Preparing for the dreaded…
First and Foremost:
RELAX!
You have been studying for this test for the
past two years! It's time to shine.
It's just another hurdle
to becoming a doctor
Overview
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Resources
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Study Schedule
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Sanity
Resources
Comprehensive
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First Aid for Step I
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This book is absolutely a necessity
 Some prefer to have it unbound and put into a
three ring binder for more note taking space
 Excellent for review and focusing on core topics
 Errors and corrections in 2012 edition can be
found at:
http://firstaidteam.com/wp-content/uploads/FAStep-1-2012-errata-120222.pdf
Subjects
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Anatomy: High Yield Anatomy, Roadmaps
Embryo: High Yield Embryo with First Aid
Histology: High Yield Histology if you must
Neuroscience: High Yield Neuroscience, Atlas of the
Human Brain and Spinal Cord (James D. Fix)
Physiology: BRS Physiology
Biochemistry: First Aid is enough, High Yield Biochem
Human Behavior: High Yield Human Behavior
Pathology: Goljan Rapid Review w/ audio, BRS Path
Micro: First Aid, Micro Made Simple, MicroCards
Immuno: First Aid more than enough, Lange text
Pharm: First Aid is excellent, Kaplan Pharm Cards
Question Banks
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USMLE World
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If you buy only one, BUY THIS ONE
Nearly perfect simulation of the real thing
Difficult questions, but VERY good teaching points.
(READ the explanations!!!)
Kaplan Q-Bank
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Also a great question source
General opinion: more low-yield questions
Again, READ the explanations
Review Courses: To take or not to
take…
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Doctors in Training- very well laid out with great
review sessions; good for those that otherwise
will not make a schedule and stick to it/those that
like to be taught
Cram Fighter- $10 app. that allows you to plug in
everything you need to make a very good study
schedule; for those that like to make their own
schedule and know they will stick to it
Question Sources - Other
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BRS Phys/Path questions and Comp Review
Goljan Path Comprehensive Review
Robbins Review Path Questions
Utah WebPath Questions (good for anatomy)
Practice Exams
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NBME Practice Exams
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150 questions (3 sections)
Give best predictive score & most similar questions
Expensive
Cannot review
USMLE World & Kaplan Practice Exams
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150 questions
Give score (which is widely believed to be elevated)
Can be purchased with your World subscription
Allow review of all questions with explanation
For the Minimalist
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First Aid for Step I
USMLE World Question Bank
(Again, READ the explanations)
Goljan Path Review with audio
Most Important Thing Possible
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Practice Questions
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
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PRACTICE QUESTIONS
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PRACTICE
QUESTIONS!!!
Schedules
Study Schedules
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Start doing Qbank questions now
You have just over a month to study for the
exam (not including studying for mini-boards)
Make a schedule and stick to it!
But don't beat yourself up over if you mess up
a bit…
The average time to study is 28 days....which
is perfect for many people
Important Dates
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Last day of school: April 19, 2013
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Mini-boards & OSCE’s: April 25 – May 10
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Step 1 Sit-by Date: June 15, 2013
Different Study Schedules
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Develop your own study schedule
Some people study based on systems, some
study based on courses, some both, and some
neither.
Schedule “catch up” days and extra time at the
end to review material
Don't be afraid to adapt your schedule, but stick
to the plan!
Daily Schedule- SAMPLE
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8AM-9AM- Breakfast
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9AM-1PM- Read
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1PM-1:30- Lunch
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1:30-6:00- Read some more
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6-7 Dinner
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7-8 Personal Time
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8-12 Questions and review
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12-8AM- Sleep
Staying Sane
Where to Study
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Some study at their apartment
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Some study at their parents' house
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Some at the library
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Point is...you've figured out what works for
you, do it!
Balance
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You need to relax
Take personal time
every day
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Start a blog
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Yoga/ meditation
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Don't make any
drastic life changes
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Work out
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Catch up with friends
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Don't move
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Socialize
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Relax
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Go to dinner
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Vent
This was the best part
of 2nd year
Words of Wisdom
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EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT and to stick to what style
has worked for you the past two years (ie- learning from
questions, etc).
28 days is enough time to crush it. I didn’t think it would
be enough but was sick of studying by the last week
Leave days for review the final week before your test.
Review your WEAK subjects, don’t try to re-read all of
First Aid again
Do NOT push back your date unless a catastrophe occurs
Watch a movie, hang out, have a beer, but DO NOT study
the day before your test
Don't worry. You will do great and it will all be
over before you know it. Then it's time for
VACATION!!!!!!
Special thanks to MUSOM faculty and staff and
Tim Nywening, Katherine Schnell, and Parin
Chheda from the University of Florida