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