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USMLE Step 1 Prep - How to Improve Your Marks

USMLE Step 1 Exam

By Dr Carl StephensPublished 3 years ago 4 min read
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A USMLE Step 1 Prep course is the first step in any legitimate examination program. It introduces you to the types of questions that are likely to be asked during the actual exam and gives you a solid understanding of what will be expected of you on the exam day. If you have not taken a USMLE exam before and are nervous about the unknowns you will face, these video lectures can help put you at ease. There are three types of USMLE Step 1 Prep courses offered. Each one includes the three main sections of the exam.

The first is a mock test day of sorts, where you do simulated testing to prepare for your USMLE Step 1 exam. This helps you develop your confidence and get a feel for the type of questions you will likely face on test day. You will find that this is enough of a preparation period to help you pass the test in many cases. You repeat all the questions until you feel comfortable answering them, and then you move on to the next USMLE Step 1 Prep Course.

Next is the actual USMLE Step 1 study schedule. Here you will learn how to plan your study time and make it effective by using virtual study sessions and real-life situations as examples. By taking this course, you can better understand which times of the day are best for you to study. You will learn the importance of good nutrition, the types of foods you should not eat, and you can learn about the many first aid resources you will need in times of medical emergencies.

Finally, the third and final part of a USMLE Step 1 Prep course comprises five practice tests and a reference card. These help you prepare for what to expect from the actual exam. You will study all the materials you learned in the USMLE Step 1 study guide and take the practice tests to see how well you have done. Each test has a different set of question types and will give you a hint or two about coming next. The reference cards are great for reviewing for the MCAT examination and answering any questions you may have about specific topics covered in the exam.

Now that you have finished your three steps, you need to know what to do about your USMLE Step 1 preparation time. There are a couple of options you can use. First of all, you can plan to have study time during your average workweek. This might be not easy if you work a full-time job, but if you have a lot of free time during the week, you can spend this time before taking the test. Using your calendar and setting aside a certain amount of time each day for your USMLE Step 1 prep plan is the most effective way of working toward success.

Another option to consider is taking the USMLE Step 1 course and doing the practise questions on the internet. These mock exams will help you get familiar with the terminology and will allow you to decide when you feel ready to study for the actual exam. There is some controversy with using an online question bank, however. Some exam boards have imposed strict regulations on who can access their question banks and how they can be used.

If these restrictions seem too much for you, there are still viable solutions for getting through the first few weeks of USMLE Step 1 training without cheating. Your best options include regular practice exams and listening to actual instructors talk about topics found on the exam. Some teachers will let you listen to recorded lectures on random days or weeks from the test year. Other instructors encourage students to complete practise exams based on topic summaries they find online and then write the corresponding test papers. While it may take a bit of time and effort to find these sources, they can be precious in helping you get ready for the actual exam. You will not be giving yourself valuable time to prepare for the test!

Another way to improve your USMLE Step 1 Prep skills without studying from a book or online resource is listening to actual faculty lectures. Lectures are a great way to hear real live experts talk about their subjects, answering your questions, and gaining insight from their experience. Because every class has different learning objectives, lectures might address topics that differ from those taught in the same class. Taking notes in class discussions, listening to lectures in lectures, and completing USMLE flashcards and practice questions are all ways to effectively prepare for the USMLE and increase your chances of passing the test.

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About the Creator

Dr Carl Stephens

I'm a medical lecturer. Here you can find the best information about medical universities, colleges, schools, also their application methods, fee structures, and how to apply for admission and many other interesting facts and details.

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