YOU WILL SURVIVE USMLE Step 1 TIPS

Who….to study with? Alone Imaginary friends A friend in the room In a group Weekly groups

What…to use First Aid Q-Bank BRS Physiology and Pathophysiology High Yield –Embryology –Neuroanatomy –Behavior Science Goljan Take another practice test ½ to ¾ through studying NBME exam from SSOM: 66% take it early, 15% use ½ way through studying, 11% took it at the end. –Take it early to see you are very likley to pass before you start studying. Take another practice test ½ to ¾ through studying –This can be NBME, the free one online, or the free one at the testing center.

Other Resources..review lectures? Faculty Student Run (Mike Levitt powerpoints)

Where…to study? School Home School Library: Community Library :

Where…Chicago or burbs? Multiple types of exams are given at the testing center, so you may be next to someone taking STEP 1, GMAT,Trucking licensure,or a written test (aka lots of clicking) Head phones are supplied, but hurt if you wear glasses. You can bring your own ear plugs

When Pick a date and stick too it! –Most complete 4 weeks of studying then take the test in week 5. –The last 3-5 days many use for review. –You may feel you need to learn more, but you will probably forget things you learned earlier.

When…to start studying? 59% students start immediately after finals 14% took time off after finals (the weekend) 12% started during spring break 12% started during winter break 3% claim to start during 1 st year (dorks!) 77% would not have started earlier –23% who would have started earlier all began after finals

Why This will not be your favorite month, but it will be over soon. And, third year is a lot of fun.

Practical tips Take a practice trip to your testing site- not a bad idea to take a practice test at your practice site- $50 or so The last 2 weeks of studying wake up when you need to on test day. Do Test Center Tutorial prior to day of Bring Lunch and many snacks DO NOT TALK ABOUT YOUR TEST ONCE IT IS OVER- AT THAT POINT IT DOESN’T MATTER- ALSO DON’T GO HOME AND LOOK UP ANSWERS- CELEBRATE INSTEAD

Fun tips Exercise Eat well Do something fun every week A few glasses of wine the night before the test (Matt Boyce swears by it!) A few bottles the night of the test!( Matt Boyce doesn’t remember this!)

HOW TO STUDY THIRD YEAR SUCCESS STORIES Sample Schedules