1. USMLE Step 1 Study Plan Kelsey Richardson MSIII klrichar@usc.edu Louis Hirsch MSIII lhirsch@usc.edu

2. 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 Q’s and review of everything FYI: Most people take the exam 2-6 weeks following the cumulative

3. Study Plan Week 1Neuro, MSK Week 2Biochem, genetics, path Week 3Endocrine, repro Week 4Heme/immuno, embryology, gross anatomy Week 5Cardio, respiratory Week 6Renal, behavior/psych Week 7GI, catch up time Week 8Study for cumulative Weeks 9 -12USMLE World + review Kaplan Qbank USMLE World

4. 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)

5. Essential Books & Materials First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 Goljan’s Rapid Review Pathology Goljan Audio Lectures Kaplan Qbank (don’t need Qbank PLUS) USMLE World (better than Qbank!) Flash cards for microbiology and pharm –We used BRS cards (very concise)

6. Kels vs. Lou First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 –K: read it a billion times –L: read it twice Goljan’s Rapid Review Pathology –K: read it 1.5 times –L: read it once Goljan Audio Lectures –K: once –L: twice Kaplan Qbank (don’t need Qbank PLUS) –K: finished it –L: did half USMLE World (better than Qbank!) –K: finished it –L: did a little more than half

7. Kelsey’s Extra Books Goljan’s Rapid Review Biochemistry Costanzo’s BRS Physiology Step Up to Medicine was popular during ICS If you love tables and charts, Kaplan Med Essentials is useful

8. Extra Tips Switch to USMLE world around the cumulative Take breaks!!! (weekend off after cumulative exam) Don’t push back your date (know your “peak”) Stick to your plan. Don’t 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