How to balance study resources for USMLE Step 1?

Question

-Pathoma? Boards & Beyond? UWORLD? ANKI....There are hundreds of resources to choose from, but what each student needs depends on their learning style and must be personalized to maximize their score.

Answer 1

The Step 1 is considered one of the more difficult tests out of the other step exams, and for good reason. It is the most voluminous in terms of having basic knowledge. I believe that it all starts with understanding which question banks to use to initially increase your own basic knowledge; such as Kaplan and Rx questions banks. Followed by them is where you should transition into using a question bank where you apply that knowledge more in two and three step questions, such as UWorld. I would definitely advocate the use of FirstAid and Pathoma as these two resources are palatable and allow you to go back to topics in a manner to quickly review them. You can't go wrong with them. These are suggestions that aren't for everybody, but hopefully can give students and colleagues some direction into the usefulness of such materials. Good luck!

Answer 2

USMLE is a tricky beast, and the resources that an individual may use depends on three major things: learning style, timeframe, and money.

1. Constants: UWORLD and Sketchy micro/pharm with associated ANKI decks
2. Maybes: Pathoma, Boards & Beyond, Kaplan, Firstaid

Again, the combination is personalized and either requires a lot of self-awareness, or a tutoring consult if you don't want to use-up valuable time trying things that don't work!