{"id":1304,"date":"2022-10-20T16:16:33","date_gmt":"2022-10-20T16:16:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.picmonic.com\/?p=1304"},"modified":"2024-02-16T16:01:42","modified_gmt":"2024-02-16T16:01:42","slug":"reduce-step-1-anxiety-preparaing-mind-body","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.picmonic.com\/pages\/reduce-step-1-anxiety-preparaing-mind-body\/","title":{"rendered":"Reduce Step 1 Anxiety by Preparing the Mind and Body"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) Step 1 exam is likely at the forefront of every new medical student\u2019s mind. This exam assesses the student\u2019s understanding of and ability to apply scientific concepts from biochemistry, the behavioral sciences, microbiology, immunology, pathology, nutrition, genetics, aging, pharmacology and physiology. The mastery of these subjects creates the foundation of medical practice. But due to the vast amount of knowledge needed to pass, it\u2019s easy to see why students have Step 1 anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What should I expect from USMLE Step 1?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Step 1 will cover two basic dimensions of medicine: system and process. Its emphasis is on principles and mechanisms of health, disease, and modes of therapy. It is an 8-hour test, usually taken at the end of the second year of medical school. US med students will typically have 45-90 days between second year final exams and Step 1 to study. The exam consists of up to 280 total questions within seven 60-minute blocks of questions. The number of questions per block varies, with a maximum of 40 questions per block. On test day, students are allowed a total of 45 minutes in breaks, which may be divided and taken between completed test blocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is USMLE more difficult than MCAT?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While MCAT tests learned material from pre-med undergrad courses, Step 1 questions focus on content learned during medical school and residency. So naturally, expect Step 1 to be more difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I prepare academically?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Preparation, in one form or another, should start in the first year of medical school. As the Step 1 test date approaches, students should devote 8-12 hours each day during the 5-6 weeks leading up to the exam, while taking off from studies on weekends. If shorter study days are preferred, you can devote 6-8 hours to studying, 6 days each week. When this process begins, consider this your full-time job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What should my study days look like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You should structure your days in a way that will bring you the most effective benefits. If you tend to be more focused in the mornings, tackle more difficult or weaker subject areas then. If you gain focus as the day progresses, adjust the content to take advantage of that. Either way, plan to devote a full day to test prep, from about 8 am to 9 pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is an example of what your day may look like. But as mentioned above, just be sure to adapt this schedule to fit your own needs, strengths and preferences: <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n