5 ‘must-have’ resources for the USMLE Step 1

Preparing for the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) Step 1 examination is almost more daunting than sitting for the eight-hour examination itself. There is so much to be learnt, and so many resources available, that it makes getting started quite difficult. We’re going to make the process a whole lot easier by outlining the 5 ‘must-have’ resources when preparing for the USMLE Step 1.

5 USMLE Step 1 Exam Resources

1. Review guides
There are many great USMLE Step 1 review guides on the market, all of which have their pros and cons. Review guides are an incredibly useful study aid, and it’s worth choosing one early on and sticking to it. Here is a list of some of the leading guides currently available:

• First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 (McGraw-Hill Medical)
• Appleton & Lange Review for the USMLE Step 1 (McGraw-Hill/Appleton & Lange)
• Blueprints Step 1 Q&A (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)
• Board Review Series (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)
• High-Yield Comprehensive USMLE Step 1 Review (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)
• High-Yield Pathology (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)

2. Video lectures
Another really valuable addition to your USMLE Step 1 study plan is a video lecture, particularly if you’re an auditory and visual learner. You’ll need to consider a video series that complements your other resources, and ensure you monitor your time scheduling when designing your study plan. Some of the top video lectures include:

• Kaplan
• USMLE Success Academy
• Medical School Companion
• Pathoma
• Dr Najeeb Lectures
• Doctors in Training

3. Online review courses
Another comprehensive USMLE Step 1 preparation technique is registering for an online review course. This will supply you with a tremendous amount of material that often means you won’t need to invest in any other resources. Here are some of the top Step 1 online courses:

• Medical School Companion – This has a comprehensive review strategy that includes online courses, a high-yield Step 1 question bank, live faculty webinars, newly-published review books, members-only forums, individualised online tutoring and a world-class specialised faculty.
• Becker Professional Education – This includes review notes, hours of video lectures and colour textbooks.
• Smash USMLE – This offers effective study material including hours of on-demand video lectures and lots of practice questions to determine your weaknesses.

4. Flashcards
This is a great supplementary study aid used in conjunction with other resources, rather than as a primary learning tool. The modern flashcard apps are able to track your progress, identifying weak areas and then focus on these during future study. USMLE flashcards can be studied either online or using a mobile app, and they are the perfect ‘bite-sized’ study sessions when you have breaks in the day. Some of the top flashcard resources include:

• Brainscape
• Picmonic

5. Question banks
One of the biggest components to any USMLE Step 1 study programme is question banks – or Qbanks as they’re known. These assist in preparation because the way we retain information is by being constantly tested on it. The questions are all asked in a format similar to those of the actual examination, so you get accustomed to the style, making it much easier on the day. Some of the best Qbanks include:

• UWorld
• Kaplan Qbank
• USMLE-Rx
• Pastest

It’s worth chatting to fellow students, lecturers and engaging in online forums to decide which USMLE Step 1 study resource will best work with your preferred learning style. As long as you invest in quality USMLE Step 1 resources, put in the necessary practice hours and remain calm, you’ll be able to get through the 280-question exam successfully.

Read More: The best USMLE Step 1 question strategy