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Exam Info;Study plans and materials
Valerie Gerriets, PhDAssistant Professor of Pharmacology
Basic info about USMLE Step 1
• What is the passing score for Step 1?• 192• National average: ~229
• Questions on Step 1 exam? • 280 total questions• 7 modules, each with 40 questions• Random selection from all organ systems/disciplines
• How long is the exam? • 7 one‐hour modules administered over 8 hours• + 15 minute tutorial• + 45 minutes of break time used at your discretion between modules
What is on the exam?
• http://www.usmle.org/pdfs/usmlecontentoutline.pdf
USMLE step 1 scores of matched applicants
http://www.nrmp.org/match‐data/main‐residency‐match‐data/
Important Dates
• Online registration begins in November• Last day to register: 1/9/17• May‐June‐July window
• CBSSA in March • Helps gauge study progress, plans
• Latest date can take USMLE Step 1: 7/5/17
Keys to success on USMLE exam
• What did all of those students (230 and higher) have in common?
• All had a solid knowledge base
• All carefully assessed strengths and weaknesses
• All had thoughtful, strategic study plan
• All put their plan into place while maintaining performance in courses
• All evaluated their plan as they went and made adjustmentswhen something wasn’t working
Study Plan: Make one!
• All successful study plans include:• Scheduled breaks and days off• Scheduled days for practice tests/question based review • Scheduled days for final review
• Plans may need to include:• “special days off” – Weddings, birthdays, poster presentations, etc.
• Make a plan and discuss with College Master or myself
Study Plan: Make one!
How to Study
• Use a study strategy that works with your learning style• Visual learner? Group studying?
• Don’t start too late
• Don’t use too many resources
Study Suggestions
• Identify the important information
• Organize the information in a way that makes sense to you and study from that
• Memorize the information• Redraw charts/figures• Flash cards
• Practice using the information• Practice questions
Study Resources
• First Aid for the USMLE Step 1• Plus one additional reference per discipline as needed
• Anatomy/Histology• Biochemistry• Physiology• Immunology/Microbiology• Pathology• Pharmacology• Embryology
• Question Bank(s)
Study Resources
• “UFAP”• Pathoma• Boards and Beyond• Sketchymicro• Firecracker• BRS Path, Physio• Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple
• Lippincott’s Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry
• Etc etc• http://www.benwhite.com/medicine/free‐usmle‐step‐1‐questions/
Question banks
• Practice for real exam• Learning about your testing skills, problem areas• How does the question writer want me to use this information? Get into the head of the question writer
• Use in mixed mode (no hints at answer) and timed tests during last 1‐2 months of intensive studying
• USMLERx• Kaplan• USMLEWorld
USMLERx
• 2300 questions• From authors of First Aid• Helps drill in “high‐yield” First Aid info
Criticism:• No critical thinking, only similar to “easy” questions on exam
Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Qbank
• 2100 questions• Has good explanations for answers
• Helpful if studying over longer period of time
Criticism:• Questions aren’t that similar to Step 1 exam
USMLE World
• 2400 questions• Closest to real thing
• May be more useful as intensive prep right before exam (1‐2 months before)