How many subjects are there in Step 1?

The Step 1 emphasizes basic science principles, specifically in anatomy, behavioral science, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and physiology. Interdisciplinary areas such as genetics, immunology, and nutrition are also tested.

What topics are on Step 1?

How many sections are in Step 1?

Step 1 Exam Timing: You will have 8 hours and 25 minutes to complete Step 1. There are 7 sections consisting of 40 items each with a 5-minute optional break after each section (sections 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6) and a 45-minute optional lunch break provided after section 4.

Is Step 1 the hardest exam?

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 4 months enough for Step 1?

Is 4 months enough study time for Step 1? A dedicated four-month study period may facilitate strong performance on the exam if you've spent ample time strengthening your weak areas from day one of your medical education. But for most students, at least 6 months of dedicated study time is ideal for success.

How to Pass USMLE Step 1 ASAP in 2023

How long do most people study for Step 1?

How long does it take to prepare for Step 1 USMLE? Preparation time is often unique to each and every med student. A dedicated four-to-six weeks of study is ideal. If you struggle with a few exam topics and want to dedicate more time to diligently prepare, do it.

How many hours study to pass 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.

Is 60% enough to pass Step 1?

USMLE Step 1 Passing Score

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 it OK 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.

Can I pass Step 1 without studying?

Getting a passing score on Step 1 is no walk in the park for this reason. Students still need a strong pre-clinical foundation to build on and significant practice doing UWorld questions, reading First Aid, and building on their foundation to achieve even a passing score.

What is a 196 on Step 1?

For more information about scores, view Scores Common Questions. * USMLE Step 1 score reporting is reported as pass/fail only for exams taken on or after January 26, 2022. On the three-digit score scale, the passing standard is 196.

What month do most students take Step 1?

Most students take Step 1 in the spring at the end of their second year, which concludes their preclinical studies. In the fall and winter of your second year, you'll hermit up and spend more time studying and less time socializing.

How many people pass Step 1?

Most notably, between 2021 (old busted graded version) and 2022 (hot new p/f version), Step 1 pass rates declined. For allopathic students, the Step 1 pass rate dropped from 95% to 91%. For osteopathic students, the passing rate decreased from 94% to 89%.

What is a low pass on Step 1?

Many students struggle with deciding when they are truly ready to take Step 1. NBME provides students a low pass range on their NBME practice exams of 60%-70% with a recommended scoring range of 68%-70% for sense of security on test day. This will vary by student.

How many months to prepare for Step 1?

Having six months to study for the USMLE Step 1 is ideal as it gives you enough time to thoroughly prepare for the exam. You'll have more time to understand and apply each concept through active learning and comprehensive review.

Is Step 1 actually hard?

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.

Why are so many people failing Step 1?

Commonly, students who fail Step 1 have tried to use all the Step 1 resources available, but haven't used the 2 primary resources thoroughly (namely, First Aid and UWorld). An additional primary resource should also be flash cards to help with that spaced repetition learning.

How many people fail Step 2?

‍Trends in Pass Rate

In 2020, for US and Canadian students, pass rate for Step 2 was a solid 98%. The current average Step 2 score is 246, with a standard deviation of 15. (Source: Performance Data | USMLE). This suggests that the pass rate should remain relatively high despite this five point change.

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.

What is an impressive Step 1 score?

Prior to starting your dedicated study time, make sure to do some research and figure out if your goal range matches the expectations of your chosen specialty. Generally speaking, however, a USMLE® Step 1 score between 230 and 245 was considered a good and a score between 245 and 255 was considered very good.

Is 60 on Uworld good?

58-60% is OK, a good sign is being consistently above the average scores. The Uworld package I bought came with 2 assessment exams. I took the first about 1.5 weeks before my scheduled test date. Keep in mind that I had completed all of the Qbank questions by that time.

Can I study Step 1 and 2 together?

In terms of a study plan, as mentioned previously, there are two main options: Studying for both exams simultaneously (~6-10 weeks). Studying for them sequentially.

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.

How many times can you fail Step 1?

You are allowed to take the USMLE Step 1 exam up to four times, including incomplete attempts. You can attempt Step 1 a maximum of three times within a 12-month period. Your fourth attempt and any subsequent attempts must be at least 12 months after your initial attempt.