Studying for USMLE??

[satellite]

I am confused about how should I study for USMLE. Do most people use review courses? Are they helpful?

How about studying without taking kaplan or other review courses?
Is it doable? Do students use BRS?? or class notes?? Any advise/opinion is appreciated.

[veetz]

What works for one may not work for another, but here's what worked for me: I took Falcon Reviews, which was good. But I really think that if one works hard on the island & gets a good foundation established, First Aid is sufficient to pass--but know it all. I would focus primarily on Path, Pharm, Physio & Neuro. Then fill in the rest of your time with the other subjects, Micro & Biochem being the next most important. Do know basic Anatomy (Again, FA should suffice) & if you have time study Histo/Embryo, but the latter two subjects tend to be low yield (I didn't even bother). Most of my Behavioral ?'s were physician/patient scenarios followed by physician responses & asked which one is the most appropriate--not really anyway to study for these. I did have about 10 stats questions, but most were basic & adequately covered in the stats/epi portion during 5th semester.

I know preparing for Step I can be very intimidating, but trust me, if you take it serious & work hard, you'll be fine. If you have any other ?'s feel free to ask.

[veetz]

What works for one may not work for another, but here's what worked for me: I took Falcon Reviews, which was good. But I really think that if one works hard on the island & gets a good foundation established, First Aid is sufficient to pass--but know it all. I would focus primarily on Path, Pharm, Physio & Neuro. Then fill in the rest of your time with the other subjects, Micro & Biochem being the next most important. Do know basic Anatomy (Again, FA should suffice) & if you have time study Histo/Embryo, but the latter two subjects tend to be low yield (I didn't even bother). Most of my Behavioral ?'s were physician/patient scenarios followed by physician responses & asked which one is the most appropriate--not really anyway to study for these. I did have about 10 stats questions, but most were basic & adequately covered in the stats/epi portion during 5th semester.

I know preparing for Step I can be very intimidating, but trust me, if you take it serious & work hard, you'll be fine. If you have any other ?'s feel free to ask.

[Chianti]

Path- Know BRS Path inside and out and you will do well. First Aid path is incomplete and only good for review the a couple of weeks before the test.

Pharm- First Aid is sufficient for pharm.

Physio- Know it well. You have to really understand the concepts, not just memorize equations.

Micro- First Aid is sufficient.

Biochem- First Aid is sufficient.

Focus on path. At least 60% of your test will be straight-up path. And know your epidimioogy equations and doctor-patient stuff. Study hard and there is no reason you won't get above a 200 (this is the cut-off that will open a lot of doors for you come match time).

[jim]

what works for one, doesnt always work for another. and another warning..what one has on his test, isnt always what others have. the tests vary greatly. My step 1 had about 30 to 40% pharm. I knew other people who had about 3 pharm questiosn total. best to fidn what works for you, what you feel comfortable with. I took kaplan, and for step 2, i did the kaplan videos. i prefereed teh videos. do the q-banks,a nd knwo why you got every question right, or why you got it wrong. if you got it right, no why the other choices were wrong. good luck.

[satellite]

Thanks all.

Does anybody know about the review that Dr. ********* gives in Miami? Is it optional?

[jaga]

try to find what works for u. i personally did not take any review course. ross prepared us adequately for the exam. kaplan books is too much info, more than what u need for the exam. must know
brs path in n out.
physio brs in n out(able to apply the concepts),
pharm & micro first aid,
biochem brs/first aid,
behav. brs is sufficient
neuro hi yeild neuro
embry, anato, histo are low yld
go over frst aid at least 2x, understand the concepts
do many many many quetions
step 1 is close to shelf exams,
i beleive ross prepared me well for the exam, all i had to do was focus on what is needed for usmle