Lecture Notes on Studying for USMLE Step Exams
Introduction
- Speaker: Orya (almost Dr. Olapo)
- Occasion: Graduating from medical school
- Purpose: Share tips for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 as a tutor with experience from 100 sessions
- Target Audience: Medical students studying for USMLE Step exams
Common Mistakes in Studying for USMLE Step Exams
1. Lack of a Structured Plan
- Issue: No plan or structure leads to ineffective studying
- Solution: Create a clear plan or schedule
- Identify what needs to be covered
- Utilize objectives and necessary resources
- Develop a to-do list or schedule
2. Spending Too Long on One Subject
- Problem: Over-focusing on a single subject, e.g., cardiology
- Solution:
- Use a plan to allocate time appropriately
- Check resources like First Aid, POMA videos, Boards and Beyond
- Allocate 2-3 days per subject based on length and complexity
- Stick to your schedule
3. Not Doing Random Practice Questions
- Problem: Fear of forgetting and lack of confidence
- Solution:
- Engage in random practice questions to reinforce retention
- Simulate the mixed nature of the exam
- Use practice tests like UWorld and NVMe self-assessments
4. Not Striving for Excellence
- Problem: Underestimating the effort needed, especially post Step 1 becoming pass/fail
- Solution:
- Approach studying with a growth mindset
- Treat Step 1 as foundational for Step 2
- Study 8-12 hours/day during dedicated periods
- Balance study with planned relaxation
5. Not Building a Strong Foundation
- Problem: Poor foundation during medical school years
- Solution:
- Focus on doing well in foundational courses and shelf exams
- Treat dedicated periods as review times
6. Using First Aid as a Learning Tool
- Problem: Misusing First Aid, which is a review book
- Solution: Use learning tools like Pathoma, Boards and Beyond, UWorld
7. Using Too Many Resources
- Problem: Overloading on resources
- Solution:
- Choose 2-3 main resources
- Dedicate time to ones you find most beneficial
8. Avoiding Difficult Subjects/Emotions
- Problem: Avoiding subjects you struggle with
- Solution:
- Tackle weaknesses head-on
- Build resilience to setbacks
9. Poor Test Taking Technique
- Problem: Choosing answers without evidence or getting lost in details
- Solution:
- Rely on evidence to choose answers
- Consider the big picture and context of questions
- Practice mindfulness in synthesizing information
Additional Tips
- Use resources like Magic Mind to improve focus and reduce stress
- Engage actively with practice questions and resources
- Cultivate a growth mindset and resilience
Conclusion
- Avoid common mistakes to improve USMLE scores
- Consider using helpful resources like Magic Mind for studying
This summary should serve as a comprehensive guide for avoiding common mistakes and adopting effective strategies for studying for the USMLE Step exams.