#USMLE WORLD STEP 1 TOTAL QUESTIONS HOW TO#

I’ve seen many candidates reluctant to do targeted study for these types of questions, and as a result, their scores drop. Compared to text-based questions alone, these can be quite difficult without practice. Image/audio/video-based questions form a good proportion of the actual exam.

Not spending enough time on media-based questions.

This new approach is something many initially struggle with. This represents a different challenge for those coming from India, for example, where the focus in our medical school exams is long, essay-based questions requiring memorization. Try to understand the links across subjects. You can watch videos, search on Google, or have a quick read from a book if you are having a hard time understanding an idea.

You should focus on understanding the concepts of the information you are reading rather than just trying to memorize them.

Memorization over concept-based preparation.

On exam day, the representation of each subject is variable, so one must have well-rounded preparation. For example, I was weak at psychiatry and biochemistry, so in the last two weeks, a significant portion of my time targeted these subjects. UWorld gives you a fantastic depiction of what your strengths and weaknesses are. As one moves deep into the dedicated period, one must tailor their preparation to target their weaknesses. The best way to score high is to have a high baseline in all subjects, rather than being extraordinarily strong in one or two, and weak in the others.

Failure to analyze one’s weakness/ adjust according to self-assessments.

You must take some time to figure out what your optimum style of learning is, and what resources work well for you, even if it is slightly unconventional. Advice and guidance are crucial, but you have to figure out what works for you. At the end of the day, the USMLE is each one’s individual journey. My recommendation – spend a little time in your pre-dedicated period to understand what the resources are like, their optimum use, and plan accordingly.

#USMLE WORLD STEP 1 TOTAL QUESTIONS HOW TO#

Similarly, I’ve observed IMGs attitude towards flashcards being either extreme love or extreme hate, and in most cases, the latter stems from a lack of understanding of how to use this unique resource. For example, while First Aid is a beautiful resource and a must-do, it is not a comprehensive review to understand the concepts you need to know for the exam. Most of these, however, do not explain the best way to utilize these resources. There are numerous posts online explaining what resources were used by high scorers. Failing to do one’s due diligence before using resources.These tips & tricks could be the difference between an average score and an amazing one. Finally, I’ll discuss a few oversights by students in their preparation, which are not strictly related to preparatory material.

I will begin by explaining general, thematic mistakes, and then move on to resource-specific mistakes. This is the last year Step 1 will be a scored exam, so for those taking it this year, solid preparation is essential. During my experience preparing for the USMLE Step 1, and guiding juniors/ contemporaries in their preparation, I observed a few common themes.

Additionally, posts on mistakes to avoid during Step 1 preparation are rare. While the gold-standard resources for preparation for this beast of an exam are well known, guidance on the best way to utilize these resources is sparse. This post will go over the common mistakes that students make when they are preparing for their STEP 1 exam.

Usmle world step 1 total questions