If, after reading the previous posts, you are now thinking seriously about taking Step 1, we’ve created a brief guide to some resources. We discuss the best books, videos, question banks and learning methods to help you ace Step 1 of the USMLE.

Here we recommend some essential and comprehensive books and videos to use. We discuss the strengths of each and importantly how to use them to get the most out of each resource. We’ve even thrown in some extra bonus resources too.

Doing questions is the most effective, useful and engaging way to prepare for such a content heavy exam. Regardless of your learning style, doing practise questions should form the core part of your preparation. There are many question banks out there, but one is ahead of the rest in terms of focused preparation for Step 1 and that’s UWorld. Other banks include USMLE Rx, Kaplan and Amboss.

There is no right way to learn medicine. However, the important thing is to have a good learning system when it comes to a knowledge-heavy exam like Step 1. As well as learning concepts deeply in physiology, embryology etc., there will be a lot of facts you just need to memorise (think mutation names, HLA subtypes, chromosomal locations of disease, bacterial and fungal culture mediums and so on). An important concept to keep your learning effective is to 1) find a way to identify what you don’t know and 2) focus more on these less well known/weaker areas.

It will take time for you to find the resources you like and create a system to learn properly. This post is just a summary, pointing you towards some of the most common resources. There are several blogs and websites online with more details about people’s varying preparation strategies and I recommend you read around to pick up tips that work for you. Starting early is key – preparing for the USMLE alongside studying for your medical degree takes months (usually 3-6), so give yourself adequate time!