs and review of everything

FYI: Most people take the exam 2-6 weeks following the cumulative

Study Plan
Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Neuro, MSK Biochem, genetics, path Endocrine, repro Heme/immuno, embryology, gross anatomy Cardio, respiratory Renal, behavior/psych GI, catch up time Study for cumulative USMLE World + review

Kaplan Qbank

USMLE World

Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Weeks 9 -12

How we made our study plan

Follow ICS topics Difficult subjects early (Biochem) Lighter near the end to allow for catch up Recently studied topics near the end

Use Goljan audio, etc. to supplement each system Use flash cards throughout (pace yourself)

Essential Books & Materials

First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 Goljans Rapid Review Pathology Goljan Audio Lectures Kaplan Qbank (dont need Qbank PLUS) USMLE World (better than Qbank!) Flash cards for microbiology and pharm
We used BRS cards (very concise)

Kels vs. Lou

First Aid for the USMLE Step 1
K: read it a billion times L: read it twice

Goljans Rapid Review Pathology

K: read it 1.5 times L: read it once

Goljan Audio Lectures

K: once L: twice

Kaplan Qbank (dont need Qbank PLUS)

K: finished it L: did half

USMLE World (better than Qbank!)

K: finished it L: did a little more than half

Kelseys Extra Books

Goljans Rapid Review Biochemistry Costanzos BRS Physiology

Step Up to Medicine was popular during ICS If you love tables and charts, Kaplan Med Essentials is useful

Extra Tips
Switch to USMLE world around the cumulative Take breaks!!! (weekend off after cumulative exam) Dont push back your date (know your peak) Stick to your plan. Dont listen to other people. Electronic books? (handy during ICS class) Assess your test taking strategy Review the equation page towards the end Study with or near people Take the practice test at your site You can listen to all 4 heart sounds on the test! Spiral bind your First Aid