How long does it take to study for 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 3 months enough 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.

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 to study for Step 1?

Medical students must set up a study schedule based on dedicated study time. Usually, medical school graduates utilize 6-8 weeks to study for USMLE. However, the amount of time you need to dedicate to your USMLE preparation ultimately depends on your foundation of knowledge and your strengths and weaknesses.

USMLE Step 1: How Long Should I Study?

Can I pass Step 1 in 6 months?

Be realistic about your baseline of knowledge as you set up your study schedule so you improve your odds of success! Most USMLE Step 1 test-takers suggest you should begin studying at least 3 months before the exam to get the best results, but 6 months is optimal.

Can I pass Step 1 in 8 weeks?

TLDR With proper planning, utilizing resources like UWorld and First Aid, and maintaining a positive mindset, it is possible to pass USMLE Step 1 in 8 weeks.

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 hard to pass?

Traditionally, Step 1 has been thought of as both the most difficult and most important USMLE Step exam. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, this exam is the first in the series, and students taking it will have had less experience with the types of questions that the USMLE asks.

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.

How many hours a day should I study for Step 1?

Key Notes About This 10-Week USMLE Step 1 Study Schedule

This study plan is intended to be intense and calls for roughly 10+ hours (including breaks) of studying every day (except evenings off after NBME assessments). The harder you work, the more likely you will be to pass. However, that being said, do what you can.

Can you take Step 1 in your first year?

In LCME-accredited medical schools, although Step 1 and Step 2 can be taken in any order, most students will take Step 1 at the end of their second year and Step 2 in their fourth year; Step 3 is usually taken during the first or second year of postgraduate training.

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.

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.

Can I study for Step 1 in 5 weeks?

You will never feel totally prepared; most students “peak” at 5-6 weeks of dedicated study time. Reaching a passing practice test score.

Is Step 1 the hardest exam ever?

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 is widely considered one of the most difficult exams in higher education. This intensive one-day exam covers a huge breadth of topics and has high stakes for medical students' futures.

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.

Is it easy to fail Step 1?

In 2022, 91% of students passed Step 1, leaving nearly 10%, 1489 students, to retake the test. While failing Step 1 certainly isn't ideal, it could happen, but it doesn't have to kill your hopes of becoming a doctor or matching into your ideal residency program.

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.

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 the fail rate of 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.

Can you fail Step 1 and still match?

Yes. I failed Step 1 twice and matched. I know multiple people who had failed a Step and still made it. That being said, a lot of factors determine if you will match successfully.

What happens if you fail Step 1 twice?

The NBME permits students to retake the USMLE Step 1 a maximum of six times. After your first failed attempt, you may retake the exam twice within one year. If you don't pass on your third attempt, you will have to wait six months to retake the exam.

Is Step 1 a 2 day exam?

Step 1 is a one-day examination. It is divided into seven 60-minute blocks and administered in one 8-hour testing session. The number of questions per block on a given examination form may vary, but will not exceed 40.