How many hours to study for Step 1

Q: Is 4 Months enough to study Step 1?

If youre more likely to cram for tests, its still a good idea to start thinking about Step 1 about 3–4 months in advance. Just like you wouldnt be able to complete a marathon with only a few weeks of training, neither can you expect to excel on Step 1 if you dont put in a decent amount of study time.

When you’re prepping to study for the USMLE Step 1 in 2021, you probably find yourself grappling with a bunch of questions. How much do I actually need to study? How do I study without burning myself out? When do I need to start studying in order to get the best score possible?

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Before you create your USMLE Step 1 Study Plan: Know where you stand
Plan For The Score You Actually Want
Make a Date: When to take Step 1?
How much time do I need to study for Step 1?
Is 3 months enough for Step 1?
Is 4 weeks enough to pass Step 1?
Is 4 Months enough to study Step 1?

Even though the Step 1 exam will move to a pass-fail scoring system no earlier than 2022, it’s important that you make the best use of your time as a first or second-year student and study as effectively and efficiently as possible. If you master USMLE Step 1 course topics now you will start from a better foundation of knowledge when Step 2CK rolls around (since a numeric score will still be given for Step 2CK, performance on this exam will become even more important for residency matches).

Of course, this is more difficult when you don’t even know how to begin studying. Let Picmonic be your BFF for the USMLE Step 1. Picmonic is a mnemonic study aid that can help you memorize everything you need to know to boost your USMLE Step 1 score, in a fast and fun way! With Picmonic, facts become pictures and studying becomes easier than ever. You can sign up for free today!

So that answers one of your questions, but what about the rest? Read on to get the 411 on how to study for the USMLE Step 1.

Before you create your USMLE Step 1 Study Plan: Know where you stand

Have you already taken the NBME assessment exam? If you haven’t already taken this comprehensive, timed practice exam, take one at least two months before you the clock starts ticking on your USMLE Step 1 schedule. Your NBME results will help you prepare for USMLE Step 1 studying by knowing what you need to cover to achieve your desired score. If you scored 200 or better, you have a good knowledge base and your USMLE Step 1 preparation time should primarily focus on review and practice questions. If you scored below that, you’re going to have to put in a significant amount of effort to relearn topics to achieve a more competitive Step 1 score or to pass easily the first time. Be realistic about your baseline of knowledge as you set up your study schedule so you improve your odds of success! Most USMLE Step 1 test-takers suggest you should begin studying at least 3 months before the exam to get the best results, but 6 months is optimal. Alternatively, students who study internationally, had a tough time in their pre-clinical years, or who have taken extended breaks from their studies will want to start reviewing a year in advance. Remember that studying for Step 1 is easier with Picmonic Playlists. Audiovisual mnemonic videos and Spaced Repetition algorithms will automatically adjust your daily study queue to help you maximize retention for what you’re studying. Add Picmonic to your Step 1 study plan and you’ll be ready in time for test day!

GET READY FOR TEST DAY

Plan For The Score You Actually Want

When you get your NBME results, identify your personal strengths and weaknesses and identify the topics that should receive the most focus during your USMLE Step 1 preparation time. Then determine how you study the most effectively. At Picmonic we believe that studying for the USMLE doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Using Picmonic to study can make learning entertaining while pushing your brain to retain up to 331 percent more than just studying with USMLE Step 1 flashcards. Picmonic even has tailored-to-you, on-the-go mobile study apps that cover the tough concepts, major categories, key facts, and topics that you need to know to be a great doctor. So write down the test score you want and include Picmonic in your USMLE preparation! Now more than ever, with most students’ learning in their own hands, goal setting and planning is of utmost importance. Goal setting is associated with higher levels of self-confidence, motivation, and achievement (Locke et all, 2006). Successful doctors who aced their boards with Picmonic say it’s one of the best USMLE Step 1 prep course review resources they used during med school. Check out what students are saying about Picmonic and Sign up today!

Make a Date: When to take Step 1?

Once you have an idea of the considerations required to create a Step 1 preparation plan that will get you the best score possible, create a Step 1 study schedule. Allow enough preparation time to review the topics in your study plan, then set your USMLE Step 1 testing date. Remember that you don’t have to go it alone. Picmonic is a great mnemonic study tool that will help you retain more in less time! In fact, it’s research-proven that Picmonic’s visual study guides help you retain more information by making learning efficient and effective. Plus, with Picmonic’s premium access, you can take your learning on-the-go with printable USMLE Step 1 flashcards and notes with Print & Go, or use our Picmonic mobile app to get your mnemonics fix from anywhere. Check out Picmonic’s best Step 1 prep resources today!

Check out this Mastering Medicine Q&A hosted by Ron Robertson (former med student and CEO of Picmonic) and Chris Tenore who scored a 268 on USMLE Step 1.

More Tips & Advice:

Successful students share “Exam Day Advice” and “How to Pass Step 1 the First Time”
Learn how to prepare for USMLE Step 1 using books and qbanks from someone who scored a 274.
If you want to learn how to prepare for USMLE Step 1 from someone who scored a 275, read on.

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Author Details

Marlee Liberman

Marlee Liberman, RN, Master Nursing Scholar

As a registered nurse, Marlee understands the struggles that nursing school throws at you – not to mention the overwhelming pressure preparing for the NCLEX®! Marlee brings a unique skill set and perspective to Picmonic with her previous degree in broadcast journalism, her creativity in video production, and her wandering nomad lifestyle. Her blend of talents provides her with the knack for simplifying complicated concepts and demystifying the world of nursing.

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How much time do I need to study for Step 1?

This exam is just a hurdle to overcome. Dedicated recommended study length: 6-8 weeks: With over 3500Qs you need seven weeks with at least 80 questions per day for one single pass of UWorld. I recommend trying to do a few more per day so you can get through your incorrect questions a second time.

Is 3 months enough for Step 1?

Be realistic about your baseline of knowledge as you set up your study schedule so you improve your odds of success! Most USMLE Step 1 test-takers suggest you should begin studying at least 3 months before the exam to get the best results, but 6 months is optimal.

Is 4 weeks enough to pass Step 1?

With a 4-week USMLE Step 1 study schedule, you will have enough time to complete a substantial study block, but as the saying goes, preparation is 90% of the outcome. Here's how you can develop a 4-week Step 1 schedule to ace your exam.

Is 4 Months enough to study Step 1?

If you're more likely to cram for tests, it's still a good idea to start thinking about Step 1 about 3–4 months in advance. Just like you wouldn't be able to complete a marathon with only a few weeks of training, neither can you expect to excel on Step 1 if you don't put in a decent amount of study time.