How long do I need to study for Step 1?

A three-month USMLE Step 1 Study Plan gives the student a more balanced and comprehensive approach to preparing for the exam. At the very least, three months gives you enough time to cover all topics needed to ace the exam without feeling burned out. Below is an example of approaching your study plan for three months.

How long do you need to study to pass Step 1?

Studying for step 1 can a three-to-four months or four-to-six weeks. How rigorous your study plan is will determine how much time you spend preparing for the USMLE overall. Although, even with a rigorous study plan, you'll want to take breaks and quiz yourself on materials throughout.

Is 2 months enough for Step 1?

The Step 1 exam is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires dedication and commitment on a daily basis within the 2-3 months allotted in preparation for the exam. You will spend a significant amount of your day studying for the USMLE Step 1.

Is 4 weeks enough for Step 1?

I know it doesn't sound like a long time to consolidate everything you learned those first two years, but trust me, 4 weeks is more than enough!! I took it in four and if could do it again, I'd do take it after three weeks. Make a STRICT study schedule that is MANAGEABLE.

Is 8 weeks enough for Step 1?

This exam is just a hurdle to overcome. Dedicated recommended study length: 6-8 weeks: With over 3500Qs you need seven weeks with at least 80 questions per day for one single pass of UWorld. I recommend trying to do a few more per day so you can get through your incorrect questions a second time.

USMLE Step 1: How Long Should I Study?

Can I do Step 1 in 3 months?

A three-month USMLE Step 1 Study Plan gives the student a more balanced and comprehensive approach to preparing for the exam. At the very least, three months gives you enough time to cover all topics needed to ace the exam without feeling burned out.

Is 4 months enough for Step 1?

If you're more likely to cram for tests, it's still a good idea to start thinking about Step 1 about 3–4 months in advance. Just like you wouldn't be able to complete a marathon with only a few weeks of training, neither can you expect to excel on Step 1 if you don't put in a decent amount of study time.

Is 60% enough to pass Step 1?

Unlike the other USMLE exams, Step 1 is reported as pass/fail only, so you will not receive a numerical score. According to the USMLE program, examinees must correctly answer approximately 60 percent of items to pass each USMLE Step.

Is Step 1 easier than UWorld?

The frequently updated content ensures you learn and master the most relevant material that helps confront your individual USMLE Step 1 strengths and weaknesses. UWorld may be harder than Step 1, with some questions above the actual test's difficulty level.

Is Step 1 the hardest?

Step 1 is not alone in its difficulty. So while the USMLE Step 1's difficulty should not be underestimated, there are reasonable counterpoints to the claim it is objectively the “hardest” exam across all higher education and professions. The perception depends heavily on personal factors and how difficulty is defined.

Is Step 1 harder than Step 2?

The majority of people do much better on Step 2 than on Step 1 even with less studying. This test focuses more on the next step in a patient presentation. Questions such as which lab or test to order next. There will also be plenty of diagnosis questions as well.

Can you fail Step 1 twice?

If you fail Step 1, all hope is not lost—you can retake the test. Technically, you are able to take Step 1 a total of four times, but only three times within a 12-month period.

Can you study for Step 1 in 2 weeks?

You may think that there is no way to improve your Step 1 Performance in as little as two weeks, but, as the cliché goes, anything is possible! It is certainly achievable with some determination, effort, and a focus on our goals. Why are the last two weeks important for Step 1?

Is Step 1 2 or 3 hardest?

Step 2 had the highest passing rates for both US/Canadian students (98%) and non-US/Canadian test takers (88%). This data suggests that Step 1 was the hardest exam to pass. No matter which step you are preparing for, the USMLE exams are challenging.

Is Step 1 the hardest exam in the world?

Step 1 is generally considered the hardest, due to the sheer volume of knowledge-based content. Step 2 and Step 3 are more clinically-focused. Students often complete 1,000 flashcards daily from a bank of 20,000 cards to study for Step 1.

Is Step 1 harder after pass fail?

Step 1 becoming pass/fail doesn't change that. In addition, this change may make Step 2 CK even more stressful than Step 1 was. Before, if you didn't do well on Step 1 then you at least had Step 2 CK to help bolster your application.

Why is Step 1 so hard?

The Most Common Reasons for Low USMLE Step 1 Scores

The difficulty of this medical licensing exam comes down to the sheer breadth and volume of information. And the prospect of regurgitating everything during a single, 8-hour day is daunting. Especially because you only get about one minute per question.

Can you pass Step 1 with just UWorld?

Although UWorld is valuable for learning and reviewing, it's not sufficient as the sole study tool for Step 1. We recommend utilizing UWorld in conjunction with First Aid and flashcards to get the most out of your dedicated.

Is Step 1 exam curved?

Note that the USMLE examination is not scored “on a curve”. Students are not scored against each other, but relative to a per-set annual standard.

What is a 196 on Step 1?

On the three-digit score scale, the passing standard is 196. Future reviews of the Step 1 passing standard will not be reported in terms of a three-digit score.

What is a bad Step 1 score?

215-229: This range is below average. Students with scores at the lower end may face more challenges to match, particularly in competitive specialties. 230-244: This range is considered above average. Students with scores in this range will be able to match in most specialties.

Is Step 1 harder than MCAT?

In terms of exam difficulty, the MCAT is considered easier compared to the USMLE Step 1. It is because the MCAT only tests the basic science principles and skills of the individual if one fits the requirement to proceed or enter med school.

How common is it to fail Step 1?

Additionally, the: Step 1 pass rate amongst MD students dropped from 95% in 2021 to 91% in 2022. The overall passing rate fell from 88% in 2021 to 82% in 2022.

What month do most students take Step 1?

When should I take the USMLE Step 1? Step 1 is administered by appointment on a year-round basis. While most students take Step 1 of the Boards at the end of their second year, consider not taking the exam until you're very confident you'll pass. Ideally, take Step 1 by April.

Can you finish Step 1 early?

If you complete the tutorial or other testing blocks early, the remaining time will be added to your total break time. Once you begin a testing block, you may not leave the room (except in the event of an emergency).