PASSED STEP 1

My USMLE Step 1 Journey: How I Passed

Alhamdulillah, I passed the exam! I took my test on January 11, and received my score report today. Here's a summary of my preparation, resources, and approach.

Timeline and Study Approach:

I prepared for 8 months, with the last 2 months being the most intense. I broke down my study plan into manageable sections and stayed consistent throughout.

Resources I Used:

  1. UWorld: UWorld was the cornerstone of my prep. I completed 85% of the questions with an 86% correct rate. I started with untimed, system-based questions to build my foundation, then switched to timed random questions to simulate exam conditions. I made sure to thoroughly understand both the correct and incorrect answer rationales, which helped me improve my test-taking skills.
  2. First Aid: I completed 3 passes of First Aid. I made sure to understand the reasoning behind every line, as it was essential for reviewing high-yield concepts.
  3. Pathoma: Pathoma was a lifesaver for pathology. It simplified the subject and made it enjoyable, giving me a solid grasp of pathology.
  4. Board and Beyond: I used this resource alongside my first pass of First Aid to deepen my understanding of the concepts.
  5. Sketchy for Microbiology: Microbiology was challenging for me at first, but Sketchy turned it into one of my favorite subjects by the end. I combined the videos with the Lolnotacop deck to actively reinforce what I learned.
  6. Kaplan for Pharmacology: I used Kaplan, along with First Aid and UWorld, to strengthen my pharmacology knowledge.
  7. Biostatistics: I used Randy Neil and UWorld for biostatistics.
  8. Ethics: Ethics was not my favorite subject, but I knew it was critical for passing. I used UWorld, Amboss, and Dirty Medicine videos to familiarize myself with common ethics questions. Understanding the reasoning behind the questions helped me tackle them confidently on the real exam.

My NBME Scores:

I began doing NBMEs after completing UWorld:

  1. NBME 26: 85% (30 days out)
  2. NBME 27: 86% (25 days out)
  3. NBME 28: 90% (20 days out)
  4. NBME 30: 89% (15 days out)
  5. NBME 31: 87% (10 days out)—this was the hardest and most similar to the real exam.
  6. UWSA 2: 258 (5 days out)
  7. Old Free 120: 89% (3 days out)
  8. Free 120: 87% (2 days out)

After each NBME, I carefully reviewed the questions, focusing on my weaknesses. If you score over 70% on NBMEs, you’re likely ready. However, I aimed to maximize my score.

The Real Exam:

On exam day, I stayed calm and focused. I used deep breathing to manage any anxiety. The exam felt similar to my NBMEs, especially NBME 31 and Free 120. There were many ethics questions, and time management was critical. In practice tests, I finished blocks with 5-10 minutes to spare, but in the real exam, I was racing against the clock toward the end of each block.

The questions were lengthy but manageable, and the concepts were familiar. Reading the last few lines of each vignette helped me understand the context and answer questions more effectively.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Tailor your approach to yourself Everyone has a different study plan and timeline. Choose what works best for you and stick to it. Don’t compare yourself too much to others—find your rhythm.
  2. Make a study schedule and follow it Create a timetable and try to adhere to it. Consistency is key. Life can be unpredictable, but staying disciplined will keep you on track.
  3. Avoid negativity Stay away from negative posts on Reddit or other platforms. Believe in your abilities and trust your preparation. You can do it—just stay focused on your own progress.
  4. UWorld is invaluable UWorld was by far the most helpful resource for me. It helped me build a solid foundation, improve my reasoning, and prepare for the exam under timed conditions. Trust in it and focus on understanding the explanations.
  5. Stay patient and consistent The journey is long, and it’s normal to face challenges along the way. Don’t get discouraged by low scores in the beginning. Stay consistent, and enjoy the process as much as possible. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

If you need any guidance or tutor for step 1, feel free to reach out. I’ve helped my classmates, and I’m available to help others as well.