The Key to Acing the USMLE Step 1

Acing the USMLE Step 1 (and Step 2 CK)

When I started thinking about taking on the USMLE way back in last quarter of 2004, I would scour through all the forums. Trying to find any information I can get on how to tackle this difficult exam. I would pay special attention to the postings on exam experience. And whenever I see someone posting that they got a 99, I will read it avidly, desperate to find out how it is done and wishing that it was me. Like most of you I was desperately looking for the key, not just to passing this exam, but acing it.

However, it wasn’t long before I notice that everyone was reviewing the same materials. Kaplan notes, FA, Kaplan and UW Qbank, Goljan notes and yet the results range from failing to high 99’s. So it wasn’t the materials that they were using that is the key to scoring 99 although it makes sense that they should be important.

It also seems that most people who studied those materials were at least passing the exams, but very few were acing it. So it seems using the right materials will help you pass the exam, but not ace it. You need something more than that.

So I did my own research on what it would take to get a high score. I went through various study materials available. I devised specific approach to each study material to maximize my ability to retain and recall the information in them. I tried to apply what I know about good study methods for maximum retention and recall.

I also research everything I can on the USMLE questions themselves. What makes them hard? What makes the whole exam hard? I figure out how to train myself so I can function at the level needed to beat this exam.

And so I did. I took my USMLE Step 1 Examination in April 2006 and scored a 99/256. I took my USMLE Step 2 CK in November, 2006 and scored a 99/258. So I finally made it. All that hard work and I aced both exam.

Read full article at http://blogs.askdoc-usmle.com/the-key-to-acing-the-usmle-step-1

Related Article: USMLE Step 1 Course