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 Qs and review of
everything

FYI: Most people take the exam 2-6 weeks
following the cumulative

Study Plan
Week 1 Neuro, MSK
Week 2 Biochem, genetics, path
Week 3 Endocrine, repro
Week 4 Heme/immuno,
embryology, gross
anatomy
Week 5 Cardio, respiratory
Week 6 Renal, behavior/psych
Week 7 GI, catch up time
Week 8 Study for cumulative
Weeks 9 -12 USMLE World + review
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
Goljans Rapid Review Pathology
Goljan Audio Lectures
Kaplan Qbank (dont 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
Goljans Rapid Review Pathology
K: read it 1.5 times
L: read it once
Goljan Audio Lectures
K: once
L: twice
Kaplan Qbank (dont need Qbank PLUS)
K: finished it
L: did half
USMLE World (better than Qbank!)
K: finished it
L: did a little more than half

Kelseys Extra Books
Goljans Rapid Review Biochemistry
Costanzos 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)
Dont push back your date (know your peak)
Stick to your plan. Dont 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