USMLE Step 1 Prep ... Studying for the Boards
The following is based on "The Penn Method” for studying for Step 1. We happen to have the highest average Step 1 scores in the nation, so we're doing something right. That said, studying is really all about figuring out what works for you.
People generally study for anywhere from 4 - 6 weeks. Make a schedule of what you want to accomplish each day and leave time for fun, friends, exercise ... you know life.
- Recommended Books
- First Aid for the USMLE Step 1
- Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry or BRS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology or High-Yield™ Biochemistry
- Lange Flash Cards: Pharmacology or Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology or Appleton & Lange Review of Pharmacology
- Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple
- High-Yield™ Immunology or Medical Microbiology and Immunology (Immunology section only)
- BRS Pathology
- BRS Physiology
- High-Yield Gross Anatomy
- High-Yield™ Embryology: A Collaborative Project of Medical Students and Faculty or BRS Embryology
- High-Yield Neuroanatomy or Clinical Neuroanatomy Made Ridiculously Simple
- High-Yield Behavioral Science
- High-Yield™ Histology
- Recommended Question Sources
- Primary: USMLE Step 1 Q-Bank from Kaplan - 2500 questions & answers online, sign up for 1 month or 3 months.
- Back-up: Appletion and Lange's USMLE Step 1 (1200 questions + answers, including 2 full-length exams)
- Schedule
- First 26 - 34 Days
- 3-4 days First-Aid for the Boards
- 4-5 days Biochemistry
- 3-4 days Microbiology
- 1-2 days Immunology
- 1 day Embryology
- 1-2 days Anatomy
- 1 day Neuroanatomy
- 3 days Physiology
- 4-6 days Pharmacology
- 3-4 days Pathology
- 1 day Histology
- 1 day Behavioral Sciences
- Final 5 - 10 Days
- review First-Aid for the Boards
- review your notes
- do questions
- How do your Board scores compare to average board scores of residency applicants in each subspecialty? Check out the pdf below.
- "Charting Outcomes in the Match" - official NMRP match statistics based on med school performance