How Long Is Step 1 Preparation?

6 to 12 months.
Based on our experience working with international medical graduates, preparing for the Step 1 exam takes 6 to 12 months and international medical graduates (clinical knowledge) 4 to 7 months.

Can I prepare for USMLE in 1 month?

Traditionally, students spend three months studying solely for the USMLE®. However, life and circumstances don’t always give you the luxury of a dedicated 3-month period to study for the USMLE® Step 1 exam. Some medical schools might only allow for a single month of dedicated study time.

How long should IMG study for Step 1?

For IMGs who have just completed second year of medical school, 4-6 weeks of dedicated preparation time will be enough. However, for those who start late, 4-6 months of dedicated preparation will allow them to do well on the exam.

How do I study for Step 1 in 3 months?

If you have about 3 months to study for USMLE® Step 1, how should you use your time? First of all, do not study more than 8-10 hours/day, including question practice. Also, try to take one day off per week so you can recharge. Eat well, exercise and get proper rest for increased stamina and confidence.

Is Step 1 a hard exam?

Unofficially, people have claimed USMLE Step 1 is the most difficult and important of the 3-part USMLE series. And, speaking from personal experience, Step 1 was one of the hardest things I had to do.

How long DO most people study for Step 1?

A traditional Step 1 studying schedule takes place over at least six weeks with students studying upwards of 100 hours a week, culminating in hundreds of hours. Depending on a student’s foundation, such a time commitment may be barely enough to even pass the exam.

How long DO people usually study for Step 1?

It is common practice for USMLE Step 1 candidates to take up to five or six weeks of dedicated study time – with 8-12 hours of exam prep every day. US Med students typically have between 45 and 90 days between second year final exams and the USMLE Step 1 exam – which is used for dedicated study.

Is 4 Months enough to study Step 1?

Based on our experience working with international medical graduates, preparing for the Step 1 exam takes 6 to 12 months and Step 2 CK (clinical knowledge) 4 to 7 months.

How early should I start studying for Step 1?

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.

What is the best month to take 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 it hard to just pass Step 1?

But why is it so hard to pass? Previously, Step 1 had an overall pass rate of 85+%. The pass rate was 95+% for most years at US MD schools.

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

6-8 hours per
Most authorities recommend 2-3 months of dedicated study time in order to prepare for USMLE Step 1. Dedicated study time should be treated like a full-time job that generally requires 6-8 hours per day, six days per week. However, the amount of time you spend studying each day depends on your own endurance.

Can I pass step in 3 weeks?

MS3. I would strongly recommend that you don’t sit the STEP1 exam in 3 weeks. It may be in your best interest to write the exam when it becomes pass/fail in 2022.

How common is it to fail Step 1?

Not surprisingly, many students who fail Step 1 feel overwhelmed and fearful of the future. However, a failed Step 1 doesn’t mean you are a failure or that you will fail again. According to the 2021 USMLE pass rates, U.S. MDs who retook Step 1 had a 66% pass rate and U.S. DOs who retook the exam had a 75% pass rate.

What is the Step 1 pass rate?

Step 1

Examinees from Non-US/Canadian Schools 2020 Number Tested 2020 Percent Passing
1st Takers 11,742 87%
Repeaters** 1,375 50%
Total 13,117 83%

Is Step 1 harder than MCAT?

It is more difficult to prepare to do well on the MCAT as compared to step 1. You can study for step 1, not so much for the mcat. I know of people who had average or below average mcat’s do really well in med school, crush step 1/2 and go on to outstanding residencies.

Why is Step 1 so hard?

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.

Is UWorld enough for Step 1?

UWorld is unquestionably the best resource for the USMLE. Students have been known to score 270+ on USMLE Step 1 just by using UWorld and First Aid. There are also students, however, who have gone through the question bank 3 or more times, and can’t seem to get a passing score on the exam.

Is Step 1 harder pass fail?

One of the principal reasons Step 1 was moved to pass-fail scoring was for medical student wellness. Some students have described their Step 1 study period as the worst time of medical school for them — and sometimes of their lives!

Is 7 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.

Is Pathoma enough to pass Step 1?

In summary, Pathoma is a great tool for augmenting your USMLE Step 1 studying, but cannot, and should not, be used in isolation. Consider taking notes from Pathoma directly into your First Aid textbook to consolidate your reference guide.