How USMLE Step 1 is organized
The USMLE Step 1 is split into a variety of subdisciplines, similar
to the curriculum of most medical schools. Within each subtopic,
an attempt is made to test knowledge on "Normal Processes", "Abnormal
Processes", Principles of Therapy" and "Psychosocial, cultural and
environmental considerations" (as stated by the National Board of
Medical Examinars on their USMLE
Step 1 content page).
The basic disiciplines include topics in (the NBME uses different
words to describe the topics, but the topics fall into these descriptions):
biochemsitry and molecular biology, cell biology, genetics and development,
pathology, psychiatry, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, immunology,
and statistics.
The NBME further specifies the topics to be tested within physiology,
including systems biology (neurobiology, immunology, general physiology,
etc.).
USMLE Step 1 Question Format
There is only one question format for USMLE Step 1: "Single
question best answer".
Applying to take and scheduling the USMLE Step 1
Visit the USMLE
Application Site.
USMLE
score distribution
Most applicants have a general impression of how competitive their
USMLE scores are, but it's difficult to get data to support their
impressions. We've compiled some data on how competitive USMLE scores
are for different situations. Since residency programs are notoriously
tight-lipped (and appropriately so) about the USMLE scores of their
residents, we can't guaranty any of the conclusions - but we do
think they are in the right range. Let us know what you think after
you visit our USMLE scores page.
Studying for the
USMLE Step 1
USMLE Step 1 is usually considered the hardest of the USMLE exams
to do well in. As a result, this is the test that everyone studies
the most for. The basic techniques for studying for USMLE Step 1
are straight forward (and we've also listed them on the USMLE
home page at the Medical
Students USMLE Guide):
-
1. Sample questions.
Sample questions. Sample questions. Having been through
the process, it is clear that the most effective way to study
for the USMLE step 1 is by using question banks (Kaplan
has a very strong USMLE question bank). These question banks
focus on the important, tested topics, and do a good job of
identifying and explaining distractors (those "wrong" answers
that sound pretty believable).
2. Focus on your
weaknesses. Because USMLE Step 1 is broken down by topics,
you have to perform in all the areas to do well on the test
as a whole.
You can get an objective assessment of your strengths and
weaknesses using diagnoistic tests. Built into most USMLE test
prep materials are diagnostis (see for example Kaplan
USMLE prep materials) - that let you know how you're doing
in a specific subtopic.
3. Study for
the USMLE as you study your medical school course. This
seems like a trivial answer, but its not always implemented.
Some medical schools use board-exam like tests in their courses,
but some are pass-fail. If you're in a pass-fail course its
important to realize that you're preparing for the USMLE - and
study that way.
