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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 Q’s and review of everything
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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 Q’s and review of everything FYI: Most people take the exam 2-6 weeks following the cumulative
Study Plan Kaplan Qbank USMLE World
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 • Goljan’s Rapid Review Pathology • Goljan Audio Lectures • Kaplan Qbank (don’t 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 • Goljan’s Rapid Review Pathology • K: read it 1.5 times • L: read it once • Goljan Audio Lectures • K: once • L: twice • Kaplan Qbank (don’t need Qbank PLUS) • K: finished it • L: did half • USMLE World (better than Qbank!) • K: finished it • L: did a little more than half
Kelsey’s Extra Books • Goljan’s Rapid Review Biochemistry • Costanzo’s 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) • Don’t push back your date (know your “peak”) • Stick to your plan. Don’t 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