Thinking of writing the USMLE??
QUICK facts
Test: computerized 8-hour test of 350 multiple-choice test items, divided into seven 60-minute blocks
Cost of test: US$470 if taking the test in the US
US$695 if taking the test outside the US (Sydney or Melbourne in Australia)
Passing score: 185 out of 260 (as of Jan. 1, 2007)
Timing: most Flinders students take it at the end of 2nd year/beginning of 3rd year
TRY these websites for more information
United States Medical Licensing Examination: http://www.usmle.org/
*The official site with updated info
ECFMG | USMLE Step 1 / Step 2 CK General Information: http://www.ecfmg.org/usmle/index.html
*As an international student, you must register for the USMLE at this site
GO to these websites for study aids
NBME Self-Assessment Services: http://www.nbme.org/
*A great resource to gauge your knowledge level against other students
Kaplan Medical Prep: http://www.kaplanmedical.com/usmle
*A bit pricey, but the Qbank is a great way to practice USMLE-style questions
Wikibooks USMLE Step 1 Review: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Test_Prep_for_USMLE_Step_1
*Compilation of free USMLE Step 1 resources
CHECK out these books recommended by fellow students who’ve already taken the exam
First Aid for the USMLE Step 1, Bhushan, et al.
BRS Physiology, Linda Costanzo
Goljan Pathology Notes and Audio¸ Goljan
Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple, Gladwin and Trattler
USMLE Step 1 Secrets: Questions You Will Be Asked on USMLE Step 1, Brown and Brown
High Yield Series
Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews Series (esp. Pharmacology and Biochemistry)
Example Question
A 32-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes mellitus has had progressive renal failure over the past 2 years. She
has not yet started dialysis. Examination shows no abnormalities. Her hemoglobin concentration is 9 g/dL,
hematocrit is 28%, and mean corpuscular volume is 94 µm3. A blood smear shows normochromic, normocytic
cells. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
A.
Acute blood loss
B.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
C.
Erythrocyte enzyme deficiency
D.
Erythropoietin deficiency
E.
Immunohemolysis
F.
Microangiopathic hemolysis
G.
Polycythemia vera
H.
Sickle cell disease
I.
Sideroblastic anemia
J.
b-Thalassemia trait