Success on the USMLE Step 1 exam really comes from being in the right frame of mind from day one of medical school. Preparing to prepare from day one can help you significantly improve your score, so make sure you’re studying with the Step 1 exam in mind from the get-go.
Along with that advice, here are three tricks to ensure your success:
#1 – Combine your class notes with your study guide
It’s a fact that most people use a study guide in the last few weeks of their preparation, so do yourself a favor and take one with you during your classes and insert some of your class notes into the guide, as this will ensure that touches not only the top performance stuff, but some of the peripheral information you need to know. What I found that worked for me was to simply bring my study guide with me to each class and go to whatever section we were discussing that day in class, then when something was mentioned that added value to the notes, I simply took Note. In the long run, this will give you a great tool for your USMLE preparation.
#2 – Make 1 qbank the right way
Instead of asking the same questions over and over again, take notes and really learn the information. There is very little value in asking the same questions over and over again, since all you are doing is testing your ability to recall something you have seen recently. Instead get a workbook and take notes with each question, take your time and really get the most out of your efforts. Not only will this strategy help you learn more and ultimately become a better doctor, but it will also save you a lot of time, energy, and money because making multiple qbanks can really become a financial hassle.
#3 – Take at least 1-2 practice NBME exams
After you have prepared yourself, now is the time to assess your position by taking one or two NBME exams. This will tell you how well prepared you are for your exams and guide you on the areas you need to work on a little more. The NBME exams are fantastic tools, especially if you want to enter a more demanding medical specialty, and they can tell you if you’ll score high enough to be competitive. If you do one and don’t get a high enough score, go back and review and then come back to see if you’ve improved your score.
