TOP MISTAKES TO AVOID DURING STEP 1 PREP

Every year, the average Step 1 score has gradually increased and has played a pivotal role in selecting candidates into a residency program. USMLE to Match journey is often daunting and, without proper guidance, can often drag for years. On average, IMGs spend 7-9 months to prepare for the USMLE Step 1 exam. By informing yourself about the common mistakes to avoid while studying, you can shave the time by a month or two and still secure a competitive score on your exam.

We at USMLESarthi have been working to make IMGs dream of a Residency in the United States a reality (www.usmlesarthi.com). Using our students' feedback, we wish to educate you about the common pitfalls to avoid during your USMLE Step 1 exam preparation. Implementing their feedback, we have also created a web-based study planner primarily focused on the IMG community's needs. Check out USMLESarthi Step 1 Study Planner for more information on how to study effectively for the exam.

​We have realized that at the Core of an individual's preparation, there are three aspects where students commit the most common mistakes: Resources, Preparation, and Focus. For each, we have identified the top 5 mistakes that have the potential to ruin your Step 1 performance
RESOURCES
  1. The notion that Kaplan study materials provide a good foundation for the exam is a farce. This approach results in wasted time and effort. Our Step 1 Study Planner forgoes this outdated method and instead implements a study method employed by 1000 IMGs who successfully aced the exam.
  2. Too many cooks spoil the broth. The same is true of Step 1 resources. UWorld + First Aid is the gold standard. Weak topics can be supplemented with additional resources if the need arises. Our study planner implements a set of questions to practice after every read of First Aid. In doing so, help solidify concepts.
  3. Poor planning/strategy: Time needs to be spent strategizing resources and study schedule. One of the biggest mistakes is halfway through our prep; we change our entire plan. Stick to your plan and do not change on the word of someone else. With the help of our Planner, you will always be on top of your schedule.
  4. Not targeting weak topics
  • Topics like Microbiology and Pharm require constant repetition of the material.
  • This can be done by allocating time to reviewing the material every day.
  • For Micro and Pharm, especially, this can be solved by watching Sketchy videos every day. This helps build an efficient mind palace and better recall.
      5.   Not using the resources to your advantage
  • Information learned from UWorld must be annotated into First aid 
  • Do not rush through UWorld. Use it as a learning tool and build good test taking strategies. Do not focus on the UWorld percentage for each block, rather divide them into three tiers. Tier            1 (> 70%) Minimum attention Tier 2 (> 50 – 70%) Moderate to Minimum attention Tier 3 (< 50%) These                    topics need more attention.  
PREPARATION
  1. First aid is considered the gold standard of reference books. Passive reading creates a false sense of accomplishment when it can be very detrimental to a student's progress.
  2. Not utilizing the self-assessments to one's advantage. Self-assessments must be taken at regular intervals and thoroughly reviewed. Not doing so will force a student into a non-beneficial routine.
  3. Annotations: Necessary, but too much can overwhelm one. First aid has a plethora of information, and one needs to navigate through it efficiently. Please focus on the high yield topics and always review them at regular intervals. Use to Planner to focus on High Yield Topics and pay less attention to Low Yield concepts.
  4. Set an exam date (in mind) and work towards it. Set realistic goals and schedules. Prolonging the exam to achieve a 270 (feasible) might prolong your preparation time and work against you. With the help of our Planner, you can set your projected exam and work your way backward.
  5. Studying under stressful conditions results in low retention and test scores. Creating a stress-free study environment is a crucial aspect of a student's success.
FOCUS AND SCHEDULING
  1. Studying for Step 1 alone is a mistake. This exam requires a study group/partner and guidance from a mentor to succeed. Join our Telegram group for Step 1 students to create a safe and conducive environment for effective learning.
  2. Mimicking or trying to recreate a study schedule posted online. A schedule must be made to target one's strengths and mistakes.
  3. Distractions: Step 1 prep requires dedicated, focused preparation. All other commitments need to be placed on hold.
  4. Delaying the actual test after plateauing over 2 – 3 assessments can work against the student. Everyone has a peak, and prolonging the inevitable will not result in the scores desired.
  5. Understanding one's limitations and strengths are the goals to ace this exam. Students believe studying 14hrs/day, 7 days a week, is the key to success.
  • Unfortunately, burnout is a real issue and needs to be considered when making a study schedule. A good schedule consists of regular breaks with one day off during the week. With the help of our Planner, you are in complete control of your study schedule and hours.  
Written by
Sukrut Pagad, MD, AP