How to Study for the USMLE Exam

Not everyone takes the traditional college route with a four year degree and graduation gown. The crowning point of finishing a long medical course is receiving your license and beginning to practice medicine. But before you can finally get out of school and into the real world of healthcare, you have to pass the USMLE Step 1- the dreaded United  States Medical Licensing Exam.

Although this massive exam is enough to terrify any medical student, there are many ways to study for it. There are several online study programs that will help you through each step of your studying process, such as the USMLE insider review program. Plus, here are some tips for making your study time as effective as possible as you prepare to take the USMLE Step 1.

Set A Goal

The first step when preparing for the USMLE is figuring out how much time you need to spend studying in order to pass. Most students need between 500 and 600 study hours to prepare for the USMLE, but it will vary depending on the student. 

Make a Schedule

There’s no better way to manage your time efficiently than by making and following a study schedule. Divide your study goal by the days you have, and make sure to set a break day here and there. Once you’ve made your schedule, make sure you follow it!

Take Practice Tests

The best way to prepare for any test is to rehearse how it’s going to play out when the time comes. The USMLE Step 1 is about eight hours long, so you should take practice tests for that chunk of time to get yourself ready. There are a lot of tests available online that you can take. 

These are the most important things you’ll have to keep in mind when you make your USMLE study plan. Hold yourself accountable and act in a disciplined way, but also be forgiving, and most of all, have fun!