Preparing for the USMLE

1. Preparing for the USMLE Quick Tips to Get You In Shape!

2. Where to Begin??? • Creating a Study Timeline • Select a date for when you plan to take the exam. • Choose 1-2 subjects to cover each week (e.g., Block 9 and Block 2, Block 8 and Block 5). • Adjust study strategies as you approach the exam (more review in the beginning and more practice exam questions towards the exam date). • Creating a weekly study schedule • Develop a consistent weekly schedule that promotes comprehensive review and practice questions (to assess areas of weakness). • Be realistic – budget for personal time and upcoming life events (e.g., marriage, graduation, moving, etc.).

3. Choosing Your Materials • Keep it simple • More is not always better • Student recommendations: • One main text (e.g., First Aid) • One supplemental pathology text (e.g., Goljan, BRS, etc). • One Pharmacology flashcard pack • One 3 Month subscription to practice questions (e.g., USMLEWORLD, Kaplan Q-book, etc.)

4. Study Strategies • Where to Study: • Find a place with minimal distractions • Good places include libraries, empty classrooms, etc. • Getty Library • Graduate Resource Center • Public Library Study Rooms (i.e. Santa Monica Main Branch) • Alternate places to study to minimize boredom and fatigue • Learning = Repetition: • Optimal performance on exams is the result of repetitive review of all materials • Use different study formats (e.g., read lecture notes/outlines, review flash cards, create and review charts/diagrams, practice questions).

5. Study Strategies • How to Study: • Study during designated times on your weekly study schedule • Break study periods into chunks of time (e.g., 3-5 hour blocks of time) • Take a 10 minute break after each 60 minute study period • Change the format of studying (e.g., switch from reading lecture notes to reviewing flashcards). • Bring snacks to boost energy and fight hunger and fatigue • Save difficult material for high-energy times and easy materials in low-energy times • Take practice questions (of the content you covered) once weekly to assess your understanding/review of the material and gaps in knowledge. • Make flashcards for questions you missed.

6. Study Strategies • Alone vs. Study Partners: • Choose what is the best way for you to learn. • Partners are ideal when you have reviewed the material and would like feedback on topics that are challenging. • Partners are best if you have low motivation to study • Teaching others is often a good way of learning

7. Activities for Study Breaks • Physical Activity • Exercise at the gym • Yoga • Bike rides or walk in the park • Hiking • Mindful Awareness Classes • http://marc.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=29&oTopID=21

8. Additional Resources • UCLA Counseling and Psychological Services • (310) 825-0768 • (310) 825-0768 Crisis Line • UCLA Office of Student Disabilities • (310) 825-1501 • (310) 825-2651 Resource Room • http://www.osd.ucla.edu/ • UCLA Graduate Resource Center • (310) 267-4805 • http://gsrc.ucla.edu/ • Dr. Paula Stoessel (UCLA Psychologist) • (310) 206-8976 • Lesley Stahl, Psy.D. (Principle Learning Skills Counselor) • (310) 206-3828 • lstahl@mednet.ucla.edu • Hy Doyle, Ed.D. • 310-794-5805 • hydoyle@ucla.edu