It is common practice for USMLE Step 1 candidates to take up to five or six weeks of dedicated study time – with 8-12 hours of exam prep every day. US Med students typically have between 45 and 90 days between second year final exams and the USMLE Step 1 exam – which is used for dedicated study.

Similarly, How long do I need to prepare for USMLE Step 1?

On average, students taking the USMLE Step 1 exam will need at least 500-600 hours of study, which works out to 10 hours daily over 6-8 weeks. Individual students may need more, or less.

Additionally, How long does it take to prep for USMLE? How long does it take to prep for each USMLE exam? Based on our experience working with international medical graduates, preparing for the Step 1 exam takes 6 to 12 months, Step 2 CK (clinical knowledge) 4 to 7 months, and Step 2 CS (clinical skills) 1 to 2 months.

How do I study for Usmle Step 1 in 6 months?


How to Study for the Step 1 USMLE Exam

  1. 6 months (24 weeks) until exam: Buy UWORLD. …
  2. 3 months (12 weeks until exam) Continue with Pathoma, First Aid, UWORLD. …
  3. 1.5 months (6 weeks until exam) Take first NBME practice exam (out of 7 in total). …
  4. 1 week until exam. Take maybe one more NBME exam.

When did you start studying for Step 1?

Most students study for Step 1 during their preclinical curriculum, during the first year of medical school. And then the intensity increases during that dedicated time. Most of them would average 11 hours of studying per day for 35 days, usually covering 4000 practice sessions during that amount of study time.

How do I study for USMLE Step 1 in 6 months?


How to Study for the Step 1 USMLE Exam

  1. 6 months (24 weeks) until exam: Buy UWORLD. …
  2. 3 months (12 weeks until exam) Continue with Pathoma, First Aid, UWORLD. …
  3. 1.5 months (6 weeks until exam) Take first NBME practice exam (out of 7 in total). …
  4. 1 week until exam. Take maybe one more NBME exam.

What is the best month to take USMLE Step 1?

Those are two big reasons to have a strong plan for USMLE prep. Consider not taking the exam until you’re very confident you’ll pass with a high score. Ideally, take Step 1 by April.

How do I study for Step 1 in 3 months?

If you have about 3 months to study for USMLE® Step 1, how should you use your time? First of all, do not study more than 8-10 hours/day, including question practice. Also, try to take one day off per week so you can recharge. Eat well, exercise and get proper rest for increased stamina and confidence.

How do I study for Step 1 in 2 months?


Suggestions For A Two-Month Step 1 Study Plan

  1. Know yourself so you can plan how to attack your studying. …
  2. Have your resources chosen. …
  3. Take at least 3 practice tests during your study period. …
  4. Think in terms of hours, not days.

Is 6 months enough for Usmle Step 1?

The 6 Step Prep Habits You Must Start 6 Months Before USMLE Step 1 in 2021. USMLE Step 1 is only 6 months away! … The Step 1 exam will move to pass fail scoring system no earlier than 2022, so second years (MS2’s), nailing this all-important exam and getting a great score in 2021 is paramount.

How do I start studying for Usmle Step 1?


5 Tips to consider when studying for USMLE Step 1

  1. Understand the significance of the Step 1. You might hear instructors say Step 1 is the most important exam you’ll ever take. …
  2. Start studying when you start school. …
  3. Use the right resources for your learning style. …
  4. Stay on track. …
  5. Take practice exams.

How do I create a study plan for Usmle Step 1?


5 Steps to a USMLE Study Schedule

  1. Step 1: Mark Your USMLE Date. The first step in creating your study plan is to write down your scheduled USMLE date. …
  2. Step 2: Count the Number of Days. …
  3. Step 3: Schedule 3 Self-Assessments. …
  4. Step 4: Block Off 3 Special Dates – DAYS OFF! …
  5. Step 5: Study Days.

When should I start studying for Step 1 SDN?

One of the most common questions new med students have is,” When should I start studying for Step 1?” The answer is simple: As early as possible, preferably during your first year of medical school.

When should I start studying for medical school boards?

Once the final preclinical year of medical school comes to a close, most students will begin their “dedicated” Step 1 prep period (often simply called “dedicated” for short), which typically lasts 5-8 weeks during the summer between the end of second year and the beginning of third year clinicals.

When should we write Usmle exam?

Considering these factors, I think that the best time to take the USMLE Step 1 is at the end of your second year or the beginning of your third year in medical school. There are two pre requisites to this: You need to take a call early on and decide that you want to pursue USMLE and a residency in the US.

When should I take Step 2?

When should I take the USMLE Step 2 CK? According to the USMLE, most medical students take Step 2 CK in their fourth year. Some students feel the best time to tackle the Step 2 CK is when clinical science knowledge from their rotations is still fresh in their minds.

Is Step pass fail?

Step 2 Clinical Knowledge and Step 3 examinations will continue to be reported as a three-digit score and pass/fail. On February 12, 2020, the USMLE program announced it would change Step 1 score reporting to a pass/fail outcome no earlier than January 1, 2022.

How hard is it to score a 240 on USMLE Step 1?

From personal experience, a 240 on step 1 is much harder than a 35 MCAT. The work involved in a great board score is much more than the work done for a good MCAT, IMO. Although experiences will vary on SDN I am sure. Congrat’s for being at a school with such high entry scores.

How do you get a 240 on Step 1?

To score > 240, you simply need to master the information in FA and in UWorld. I totally understand that these two resources are by no means comprehensive and you may want to supplement with other resources such as Pathoma, Sketchy Microbs, Physeo or even Board Review Series/BRS books.

How can I study in 2 months?


2 Month Preparation Strategy For Pre-Board Exams

  1. Prioritize well. …
  2. Get your doubts cleared. …
  3. Practice! …
  4. Juggle your competitive exam with your boards. …
  5. Revise what you’re not confident about. …
  6. Take tests on topics that you know well. …
  7. Don’t worry about finishing 100% of your portion.

How long should you study for Step 1 Reddit?

A traditional Step 1 studying schedule takes place over at least six weeks with students studying upwards of 100 hours a week, culminating in hundreds of hours.

What is the best month to take Usmle Step 1?

Those are two big reasons to have a strong plan for USMLE prep. Consider not taking the exam until you’re very confident you’ll pass with a high score. Ideally, take Step 1 by April.

Is UWorld enough for Step 1?

Step 1 is a question-based exam. Therefore, the best approach to studying for Step 1 is to incorporate UWorld questions early and often. Even if you have not finished all of the material five months before your exam, there will certainly be some content you’ve covered.

Is first aid and UWorld enough for Step 1?

Virtually everyone preparing for Step 1 will use UWorld and First Aid. … The USMLE Step 1 is the most critical exam most of us will take in our medical careers.

What is the best time to take USMLE Step 1?

Consider not taking the exam until you’re very confident you’ll pass with a high score. Ideally, take Step 1 by April.