USMLE STEP 1 Tips:

Step 1 Preparation

It depends on the individual. Proper planning and its execution play a very significant role in achieving your goal and realizing your dream to pursue residency training in the United States. Usually, physicians from India start preparing for USMLE tests during their Internship period whereas American medical graduates take their step 1 exam before beginning their third year of medical school. Basically step 1 examination tests the examinee’s application of basic sciences knowledge to the practice of clinical medicine.

STUDY MATERIAL:

Procure the updated and latest versions of the study material.
Kaplan notes and First aid for USMLE step 1 are more commonly used by IMGs.
Some IMGs subscribe USMLEWORLD Q bank while others use Kaplan question banks to prepare for their tests.
First aid is used by IMGs to review all the contents 1-2 weeks before taking examinations. Some IMGs take their test without reviewing first-aid. It has most of the information in a concise manner but takes a lot of time to finish it.

TO GET HIGH PERCENTILES:

Approximately 5-6 months of dedicated preparation is required before taking Step 1.
Prepare an action plan after discussing with your advisors, mentors and seniors.
Read all the basic sciences material and listen to audiovisual classes provided either by your medical school or coaching centers such as Kaplan etc.
Revise the entire syllabus at least 3-4 times.
Review all the questions you failed to answer correctly on your first attempt. Also, try to figure out why did you make that mistake?
Review all the questions with audiovisual slides in your question banks few days before taking your test.
It is always a good idea to make a self assessment with some practice tests 2-3 weeks before taking your exam.

USMLE PRACTICE TESTS:

Doctors choose different practice tests like NBME, USMLEWORLD, KAPLAN, etc. Some physicians even take a simulated practice exam at the Prometric centre few days before their exam to get acquainted with the test centre accommodations and soft ware. Practice tests improve your test taking skills and time management.

If you score well/ high on the practice tests then revise the entire syllabus and take your test in 2-3 weeks. If you are not comfortable with your practice test scores:

Never be in a hurry/ rush to take main exam if your scores on the practice tests are low.
Take time; re-analyze your weaknesses and strengths, figure out the areas where you are not comfortable and prepare a plan to rectify your mistakes and improve on your strengths.
It's always a good idea to take at least a month to correct all the deficiencies before taking another practice exam. When you take some time to prepare and consolidate all the content after a poor performance on an initial practice tests, your scores on the next practice test improves. That’s the positive sign.
Be honest with your efforts to see the difference in the results. Good scores on your practice tests make you feel confident, comfortable while taking the main exam, which further enhances your performance.

DAY BEFORE EXAM:

Remember that you worked hard and you will achieve what you want.

Get all the necessary documents to be taken to the test centre ready. Valid photo ID card, Scheduling permit and prometric confirmation notice are very important documents to be carried by each examinee to the test center.
Pack some food to be carried to the test center as it is going to be a day long exam.
Be calm and peaceful. Don’t worry about the exam.
Eat regular diet and go to bed at regular time. Don’t try to go to bed too early or too late.
Have a bath with warm water before going to bed. Drinking warm milk before going to bed helps with your sleep too.

ON THE DAY OF EXAM:

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

Take breaks at regular intervals and try to be as calm and composed as possible.

If you really had a difficult block take a few minutes of break time, munch and drink something which you have carried to the test center, relax and refresh your self before starting the next block.

Always keep an eye on the break time. If you take more break time than allowed, it’s going to reduce the test time.

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask the proctors at the test center.

NOTE: Check for the updates regarding any changes about exam pattern, eligibility requirements, syllabus, rules and regulations for test taking regularly at www.usmle.org