best review books for usmle step 1

• December 13, 2023

12 Best USMLE Step 1 Books [BUYING GUIDE]

A quick search on what the best USMLE Step 1 books can have you feeling overwhelmed. That’s why we’re here to help! We have put together the books based on their purpose, their subject, and overall student reviews. Feel free to jump straight to the book listed depending on what you’re looking for in your USMLE prep:

12 Best USMLE Step 1 Books

Kaplan step 1 lecture notes, best for a completely comprehensive review of usmle.

Kaplan USMLE Step 1 books come in a 7-book set that spans 2,000 pages that’s aligned with changes to the USMLE. The 7-volumes: Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Biochemistry/Medical Genetics, Immunology/Microbiology, Anatomy, and Behavioral Science/Social Sciences are updated each year by Kaplan faculty. For this reason, we recommend Kaplan’s lecture notes among the best USMLE books for Step 1.

These books are also included in Kaplan’s USMLE Step 1 prep courses – read more in our detailed Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Review .

Book Highlights:

• Reinforced learning with end-of-chapter summaries for super easy review.
• All the diagrams and charts are in full-color to aid visual learners.
• Updated annually by Kaplan’s medical lecture faculty.
• Clinical correlations and bridges between the disciplines are noted throughout the series. 

Great material

“Fantastic graphs and pictures, text slightly dry”

Amazon Review

The best set of comprehensive USMLE prep books that's printed in full color.

New to the USMLE? Start Here . 

Best USMLE Study Guide

The First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 is pretty much the OG of USMLE Step 1 prep. Updated every year to reflect current USMLE Step 1 testing, this USMLE prep book does a remarkable job outlining the high-yield topics and tips that you’re going to need to do well on the USMLE . Most students who’ve enjoyed this book still utilized a proper Qbank and video lectures such as Lecturio or Kaplan. 

• This book is updated annually using crowdsourced contributions from high-performing USMLE Step 1 test takers – includes recent strategies and experiences from the top scorers on the USMLE.
• 1300 essential topics that also include mnemonics to help you remember key information.
• More than 1200 colorful photos and illustrations give visual guides to clinical information, processes, and disorders (which makes this super essential for visual learners). 
• Rapid Review section can be used as a last-minute study guide for a refresh right before test day.

Awesome Resource, I Needed Picmonic to Memorize It

“Just got my First Aid 2021 copy and it’s great, truly the best USMLE Step 1 resource! The only way to use it IMO is along with Picmonic; this book is incredibly dense and hard to cram, so I review it page-by-page with Picmonic. This breaks the pages down into easily consumable sections and mnemonics so I can actually remember what I’m reading. There’s no other way to cram such a huge amount of info into your brain in such a short time! These two resources together are CRUCIAL to how I crushed Step 1 (268) and I’m proud of how well they worked :D”

This is, hands-down, the most popular USMLE Step 1 prep for high-yield practice.

Kaplan USMLE Qbook

Best exam-like practice questions for the usmle.

This Kaplan USMLE Qbook is a great resource for students who are looking for extra USMLE practice to go alongside their current USMLE Step 1 review. Although not intended as a standalone USMLE Step 1 review book, these questions are a great supplement to your studies. Most students have found success working through these questions while also utilizing their USMLE Step 1 prep course or home study program. 

Book Highlights

• 850 high-yield exam-like questions.
• 17 high-yield exam-like practice sets for major practice areas.
• These practice questions are unique and are not published anywhere else.
• You can find answer explanations for each correct and incorrect answer choice.

Best question bank to use in combination with UWORLD

I also started off with the first aid question bank (USMLE Rx), but found the questions in Kaplan to be better. USMLE Rx has a lot of buzz words, which may be better during your first two medical school years when exams often times include buzz word descriptions, but the USMLE (still haven’t taken it yet, but from NBME questions and others opinions) tends to stay away from buzzwords and goes more into descriptions, which Kaplan does. Kaplan also has more third order questions, which means you’ll get used to answering questions that are a little bit more difficult than the actual exam. The book is filled with a great intro going over the USMLE and test taking strategies, and gives excellent responses to why each question in it is either right or wrong, and why the wrong answers are wrong. If you are looking for a qbank to study for the boards, Kaplan over USMLE Rx.

This Qbook is packed with 850 exam-like practice questions intended to boost your score.

Kaplan MedEssentials

Best visual aid to pair with kaplan lecture notes.

If you are planning on purchasing the Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes books, then this is great supplement, as it is going to summarize main concepts and includes some of the same illustrations. This USMLE Step 1 book is used by most students as a visual aid for a quick summary review after going through their own USMLE comprehensive content review. It should be noted that this book is not a standalone Step 1 study tool and simply should be viewed as a study aid for those who need more visuals in their prep.

Book Highlights: 

• 12 pages of amazing full-color medical photographs.
• Includes illustrated tables and bolded terms for easy summary/memorization.
• Can be used in sync with Kaplan Step 1 Book Set because they use the same illustrations.
• Condenses high-yield topics into a single volume.  

Nice format 

“if FA is a book of paragraphs, this is a book of charts & tables. So if you have already read the annotated FA and need a book you can use to memorize the summary version of it, then this is the one you can go for. Better picture/chars/tables than FA but I think it lacks some details. Also I think this is particularly useful for those who used Kaplan Step 1 resources – Kaplan lec notes, lecture cuz they use the same pictures.”

 Visually mapped basic science concepts that pair perfectly with the Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes Book Set .

BRS Physiology

Best physiology practice for the usmle .

This is part of the Board Review Series for Physiology. Appropriate for first and second year med students, this book reviews all important Physiology topics covered in classes. This means you can be utilizing these summaries and illustrations by Dr. Linda Costanzo for class as well as last-minute USMLE Step 1 prep . 

• 350 new and revised clinical multiple-choice questions and answers
• 120 full-color figures and diagrams as well as 50 tables
• Includes new appendixes for Key Physiology Topics for USMLE Step I , Key Physiology Equations for USMLE Step I , and Normal Blood Values
• Outline format makes for simple and effective Physiology review

Solid review before Physiology shelf exam 

“This book was essential for me during my studies (cramming) for the Physiology Shelf exam first semester of MS1. I used this as a sole source for my studying, and did a close read with annotations over the course of a week and got 95th percentile, which I was only getting class average grades for physiology all throughout the semester. So I attest my awesome score on this to this book. Super good resource, questions at the end of each chapter and the full test at the end are great for figuring out how well you understand the material. HIGHLY SUGGEST YOU BUY THIS & BRS BIOCHEMISTRY!”

This book doubles as a review for your Physiology class as well as provides 350 clinical vignette-style, multiple-choice questions to help you prep for Step 1.

Robbins and Cotran Review of Pathology

Best pathology practice for the usmle step 1.

Robbins and Cotran is going to be mentioned a few times in this list because of its authority in medical education. Robbins and Cotran has put a lot of work into the enhanced ebook versions of all their new editions, so you’ll be able to interact with the illustrations as well as navigate and search content across devices. 

• 1,500 vignette-style questions in print, plus 500 online questions covering even more challenging concepts. 
• Questions written in USMLE style and includes a final 75-question USMLE exam.
• Answers and in-depth explanations at the end of each chapter for quick review.
• Also available in Ebook with your purchase, so you can access from different devices.

They should rename this book, “Vignette Mastery”.

“They should rename this book, “Vignette Mastery”. Do every question you possibly can and walk away with a wealth of knowledge that lectures and reference texts could never achieve.”

Get extra Pathology practice with Robbins and Cotran's Review of Pathology, which includes extensive vignette-style questions to reinforce clinical applications and incorporate key patient care and diagnostic strategies.

Robbins and Cotran Essential Pathology

Best for pathology review .

Whereas the Robbins and Cotran Review of Pathology is for testing yourself on Pathology principles, this book by Robbins and Cotran is intended as a more comprehensive review of Pathology . This is going to help you with your coursework and exams and will provide you with a deeper foundation of Pathology, if you’re going into your USMLE prep feeling a bit lacking in this area. 

• 500+ images and tables for disorders and concepts
• Assessments and case studies can be accessed digitally with online consult 
• Integrated multimedia format (cases, MCQs, and images)
• Self-assessment questions

Concise and well-written

“The ebook access code gives you access to the assessments and case studies on inkling. The book seems to have been rewritten and not just trimmed down. All essential details are concisely laid out. Great for a quick review for MS, or for an in-depth study when combined with the big Rubin. If you are looking for more histology details, add Rosai to the combo!”

This one by Robbins focuses more on review of Pathology concepts rather than practice.

Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease

Best comprehensive understanding of pathologic principles .

This is the last Pathology book we’re going to recommend from Robbins and Cotron, promise! We just wanted to include this Pathologic Basis of Disease because it’s the most comprehensive in terms of providing you with easy-to-read textbook style basic and clinical content. This is best for 2nd year medical students. Included are revised charts and tables. 

• “Key concepts” summary is after each section for quick review.
• Ebook included for access of text, figures, and references across multiple devices
• More than 1,000 high-quality photographs and full-color illustrations
• Special attention placed on readability of text

Beautifully printed

“This is my bible. Beautifully printed.”

Best for 2nd year med students needing additional help in coursework, with the benefit of USMLE prep as well.

Robbins and Cotran Flashcards

Best flashcards .

These pathology flashcards include 700 cases. Each card gives a clinical scenario with a histological, gross, or radiographic image. On the other side of each flashcard is the answer. These flashcards are an easy change of pace to textbook USMLE study and also come with a handy ring so that you can keep all the flashcards together when on-the-go.

• Two clinical vignettes per card.
• Two to five questions on each card with answers and explanations on the other side.
• Offers a break from routine in USMLE prep. 
• Each card has a hole in it and it’s connected by a ring for on-the-go study.

Wonderful flashcards

“These flash cards are absolutely amazing! I am so impressed with how the cards are formatted. I love how there are clinical scenarios that connect all of the key concepts in pathology, biochemistry, physiology, immunology, microbiology, and many more concepts together. I would highly recommend these flash cards and the textbook to all medical students. The book flows with the cards very nicely!”

Over 700 cases that can be used to study for the USMLE on-the-go.

Related: The 4 Best Anki Decks for Step 1

Pathoma Fundamentals of Pathology

Best for video resources.

Pathoma’s Fundamentals of Pathology is interesting because you have to purchase the Pathoma Pro subscription to access it.  When you purchase Pathoma Pro, you’ll gain access to over 35 hours worth of exclusive video content that can be accessed across all Apple devices (sorry, Android users). This book packs a powerful punch with 218 full-color pages written in a high yield outline format. 

• Includes a subscription to Dr. Sattar’s online videos (35+ hours). 
• 350 high-quality color images.
• High yield outline format covers all important topics in pathology. 

Could have ended the Cold War

Pathoma is so high yield that it could have ended the Cold War 20 years early if we’d had it then. Get it.

Student Doctor Forum

A USMLE prep subscription with over 35 hours of online video content.

Kaplan Integrated Vignettes

Best compact usmle practice book.

This cute portable USMLE book by Kaplan still packs 100 clinical vignettes. This is all high yield information for important clinical disorders and will lead you through different diagnoses, simultaneously integrating physiology and pharmacology. 

• Checklist of pathological processes within each organ system.
• Practice questions for self testing.
• Each chapter of the book covers a different organ system.

Good review

“I am going through the questions and explanations and my only thought is why didn’t I get this sooner?”

A portable USMLE prep book for high yield review.

Lippincott Microcards

Best microbiology flashcard deck.

Here’s a helpful way to learn and review clinical microbiology. This Microbiology review deck was created specifically for students looking for a concise microbiology tool as well as for those studying for the USMLE. Along with the purchase of this deck, you’ll get free access to an interactive question bank!

Flashcard Highlights

• 142 glossy and durable cards 
• Free access to interactive question bank with 70 USMLE-style questions and answers
• Each card offers special features for recall including: Title Bars, Pictures, Flow Charts, Clinical Cases, Pathogenesis Icons, and Study Tips. 
• Full-color clinical photographs are good for visual learners.

Essential for microbiology! 

“I love these flashcards so much. They have been invaluable to me during my first year of medical school. I was annoyed at first at the fact that I couldn’t really annotate on them (because they are the shiny type of card, not paper) but now I am so glad. I have spilled water on them and left them laying around and they are in top shape. The clinical scenarios also helped me a lot.”

142 glossy and durable microbiology flashcards that includes free access to an interactive question bank.

Rapid Review Pathology

Best ebook version for digital access.

Rapid Review Pathology, by Dr. Edward Goljan, is known in the medical community for being a top USMLE resource. This updated edition reflects the current USMLE-style questions. When you purchase this book, you’ll get access to the Student Consult Ebook. The beauty of the digital access is that you can search the text, references, figures, and more.  

Key features

• 500 new and updated USMLE questions.
• 1,100 full-color photos and diagrams.
• High yield margin notes by Dr. Goljan for those who need a quick summary.
• Online access to the Ebook allows you to search for any disease in seconds. 

If Robbins and Pathoma had a baby, this would be it

“A friend recommended this to me for use during dedicated Step prep, and I wish I’d gotten it sooner! It’s like Robbins & Pathoma had a baby: detailed yet concise in outline format with high yield phrases in the margins. A must have for Step 1 prep, and certainly wouldn’t hurt to have during preclinical years, too!”

Purchase includes access to the Ebook which includes search the text features, references, figures, and more.

Key Takeaway

With this list, we’re sure you were able to find the book that is the best fit for your study needs. As a quick refresher, if you’re looking for a fully comprehensive USMLE prep set, we recommend the Kaplan 7-book Lecture Series. As an aid, you can also supplement with the First Aid USMLE Step 1.

Good luck on your studying and let us know which books worked for your studying by commenting below!

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Have you been thinking what are the best USMLE Step 1 books? We have you covered!

  In this post, we will be giving you the 10 best USMLE Step 1 books that should be on your study list. This post will include the books’ features, pros and cons, and other reasons to help you get a resource that suits you.

Along with my  Step 1 Masterclass  and tips on  how to study for Step 1 , here are the best USMLE Step 1 books we recommend helping you get a score of 250 or beyond!

Table Of Contents

1. First Aid for the USMLE Step 1

Perhaps the most popular review guide, First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 features thousands of high yield tips , tricks, and information that will help you with your USMLE Step 1 preparation.

It’s no question that this book is one of the best USMLE Step 1 books. 

FYI – I wrote a full ultimate guide for you on how to use First Aid for Step 1 here!

Key Features:

• It contains fresh content as it is updated every year.
• The high-performing students who took the recent USMLE Step 1 exam authors the book. They provide first-hand information or tips on how the USMLE Step 1 looks like and their strategies on answering the questions.
• Complex content is complemented with colored illustrations and relevant websites that could assist you to assimilate knowledge.
• It contains tips on  how to study for Step 1 and how to use the book as a USMLE prep specially tailored by students who actually used the book for the boards.

What Do Actual Users Think About First Aid for the USMLE Step 1? 

Here are some testimonials:

“ Great quality, never disappoints.

What’s not to love about First Aid? They constantly improve their content. The quality of the book is always improved upon and there are more beautiful and colorful diagrams to help make memorization easier. I recommend this to anyone who writes the USMLE. It’s the holy book for the exam and a must-have.”

“ High yield must-have for any student taking Step 1

“Must-have for any student wanting to practice medicine in the U.S. It has a wealth of high yield information with mnemonics, charts, and pictures. This is a review resource (keep that in mind) so other resources should be used if you are still a little unsure of certain words or concepts. I recommend getting it even before your first year of med school and reading on the side as you navigate med the first two years of med school. That way, it will not be your first time seeing the layout and information of the book when preparing for Step 1.”

Why You Should Or Should Not Buy First Aid for the USMLE Step 1?

Here are the pros and cons for First Aid for Step 1  

• More affordable 
• It contains high-yield and relevant USMLE Step 1 information.
• Visual media is excellent, especially for visual learners.
• There were notable formatting errors on digital versions (Nonetheless, there were no issues on facts and quality of information).
• It can be difficult to study if you’re unfamiliar with the information. It’s great as a resource tool but First Aid For USMLE Step 1 can be difficult as a primary learning tool. 

How Much Is First Aid for the USMLE Step 1??

• eBook version: $40.84
• Paperback version: $49.13

Where To Buy First Aid for the USMLE Step 1?

You can grab a copy of First Aid For USMLE Step 1 here !

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

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FYI: Want to learn more advanced tips to help you on USMLE Step 1? Check out our free masterclass to help you get a 250+ on Step 1 here!

2. Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes

Kaplan Medical’s USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes is a comprehensive reference with over 2,600 pages. It covers all of the relevant topics that you might encounter in the actual USMLE Step 1. 

• Collated from a prominent group of medical lecturers.
• Covers the foundations such as Anatomy and Physiology , Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Social Sciences, Immunology, and Genetics. 
• Complemented with charts and colored diagrams for easier understanding and to help you reinforce your clinical correlation skills.
• At the end of each chapter, there is a summary guide as a review of what you have learned so far 
• Additional features include outlines, flowcharts, and high yield tags. 

What Do Actual Users Think About Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes? 

Here is a testimonial for Kaplan lecture notes

“ Amazing for this price

That was the best purchase ever. Kaplan books 2019, delivered to Hungary in 5 days, they used DHL! The paper is thin, but does not leak the markers when I use it. That’s amazing! Thank you!”

Why You Should Or Should Not Buy Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes?

Here are the pros and cons of Kaplan lecture notes.

• It provides a comprehensive and in-depth discussion of USMLE Step 1 topics.
• Given the brand name, the notes are relatively expensive compared to other Step 1 resources.
• Some find it too intensive as a supplement resource versus class lectures.

How Much Is Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes?

• Paperback version: $135.99

Where To Buy Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes?

You can grab a copy of Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes here .

3. Kaplan Medical’s USMLE Step 1 Qbook: 850 Exam-Like Practice Questions

The Kaplan Medical’s USMLE Step 1 Qbook: 850 Exam-Like Practice Questions is another trademark of the brand designed not just to help you pass, but to boost your board exam score!

• Formulated with 850 questions that could appear in the USMLE Step 1 exam.
• Serves as a complementary resource from textbooks.
• Covers major topics such as Anatomy, Behavioral Science, Biochemistry, Biostatistics, Immunology, Microbiology, Pathology, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physiology. 
• Regularly updated
• Each correct answer is provided with a rationale along with test-taking strategies.

What Do Actual Users Think About Kaplan Medical’s USMLE Step 1 Qbook? 

Here is a testimonial for the Kaplan question bank book!

“ Best question bank to use in combination with UWORLD

The book is filled with a great intro going over the USMLE and test-taking strategies and gives excellent responses to why each question in it is either right or wrong, and why the wrong answers are wrong. If you are looking for a Qbank to study for the boards, Kaplan over USMLE Rx. If you’re looking for a Qbank to do during your first semesters, USMLE Rx might be a little bit closer to the types of questions medical schools will be asking on exams. But, as a question bank in your dedicated study or last year, this is by far the better written of the question banks. Also, I’m assuming you will at some point use UWORLD. I’m saving that for my dedicated study period, and using this Qbank during my 4th semester. UWORLD is the best, however, this is what I would recommend using before doing UWORLD questions.”

Why You Should Or Should Not Buy Kaplan Medical’s USMLE Step 1 Qbook?

Here are the pros and cons:

• It’s good for anyone who wants extra questions to test their USMLE Step 1 knowledge.
• It cannot be used as a sole USMLE Step 1 prep resource. It must be used with other  USMLE Step 1 tips and tricks and review guides such as Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes. 

How Much Is Kaplan Medical’s USMLE Step 1 Qbook?

• Paperback version: $18.69

Where To Buy Kaplan Medical’s USMLE Step 1 Qbook?

Click here to grab a copy of the Kaplan Medical’s USMLE Step 1 Qbook. 

4. Pathoma Fundamentals of Pathology

Does not come off the list of our Best USMLE Step 1 book, Fundamentals of Pathology, or otherwise known as Pathoma, is an all-time most recommended review guide for the pathology questions that would appear in Step 1. 

This book is written by Dr. Hussain Sattar, a highly regarded pathologist and board review instructor.

By far during my own Step 1 experience , this was one of the best USMLE Step 1 books I used. 

• Provides an in-depth and comprehensive discussion on Pathology
• Contains over 300 colored images 
• Refers you to quality videos you could use as a supplement with the book
• Contains sections where you can take down notes 

What Do Actual Users Think About Pathoma Fundamentals of Pathology? 

“ Best resource for Pathology

Pathoma is a tremendous resource in studying for USMLE Step 1 and preparing for third-year clerkships. Dr. Sattar’s lectures cover all of the high yield pathology points. He explains everything from a basic mechanistic approach which is critical because that is how the questions are tested, but more importantly it develops true understanding which is never forgotten.”

Why You Should Or Should Not Buy Pathoma Fundamentals of Pathology?

Here are the pros and cons of Pathoma.

• Comprehensive and colorful Pathology resource 
• One of the best resources for pathology out there!
• Needs to be supplemented with another review guide for the remaining Step 1 topics
• Some might find the book expensive since it only focuses on Pathology.

How Much Is Pathoma Fundamentals of Pathology?

• Paperback version: $75.12

Where To Buy Pathoma Fundamentals of Pathology?

Click here to grab a copy of Pathoma Fundamentals of Pathology.

• What Is An International Edition? An international edition is a textbook that have been published outside the US offering tremendous value. The content is exactly the same as the U.S. version, but may have differences such as the book cover, ISBN, pagination, or region code
• This book offers a High-yield outline format which covers all important topics in pathology from the USMLE Step 1 exam point-of-view. You will also be able to access integrated review with essential concepts from the concerned disciplines. This is a perfect tool for course examinations, med-school exams, and board rev

5. Crush Step 1 – The Ultimate Reviewer for Step 1

Crush Step 1 – The Ultimate USMLE Step 1 Review is also a popular and effective resource for your USMLE Step 1 preparation. This is developed by students who were able to crack the USMLE Step 1 and aced a top board exam score.

• It covers a wide range of topics that could appear on Step 1.
• The overall format is organized and highly readable. 
• It contains illustrations to reinforce knowledge discussed through text.
• It provides test preparation strategies that concentrate on comprehension rather than mere memorization.
• It provides simple and concise discussions about disease processes.
• Comes with an ebook with a searchable interface

What Do Actual Users Think About Crush Step 1? 

“ Awesome Explanations; Tells You “Why” as It Gives You Answers

This book is amazing. It EXPLAINS complex material in a very straightforward manner. The “lecture notes” for Kaplan run like 2700 pages I believe. How can a mere mortal digest so much? Perhaps First Aid is the go-to during the final push of your Step 1 prep, but this book can guide you through 95% of the material in a v ery thoughtful and well-organized manner. I hate textbooks but this is a winner.”    

“ Great book!

As an MS1, I frequently use this book to make sure that I have a firm understanding of the basic concepts. Along the way, I annotate the book with the information I gain from the lecture. I love how clearly written and well-organized everything is. If I had to pick between First Aid and this, I would pick Crush Step 1.”

Why You Should Or Should Not Buy Crush Step 1?

• Easy-to-read and designed with a lot of illustrations for easier understanding 
• Focuses on training your comprehension skills
• Though it covers a wide range of topics, it lacks an intensive discussion on some areas like Pharmacology. 

How Much Is Crush Step 1?

• eBook version: $31.49
• Paperback version: $30.38

Where To Buy Crush Step 1?

You can grab a copy of Crush Step 1   here .

6. USMLE Step 1 Secrets

Crafted by a team of doctors and medical students, the USMLE Step 1 Secrets presents a focused and high-yield USMLE Step 1 review. It contains Q&A format as additional practice for the boards.

• Includes clinical cases and review questions to test your clinical correlation skills
• It contains colored images, tables, and figures for a simplified understanding of concepts.
• Has additional space for notes-taking
• Comes in a digital version

What Do Actual Users Think About USMLE Step 1 Secrets? 

Every time I read a paragraph, I’m like “Damn, that’s so cool!” It has some good pathophysiology tie-ins as well. He ties concepts together very well and also gives good clinical insight (including DDx). When I read the neuro chapter, he was hitting concepts that made me think about things I saw in USMLE Rx.”

“ Five Stars

Absolutely phenomenal for a case-based curriculum”​

Why You Should Or Should Not Buy USMLE Step 1 Secrets?

• Practice test questions serve as your primer for the actual exam. 
• Formatting errors are infrequent.

How Much Is USMLE Step 1 Secrets?

• eBook version: $30.59
• Paperback version: $29.69

Where To Buy USMLE Step 1 Secrets?

Click here if you want to grab a copy of   USMLE Step 1 Secrets.

7. First Aid for the Basic Sciences (Value Pack)

If you are looking for resources focusing on the medical knowledge foundations, perhaps First Aid for the Basic Sciences is what you are looking for.

The set includes two books: the FABS: General Principles and FABS: Organ systems .  Though you could purchase them separately, we highly recommend you to buy it in a set.

Their powerful combination will provide you comprehensive yet easy-to-understand medical information that would help you crack Step 1 and survive your first two years in med school .

• Enriched with foundational yet high-yield knowledge covered by the USMLE Step 1
• Organized presentation of content by organ systems
• Helpful resource during your first two years of medical school
• Designed with colored illustrations, tables, and learning aids for easier retention

What Do Actual Users Think About First Aid for the Basic Sciences (Value Pack)? 

Here is a testimonial:

“ This book is perfect for that they complement First Aid very well

I am the type of person that needs to understand the why of things to memorize them, this book is perfect for that they complement First Aid very well. It doesn’t just have just keynotes just for random memorization factor it helps you learn. I graduated in a foreign country and taking step 1 so I have to go back maybe 5 years and remember all the tiny different details, English is not my first language sometimes I just don’t know the abbreviations used in most books, I love that it explains thing in a way it’s easy for me to understand. This book is very easy to follow, very organized. I would recommend this all the way. Also the pictures and graphs are very well done. ”

Why You Should Or Should Not Buy First Aid for the Basic Sciences (Value Pack)?

•  Comprehensive 2-in-1 resource good for USMLE Step 1 preparation and passing your first and second years in med school
• There are some typo errors.
• They don’t provide in-depth info on some topics such as Pathology.  

How Much Is First Aid for the Basic Sciences (Value Pack)?

Where to buy first aid for the basic sciences (value pack).

You can grab a copy of First Aid for the Basic Sciences (Value Pack) here .

8. Goljan Rapid Review Pathology

Written by Dr. Edward Goljan–a well-known medical review book author,  Rapid Review Pathology is a useful USMLE Step 1 reviewer that gives you updated information and essential concepts about Pathology.

• User-friendly as the ebook contains a search interface for easy readability and usage
• Contains over 500 USMLE-styled practice questions
• Includes a Student Consult link to give you online access to additional media
• Contains a formatted outline, colored layouts, and high-yield margin notes and key points focusing on clinical correlation 

What Do Actual Users Think About Goljan Review Pathology? 

“ This book is my new Girlfriend (this made me laugh! :D)

Apparently this is the book of all books in medical school. After skimming through it, I can see why. I am going to have a deep relationship with this book. It is highly detailed and highly condensed with all the high yield material and more. I will be using this book along with my classes from day one of medical school. Student consult ebook is gonna be of great use as well! Thanks! ”

“ Excellent Path Review, useful for step 1

Really good book for a “Review” of pathology ( a lot of detail). I used this Goljan Rapid Review in my basic sciences and now I will be definitely using it again to study for my step 1. It contains high yield photographs and margin notes which are a quick review of what you need to know. An excellent addition to my step 1 studying material. This book was recommended by one of my professors and I would not agree more.”

Why You Should Or Should Not Buy Goljan Review Pathology?

• Fully-packed with illustrations for guided learning on Pathology
• User-friendly reviewer for the USMLE Step 1
• Some find it too comprehensive for Step 1.
• Some tables and notes are overloaded with information.

How Much Is Goljan Review Pathology?

• Ebook version: $39.49 
• Paperback version: $35.25

Where To Buy Goljan Review Pathology?

Click here to grab a copy of Goljan Review Pathology.

9. USMLE Step 1 Made Ridiculously Simple

If you want a unique review approach, you could use USMLE Step 1 Made Ridiculously Simple. By the name itself, it makes USMLE Step 1 review easy and fun! 

Like my guide how to study for Step 1 , this book will also help you learn how to study smart as it is made up of useful mnemonics and funny illustrations that are easy to remember even if you are already practicing as a clinician.

I also love this Made Ridculously Simple series which it’s why it’s one my list of best USMLE Step 1 books that you can use!

• Covers a wide range of topics including Anatomy, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, and Social Sciences 
• Contains charts for simplified knowledge assimilation
• Gives you access to hundreds of practice questions online

What Do Actual Users Think About USMLE Step 1 Made Ridiculously Simple? 

“ This book is an awesome starting place .

Studying for boards can be daunting and this is like a super concise outline to work off of. It doesn’t have everything you’ll need but it’s a great place to begin and then build off of. A lot of other board books have too much detail for quick review and can bog you down if you’re just trying to make sure you’ve covered all your bases. I wish it was a little more compact though (combining more tables on to one page with fewer overall pages). An e-book would also be great!”

“ Great review book for the week before the exam!

I love the outline format and how it really hits all the topics you need to know. It definitely doesn’t go into much detail, but the way it is written allows for plenty of space to make notes, and also to quiz yourself while going through the book. I say everyone should definitely read it the week before their exam.”

Why You Should Or Should Not Buy USMLE Step 1 Made Ridiculously Simple?

• Conveys a unique approach by making the USMLE Step 1 review interesting and fun 
• Though it covers the major topics, it’s not comprehensive enough to be used alone for USMLE Step 1 prep.

How Much Is USMLE Step 1 Made Ridiculously Simple?

Paperback version: $24.95

Where To Buy USMLE Step 1 Made Ridiculously Simple?

Click here to buy   USMLE Step 1 Made Ridiculously Simple.

10. medEssentials for USMLE Step 1

Unlike the other best USMLE Step 1 books we mentioned, this Kaplan resource is a concise version of the other USMLE Step 1 prep references produced by Kaplan. 

• Designed according to the core curriculum of the first two years of medical school
• Discussions are hand-picked of high-yield topics
• It contains tables, charts, diagrams, and illustrations for better understanding.
• Provides additional space for note-taking throughout the book
• A recommended reference for Pharmacology and Biochemistry review

What Do Actual Users Think About medEssentials for USMLE Step 1? 

this is an absolutely high yield. I have notes from my Kaplan Lectures, I found most of them all over the book. Every new thing is there. It’s a great investment.”

“ Great book

I’m just loving it. I definitely recommend it. It’s a must-have for step 1.”

Why You Should Or Should Not Buy medEssentials for USMLE Step 1?

• Showcases the entire Kaplan Step 1 prep review resources
• Material durability is questionable 
• Quite disorganized compared to other best USMLE Step 1 books
• Can’t be used alone and might be unnecessary if you already have the other Kaplan prep guides.

How Much Is medEssentials for USMLE Step 1?

Paperback version: $22.95

Where To Buy medEssentials for USMLE Step 1?

Click here to grab a copy of medEssentials for USMLE Step 1 now.

There you go! These are the 10 best USMLE Step 1 books that would surely help you get a 250+!

Also, if you enjoyed this post, you may also like:

How To Study For Step 1 [Ultimate Guide] How To Use First Aid For Step 1 [Ultimate Guide] Get A High Step Score [Top Step 1 Resources] Best Question Banks For Step 1 And How To Use Them Step 1 Is Now Pass-Fail   — The Good, Bad, & Ugly Failing Step 1 [What To Do?] How To Read Textbooks In Medical School

You may also want to learn how to crush your Step 1 without stress .   If you are, then it’s best to grab your spot by joining our free Step 1 Masterclass   here .

On the other hand, if your goal is to achieve success on your USMLE Step 1, join the   Step 1 Academy   today.

Inside the academy, you will learn exact strategies and methods to raise your Step 1 score without difficulty.

Click   here   to learn more.

I hope you guys learned a lot and found this post helpful.

Until next time my friends…

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Best USMLE Prep Books (Steps 1-2-3)

A full analysis of the best study books to help you pass the usmle steps 1, 2 and 3.

The USMLE is a comprehensive and detailed three-part exam that tests your knowledge, ethics and worthiness for medical licensure in the United States. You will need to complete all three grueling steps to demonstrate that you possess the principles and knowledge to provide safe and effective patient care. And just like with the MCAT before med school, you’ll likely need prep resources to crush this series of tests. So let’s look at some of the best study books to help you pass each step of the USMLE.

Outline : The Best USMLE Books of 2024

As this is a pretty lengthy guide that covers a number of books and USMLE steps, here is a helpful jump-to table of contents for your convenience:

• Best USMLE Step 1 Books
• Best USMLE Step 2 Books
• Best USMLE Step 3 Books

➡ Looking for More Study Materials? Check Out Our List of Best USMLE Prep Courses Here . 

Summary : Best USMLE Step 1 Prep Books

Our experts have purchased, reviewed and rated the best prep books for Step 1 of the USMLE. Here is our list of the best books following their evaluation:

• Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes: 7-Book Set
• First Aid for the USMLE Step 1
• Crush Step 1: The Ultimate USMLE Step 1 Review

Read on to learn more about each of the above books.

#1 | Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes: 7-Book Set

Offering a complete and in-depth look at the Step 1 exam, the Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes set is a volume of high-quality study materials. This series includes over 2,700 pages of content, and covers every single skill and bit of knowledge you’ll need on the exam, each augmented with color diagrams and charts .

It includes full volumes on Anatomy, Behavioral Science and Social Sciences, Biochemistry and Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology and Physiology.

These are supplemented with bridges between the disciplines, which I found to be very helpful in understanding how the separate skills work together. Each chapter gives you a summary study guide at the end so you can reinforce the key takeaways .

In the end, it’s built to give you the most complete picture and understanding of the exam possible. While this volume of books may seem overwhelming, there is simply no better or more comprehensive resource out there.

➡ RELATED : Read our review of the Kaplan USMLE courses

#2 | First Aid For The USMLE Step 1

This guide takes a unique approach to test prep resources: Rather than being written by instructors or academics who have designed the test, it’s written by students who have actually nailed the exam, then reviewed by top faculty to make sure everything is accurate.

First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 is nothing short of indispensable for those looking to get hold of a detailed blueprint of the content on the exam. The book is incredibly approachable and written in the language of the student preparing for the test .

The book features over 1,300 topics and samples representing everything you have to know to ace the exam, including mnemonics to help you remember these key concepts; over 1,000 color illustrations that give you a visual guide to the clinical information (for visual learners like me, this was a big plus), processes and disorders you need to understand; and a rapid review section that gives you detailed reference tables that associate diseases with the treatments, pathophysiology and clinical findings related to them.

#3 | Crush Step 1: The Ultimate USMLE Step 1 Review

This book takes a combined approach to its presentation. Where some books are written by academics and others by students, Crush Step 1: The Ultimate USMLE Step 1 Review is written by students, current residents and medical experts in concert to provide you with the most complete guide to the USMLE out there.

The team is led by Dr. Ted O’Connell, a bestselling author and medical expert who knows the skills and concepts for this test through and through. It’s a comprehensive and laser-focused resource designed to be the most effective review tool possible.

It includes review questions for each chapter that will test your mastery of the core concepts and your ability to retain the dense information. This book also provides a wealth of strategies to prepare for the exams. These strategies were instrumental in helping me understand the core idea beneath a question rather than rote memorization.

➡ Also Worth Reading : Check out our review of the Pass Program USMLE Course

Summary : Best USMLE Step 2 Prep Books

Our experts have purchased, reviewed and rated the best prep books for Step 2 of the USMLE. Here is our list of the best books following their evaluation:

• Kaplan USMLE Step 2 CK Lecture Notes: 5-Book Set
• First Aid For The USMLE Step 2 CK
• USMLE Step 2 Secrets

Read on to learn more about each USMLE Step 2 book listed above.

#1 | Kaplan USMLE Step 2 CK Lecture Notes: 5-Book Set

This 5-book set helps you take your knowledge and skills to the next level to match the complexity and difficulty of the exam .

Published by Kaplan, a company that for over four decades has been a leading producer of test prep for over 90 exams at every educational level, Kaplan USMLE Step 2 CK Lecture Notes is an official five-book set offering a complete volume for the Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Surgery and Psychiatry/Epidemiology/Patient Safety sections of the exam.

This work is composed of over 450 pages that are full color and mimic the look and feel of the exam , and are revised each year by Kaplan faculty to ensure the most up-to-date content. The structure is focused on highlighting the most high-yield topics and putting them in context, while at the same time creating a bridge between the basic science and each specialty area.

#2 | First Aid For The USMLE Step 2 CK

Just like the Step 1 version of this book, First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CK is written by students who have aced the exam, and is then reviewed by experts to ensure its accuracy. The book includes a concise summary of over 1,000 common topics to allow you a fast, efficient and effective study process .

Each section is combined with key facts and specialized mnemonics to help you contextualize and master the content. The review section has been completely updated to facilitate your last-minute study needs, while each step in the diagnosis and management of a given condition is given expert coverage.

This work contains hundreds of photographs in full color with advanced tips and tricks for test-taking to help you understand the root of each question and approach the test with complete confidence every step of the way. It’s also one of the most approachable works out there.

#3 | USMLE Step 2 Secrets

This review source is designed to be a concise, easy-to-use and highly effective quick reference guide to the areas of knowledge and skills you’ll need on Step 2 of the exam.

Written by bestselling medical expert Ted O’Connell, MD, USMLE Step 2 Secrets is your one-stop guide for success on the exam. It’s presented in a proven Q&A format to give you the confidence and preparation you need to master the diagnosis, treatment and management knowledge the USMLE exam requires .

This book seeks to give you the best return on investment by being concise, engaging, simple to read and effective all in one.

It offers essential questions and answers that precisely mimic those you’ll see on the exam while retaining a portable size , which allowed me to easily take it along to study anywhere. The color figures, tables and sidebars help to provide visual references.

Summary : Best USMLE Step 3 Prep Books

Our experts have purchased, reviewed and rated the best prep books for Step 3 of the USMLE. Here is our list of the best books following their evaluation:

• Kaplan USMLE Step 3 Lecture Notes
• First Aid For The USMLE Step 3
• Master The Boards USMLE Step 3

#1 | Kaplan USMLE Step 3 Lecture Notes

Published by Kaplan, the two-volume USMLE Step 3 Lecture Notes is an official set of lecture notes that use case studies to review the specific concepts and skills for the exam while placing them in a real-world context. Each book will not only drill you on concepts, but it will also deepen the understanding you have of them .

The books contain over 250 cases that provide in-depth coverage of every discipline you’ll need to master, including the most commonly seen conditions you’ll deal with and the basic science you are most likely to see.

You’ll also find patient management advice , information on population health and examples of patient safety issues. The book assumes mastery of the Step 1 and Step 2 portions of the exam, so it’s custom-built to work with its predecessor volumes in the series.

#2 | First Aid For The USMLE Step 3

Written by students who have mastered the exam, First Aid for the USMLE Step 3 is also reviewed by medical experts for accuracy. It is designed to be the logical conclusion to volumes 1 and 2 in the series and provides thousands of facts and samples combined with mnemonic devices to help you master and retain the important Step 3 concepts.

They’re bolstered by mini case reviews that are designed to help you with that portion of the exam and are meant to be a high-yield study prep resource .

The book contains 100 cases for review, with concise and high-yield information that highlights information relevant to the board. It increases the emphasis on diagnosis, management and integrated pathophysiology, and even adds flashcards and full-color imagery .

I liked that the flashcard feature allowed me to take advantage of quick study intervals when I was on the go. Finally, it offers test-taking tips, tricks and shortcuts to help you master the process of taking the test with confidence.

#3 | Master The Boards USMLE Step 3

Written by Conrad Fischer, MD, Master the Boards USMLE Step 3 is a unique and highly effective resource that offers targeted review concepts and exclusive tips for mastering the case concepts on this section of the boards.

This book is full of expert tips and is completely updated with current content to make sure you don’t encounter a single surprise on the day of the test. It’s built start to finish to help sharpen your recall, identify the most likely answers from the possibilities and understand the most highly tested concepts.

It offers a step-by-step approach to the management and diagnosis of conditions, concise safety notes for patients and hundreds of color images to provide diagnostic examples. Finally, you’ll get expert tips and tricks for test-taking so that you can strategize the process. The whole goal of this book is to help you avoid surprises on exam day.

Preparing For The USMLE Exams

Hopefully this list of best USMLE prep books has been helpful in your evaluation of which book best fits your needs.

All three steps of the USMLE exam are incredibly difficult, and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Whether you plan to self study with books, or take a full course with classes, make sure you really commit. And if books alone won’t be enough to get you fully prepared (as is often the case with the USMLE ), check our list of best USMLE prep courses here .

Prep courses are often the most effective means of preparing since they also include other study materials, such as video lessons, live classes, and flashcards.

How much do USMLE prep books cost?

USMLE prep books cost anywhere from $20 to $160, depending on what step and individual book you are considering.

Which USMLE prep book is the best?

After reviewing over 10 different USMLE prep options, our team thinks the books from Kaplan and First Aid are clearly the best.

10 Best Books for USMLE Step 1

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

The USMLE , or United States Medical Licensing Examination, is a three-part medical exam that tests your knowledge, concepts, ethics, and principles to determine if you are fit for medical practice or not. Upon successful completion, you are granted a medical license, and subsequently, you are free to practice medicine in the United States .

The exam is extremely detailed, and passing it is no walk in the park. Like with any other test, the very first step towards success is choosing suitable learning material. Currently, there are lots of different books and courses to help prepare you for the test; however, knowing which book to get can be quite confusing.

Hence, I have compiled a list of the 10 best USMLE Step 1 books to make selection easy for you. All the listed books have been selected after rigorous review of each one of them.

In this Article

10. USMLE Step 1 (Deja Review)

9. usmle step 1 secrets in color, 8. medessentials for usmle step 1 by kaplan, 7. first aid cases for the usmle step 1, 6. usmle step 1 secrets, 5. crush step 1: the ultimate usmle step 1 review, 4. usmle step 1 qbook by kaplan, 3. first aid q&a for the usmle step 1, 2. usmle step 1 lecture notes by kaplan, 1. first aid for the usmle step 1.

USMLE Step 1 by Deja Review is a well-organized and well-written book that includes all the critical concepts you need to know for passing the exam. The focus in this book is not on comprehensiveness but efficiency. The way all the contents are laid out makes it ideal for a quick reference.

Key Features:

• Active recall Q&A allows you to understand, not just memorize, the content
• “Make a Diagnosis” clinical vignettes that put the material in a clinical context
• Mnemonics and keywords to help you focus on core concepts
• Portable size for study on the go–fits in your white coat pocket
• Bookmark included helping you work through an easy-to-use flashcard presentation

Get it  here .

This book is concise and offers a structure that is quick to navigate through. Don’t expect to find any detailed coverage of the various USMLE topics; however, it does feature hundreds of the most relevant questions asked on the test. The questions are followed by detailed answers as well as case scenarios.

• A case-based approach and abundant clinical context help prepare for the vignette-style of the USMLE exam.
• Figures, tables, and summary boxes provide a visual and concise overview of crucial board-relevant content.
• New color images were added throughout.
• New larger trim size for improved note-taking and easy review of this comprehensive, high-yield review.

MedEssentials by Kaplan offers a visual study of the various USMLE topics. It includes illustrated tables, charts, and 12 pages of full-color medical photos. The book consists of all core science concepts that you are likely to find on the test.

• Highlights the highest-yield review concepts for all topics tested on the USMLE Step 1
• Includes all core science concepts covered in medical programs and the USMLE and COMLEX exams
• Complements both organ system and discipline-based curricula
• Features illustrated tables, bolded terms, and 12 pages of full-color medical photos

The First Aid series by McGraw Hill are easily the most sought after books for USMLE preparation, as you will continue to see on this list. Written by Tao Le, this USMLE prep book contains some 350 medical cases couples with questions and illustrations for ultimate understanding.

• 350 updated cases prepare you to anticipate commonly tested concepts on the USMLE® Step 1
• Active learning questions and answers reinforce essential concepts
• A NEW full-color design bolstered by 300+ concept-clarifying clinical images and illustrations
• Concise yet complete with relevant pathophysiology explanations
• Organization mirrors First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 for side-by-side study

USMLE Step 1 is a tried and tested prep book that contains everything from detailed questions/answers to case studies and more. It also includes a complete overview of the Step 1 test and illustrations to prepare for the image-based questions.

• Prepare for the vignette-style of the USMLE with a case-based approach and abundant clinical context.
• Benefit from the most current overview of board-tested content from top USMLE review author Dr. Thomas Brown and his team of medical student reviewers.
• Stay up to date with all-new chapters on Pathology (with full-color images) and ECG.
• Prepare for image-based questions with new color chapters and high-quality clinical images.

Crush Step 1 is written by Dr. Ted O’ Connell in collaboration with students, residents, and other experts. This is one of the most highly regarded USMLE step 1 books in the market, and it contains a detailed review of all the topics tested in USMLE step 1.

• Up-to-date, easy-to-read, high-yield coverage of all the material tested on the exam.
• Numerous color images, helpful lists, and quick-reference tables help students retain and recall information quickly.
• Review questions for each chapter test student mastery of core knowledge and aid retention of high-yield facts. Test prep strategies help readers identify and understand question stems rather than memorizing buzz words.
• A recent review board of current students and residents, and authors who scored within the 99th percentile on the USMLE Step 1, ensures relevance and accuracy.

Kaplan’s USMLE Step 1 Qbook contains some 850 quality questions that are likely to show up on the actual exam. It has detailed answer explanations for correct and incorrect choices, so you know why a particular answer is wrong.

• 850 exam-like practice questions you won’t find anywhere else
• Explanations for each correct and incorrect answer choice
• 17 high-yield, exam-relevant practice sets in Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology/Immunology, Pathology/Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Behavioral Science/Biostatistics
• Test-taking strategies for every question type
• Study techniques to maximize your limited preparation time

First AID Q&A by McGraw Hill is one of the most popular Q&A type books on USMLE. It contains some 1000 questions with detailed answer explanations and 130+ high yield images, diagrams, and tables.

• 1000 board-style questions and answers — reviewed and approved — by students who just aced the exam
• Detailed explanations for both right and wrong answers – with letter options in boldface for at-a-glance review
• Chapters keyed to Dr. Le’s First Aid for the USMLE Step 1, so you can simultaneously review questions and high-yield facts
• 130+ high-yield images, diagrams, and tables
• One complete practice exam consisting of 7 blocks of 50 questions simulates the exam experience

If you want the most comprehensive study guide for USMLE step 1, nothing can come close to Kaplan’s lecture notes collection. This set features a total of 7 books, and it covers in detail all the topics of varying disciplines.

• More than 2,700 pages covering every discipline you’ll need on this section of the boards
• Full-color diagrams and charts for better comprehension and retention
• Clinical correlations and bridges between disciplines highlighted throughout
• Chapter summary study guides at the end of every chapter for easier review

First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 is by far the best USMLE step 1 book on the market. It covers some 1300 must-know topics and features more than 1000 color photos.

• 1,300+ must-know topics with mnemonics to focus your study
• 1,000+ color photos and illustrations to help you visualize processes, disorders, and clinical findings
• Rapid Review section presents high-yield tables associating diseases with their clinical findings, treatments, and pathophysiology
• Updated every year to ensure all content is relevant and high-yield, reflecting the most current USMLE blueprint

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Best Books for USMLE Preparation: A Comprehensive Review

This comprehensive review outlines the best books for USMLE Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3. Learn the pros and cons of book-based preparation and discover how to supplement your study plan with other resources, including Usmle Preps.

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Preparing for the USMLE exams can be a daunting task. The sheer volume of material to cover and the pressure of the looming test dates can make anyone anxious. But worry not! The secret to acing these exams lies in arming yourself with the right resources.

From textbooks that provide deep insights into medical concepts to question banks that offer real-world scenarios, choosing the right tools is crucial for your success. In this article, we will dive deep into the world of USMLE preparation books. We’ll help you discover the pros and cons of popular titles, so you can make an informed decision and maximize your chances of scoring high.

Why Choosing the Right Book Matters

The medical field is ever-evolving, and so is the body of knowledge you need to absorb. Picking the wrong book can lead you down a rabbit hole of outdated information or inadequate practice questions.

But how do you differentiate between a 'good' book and a 'great' book? It's not just about the content; it's also about how well that content aligns with your learning style, your strengths, and your areas for improvement.

Types of USMLE Preparation Books

USMLE preparation books come in various forms, each serving a specific purpose. Knowing which type of book best suits your needs can save you time, energy, and money.

• Textbooks : These provide the theoretical background you'll need for the exams. They often come with detailed explanations, charts, and diagrams.
• Question Banks : These are collections of practice questions designed to mimic the format and difficulty level of the USMLE.
• Flashcards : Ideal for quick revision, flashcards help you memorize essential terms, concepts, and procedures.
• Case Studies : These offer real-world scenarios that help you apply theoretical knowledge in a practical context.

Depending on where you are in your study timeline, you may find one type of book more beneficial than the others. For instance, if you're in the initial stages, textbooks and case studies could be more useful. As you get closer to the exam, question banks and flashcards can help you fine-tune your preparation.

Best Books for USMLE Step 1

USMLE Step 1 is often considered the most challenging of all the Steps. It tests your understanding and ability to apply important concepts in basic science. Below are some of the best books that can guide you through this challenging journey.

• First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 : Known as the bible for Step 1, this book provides a high-yield review of the key concepts.
• Pathoma : This book focuses on pathology, simplifying complex topics into digestible pieces.
• BRS Physiology : A go-to resource for mastering physiology, which is a critical subject for Step 1.

Each of these books has its own strengths and weaknesses, but they are all excellent starting points for your Step 1 preparation.

Best Books for USMLE Step 2

USMLE Step 2 is split into two sub-parts: CK (Clinical Knowledge) and CS (Clinical Skills). The focus here shifts from basic sciences to clinical knowledge and patient care. Here are some of the best books to help you prepare for Step 2.

• Step-Up to Medicine : A comprehensive book that covers internal medicine and other high-yield topics.
• Master the Boards: USMLE Step 2 CK : Written by Conrad Fischer, this book is a hit for those who are looking for an all-in-one resource.
• First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CK : Similar to its Step 1 counterpart, this book provides a concise review of the topics you'll encounter.

The right books can act as your virtual mentors, guiding you through complex clinical scenarios and helping you master patient care essentials.

Best Books for USMLE Step 3

USMLE Step 3 is the final hurdle in your USMLE journey. It assesses whether you can apply medical knowledge and understanding in an unsupervised setting. To excel in this stage, you'll need books that offer more than just theory; you'll need practical insights as well.

• Master the Boards: USMLE Step 3 : This book provides high-yield content and offers real-world clinical scenarios to test your problem-solving skills.
• First Aid for the USMLE Step 3 : A valuable resource that complements the First Aid series, covering both theory and practical applications.
• Crush Step 3 CCS : This book specializes in the Computer-Based Case Simulations, a vital part of Step 3.

These books provide a balanced blend of theory and practice, making them excellent resources for the final leg of your USMLE journey.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Book-Based Preparation

Books are a classic and time-tested method of studying, but like any other resource, they have their pros and cons. Let's dive into what makes them both an asset and a liability.

• Depth of Material : Books often provide detailed explanations that you may not find in video lectures or online courses.
• Flexibility : You can read a book anytime, anywhere, without the need for an internet connection.
• Focus : A book provides fewer distractions compared to an electronic device, allowing for more concentrated study sessions.

Disadvantages

• Lack of Interactivity : Books cannot offer the interactive learning experience that some online platforms can.
• Pace : Self-study through books requires a lot of discipline and may not be suitable for everyone.
• Up-to-Date Information : Books can become outdated, so make sure you are using the latest editions.

Understanding these pros and cons can help you make a balanced decision about how to incorporate books into your study plan.

Integrating Books with Other Study Resources

While books are a cornerstone of effective preparation, integrating them with other resources can amplify your readiness for the USMLE exams. How can you bring synergy into your study plan?

• Online Courses : Supplementing book learning with online courses can provide a dynamic, interactive experience.
• Mobile Apps : Use mobile applications for quick revisions and to fill study gaps throughout the day.
• Peer Study Groups : Discussing concepts and challenging each other can deepen your understanding of the subject.
• Usmle Preps : For a tailored experience, consider our specialized question banks and practice tests to fine-tune your skills.

By adopting a multi-dimensional approach, you can ensure a robust and well-rounded preparation for your USMLE exams.

Preparing for the USMLE is a monumental task that requires a strategic approach. Books remain one of the most effective ways to build a strong foundational knowledge for these exams. However, remember that books are just one part of a much larger toolkit available to you.

If you're looking for a comprehensive preparation strategy that combines the best books with highly effective question banks and practice tests, consider Usmle Preps . Our platform offers the perfect blend of learning materials to ensure you are well-prepared for the road ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. is it necessary to buy all the books listed here for each usmle step.

No, you can select books based on your specific needs and areas for improvement.

2. How often should I update my USMLE books?

It's crucial to use the most recent editions to stay updated with the latest information.

3. Can I rely solely on books for my USMLE preparation?

While books provide in-depth knowledge, complementing them with other resources like online courses and practice tests can offer a more well-rounded preparation.

4. How can Usmle Preps supplement my book-based study plan?

Usmle Preps offers tailored question banks and practice tests to fine-tune your preparation for each USMLE Step.

5. Are there any free resources that can complement my USMLE books?

Yes, there are various free question banks, video lectures, and articles available online. However, the quality may vary, so choose wisely.

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Best USMLE Step 1 Study Books

Introduction

Are you gearing up for the USMLE Step 1 exam? Could you be finding it difficult to settle on the study book to use? We’re here to help you! Achieving your goal of becoming a medical doctor takes intensive preparation. Ensuring that you go for the best USMLE Step 1 study book is one thing that you can’t avoid. The secret of getting it done the right way is following expert advice on which books are the best in helping you crush the USMLE Step 1. We have come up with a comprehensive list of books that are best in helping you get great scores in your USMLE Step 1. Before we take you through this list, we’d like you to understand who the target of the test is.

Who takes the USMLE Step 1 Exam?

The United States Medical Licensing (USMLE) Step 1 is the first among three standardized exams administered to medical students. The goal is to assess their abilities in applying basic fundamentals of science in practicing medicine. It’s a multiple-choice computer-based test that takes 8 hours.

It’s time for you to know the best USMLE Step 1 books and how they can help you in hacking the USMLE Step 1 exam questions. Get yourself one or two of these review guides and you’ll be on your path towards becoming a doctor. The review includes core study guides and other complementary study materials like flashcards.

• USMLE Step 1 Qbook:850 Exam-Like Practice Questions to Boost Your Score
• First Aid For The USMLE Step 1 2024, 29th Edition
• USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes 2024 : 7- Book Set
• USMLE Step 1 Flashcard Study System: USMLE Practice Questions And Exam Review
• USMLE Step 1 Made Ridiculously Simple,7th Edition
• USMLE Step 1 Qbank 12 Months
• Crush Step 1: The Ultimate USMLE Step 1 Review, 2nd Edition
• Medessentials For The USMLE Step 1, 4th Edithon

1. USMLE Step 1 Qbook: 850 Exam-Like Practice Questions to Boost Your Score

This review guide by the popular Kaplan Medical specifically focuses on giving you the right footing through high-yield practice tests and answers. The ‘USMLE Step 1 Qbook’ includes these practice questions so that you can easily find your way around the exam objectives. You’ll also get access to the best exam taking strategies to guide you in mastering all the Step 1 topics. Testing your Step 1 board exam knowledge using this review book by Kaplan editors is simply the best way to pass your exam.

Important Features of the Guide

• Includes 850 practice questions
• Explanations for every answer whether correct or incorrect
• 17 sets of high-yield practice tests covering Physiology, Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pathology/Pathophysiology, Microbiology/Immunology, Pharmacology, as well as Behavioral Science/Biostatistics

Here’s where to get your copy of the guide

2. First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 2024 , 29 TH Edition

This iconic ‘First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 2024 ’ prep book features thousands of relevant USMLE exam information, tips as well as mnemonics. It’s concise, straight to the point and offers you high-yield support directed at preparing you for the exam. The text is also up to date and is characterized with fresh content. It brings out the actual picture of the USMLE Step 1 since it has been prepared by students who recently took their exam. This means you’ll get real-time support from this great text. Don’t forget that it’s jam-packed with tips coming straight from those who understand what it means to prepare and take this exam. Whether your cramming for your soon-to-be USMLE Step 1 exam or still have some good time to cover the exam contents, the facts in this book won’t let you down.

• Over 1300 must know exam topics including mnemonics to help you focus on your prep
• Includes color photos and illustrations to help you visualize on processes, clinical finding s and disorders
• A section for rapid review to help you with an effective last minute prep
• Includes real-time updates

Get your study book here

3. USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes 2024 : 7-Book Set

What happens when you don’t have enough money or time to enrol in a real Kaplan course? You definitely need a study guide to take care of this! This Kaplan Test Prep ‘USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes 2024 : 7 Book Set’ is the real deal. That’s why we’re including it as one of the best USMLE Step 1 study books. All the relevant USMLE Step 1 exam topics are comprehensively covered in this text.

Considered as Kaplan official lecture material, the book has been prepared by Kaplan’s leading lecturers. It covers quality material in Pathology, Pharmacology, Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Behavioral/Social Sciences. Other areas include Immunology/Microbiology, Medical Genetics, and Physiology.

• It’s up to date
• Combines color diagrams and charts with text to help improve your mastery of the exam material
• End of each chapter has a summary guide to aid you in retaining more material
• Includes outlines, flow charts, quality tags, as well as summary boxes

Access the study guide here

4. USMLE Step 1 Flashcard Study System: USMLE Practice Questions and Exam Review

Reinforcing knowledge requires an approach that employs repetitive study exam methods such as flashcards. The ‘USMLE Step 1 Study System’ uses this exact approach to help you understand and retain the required knowledge. As you wait to take your USMLE Step 1 prep, you can take advantage of moments such as when travelling, hanging around the hospital, or waiting to take your favorite cup of coffee. Every minute counts when it comes to preparing for this exam.

And if you want to jog your memory a little, then flashcards should be your best choice. This exam review guide harnesses the useful power of flashcards. The ‘USMLE Step 1 Flashcard Study System’ topic coverage is wide and provides you with a continuous review of topics. This makes it easier for you to identify your weak areas so that you can work on them.

Important Features of this Guide

• Covers Pathology, Microbiology, Anatomy/Physiology, Pharmacology, Primary Immune responses, and more
• Uses a repetitive flashcard approach to make your learning fast, fun, and interesting

Here’s where to find this review guide

5. USMLE Step 1 Made Ridiculously Simple, 7 TH Edition

Is your USMLE Step 1 almost here? Are you already suffering from information overload due to too much cramming? If this is your case, then the ‘USMLE Step 1 Made Ridiculously Simple’ has your back! The guide comes in a chart format and has all the basic facts categorically arranged. This is done to make it easier for you to review the exam subjects before the exam day. After studying hard, it’s time to give this guide an opportunity to help you tie together all that you’ve studied. The chart format approach gives you maximum material while utilising minimum quantity of words. This improves your performance in a multiple-choice scenario.

Due to its unique approach, previous exam candidates who’ve used this prep guide cannot fail to recall at least a single mnemonic or that funny illustration that comes with the text. It surely is the best way to break away from the monotony of the usual USMLE Step 1 guidebooks! For most exam candidates, it works best when combined with another option as it may not work as a standalone prep book for USMLE Step 1 exam.

• Its compact way of presenting information helps cover major topics like Microbiology, Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology, and Social Sciences
• Includes numerous online practice tests

Find your guide here

6. USMLE Step 1 Qbank 12 Months

USMLE Step 1 prep should go beyond lectures and lecture notes. You need an interactive, customized approach to prepare for your exam. The Kaplan’s ‘USMLE Step 1 Qbank 12 Months’ gives you this and much more. It includes an interface that mimics the actual exam environment. Creating targeted quizzes, tracking your progress, and practicing with exam questions in an interactive test environment are all offered by this unique USMLE exam prep guide. The guide is thorough in covering all the required exam content areas.

• Includes over 2,000 practice exam questions
• Accessible through mobile devices
• Includes explanations to answers
• Topic references to other exam materials provided
• Includes two full-length tests to help you develop your question answering muscle

Get your guide here

7. Crush Step 1: The Ultimate USMLE Step 1 Review, 2 ND Edition

This best USMLE Step 1 study book is popular and has proven to be effective in reviewing the material for the USMLE Step 1. The ‘Crush Step 1’ study guide is a collaborative effort between editors who passed the USMLE Step 1 and aspiring doctors. Acing your exam is now possible through this cover-all exam guide. The easy-to-read format employed by the text will enable you to take in all the information you need to crash the USMLE Step 1 test on your first try.

• Includes test prep strategies that focus on comprehension instead of memorization
• Each chapter includes review questions
• Includes visual tools like tables and images to teach you and reinforce the knowledge of the USMLE Step 1

Access your copy of the guide here

8. MedEssentials for the USMLE Step 1, 4 TH Edition

This Kaplan Medical’s guide for the USMLE Step 1 has been consolidated to provide a concise coverage of all the required topics. It employs an approach that works with a quality or high-yield topic review of what you covered in medical school in your first two years. The ‘MedEssentials for the USMLE Step 1’ is organized to cover most of the medical school’s core curriculum and focuses on content like organ systems. It’s best in reviewing Biochemistry and Pharmacology. You can easily complement your Kaplan course notes or Kaplan’s review lectures with this guide!

• Features tables as well as photos
• Includes note-taking spaces to help you build your knowledge by bringing to light required concepts
• Includes helpful charts and diagrams

A copy of the guide is available through this link

By utilising any of these best USMLE Step 1 study books, you’ll manage to crush your USMLE Step 1 the first time you take it. Reaching your goal of becoming a doctor is such an elating experience. You can only arrive in this destination by making use of the best USMLE Step 1 prep books around.

James is on a mission to uncover the greatest study guides and prep courses to ensure you pass your exam on your first attempt. He has personally assessed hundreds of study materials and developed courses himself.

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6 Best USMLE Step 1 Prep Books (2022)

The United States Medical Licensing Exam (or USMLE) Step 1 is the first out of three exams taken in order to obtain a professional medical license in the United States. This exam aims to test students’ knowledge of the specific principles and mechanisms of scientific concepts and their ability to apply those ideas to medical practices.

The USMLE is typically taken at the end of the 2nd year of medical school and is the first opportunity to present the skills you have learned.

Because this is the first test of your knowledge as a medical student, you want to prove that you have mastered the information and can pass this exam. In order to do that, you need the right tools to help you review and maintain all of the curricula that have been covered so far.

Medical students have a lot of information to memorize and maintain, and this can feel overwhelming. Having the right resources can make all the difference when preparing to take this rigorous test.

Spending time researching and reviewing tons of different books is not something you have time for when preparing for this test. That’s why we’ve done the research for you. Below we map out 6 of the best prep books for USMLE Step 1, with a list of pros and cons for each. Start your study plan here by checking out these great resources.

Table of Contents

1. USMLE Step 1 Qbook

2. crush step 1: the ultimate usmle step 1 review, 3. first aid for the usmle step 1 2022, 4. first aid cases for the usmle step 1, 5. usmle step 1 lecture notes 2021, 6. usmle step 1 preparation secrets study guide, how do i know which book to choose, do i need the most up to date information, how long does it take to prepare, passing your usmle exam, usmle step 1 prep books – the official list.

Here are our top choices for USMLE Step 1 Prep Books. All of these books provide detailed information to help you feel as prepared as possible before taking this exam. Use these guides to make the most out of your study time with the best information out there.

Exam-style questions and test-taking strategies to fully prepare you for the USMLE.

Pages : 456

Publisher : Kaplan Medical Test Prep

Year : 2022

The USMLE Step 1 Qbook takes our top spot for USMLE prep materials. This Prep book contains commonly seen practice questions and effective test-taking strategies. The book is regularly updated with current information so you can be sure each concept is correct and valid.

It contains 850 practice questions that follow closely to actual questions you may see on the exam. This book exposes you to exam-style questions, but it also walks you through each answer. It thoroughly explains the correct answer and why the other answers are incorrect so you can feel confident with each question.

17 practice sets cover all of the high-yield information in each discipline. The USMLE Step 1 exam has different styles of questions, and this book gives you comprehensive test-taking strategies for each type. It also includes study techniques and best practices to keep you organized and efficient.

The only real downside to this book is that all of this great information leaves little room to take personal notes or annotate as you study. This is a great choice if you want real exposure to what you might see on the actual USMLE Step 1 exam.

• Affordable Price
• In-depth explanations for each question and answer
• Regularly updated for current information
• Thorough, exam-like prep that closely matches the actual test
• The book is packed full, which leaves little room to take personal notes.

A detailed overview written by actual students with insider information.

Pages : 704

Publisher : Elsevier

Year : 2017

The Crush Step 1: The Ultimate USMLE Step 1 Review prep book is written and reviewed by actual students, residents, and experts. The book is led by Ted O’Connell, who is a best-selling author and family physician. The Crush Step 1 book covers all exam material in a way that is easy to read and understand.

There are plenty of colored images, helpful lists, and reference tables to deepen your understanding. After each chapter, there is a set of review questions so you can be sure you have mastered the information before moving on.

This book won’t just give you a bunch of buzz words to memorize; it gives real test-prep strategies that will help you truly understand what each question is asking you. Students and residents who have helped build this book have scored within the 99th percentile and can help you do the same. This purchase also comes with an ebook for convenient access.

The Crush Step 1 book is a few years out of date and was last updated in 2017, yet students still find the information relevant and useful.

• Straightforward and well-organized information
• Ebook is included with purchase
• Written and reviewed by actual students
• Review questions help you stay focused
• Last updated in 2017

An extensive outline of USMLE exam material for effective study time.

Pages : 848

Publisher : McGraw-Hill Education

The First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 prep book is also written by students who have scored high and is reviewed by expert faculty to ensure accuracy. This book gives you a great outline of content that will likely be found on the actual exam.

Students give insider advice throughout the book to help you study and prepare in the best way possible. 1,300 must-know topics include mnemonics for quick memorization. An abundant amount of color photos and illustrations help you visualize different processes, disorders, and clinical findings.

• Very detailed information
• Consistently updated for accuracy
• Mnemonics help you memorize key concepts
• Affordable price
• No practice questions or test-taking strategies

An in-depth review of USMLE cases likely seen on the exam.

Pages : 496

Year : 2018

The First Aid Cases for the USMLE Step 1 provides a colored guide to specific patient cases you might be presented with while taking the USMLE exam. You can find active-learning questions throughout this book to reinforce key concepts and ensure you understand the material.

Hundreds of high-yield clinical images and illustrations help you visualize each concept. Each chapter follows simultaneously with the First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 prep book, so having both resources would be a great way to cover all of the USMLE information.

The First Aid Cases for the USMLE Step 1 includes 350 cases to help you prepare for commonly tested concepts. These cases are updated and reviewed for current and correct information. Active learning questions and answers help reinforce each concept and prepare you for commonly asked test questions.

It is organized with figures and tables for easy review, and the information is thorough and to the point. Immunology is one area that students say is lacking in this book, and additional information might be needed to feel fully prepared.

• Complements the First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 prep book
• Includes commonly asked questions and answers
• 300+ concept-clarifying images and illustrations
• Lacking complete Immunology information
• Last updated in 2018

A set of seven books with discipline-specific guides in each.

Pages : 2,624

Year : 2020

The USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes prep books give a comprehensive review that focuses on each discipline’s commonly seen topics. This is actually a set of 7 books that are separated into each individual discipline. These books will deepen your understanding and help you focus on the most important areas of study.

Each book provides colorful diagrams and a clear review of information to keep you organized and on-task. This set is updated annually, so you know you are getting the most up-to-date information. Each chapter comes with a summary guide that allows for easy review.

The outline format provides a clear organization that will help you stay effective and make the most of your study time. With seven volumes, the set is priced high, but the information is worth it. The only thing these books are lacking are targeted practice questions, yet the information covers all of the exam material you might see when testing.

• Organized into separate books by discipline
• Updated annually
• Outlines and chapter summary guides help you stay focused
• No practice questions

Easy to understand guide to concepts, procedures, principles, and vocabulary.

Pages : 424

Publisher : Mometrix Media LLC

Year : 2016

The USMLE Step 1 Preparation Secrets Study Guide gives a detailed overview of everything needed to get you prepared for taking the USMLE. It includes an examination of general principles and a breakdown of all body systems.

This book will provide you with all of the concepts, procedures, principles, and vocabulary that the Federation of the State Medical Board requires for this exam. The layout of this book is logical and organized without any confusing or dense academic language.

The main complaint about this prep guide is the lack of illustrations. There are very few images, tables, and figures that can make this a tough book for visual learners.

• Easy to understand
• Thorough coverage of exam information
• Well organized
• No illustrations
• Higher price
• Last updated in 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

The right resources may differ depending on your needs. What you want to do first is figure out what your needs are. Think about the areas you are currently struggling in or areas you want to improve and look for resources that capitalize on those areas.

You also might want to consider what type of learner you are. If you need a lot of visuals, then steer clear from resources that lack images or tables. It is also good practice to have different types of resources available. Maybe you don’t feel prepared with just one of these prep books; you might want to invest in two or three.

Your ultimate goal is to find the resource that is going to make you feel fully prepared with both the concepts and the practice questions.

If you want to be completely sure that you have the correct information across all topics, then your best bet would be to go with the most updated resources. But, most updates only contain small changes, and most are comparable to editions that are a couple of years behind.

This answer will differ for everyone. The best way to determine this for yourself is to make a study plan.

How many hours are you willing to study for a day? How many days a week do you want to commit to studying? How confident do you feel with the exam information? What areas do you need to focus on?

Answering these questions will help you come up with a timeline. Start with a plan and alter it if needed as you go. The most important part is to start somewhere and adapt along the way.

The USMLE Step 1 QBook gets our vote for the best prep book. It gives you the best idea of what the actual exam questions will look like and walks you through each answer. Choosing any of these resources will leave you more prepared than you started out and can help make study time more efficient.

It’s always a great idea to look for other resources as well. The USMLE website has online practice tests, prep guides, and important information that you should check out before scheduling your test.

These resources can help you make the most of your time while preparing for this first step of your journey towards licensing. The more prepared you are, the better you will perform when the time comes. Keep practicing, and good luck!

Matt graduated with a BSEd in Kinesiology from University of Georgia and is now pursuing a medical degree. He enjoys sharing his experience with other ambitious young people.

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Best USMLE Step 1 Prep Books 2024: Quick Review & Comparison

Studying to become a doctor is not an easy thing! The level of information is high and the quantity is pretty scary if you don’t know what to expect. However, if you want a license to practice medicine in the US, you will need the take the USMLE Step 1 (also known as The Boards).

While studying for the Step 1 examination may seem quite an unbearable task, there are a few steps you can follow to make sure you’ll score the best possible points. First, you have to set your studying goals realistically. For this, you need to start studying early so you’ll have the time to go through all the materials.

The second step (and just as important as the first) is choosing the right resources. Many students tend to hoard books that will require Herculean strength just to move from one side of the room to the other. And they don’t stop here! They also gather DVDs, notes, and Qbanks. The secret here is to choose only the best resources and throw away the rest.

So, to make sure you will pass your USMLE Step 1 test with a satisfying result, we put together a list of the top 5 best USMLE Step 1 Prep books to have.

You can choose one or you can choose all of them, the choice is yours!

Please note, all external links for the products below (geni.us links, etc.) link to the corresponding Amazon.com page for each product.

Read the full review below >

USMLE Step 1 Prep Book Comparison Table

Last Updated: 1/3/2024

Best Overall USMLE Step 1 Prep Book

Kaplan usmle step 1 lecture notes 2016 , 1st edition review.

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With a history of over 40 years of helping students prepare for their medical licensing exam, Kaplan Medical knows what you need to succeed at your test. The information you can find in the Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes were gathered, sorted, and filtered by expert advisors in order to offer the correct level of support for students everywhere.

The notes are delivered as a 7-volume set (2786 pages) containing information on Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Medical Genetics, Immunology and Microbiology, Anatomy, and Behavioral Science/Social Sciences. These books represent a valuable resource for lots of people preparing to pass the examination because they offer complete information on all necessary topics. Even more, the content is well-organized, with summary boxes that help you learn easily. Also, there are plenty of connections between disciplines so you’ll know when a correlation shows up. Very principle is reviewed in depth and nothing is left out.

Thousands of students use these books every year because they don’t just describe the principles and other information. The act of learning is not boring and difficult but explained in high details so anyone can understand. Also, many such resources tend to use an academic language which can be dense and difficult to memorize and understand. This is not the case with Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes! The information is well-structured and the text is written with an eye for accessibility and accuracy.

The few complaints these books got make reference to the type of paper used for printed copies. While it’s a bit thin, it’s nothing you couldn’t handle in our opinion. Also, many readers expressed their desire to see these books combined with videos for 100% efficiency.

- High level of principle organization

- Great structure

- The flow is natural with fewer fact listing

- All concepts are reviewed in-depth

- The text is not dense or difficult to understand

- Summary boxes that help fast learning

- Books are light and you can take them in your purse/backpack

- Paper is thin, sometimes rips while turning pages

- There are no CDs or associated videos

- A bit expensive (but worth it)

Best Value USMLE Step 1 Prep Book

First aid for the usmle step 1, 2016 review.

Also known as the Bible for USMLE Step 1 preparation, this 784 page book is the second best resource in your arsenal. The information is updated annually and each version is co-authored by medical students who just went through the examination. This way, the ones coming after them, get fresh insight into how to learn and what to learn for the test.

Besides extremely well-organized information with colorful images and a logically structured format, the First Aid for USMLE Step 1 also provides students with a wide range of tricks, high-yielding facts, and mnemonics that help in the learning process. It also teaches you how to cope with the stress of the exam which is extremely important.

With an extensive review process conducted by well-established USMLE instructions, the book contains lots of useful information such as:

1) Over 1250 must-known topics which put together the complete framework for your preparation 2) 1000+ images, photos, and diagrams which are great for visualizing the content and putting everything in a graphical form. This is extremely effective with concepts that are difficult to understand. 3) Lots of tips and tricks on how to improve your studying efficiency 4) Feedback from former students

All in all, this is a complete resource that gets yearly updates on the needed information. On the downside, there are copies where the ink smudges easily so it is recommended to be careful when studying.

- Color pictures and format make the guide easy to pick up and simple to learn

- Review is very in-depth, but not as much as our first choice

- Ideas are from former med students and professors, so you know they are relevant

- Some ink smudging issues, blurry paragraphs

#3 Best Overall USMLE Step 1 Prep Book

Usmle step 1 preparation secrets study guide review.

The Preparation Secrets Study Guide should also be in your top 5 resources due to the level of explanations it offers. You’ll have full access to the top 20 tips to master the USMLE Step 1 test and you’ll learn about the procedures, concepts and principles you should know in order to pass the exam successfully. For example, the guide covers the basic principles of genetics, pharmacology, micro, behavioral science, immunology and more.

Even more, this handy guide of 430 pages is going to let you in on the type of vocabulary that is expected from you by the FSMB (the Federation of State Medical Boards). However, you shouldn’t worry about getting lost in academic language – everything is explained clearly and thoroughly.

Another feature that makes this book so great is the way authors address difficult concepts and principles. They don’t just go by them; they took the effort of describing everything in detail. Finally, the guide also talks about how to get prepared from a physical and mental (emotional) point of view. This is one aspect that most USMLE Step 1 prep books seem to forget.

Even though the structure could have been better (no diagrams, images, or tables) the book is extremely useful for reviewing purposes. However, you should keep in mind that, if you want to find a certain topic, you’ll have to look for it. You can’t just browse it as all the pages look basically the same.

- Topics are not covered in just fact listing, but explained thoroughly

- Problem solving tactics let you slip past the tricks the test writers throw at you

- Written in easy to understand language

- Could be better organized, no color pictures to explain topics

#4 Best Overall USMLE Step 1 Prep Book

Crush step 1: the ultimate usmle step 1 review, 1st edition review.

According to the authors, if you learn all the concepts and tips in this 680-pages book you shouldn’t just pass the exam, you should crush it! Well, they are quite right if we consider the fact that this resource covers all the materials required for the USMLE Step 1 examination. The content is up-to-date and easy to read and the text structure is well-designed.

To help students learn faster and better, the structure is divided into key sections, followed by practice questions and rapid-review boxes that lead to great results. The great structure makes the information to be easily accessible and the multitude of lists and tables highlights the most important areas. This way you won’t have to lose time with searching for information that’s easy to find.

We consider the Crush Step 1 guide as being one of the best and most effective on the market. The fact that it doesn’t just offer the necessary materials, but it also helps you put together a prep strategy shows that authors have students’ best interest in mind.

Unlike other resources where the focus is set on memorizing the materials, the Crush Step 1 guide focuses mostly on identifying and understanding question stems. This way it will be a lot easier to remember when you are under examination. By the end of the book, you’ll run through over 100 practice questions, which is a fantastic way to review and remember information.

- The review is well written and easily accessible

- Gives proper context behind each concept to make sure what you are learning is relevent

- Practice questions are very "USMLE-like"

- Has some typos and grammatical errors

Budget Pick USMLE Step 1 Prep Book

Usmle step 1 made ridiculously simple 2016, 7th edition review.

This 416-pages USMLE Step 1 prep guide is the best resource to choose when you are on a budget. It’s not the perfect resource as it doesn’t contain all the necessary concepts, but it’s a fantastic start. It’s actually an outline of the basic information in Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, and Social Science, and everything is presented as a chart.

The author is one of the few people who managed to score in top 3% of the USMLE Step 1 test so you should think about this before dismissing the guide. While it is not complete or bushy the book tries to summarize the basic material in a format that’s easy to understand and visualize. So, you can use it as a resource for beginners or you can use it as a resource to review and refresh the concepts you’ve learned – it works both ways just as effective.

Even more, you’ll get an additional Internet reference to a quiz with over 1000 questions organized in a time-saving and interactive style. In the end, the USMLE Step 1 Made Ridiculously Simple guide wants to show students that learning can be fun and there’s no need to stress about it more than you already have.

- Very short, concise and to the point, saves you time

- Tons of questions in online quiz bank

- Not enough length for an in-depth review

Our Suggestions

At the end of the day you are the one who will choose the resources for your exam prep. However, the books and guides we mentioned above are very popular among students and they proved their effectiveness countless times.

While some may be a bit expensive, they are all worth your attention. Start with the Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes and go down the list until you reach the USMLE Step 1 Made Ridiculously Simple guide (amazing for reviews) and you shouldn’t have any problems passing the test with great results.

Even more, each of these guides represents a great resource on their own so, if you’re just looking for something to help you review your knowledge, the last on our list will work great. On the other hand, if you’re looking for the best guide with all the necessary information, we recommend the Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes – this is the most complete resource on our list.

Best USMLE Step 1 Prep Books: Reviewed

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Best Review Books for USMLE Step 1

• Updated: 23 February, 2024
• by Dr. Apurva Popat

When embarking on the journey to conquer the USMLE Step 1, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is selecting the right review books. The market is flooded with options, making it a daunting task to choose the best review books for USMLE Step 1 that suit your learning style and needs. In this article, we’ll explore the top contenders, breaking down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

Overview of Best Review Books for USMLE Step 1

Navigating through the sea of review books can be overwhelming, but a solid understanding of the options available is the first step toward success, helping you identify the best review books for USMLE Step 1 that align with your learning style and needs. Here are some top picks endorsed by medical students:

USMLE Step 1 Qbank

• While not a traditional textbook, USMLE question bank is an invaluable resource for practice, standing out as one of the best review books for USMLE Step 1. It mimics the exam’s format, offering detailed explanations for each question.

First Aid for the USMLE Step 1

•  A perennial favorite, known for its comprehensive content and high-yield information. Updated annually, it remains a staple in every aspiring doctor’s arsenal.
• Dr. Husain Sattar’s lectures and accompanying book are revered for their in-depth coverage of pathology, making it an excellent supplementary resource.

USMLE Step 1 Books List

To excel in the USMLE Step 1, it’s crucial to have a well-rounded collection of study materials, including a carefully curated USMLE Step 1 books list. Here’s a curated list of books that complement each other, covering various subjects:

BRS Physiology

A concise review of physiology, BRS Physiology is a go-to resource for mastering the intricacies of the subject.

Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes  

With a series covering each subject, Kaplan provides a comprehensive overview, making it one of the best review books for USMLE Step 1, especially for those who prefer a structured approach.

High-Yield Gross Anatomy

For a detailed understanding of anatomy, this book is a favorite among students, presenting information in a clear and concise manner.

USMLE Step 1 Sample Test

Practice tests are indispensable for success in the USMLE Step 1 Sample Test. They not only assess your knowledge but also help you get accustomed to the exam format. Here are top-rated resources for sample tests:

NBME Self-Assessments  

• Developed by the National Board of Medical Examiners, these assessments provide a realistic gauge of your preparedness.

USMLE Step 1 Practice Exams 

• Available through various platforms, these exams simulate the actual test conditions, giving you a taste of what to expect on exam day.

UWorld Self-Assessment: 

• In addition to their Qbank, UWorld offers self-assessment exams, providing a detailed performance analysis to identify strengths and weaknesses.

Single-item questions

A question followed by four or more response options is associated with a single patient-centered vignette. The answer choices are labeled with letters (A, B, C, D, E). A portion of the questions require interpretation of graphic or pictorial material. You must select the best answer to the question. There is only ONE BEST answer, although other options may be partially correct. This is the traditional multiple-choice format used most often on the exam.

Strategies for responding to single correct answers on exams

• Read each patient vignette and question carefully. It is important to understand what is being asked.
• Try to generate an answer, and then look for it in the list of answer options.
• Alternatively, you can carefully read through each answer choice and eliminate those that are clearly not correct.
• From the rest of the options, select the one that is most appropriate.
• If you are uncertain about an answer, it is advisable to make an educated guess. Unanswered questions are automatically marked as incorrect.

USMLE Review Books: Tips and Strategies

In addition to selecting the right resources, your study approach plays a pivotal role, especially when delving into the vast realm of USMLE review books. Consider the following strategies to enhance your USMLE Step 1 preparation:

Active Learning Techniques 

• Engage with the material actively through flashcards, mind maps, and self-quizzing to reinforce concepts.

Consistent Schedule 

• Create a realistic study schedule that allows for breaks and review sessions, emphasizing the importance of consistency, a fundamental aspect of effective preparation with the best review books for USMLE Step 1.

Utilize Online Resources 

• Explore online platforms, forums, and videos to supplement your learning. Collaborate with colleagues to share ideas and plans.

The best review books for USMLE Step 1, it’s essential to tailor your choices to your learning style and preferences. The combination of traditional textbooks, question banks, and practice exams will fortify your preparation. Remember, success in the USMLE Step 1 is not just about the volume of study material but also about strategic and focused study sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 is a tried-and-true resource that condenses essential information into a single comprehensive guide. Its systematic approach and focus on high-yield content make it an invaluable companion for exam preparation.

Creating a successful booklist involves a mix of comprehensive resources. Combine a core textbook like Kaplan with subject-specific resources like BRS Physiology and High-Yield Gross Anatomy for a well-rounded approach.

Sample tests are critical for assessing your knowledge and acclimating yourself to the exam environment. They help identify areas for improvement, allowing you to tailor your study plan for optimal results.

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Best USMLE Step 1 Books – 2022 Review Guide

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If you are getting ready to take the USMLE Step 1 exam, you might agree with this statement:

With everything on the line with the USMLE Step 1, making sure you have the best USMLE Step 1 prep books is an absolute must.

Crushing the USMLE Step 1 is no easy task but there are some secret tips to getting it done. In preparing for the exam myself, I spent some time asking some Ivy League doctors I work with what tips they had and what USMLE Step 1 study guides and review books they used to study for the USMLE Step 1 exam. This article is a summary of some notes and will hopefully be of benefit to others who are looking to take the USMLE exam in the near future.

Best USMLE Step 1 Prep Books

1. usmle step 1 lecture notes: 7-book set (kaplan test prep) – editor’s choice.

Kaplan Medical’s USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes: 7-Book Set is comprehensive and deep. Clocking in at over 2,600 pages, Kaplan Medical’s USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes: 7-Book Set covers all of the relevant topics that can be found on the USMLE Step 1 exam. Considered “official” lecture material by Kaplan, Kaplan’s USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes 2018 leans on Kaplan’s great group of lecturers and covers high-yield material in Anatomy, Behavioral/Social Sciences, Biochemistry, Immunology and Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Medical Genetics. Recently updated, Kaplan Medical’s USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes pairs charts and color diagrams with the text to improve your understanding and clinical correlation of the material. Each chapter finishes with a summary guide that helps improve your retention. Other nice features include outlines, high yield tags, flow charts and summary boxes.

Given the breadth, depth and brand name associated with this USMLE prep guide, it is not surprising that Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes are on the expensive side. In addition, some might find Kaplan’s USMLE Step 1 study books to be overly comprehensive given that one can supplement studying with lecture notes from school. Nonetheless, Kaplan’s USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes are one to consider for anyone who needs the extra edge – whether it be to pass or to crush the USMLE Step 1.

• Comprehensive, in-depth USMLE Step 1 preparation books.
• Relatively expensive, particularly if one is looking just to pass the exam.

2. First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 – Best Value

First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 features fresh content as it is updated every year. Because it is written by students who are or have recently taken the USMLE Step 1 board exam, it helps communicate information in a way that resembles what the USMLE Step 1 actually looks like. On top of that, facts and tips also are sourced from students who are using the USMLE prep book, adding to the overall knowledge framework covered by First Aid for the USMLE Step 1.

First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 has lots of facts that will help people whether they are cramming for the exam or are pacing it out over a period of time. The text is well complemented by visual media such as color photos – thousands of them – and illustrations to assist visual learners with assimilating clinical knowledge. The accompanying website also provide some additional information and tips.

Other than being somewhat light on depth by design, the main issue with First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 really has nothing to do with the quality of the information that is presented for Step 1 prep. Instead, it has to do with formatting. At times, the pages in the paper copy do not hold up with heavy use and the digital versions have had formatting issues. Nonetheless, this is a small price to pay for the excellent knowledge and value provided by First Aid for the USMLE Step 1.

• High-yield, relevant USMLE Step 1 boards information.
• Excellent illustrations and graphics help visual learners.
• Formatting errors can be annoying.

3. Kaplan Medical’s USMLE Step 1 Qbook: 850 Exam-Like Practice Questions

As one might guess from the name, Kaplan Medical’s USMLE Step 1 Qbook is a USMLE Step 1 prep guide that is focused around providing a foundation of questions for practice. Featuring 850 questions formatted like questions one will find on the USMLE Step 1 board exam, Kaplan Medical’s USMLE Step 1 Qbook is a great place for anyone looking for extra questions to put one’s USMLE Step 1 knowledge to the test. Reviewed by Kaplan editors, this USMLE Step 1 prep book is organized around the major practice areas, including Anatomy, Behavioral Science, Biochemistry, Biostatistics, Immunology, Microbiology, Pathology, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physiology. Kaplan’s USMLE Step 1 Qbook is updated regularly and offers explanations for why specific answer choices are correct in addition to offering test-taking tips and strategies.

Kaplan Medical’s USMLE Step 1 Qbook, by design, is not a core USMLE Step 1 prep book. As such, most people will need to utilized Kaplan’s lecture notes or First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 for an overall review and use Kaplan Medical’s USMLE Step 1 Qbook for the USMLE practice questions that it offers.

• Hundreds of USMLE Step 1 practice questions to put your knowledge to the test.
• Not a standalone USMLE Step 1 review guide.

4. USMLE Step 1 Made Ridiculously Simple

USMLE Step 1 Made Ridiculously Simple does not pretend to be comprehensive and it is not. On the contrary, USMLE Step 1 Made Ridiculously Simple features information in a compact way, covering major topics such as Anatomy, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, and Social Sciences. USMLE Step 1 Made Ridiculously Simple utilizes charts to help assimilate the knowledge and also offers access to hundreds of online practice questions.

USMLE Step 1 Made Ridiculously Simple is not comprehensive and, for most people, will not work as a standalone USMLE Step 1 prep book. For people who want to take the dive, however, there are several ways to use this USMLE prep guide. One way is to go through it before using one of the other major USMLE review guides to see where your strong and weak points are before diving deeper. The other way is to use it 4-6 weeks before your USMLE Step 1 exam date as a late refresher after studying from one of the major USMLE Step 1 review books.

• Interesting and fun review for the USMLE Step 1 board exam.
• Not comprehensive enough to be a standalone text for most people.

5. USMLE Step 1 Flashcard Study System – Best USMLE Flashcards

The USMLE Step 1 Flashcard Study System is a good way to harness the power of flashcards in your USMLE Step 1 preparation. Covering a wide range of topics, the USMLE Step 1 Flashcard Study System will enable you to continually work on topics – especially areas in which you are weak – covered on the USMLE Step 1 exam.

Although they are useful as flascards, the USMLE Step 1 Flashcard Study System is by no means perfect. More specifically, the USMLE Step 1 Flashcard Study System could use some revisions as the editing is not perfect. Also, the USMLE Step 1 Flashcard Study System is not meant to be use to get an in-depth understanding of the material covered on the USMLE Step 1 exam.

• Good flashcards for USMLE Step 1 exam preparation.
• Needs revisions and improved editing.

6. Crush Step 1

Full of current information organized in a highly readable format, Crush Step 1 offers up coverage of the spread of topics that will be tested on the USMLE Step 1 exam. In addition to efficient text set up in chapters accompanied by review questions, Crush Step 1 also provides visual tools such as images and tables to teach and reinforce pieces of USMLE Step 1 knowledge. On top of that, Crush Step 1 offers some test preparation strategies focused around comprehension rather than simply memorization. To do that, Crush Step 1 goes deep on helping one understand the underlying why behind disease processes.

Crush Step 1 – The Ultimate USMLE Step 1 Review also includes an eBook that provides a searchable interface to make the learning process more effective.

Crush Step 1 is a lightweight USMLE Step 1 prep book and not a detailed review volume. The result is that occasional topics that one might find on the USMLE Step 1 are only covered lightly and some are not covered at all. However, most people will find the combination of Crush Step 1 and something like First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 to be an effective combination for Step 1 preparation.

• Highly readable and packed full of illustrations and facts designed to improve retention
• Thorough, deep descriptions improve comprehension on a number of topics
• Lacks intensive depth on some topics (e.g. pharmacology)

7. USMLE Step 1 Qbank – Best Practice Questions

The USMLE Step 1 Qbank will deliver a personalized experience to your USMLE prep through its sophisticated dashboard. Track your progress, refine your question quizzes and analyze your results around all content areas, from anatomy to physiology. Answer choices are explained in detail and topics provide references to other materials for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of specific USMLE Step 1 content.

To make sure you are ready for test day, you can also set yourself up in an exam room and indulge in one of two full-length USMLE Step 1 tests offered by the USMLE Step 1 Qbank.

It is fair to say that many people will find the USMLE Step 1 Qbank to be on the pricey side. Also, for most people, the USMLE Step 1 Qbank will be a complement to another USMLE study guide rather than a standalone USMLE review guide.

• Excellent, comprehensive database of practice questions.
• Personalization offers targeted USMLE question practice.
• Price point may be undesirable to some.
• Will not serve as a primary USMLE Step 1 study guide for most people.

8. Fundamentals of Pathology – Best USMLE Step 1 Pathology Book

Fundamentals of Pathology features 300+ images with hundreds of pages in full color. Additionally, Fundamentals of Pathology includes access to quality videos to help you nail down the material. Rich in detail, this comprehensive approach to pathology will give you what you more than what you need to do well on the pathology section of the USMLE Step 1 exam. Despite somewhat light durability, there is also enough room to annotate your text with notes as you cover the material.

Fundamentals of Pathology / Pathoma is, by design, only focused on pathology and will require another USMLE study resource like Kaplan or First Aid to complete the studying process. Also, there seem to be some counterfeit versions of Fundamentals of Pathology floating around so be mindful if you get a version that does not seem to be legit. Also, some might find Fundamentals of Pathology to be expensive given that most people will be mostly done with pathology after the first two years of medical school are finished.

• Excellent pathology review with full-color illustrations
• Digital complement brings pathology to life
• Fundamentals of Pathology is clearly meant to accompany another study guide
• Some might find it expensive, particularly if not pursing a specialty that utilizes much pathology

9. medEssentials for USMLE Step 1

medEssentials is organized around the core curriculum of most medical schools, including content focused on organ systems. Featuring tables and photos, medEssentials helps bring concepts to light and provides the reader with additional room to build on the knowledge with note-taking areas throughout the book.

medEssentials for the USMLE Step 1 is particularly strong in its review of pharmacology as well as biochemistry. Also, medEssentials for the USMLE Step 1 has fairly helpful diagrams and charts. The main strength of this USMLE Step 1 prep guide is when it is used as a complement to Kaplan lecture notes or the Kaplan review course / lectures.

In general, medEssentials feels somewhat disorganized when compared to other USMLE Step 1 books out there. The anatomy section of medEssentials for the USMLE Step 1 could use more detail. Also, medEssentials is really a lightweight version of the Kaplan materials and will probably not add much, if any, value if you already are using another Kaplan USMLE prep book or review course.

• Channels Kaplan’s strong Step 1 prep into a single volume review guide
• Not useful if you are using another Kaplan USMLE Step 1 prep guide
• Paper copies could use a durability upgrade

10. USMLE Step 1 Secrets

The most recent version of the USMLE Step 1 Secrets has some formatting errors and questionably accurate information which diminishes the overall perception of value that this book delivers. Nonetheless, many will find it a useful USMLE Step 1 book for additional practice in getting ready for the USMLE Step 1 test.

• Utilizes Secrets series format to deliver high-yield Step 1 test preparation.
• Infrequent errors make it feel less valuable.

11. Lippincott Microcards – Best Microbiology Review

The added benefit of the Lippincott Microcards is that they will help you with your microbiology classes in medical school. Given this benefit, it is worth the investment to get them early on as an adjunctive study tool to complement your lectures.

The font used for the text in Lippincott Microcards is quite small, making them hard to read at times. Also, if you are one of those people who likes to write on your study guides, the glossy surface on these USMLE Step 1 flash cards will prevent you from doing much of that.

• Organized, detailed coverage of relevant microbiology topics.
• Not very helpful if you do not need added microbiology practice.
• Small font and glossy surface impair full value of these flash cards.

USMLE Step 1 – FAQ

Congratulations if you are at the point in your medical training where you are gearing up to take the USMLE exam. It is a big accomplishment to have successfully worked through the top MCAT prep books and passed the exam and then get admitted to medical school. Now, you are on the next step of your exam journey on your quest to become a doctor.

The USMLE®, or United States Medical Licensing Examination, Step 1 is the first of three parts of the required exams to attain a medical license in the United States. The USMLE is governed by two primary medical bodies – the FSMB (Federation of State Medical Boards) and the NBME® (National Board of Medical Examiners®). The FSMB is a non-profit organization that is comprised of over sixty medical and osteopathic boards in the United States and acts on their behalf. The NBME is also non-profit and consists of individuals and organizations who are charged with protecting the public through evaluating health professionals.

The purpose of all of the USMLE exams is to make sure that a physician has the requisite knowledge to practice as a physician. All three steps are required to determine if the physician has the necessary skills to perform patient care and understand advanced topics in medicine. The content for the USMLE exams is developed by a wide range of scientists, including experts in specialized scientific fields, clinicians and educators.

To be eligible to take the USMLE Step 1 exam, you must be officially enrolled or a graduate of a US or Canadian medical school that results in an MD or DO degree or an international medical school that meets the ECFMG requirements. To apply for the USMLE Step 1 exam, students should apply through the NBME or ECFMG application websites (depending on which one applies), during which you will choose a three-month period during which you wish to take your test. Once your application is finalized, you will schedule the exact date through Prometric’s website.

USMLE Step 1 Board Exam – Content Areas

The USMLE® Step 1 exam consists of 280 questions that are meant to assess one’s ability to understand the system and process behind basic science as it applies to medicine. The USMLE Step 1 test is comprised of 420 minutes of test time broken up into blocks of 60 minutes (7 blocks total). The USMLE Step 1 board exam is taken during an eight hour period on one day. One should plan on arriving thirty minutes before the USMLE Step 1 exam starts and bring a valid photo ID such as a passport or driver’s license that matches your permit and has your signature on it.

Content covered on the USMLE Step 1 fall along the lines of standard medical categories: anatomy, behavioral sciences, biochemistry, biostatistics, epidemiology, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and physiology. Additionally, multidisciplinary topics such as aging, cell biology, genetics, immunology, molecular biology and nutrition will be tested. Approximately 20% of the test will focus on general scientific principles, 60% will focus on organ systems, and 20% on interdisciplinary processes, statistics and social science. The majority of scientific topics covered can be considered related to abnormal processes. The questions are organized with a focus on physician competencies.

USMLE Step 1 Exam – Testing Requirements

As you might expect, devices connected to the internet are not permitted during the USMLE Step 1 test. There are some personal items that will be allowed in the test room on your USMLE Step 1 testing day, including medical accessories (e.g. slings, braces), earplugs, medications like an inhaler and hearing aids. For specific other personal items not on the approved list, one can contact the NBME Personal Item Exception (PIE) coordinator as advised on the USMLE website. You will have access to a locker at the testing center for your cell phone and other belongings.

As of the last review, the USMLE Step 1 examination fee is $610 and the USMLE Step 1 is taken at a Prometric Test Center. If you need to reschedule your USMLE Step 1 test day, there is no fee unless you are within a thirty day window before your Step 1 exam. After that, the fees depend on your region and how close you are to the actual test day.

After you finish your USMLE Step 1 exam, your test data is electronically transmitted to the NBME. Assuming you were not flagged for abnormal testing behavior during your testing process, your USMLE test responses are converted in a three-digit score by adding up the points from correct responses. After verifying their accuracy, scores are posted to the website at which the original registration took place (e.g. NBME, ECFMG or FSMB). Once USMLE scores are complete, they are sent to individual state medical boards to be included as a qualifying part of one’s application to become licensed.

You may retake the USMLE Step 1 exam up to three times in one year. For any more attempts, you have to wait a year before taking it again.

To familiarize yourself with the examination, it is recommended to download the information materials on the USMLE website.

USMLE Step 1 Prep Books – Final Points

With luck, this list of the best USMLE Step 1 books will help you pass the USMLE Step 1 exam with flying colors. Good luck with your preparation and the next step to becoming a doctor.

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How to Prepare for the USMLE® Step 1

Update: The USMLE ®     Step 1 exam switches to a Pass/Fail exam as of January 26, 2022. This means you are no longer dependent on the previous three-digit score. You can learn more about how to study for the new Step 1 exam from Dr. Ryan Colaço   here . Read the official USMLE announcement   here .

There is no doubt that to score well on the USMLE® Step 1 exam you have to know the material inside out. Thankfully, developing a familiarity with the most effective study tips, developing test-taking strategies, and gaining exam insights will also help you prepare for the exam and will assist you in achieving your highest score.

AMBOSS Chief Editor and Physician, Zebulon Tolman, is here to help you do just that. From understanding the question structure and format to time management, Zeb provides deep insight into the Step 1 exam. With extensive knowledge from both student and question writer perspectives, his Dissecting USMLE® Step 1 webinar will give you invaluable advice for your Step 1 preparation .

Here are 5 key takeaways from the talk:

The Step 1 Exam 

Firstly, what is it? 

Step 1 is an eight-hour, computer-based examination that is comprised of seven blocks. Each block is 60 minutes and has up to 40 randomized single-best answer questions, making a total of 280 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Depending on length and difficulty, you should allow yourself about 90 seconds per question. 

The key to succeeding in Step 1 is knowing what the test writers expect of you. And what they really expect of you is to apply foundational science concepts, which comprise approximately 50% of the questions. Other questions will go into diagnoses and patient management and a minority of questions will deal with communication and practice-based learning. 

Use your knowledge of the different disciplines to your advantage. For example, pathology will feature in 45-52% of questions and genetics will appear in 5-9%, so you should spend more timing studying pathology than genetics, etc. 

The Exam Questions

One of the best ways to score high on the Step 1 exam is to understand how the questions are made.The first thing to know is that the NBME® exams, the body that writes them, emphasize understanding and application of knowledge. Using fact recall alone is not sufficient. You must have a good understanding of what it is you are studying. 

It is also important to know that items will reflect real-life tasks. This is seen in the clinical vignettes. In real life, patients come in with symptoms, you do a work-up, and eventually, arrive at some therapeutic option. Step 1 question stems reflect this basic process, despite including a mix of important and unimportant information.

Another feature of Step 1 is the presence of first-order and second-order questions. First-order questions are straightforward, such as “what’s the diagnosis?” Second-order questions may have an intermediary step, such as finding out the underlying pathology before applying this information in an additional step. Second-order questions require you to figure out what the diagnosis is and then answer the question. 

Step 1 questions can include medical imaging or illustrations, graphs or charts, clinical examination videos, interactive media, and communication and ethics videos. 90% of the questions will feature a clinical vignette. The clinical vignettes follow the same structure:

• Presentation
• History 
• Diagnostic findings 
• Follow-up info
• Lead in, i.e., ‘which of the following’ and ‘most likely’

How to Prepare for USMLE® Step 1 

The best way to prepare yourself for Step 1 questions is to do Step 1 questions. Studies have shown that the more unique questions you do, the higher you will score. So do more questions! You should also start studying as early as possible. With few exceptions, it’s best to start completing questions earlier rather than later. It’s when you get questions wrong that you learn the most. 

Next, focus on the content review that is high-yield. This means not only content that is most likely to be featured on the exam, but also your own personal weak points. Once you patch up your understanding of a specific weak point, return to questions once again to solidify your understanding. 

Strategies for Answering Questions  

The bad news first: there are no tricks. To score well in your Step 1 exam you have to practice, practice, practice. With that said, there are some guiding strategies that can help. For example, there are no negative points for answering a question wrong, so never leave a question blank. And remember, the NBME® is not trying to trick you. Questions can be answered with medical knowledge and reasoning skills alone.  

Another strategy is time management. Being efficient is crucial to scoring well. Here are some tips on time management:

• Answer the moment you have enough info.
• Read the question before reading the information that precedes it.
• Do not read all lab values by default. 
• Highlight sparingly. 
• Remember that all questions are worth 1 point. 
• Do not expect to have an epiphany - if you are unsure of something, move on.
• If unsure, select the option that is more related and/or familiar. 

Test Day 

The first thing you need to tell yourself when it comes to the day itself is that nobody is perfect. So don’t worry about getting questions wrong - everybody does. You will see things you have never seen before, but this is okay. It is impossible to prepare for everything and the NBME® will add some new topics into the mix. Everyone is in the same boat here. 

Finally, on test day, it is important to take care of yourself. Don’t forget to eat and sleep, and don’t do last-minute studying. Trust your training and have confidence in yourself and your knowledge. 

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How to Study for Step 1 — 2024 USMLE Step 1 Exam Guide

• By Med School Insiders
• November 20, 2023
• Medical Student
• Testing , USMLE , USMLE Step 1

USMLE Step 1 was previously regarded as the most important test that future doctors take. Although USMLE Step 1 is now pass/fail, it is still an incredibly challenging exam that you shouldn’t take lightly. It is critical that you pass this test, and the testing skills you build during this time are what will serve you when it comes time for Step 2 and Step 3.

Our Step 1 guide will dig into what the pass/fail change means for students, the best resources to use, how to create a study plan, success strategies, and FAQs.

Scroll below for the following topics:

• What is USMLE Step 1?

Eligibility and Scheduling

• Step 1 Pass/Fail Transition
• Ideal Step 1 Study Books and Resources
• USMLE Step 1 Study Schedule: Pre-Dedicated and Dedicated
• Step 1 Prep Tips and Advice

What to Know About Test Day

• USMLE Step 1 FAQs

What Is USMLE Step 1?

The United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) is a 3-part test designed to evaluate a student’s medical knowledge as well as their ability to apply that knowledge to patient care. Step 1 organizes basic science material along two dimensions: systems and processes. Special emphasis is placed on the principles and mechanisms that underlie health, disease, and modes of therapy.

USMLE Step 1 is a one-day exam that’s divided into seven 60 minute blocks. It is administered in one 8-hour testing session, which includes an optional 15-minute tutorial and 45 minutes of break time. While the number of questions per block may vary, they will not exceed 40. The total number of questions in Step 1 will not be more than 280. The current minimum USMLE Step 1 score to pass Step 1 is 196, and the maximum possible score is 300.

When Do Medical Students Take Step 1?

Students typically take USMLE Step 1 at the end of second year (MS2), USMLE Step 2 CK is typically taken at the end of third year (MS3) or during fourth year (MS4), and Step 3 is typically taken during the first year of residency .

Your eligibility comes from being enrolled at an accredited school. Technically, you can take the exam whenever you want, but your specific scheduling usually depends on your medical school’s policies.

Once you start down the path of preparing for Step 1, register for it at least six months in advance of your test date. This is because the test dates at the Prometric test centers open up six months in advance. As such, you want to get enough of a head start to ensure you get the date and location you want.

When registering, you will input all of your demographic information, including your medical school. They will then send your information to your med school to ensure you’re qualified. Once this is confirmed, you’ll receive a token to schedule your exam. Timing on this process will vary, with some schools taking multiple weeks to review your information and release your token, which is why it’s so important to get started early and be proactive.

Once you have your token, you can return to the original site where you registered and choose the eligibility window you want to complete it in. Your eligibility window is a three month period in which you can schedule your Step 1 exam anywhere in the country, as long as there are available dates.

The good thing about being early is you can move your test date within your three month eligibility period up to 45 days in advance of the test date without a fee. If you try to move it within those 45 days, you will be charged.

Your eligibility period cannot change. You can technically request a one-time eligibility period extension that falls directly after your current eligibility period, but you cannot re-pick your eligibility period outside of that window. These exams are $600 each, and you will not be refunded if you try to schedule an exam outside of your three months.

USMLE Step 1 Pass/Fail Transition

USMLE Step 1 officially became pass/fail on January 26, 2022. This change was conceived to decrease medical school burnout and improve the mental health and wellbeing of students, as Step 1 was widely regarded as the most important test a future doctor would ever take.

Step 1 was originally designed to help state authorities grant medical licenses, but over time, Step 1 scores became more and more important, especially when it came to applying to residency.

Scores started to be weighted so heavily that a low score meant you had no hope of pursuing a competitive specialty . For example, if you wanted to be a dermatologist but had a low Step 1 score, you would need to completely rethink the trajectory of your career and choose a less competitive specialty .

In the past, the first two years of medical school were spent studying for (and stressing out about) this monumental exam. Students would need to study so much that they would skip more and more classes the closer it came to exam time.

The stress was so notably destructive to the mental health of students that Step 1 was made pass/fail, as a pass/fail medical school curriculum has been shown to improve group cohesion and reduce stress. When you’re not focused on surpassing the accomplishments of your classmates, it’s easier to play nice and work together.

Step 1’s extremely narrow score standard deviation also did not accurately reflect two students’ differences in medical knowledge, which made a residency’s score filtering threshold largely arbitrary. Plus, studies have shown that Step 1 propagates racial disparities, as Black and Latinx students have, historically, received lower test scores than Caucasian students, which meant many Black and Latinx students were denied interviews for competitive specialties.

However, it must be noted that making Step 1 pass/fail does not reduce the competitiveness of the most competitive specialties. Students weren’t necessarily stressed out by Step 1 specifically; they were worried they wouldn’t be able to get into their most desired specialty. Making Step 1 pass/fail doesn’t alleviate this concern.

By making the exam pass/fail, there is also less incentive for students to do as well as they possibly can. When you lower the bar, people often aren’t willing to jump as high. This is problematic, as even just passing Step 1 is still challenging. There is a ton of content covered on the exam, and you still need to put in substantial effort just to pass.

Plus, in the past, if you didn’t do well on Step 1, you still had Step 2 CK to help improve your application. Changing Step 1 to pass/fail means much more pressure is now placed on Step 2 CK. If things don’t go well for you on Step 2 CK, you don’t have another exam to help bolster your qualifications. Only time will tell if this change helps or hinders students.

If you want to learn more about this important change, watch our video or read our guide: How USMLE Step 1 Pass/Fail is Changing Medical School .

USMLE Step 1 Books and Resources

The gold standard resources for USMLE prep are often referred to using the acronym UFAPS. This consists of UWorld, First Aid, Anki, Pathoma, and Sketchy.

First, there’s UWorld. This comprehensive question bank is often regarded as one of the highest-yield resources for all of the Step and shelf exams. The consensus among medical students is that the questions are very similar to the actual exam—both in content and difficulty.

Many students also find the explanations, diagrams, and tables that come with each question to be incredibly helpful when reviewing information for the exam.

Next, there’s First Aid. First Aid is a review book that covers everything you need to know for Step 1, including helpful mnemonics to memorize key information. Students often refer to it as the “Bible” for Step 1, as it is incredibly high-yield and contains all of the topics you need to know for the exam.

That being said, it lacks contextualization of key disease processes and doesn’t always go to the level of depth that you need to know for each topic, so you will need to supplement it with other resources.

Next is Anki. We’ve talked about spaced repetition time and time again on Med School Insiders, as well as the Med School Insiders YouTube channel, for good reason: it works. Given the breadth and depth of knowledge that you need to know for Step 1, there’s a delicate balance between retaining and forgetting information .

Anki is the go-to for spaced repetition in medical school. By reviewing information at increasing intervals, you can maximize retention while minimizing forgetting. There are a variety of different premade decks out there; however, the Anking deck is regarded by many students as the best for Step 1 prep. Unlike other premade decks, this one is constantly being updated, added to, and organized to work with the most common USMLE materials.

There are other premade decks out there students swear by, including Brosencephalon and Lightyear, which also integrate well with common USMLE prep materials. You can also make your own deck, which has the benefit of being more personalized to you and your weak areas; however, the biggest drawback of doing this is the inordinate amount of time needed to create hundreds or even thousands of cards.

Read our 13 Best Practices to Create Effective Anki Flashcards .

Next, we have Pathoma. Pathology is the foundation of medicine; a strong understanding of it is necessary to do well on Step 1.

According to many students, the gold standard for learning pathology for Step 1 is Pathoma.

This video lecture series breaks down everything you need to know about pathology and includes PDF notes to help you review the material.

Sketchy Medical

Lastly, there’s Sketchy Medical. Using Sketchy for micro can be incredibly helpful. They have offerings in other areas too, but most agree that micro and pharm are where Sketchy excels.

These topics are incredibly memorization-heavy, so things like flashcards are helpful; however, many students report that Sketchy micro and Sketchy pharm help make memorization even easier.

They use pictures and storytelling to teach you high-yield topics in a memorable way. Additionally, the videos are entertaining and easy to go through during breaks or downtime when you aren’t highly focused but still want to make the most of your time.

Practice Exams

Although they are not part of the UFAPS acronym, practice exams are another key component to your Step 1 prep. There are generally two resources recommended for your practice exams: the UWorld Self-Assessments and the NBME practice tests.

NBME Practice Tests:

The NBME is the same body that administers the Step 1 exam, and their practice tests are made up of old USMLE Step 1 test questions. As such, it is highly recommended to go through at least a few of these late into your prep as you prepare to take the real thing.

The NBME offers 7 self-assessment tests, including the Free 120 as well as 6 Step 1 self-assessment tests.

UWorld Self-Assessments (UWSA):

In addition to the NBME Practice Tests, there are the UWorld Self-Assessments.

Much like the UWorld question banks, these self-assessments are similar to what you can expect to see on the exam and can give you a good idea of how you’ll perform on the real thing.

Although these resources (UFAPS and practice exams) should make up the bulk of your Step 1 prep, other supplemental resources can be incredibly useful, both during your preclinical years and in the weeks leading up to Step 1.

Boards and Beyond

Boards and Beyond is a comprehensive resource that corresponds to the material covered in First Aid. It consists of video lectures and USMLE-style questions to help you learn the material that will be tested on Step 1.

Amboss is similar to UWorld in that it is a question bank with USMLE-style questions. It also has a clinical library that many students find helpful, especially during the clinical years of medical school.

Anecdotally, many students have said that the questions are more challenging than what you’ll experience with UWorld and less representative of the types of questions on the real exam.

The consensus also seems to be that the explanations of the answers are not as helpful as the ones you find on UWorld. Many students recommend Amboss as a supplementary resource to be used either before UWorld during the pre-dedicated period or after having gone through UWorld to help dial in areas of weakness.

That said, we’ve also heard from students who have had great success from using Amboss over UWorld, especially in recent years, as Amboss allows you to gather additional information directly on the platform.

Goljan Audio

Goljan audio lectures are ideal for learning and reviewing pathology during medical school, as the lectures are very easy to listen to during what would otherwise be downtime. You can listen to them while driving, walking, getting groceries, etc.

That being said, it does depend on how you value your time. If you find listening to the lecture is taking away from your limited recharge time, adjust when you listen to them. For example, Med School Insiders founder Kevin Jubbal says he tried listening to them at the gym for some time but stopped because it took any enjoyment out of the activity.

How to Study for Step 1: Pre-Dedicated & Dedicated Study Schedule

There are two phases to your Step 1 preparation. There’s the pre-dedicated period and the dedicated period. The pre-dedicated period consists of the months leading up to your exam. The dedicated period consists of the 4-8 weeks before your exam.

Pre-Dedicated Period

The goal of the pre-dedicated period is to build a foundation. We recommend taking a pass through First Aid and Pathoma at least once before your dedicated period. Resources such as Anki, Boards and Beyond, etc., can also help dial in the information from these two resources.

Some students have found success going through video lectures while reading along in First Aid and taking notes, then adding the Anki cards to their rotation to review. Maximize your time by watching Sketchy medical videos while you’re eating instead of watching TV. Consider these a form of low-stress studying you can do while taking a break from practice questions or video lectures.

Next, try to finish your first pass of the UWorld Question bank (or Amboss, but not both). Set a daily question quota so you can complete the entire question bank before dedicated starts.

Lastly, make sure you’re still maintaining your performance in medical school. Although preparing for boards is important, you still have to pass your exams and fulfill your other commitments.

Spend about one quarter to one third of your day keeping on top of coursework and lectures for medical school. Spend the remainder of your day going through UFAPS. Switch to nearly 100% focus on coursework in the days leading up to your school’s block exams so that you can make sure you do well.

If you can maintain this rhythm throughout your preclinical years, you will have a solid foundation of knowledge going into your Step 1 dedicated period.

Dedicated Period

Your dedicated study period often varies between 4-8 weeks, depending on your school schedule and policies.

Before jumping in headfirst, carefully choose your resources. The UFAPS protocol should be your core. You may also want to consider Goljan’s Audio Lectures for pathology. You can augment UWorld with Amboss, or if you prefer, you could use Amboss as your main resource instead of UWorld.

Try not to have too many resources during your dedicated study period. You will quickly become overwhelmed, as you won’t be able to get through all of them. Once you have your resources, creating a plan of attack is key.

Here’s an example of how you might break up your days.

Divide each day into three 4-hour studying blocks of morning, afternoon, and evening, with 5-10 minute breaks once per hour during each of these sessions. You can follow this structure 5-6 days of the week, such as Sunday-Friday, depending on your own study preferences and what else you have going on outside of medical school.

Intentionally schedule downtime, as you will need this as well. For example, every Friday evening could be blocked off for fun and relaxation, meaning you will not do any work Friday evenings. On your scheduled time off (Ex. Saturday morning), set aside time for groceries, laundry, and other errands.

Once you have your daily schedule determined, go back and prioritize your study materials to organize your weekly studying. If you’ve already built a solid foundation during your pre-dedicated period, go through First Aid and UWorld at least once during your dedicated period. Figure out how many pages of First Aid and questions of UWorld you need to get through each day to reach this goal. Again, depending on your preferences, you might choose to use Amboss instead of UWorld.

Sketchy micro and pharm videos are entertaining, so you can integrate these when you have a spare moment or during your downtime.

Choose any form of spaced repetition (i.e., Anki, physical flashcards) to help you remember weak topics/missed concepts. Create your own flashcards /Anki cards of the questions you miss in UWorld and continuously review these weak topics by keeping up with your Anki cards. If you stay mindful of the number of cards you create and don’t overdo it, you will have an efficient and effective way of reviewing the topics you truly need to focus on.

Lastly, for practice tests, we recommend taking one towards the beginning of your dedicated period for self-assessment purposes and the rest of them towards the end. These practice tests will help you get used to the USMLE question style, hone your endurance, and master your pacing. As you take the practice test, try to pick out the most important details that were needed to answer the question and consider what information was only put there to trip you up.

Avoid taking a practice test within the preceding 48-72 hours of your test, as you want to be fresh for the real deal. You should absolutely review your practice tests thoroughly and see why you got questions wrong.

We highly recommend taking the NBME Free 120 before your test. The reason for this is the material covered on this practice test is often very high-yield and sometimes questions can be repeated on the actual test. For students who battle with testing anxiety, the NBME offers this practice test in person at various Prometric testing facilities, which can really help reduce any nerves you may have.

For more details, read our guides: Leading up to the Dedicated Period and Dedicated Study Period Schedule .

USMLE Step 1 Prep Strategies

1 | don’t neglect step 1 because it’s pass/fail.

Yes, Step 1 is pass/fail now, but it’s still an incredibly difficult test that requires a passing score. Don’t make the mistake of neglecting this test, thinking only getting a pass will be easy.

Being relaxed about your studying not only risks you failing the test, but also makes it all the harder on yourself when facing the inevitable pressure of studying for Step 2 CK. Studying is a skill that you need to hone throughout your entire time in medical school. Understand that you won’t need to put the same amount of pressure on yourself as you might have before the pass/fail change, but understand passing Step 1 at all is no mean feat.

2 | Don’t Over Resource

UFAPS (UWorld, First Aid, Anki, Pathoma, and Sketchy) are tried-and-true Step 1 resources, with an option to focus on Amboss instead of UWorld, depending on your preference.

Do not start by doing Boards and Beyond, Osmosis, and First Aid all at once (or again for that matter). These resources are redundant together. Pick your core study resources and stick to those. Ensure that what you’re getting out of each isn’t a repeat of the other.

Students often make the mistake of thinking the more resources they can get through, the better. This is an impractical use of your time because you will end up going over the same material you’ve already learned multiple times. Plus, for each new resource you choose to use, there will be a new learning curve as you familiarize yourself.

At this point in your medical education, your time is extremely limited, so you must be efficient in how you study. Zero in on your weak areas early on, and continue to review the content you get wrong.

3 | Maintain Your Performance in Med School Courses

While Step 1 is extremely important, do not neglect your regular med school courses. Your academic performance is still of the utmost importance to your future medical career.

Create a study plan that accounts for your regular courses, and stick to it. This will be a continuing theme throughout your final years of medical school. You must build systems that help you balance exams, clinical hours, extracurriculars, your own wellness, and your regular studies in order to find success.

4 | Schedule a Simulated Step 1

Schedule a simulated Step 1. NBME Free 120 is the closest in terms of the kind of questions you’ll be asked as well as simulating the testing environment. The material covered on this test is extremely high-yield; there’s also a chance some of the questions asked could appear on your real test.

If you struggle with anxiety or simply want to be as prepared as possible, NBME offers this in-person practice test at various testing facilities. This will give you an authentic feel for what the exam will really be like. Ensure you schedule it close to exam day, at least a week or two before, so that you get into test mode. However, don’t schedule your practice test in the 48-72 hours before your real test, as you want to be as fresh as possible on the big day.

Do any and all practice exams as well, and make the experience as alike to the real test day as possible. Leave your home. Go to the library. Drive to the testing center and back. Mimic the realities of test day as much as you can so that when test day rolls around, you know you can do it because you’ve already done it before. It’s just like any sport; make it like game day so that the process feels automatic when you’re faced with the real thing.

5 | Prioritize Wellness

Now that Step 1 is pass/fail, you’ll be able to find more balance, but it’s still important to push yourself and learn the material to the best of your ability. While you will be studying quite a lot, remember that this is your time. Take ownership of it. What do you need to do to adequately prepare yourself?

Build time for wellness into your study schedule. Be intentional. Without time for rest and relaxation, you will burn yourself out and could end up failing Step 1. Finding time for rest is more important than cramming until the very last minute.

Develop and hone a personalized and solid morning routine and night routine to ensure you get quality sleep every night. Getting a good sleep helps your brain further process and retain information, so don’t sacrifice it.

When you schedule your test date, you will be emailed a confirmation number that you will need to present on the day of your test.

Ensure you show up early, as there will be a line to check in. When you check in, you will be fingerprinted, they will confirm you’re registered for the test, and you will get to store any snacks or valuables. Lockers are much smaller than your average high school locker, so be careful not to bring too many large snacks or drinks.

Another good reason to show up early is that most of the testing centers are also located in industrial areas or office buildings, which can be confusing as many of them look the same. You will likely be stressed enough without getting lost the morning of your test.

If you’re one of the first in the door, you’re one of the first to start, and one of the first to leave. This is important because it means you won’t be standing there with your anxiety.

You will be allowed 45 minutes of break time (which can be increased to an hour if you skip the tutorial), and it’s important to think about how you want to schedule those breaks. This is a personal decision, as everyone takes tests differently. Be aware that your fingerprints will be taken each time you step outside of the testing space and before you enter it, which will eat into your breaktime. Anything you bring into the testing space will be checked. You can bring your own earplugs, but the center will also provide these for you.

It’s going to feel like a testing cubicle. You will be assigned a seat with a blinder on either side of you. You will be given passcodes to get in and out of the space, and you are required to raise your hand before leaving your seat. You will be given some scratch paper or a dry erase board to make notes with.

If you finish a section early, keep in mind you don’t have to launch into the next section right away. You could take that time to collect your thoughts, take some deep breaths, and refresh yourself.

USMLE Step 1 Frequently Asked Questions

When can you view step 1 results.

You’ll receive an email saying your results are ready. Step 1 results are released every Wednesday. Depending on the time of year, results can be released in as little as two weeks to as much as eight weeks, but you’re most likely to receive your results within two to four weeks.

How Long is the Step 1 Exam?

Step 1 is a one-day exam that’s divided into seven 60-minute blocks and administered in one 8-hour testing session.

This includes an optional 15-minute tutorial and 45 minutes of break time. So, if you were to skip the tutorial and the breaks, which we do not recommend, the test would take you 7 hours.

Learn more: How Long is USMLE Step 1?

How Does Pass/Fail Work for Step 1?

As of January 26, 2022, Step 1 became pass/fail. You will not be given your specific test scores, and neither will residency programs. The current minimum score to pass Step 1 is 196, so if you pass, you at least scored 196 or higher.

Step 1 becoming pass/fail means that Step 2 will now be given more weight, as it will still be scored. Plus, other metrics like clerkship grades, Dean’s lists, class rankings, and letters of recommendation will also be given more weight. This means medical students will need to dedicate the time they save studying for Step 1 on Step 2 CK prep as well as maximizing their research experience and other extracurricular activities.

That said, while Step 1 becoming pass/fail changes some of the details, the overall picture is still the same: if you want to join a competitive specialty, you will need to outshine your peers.

Can You Retake Step 1?

You are able to retake Step 1 four times; however, you can only take Step 1 three times within a 12-month period. Your fourth attempt must be at least 12 months after your first attempt and at least six months after your most recent attempt.

Are There Consequences for Retaking Step 1?

One failure does not necessarily hinder your chances of being accepted to residency, but residency programs can see how many times you’ve taken the test. Residency admissions committees see each student they accept as an investment. If you’ve failed a Step exam before, it makes you a much riskier investment.

Additionally, timing is an issue for students who fail Step 1. It takes a lot of time and effort to prepare for this test to begin with, and now you’ll have to do much of that process over again. Your time in medical school is already extremely limited—adding on test retakes will pull from time you could be spending on your studies, extracurriculars, or wellness.

Gaining an ideal match into residency takes much more than good test scores. You’ll need quality letters of recommendation and an impressive list of extracurricular experience on top of rock solid grades. Any time spent retaking tests puts you at a notable disadvantage compared to other residency candidates.

Read our complete Residency Application Guide , which includes an ideal preparation timeline, success strategies, an application checklist, and mistakes to avoid.

Just like failing a clerkship, failing any Step exam is bad news. You can still recover from it, and you can still do well, but to state the obvious: do whatever you can to avoid failing Step 1 or any Step exam.

What Happens If You Fail Step 1?

If you fail Step 1, take a deep breath. It’s not the end of the world. You can retake the test.

If you fail, contact your school and your academic advisor right away. If you don’t know who to reach out to, ask peers a year ahead of you. The person they consulted about Step 1 should be the same person you will need to reach out to.

Failing Step 1 looks bad on the school too, so they want to help you succeed however they can. They may have additional resources, such as tutors, or they may help you rearrange your schedule so that you have more flexibility to study for your next test. Of course, this depends on the specific medical school and the resources they have available.

Learn more about USMLE Step 1 Tutoring options.

You have the option to retake it two more times within 12 months of your first attempt. If you need to, you can take Step 1 a fourth and final time at least 12 months after your first attempt and at least six months after your more recent attempt. However, do note that admissions committees can see how many times you’ve taken the test.

Failing Step 1 should be a notable wake-up call—what you are currently doing isn’t working and will not work throughout your remaining time at medical school. Take time to assess why you might have failed and determine what you must do to course correct. You do not want to risk failing a second time—just one failure makes you a less attractive residency candidate.

Read our guide: What Happens If You Fail Step 1 (and What to Do Next) .

What Are the Other USMLE Exams?

The other USMLE exams are Step 2 CK and Step 3. Step 2 CK is generally taken at the end of third year, and Step 3 is generally taken during the first or second year of residency.

How Much Does USMLE Step 1 Cost?

For students and graduates of medical schools located in the United States and Canada and accredited by the LCME or AOA, Step 1 costs $660 . For information about regional surcharges and taking Step 1 at international centers, email [email protected] or call 215-590-9700.

Optimize Your Prep With a USMLE Step 1 Tutor

Take your Step 1 prep to the next level and ensure yourself a passing score. Med School Insiders offers customizable USMLE Step 1 Tutoring to give you peace of mind. Each of our tutors aced the USMLE Step 1 exam by utilizing the Med School Insiders methodology, which means you will be able to learn from the best.

At Med School Insiders, we believe no two students are the same, which is why we emphasize one-on-one mentorship and relationship building with your tutor, a diagnostic process to evaluate where you can make the greatest improvements, as well as a custom approach designed specifically to suit your strengths, weaknesses, and personal habits.

Getting into residency is about a lot more than your Step 1 score. Med School Insiders can help you prepare a stand out residency application that will ensure a match at one of your top programs. We offer a number of Residency Admissions Consulting Services tailored to your needs, including personal statement editing , interview prep and mock interviews , and overall application editing.

We’re here to answer all of your questions and help you choose the path that best aligns with your interests and desired outcomes. It’s our goal to help you create a future that aligns with your vision.

For more advice straight from students who have been where you are before, read:

What I Wish I Knew Before Taking USMLE Step 1 and Don’t Make the Top 4 Mistakes I Made Studying for Step 1 .

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Best Gross Anatomy Book for USMLE Step 1?

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• Poll closed Apr 26, 2018 .

Best Anatomy Book for USMLE Step 1

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In this thread we vote for the Best Gross Anatomy Review Book for the USMLE step 1. Unlike the best comprehensive review books for USMLE Step 1 , you can choose only one option here as it's unlikely you relied on more than one book in your preparation. If you know of other books that are useful for Gross Anatomy preparation for the USMLE step 1 please post your reply and we'll add it to the poll options.  

I think you forgot the most important of Anatomy texts, Keith L. Moore Gross anatomy , its longer than most, but truly an AMAAAAZING textbook, I don't need to review any anatomy after i got done with that and made my own notes.....its soooo clinically oriented!  

Dr_Kal_El said: I think you forgot the most important of Anatomy texts, Keith L. Moore Gross anatomy, its longer than most, but truly an AMAAAAZING textbook, I don't need to review any anatomy after i got done with that and made my own notes.....its soooo clinically oriented! Click to expand...

Netter's Clinical Anatomy Ok. I have read almost half of Netter's Clinical Anatomy , but I must say that I love those pictures. Clear pictures and explanations. The most important structures written in bold font. I was surprised how good were the embryology pictures of this title. I found BRS embryology (a bit long) very helpful, but pictures weren't so good. I haven't been this eager to read anatomy ever.  

meka said: so is kaplan anatomy enough for the exam or do we HAVE to refer to other books too? Click to expand...

i am studying Kaplan lecture notes for gross anatomy. do i have to go for high yield gross anatomy as well? any one please ? what my information is gross anatomy by Kaplan high yield for neuro embro and histology .  

No you don't need it, Kaplan is enough.  

Anatomy step 1...any help??? I am going to start gross anatomy tomorrow and I cant quite figure out the best source...I saw kaplan and I didnt like it ...any help out there given that I dont have any videos..thanx a lot  

Kiko, I like Kaplan gross anatomy, but do not like Kaplan . so if you do not have any video, you did not miss much. I suggest high yield gross anatomy and high yield neuroanatomy , which is what I am using right now.  

thanx a lot usluipek, do you think high yield is enough ? becasue I wont have any time to read from another source as this will be my only source.. I personally think high yield is a great book.  

Hi, Kiko, I have not taken the test so I can not say for sure. I plan to just stick to HY and then do Kaplan Q bank and U world. I think this combination is enough. good luck and all the best  

Hi all Hi all As I was looking at your posts, most of us believe that kaplan is comprehensive and complete but studying anatomy from it, is a little boring, I have started probing between different anatomy books, and I had a look at recall anatomy , HY anatomy and BRS anatomy I found HY anatomy superior in compare with other books, regarding to its more photos and illustrates As we know the materials in all USMLE books are highly similar, so I think we shouldn't worry about it, and we could opt the one that makes us satisfied and is more effective in learning concepts. Thanks for your time, and I really appreciate any comments about other books.  

after i skim some chapters from Rapid Review i found it is more much better than HY ... HY although it contains a very good clinical correlation with "well chosen" x-ray, CT & MRI photos, it is too dense and more directed to surgrey than to basic anatomy.... moreover the gross anatomy is highly detailed and boring ! but it is not a mistake to do the clinical section alone.... in addition to another book which is Rapid Review... Rapid Review is a great combination between Clinical Embryo and Anatomy without excessive details .... great clinical correlations with good x-ray, CT & some MRI images.... and the most important thing that you don't need to go & search for additional Atlas becase many "High-Yeild" colored images are included from Netter's Atlas & another Atlases.... So i decided for Anatomy & Embrgo to do RR + some clinical correlations from HY.... hoping best for all...  

I think all books are nice  

RR Gross and Developmental Anatomy works really well for me!  

RR Gross and Developmental Anatomy has about the same content with high-yield gross anatomy right?  

Anatomy aint that HY on the STEP 1 from what many people say,and many times its tied into a Pathology question. First Aid should be good enough with UWORLD. Kaplan Anatomy is good as well. BRS Anatomy is like 400 pages and in my opinion absolutely absurd. If you REALLY want a "board prep anatomy guide" go with HY Anatomy, it has around 150 pages. What kind of school starts anatomy in 2nd year!!??  

No_BS said: Anatomy aint that HY on the STEP 1 from what many people say,and many times its tied into a Pathology question. First Aid should be good enough with UWORLD. Kaplan Anatomy is good as well. BRS Anatomy is like 400 pages and in my opinion absolutely absurd. If you REALLY want a "board prep anatomy guide" go with HY Anatomy, it has around 150 pages. What kind of school starts anatomy in 2nd year!!?? Click to expand...

d_wiqed said: All books have their own strengths and weaknesses. ......Pretty good deal for me. Click to expand...

med school anatomy is different from step 1 anatomy my med school studied every little detail of anatomy, it was tedious memorization but now prepping for the step, i see i dont need atleast 30-40% of that knowledge because the steps are more conceptual. study hard in school and get your grades, dont worry about anatomy for the step. you'll come to see whats required for the step is different than whats required for your school.  

anybody? is kaplan ln and high yield neuro and embryo enuff to prepare for the step? thanks  

whats the best anatomy book to study from, if you just got into med school?  

big picture anatomy is good and placed between review books and text books. can go thorough it if you have time.  

Histology? I just got through the Histology portion of Kaplan Anatomy. Didn't score so well on the Histo UWorld test. Should I be supplementing this with another book?  

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First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 2024: A Student-to-Student Guide Paperback – 3 April 2024

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Panagiotis Kaparaliotis , MD, is a medical educator in Greece who is collaborating with UNIPERFECT (uniperfect.gr) to develop and offer the country's first USMLE course. Vikas Bhushan, MD practices diagnostic radiology from his home-base in Los Angeles, California.

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Panagiotis kaparaliotis.

Panagiotis is a physician in Greece. He earned his medical degree from the University of Athens Medical School with summa cum laude honors and served as the valedictorian of his graduating class. Panagiotis spearheaded the development of the first-ever USMLE course in Greece, which he currently teaches at the state-of-the art classrooms of UNIPERFECT (uniperfect.gr) in Athens. In the future, he aspires to pursue residency training in pathology in the United States. Outside of medicine, Panagiotis loves experimenting in the kitchen, playing basketball, running long distances, and, owing to being an islander, exploring the sea.

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