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

Resources

Study Schedule

Sanity
Resources
 Comprehensive
First Aid for Step I
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/FA-
Step-1-2012-errata-120222.pdf
 Subjects
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
USMLE World
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
Also a great question source
General opinion: more low-yield questions
Again, READ the explanations
Review Courses: To take or not to
take

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
BRS Phys/Path questions and Comp Review
Goljan Path Comprehensive Review
Robbins Review Path Questions
Utah WebPath Questions (good for anatomy)
 Practice Exams
NBME Practice Exams
150 questions (3 sections)
Give best predictive score & most similar questions
Expensive
Cannot review
USMLE World & Kaplan Practice Exams
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
First Aid for Step I
USMLE World Question Bank
(Again, READ the explanations)
Goljan Path Review with audio
 Most Important Thing Possible
Practice Questions
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
PRACTICE
QUESTIONS!!!
Schedules
 Study Schedules

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

Last day of school: April 19, 2013

Mini-boards & OSCEs: April 25 May 10

Step 1 Sit-by Date: June 15, 2013

 Different Study Schedules

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

8AM-9AM- Breakfast

9AM-1PM- Read

1PM-1:30- Lunch

1:30-6:00- Read some more

6-7 Dinner

7-8 Personal Time

8-12 Questions and review

12-8AM- Sleep
Staying Sane
 Where to Study

Some study at their apartment

Some study at their parents' house

Some at the library

Point is...you've figured out what works for

you, do it!
 Balance

You need to relax

Start a blog

Take personal time

Yoga/ meditation
every day
Don't make any

Work out drastic life changes

Catch up with friends

Don't move

Socialize
Relax

Go to dinner
This was the best part

Vent of 2nd year

 Words of Wisdom

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 didnt 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, dont 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