Neil & Nirja
Creators of PearUSMLE & PearResearch
Study Resources
There are many ways to approach studying. I opine the most optimal way to start depends on what works with you. To add objectivity to your approach, start with asking yourself a few questions.
- How well versed am I with the subjects?
- Do I like to read or watch videos?
- What is my primary source of learning?
- How much time do I have?
Look at our approach to study better. This works optimally when you have 4-5 months before your exam. This approach is not meant for step 2 or 3.
You may continue reading as I elucidate this in more depth below.
Table of Contents
Step 1 Material
Sources
- First Aid ★★★★★
- Boards and Beyond ★★★★★
- Mehlman Medical Notes ★★★★★
Approach
The topics mentioned below need not be done in any specific order for the examination, however, I recommend covering these two topics first.
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
First Aid has these topics listed under basic sciences and has sufficient coverage for the exam.
After the change to pass-fail, one major issue that crept in is the supposed decrease in importance of the exam. While this is good for the reduced stress, I cannot emphasize enough how relevant what you gain during your step 1 prep is through all your step exams—directly or indirectly.
My opinion might conflict with that of your school advisors or mentors—Passing the exam is NOT the goal. Know your content well.
| Subject | Video Resource | Yieldness |
|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry | Kaplan—Dr. Sam Turco | ★★★★★ |
| Gross Anatomy | Boards & Beyond | ★★ |
| Neuro-Anatomy | Kaplan—Dr. James White | ★★★★★ |
| Gastroenterology | Boards & Beyond | ★★★★ |
| Respiratory | Boards & Beyond | ★★★★ |
| Cardiovascular | Boards & Beyond | ★★★ |
| Psychiatry | Boards & Beyond | ★★★★★ |
| Reproductive | Boards & Beyond | ★★★★ |
| Renal Systems | Boards & Beyond | ★★★★★ |
| Biostatistics | - | ★★ |
| Communication | - | ★★★ |
| Musculoskeletal | Boards & Beyond | ★★★★ |
|
Hematology & Oncology |
Boards & Beyond | ★★★★★ |
| Immunology | Kaplan—Dr. Kim Moscatello | ★★★★★ |
Step 2 Material
Sources
- Amboss
- Uworld
- Divine Intervention Podcasts (mainly for quality improvement and military-related questions)
- USPSTF guidelines
Unlike step 1, I do not recommend using any video content here. Step 2 relies more on your solving skills and memory, and while videos can be helpful to some, it is not the most efficient way to proceed in my opinion.
Your prep here is primarily reliant on solving more questions and repeating concepts for mental fluidity. You could use either Amboss or Uworld or both question banks. I do not recommend other sources.
Step 3 Material
Coming Soon
FAQs of all steps
Always subject specific. There is absolutely no extra benefit in random mode, unless you're trying to assess your overall knowledge. For this goal, however, we do have self-assessments. Even if you have less time, solve more questions but subject specific.
Why do I recommend this? When approaching topics this way you aid your approach and understanding gets honed at each repetition. For example, let's say you're weak in cardiology. When you repeat questions in cardiology, you give yourself an opportunity to learn that specific topic better through sheer repetition. Imagine on the other hand, your knowledge of the approach to abdominal aneurysm is divided by concepts of COPD or MI. It makes learning harder.
Additionally, I recommend strongly to solve Uworld during your tracks/clerkship if time permits, since the emotional imprint of the visual stimuli when being on the service aids learning.
While there is no one-size-fits-all timeline, I opine atleast 3-5 months for each step is optimal. Step 1 can take longer than step 2 generally, but it depends on your baseline knowledge and how much time you can dedicate to studying. This will also vary based on your baseline curriculum being an international student or a US student. To personalize your studying, book a session with our tutors at https://pearusmle.com/tutors to gain more insight.
I've tutored students who feel they can solve 50q per day optimally while some say they can solve 160. This is very subjective and depends on your baseline. Notwithstanding, I recommend solving no more than 80 questions per day, optimally rounded at 60-80 depending on how heavy the concepts have been. It is important to review the questions you've solved and understand why you got them wrong. This is the most important part of solving questions.
*Eligible when raised within half of the session time or 15 minutes, whichever is lesser.
All content on this page is my opinion.
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