USMLE Step 1 – Dedicated Study Period Schedule

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The USMLE Step 1 consists of 7 blocks, each lasting 60 minutes and consisting of up to 40 questions each. This 8-hour marathon is high stakes, but fear not. With the right plan and approach, you will be prepared to crush it. This post will share an ideal USMLE Step 1 dedicated study schedule that will allow you to pass with ease.

For future physicians, the USMLE Step 1 Board Exam has historically been argued as the most important exam you will ever take. However, recent changes have switched Step 1 to pass/fail, meaning there will now be more weight on the second board exam, USMLE Step 2CK. Despite this, it is still important for you to study hard for Step 1 because a good foundation will set you up for success on Step 2 and during clerkships.

This article is focused on the dedicated study period, which generally varies between 4 and 8 weeks. Assuming you have a sound study plan, the deciding factor on whether or not you’ll walk away successful is having the discipline to stick with it.

Scheduling Your Exam

A quick word on scheduling your test. I had a 6 week dedicated period and I took my test 4 and a half weeks in. I used the remaining 10 days to go on a cruise. When scheduling your test, it’s important to keep three things in consideration.

First, more time is not always better. With time, your knowledge and test score will start plateauing and, at a certain point, start dropping as you burn out.

the forgetting curve

Secondly, you want to have a break before starting the grueling journey that is third year.

Lastly, do not push your test back because you don’t feel completely prepared. You will never feel fully prepared, and pushing your test back for this reason will likely do more harm than good.

 

1 | Resources

First, decide on your resources. The UFAP protocol should be your core. This consists of UWorld, First Aid, and Pathoma. I also used Goljan’s Audio Lectures for pathology and Sketchy Micro, which I personally found tremendously helpful for microbiology.

If you are also a visual learner like me, I highly recommend it. Now, pick your resources carefully. You do NOT want to have too many resources during your dedicated study period. You will quickly get overwhelmed as you won’t be able to get through all of them. NBME practice exams will come into use as well but are not primary study resources.

If you have time in your schedule, are preparing well ahead of your dedicated, or need to hone in on a weak topic, here are some other resources that may be helpful. Note that the above resources are the standard and the highest-yield resources out there.

Do not jeopardize a quality review of First Aid, Pathoma, Sketchy Micro, and UWorld for these resources. However, if you find yourself needing help with pharmacology or anatomy, consider watching specific Sketchy Pharm videos focused on your weaknesses or reviewing the Shelf Anatomy Notes.

 

2 | Schedule

Creating a plan of attack for yourself is KEY. I made my schedule in Excel (downloadable above). This is what worked for me, and it’s fine for you to use as a base template, but it is important that you personalize this for your own strengths and weaknesses.

For example, if your cardiology is weak, make sure to spend more time on cards. If you struggle with finishing tests on time, then make sure you do plenty of timed practice blocks to improve your pacing, and so on.

My days and weeks were highly structured, and this may not work for everyone. I personally preferred this because it removed thinking from the equation. Everything was laid out and I just had to follow it to achieve a killer Step 1 score.

Now, some students may use different strategies during their first two years to continuously review the material during a “pre-dedicated” period. Students sometimes prefer this method since all the preparation leading up to dedicated lightens the pressure and time-crunch felt during dedicated.

Daily Schedule

The first step in creating the study plan was laying out my daily schedule. Each day, studying was divided into three 4-hour blocks of morning, afternoon, and evening. I took 5-10 minute breaks once per hour during each of these sessions.

I woke up every day at 6AM, as this was the time I would be waking up on the actual test day. At 7AM, I walked to school and listened to the Goljan audio lectures at approximately 1.5x speed. The morning study block started at 7:30, which was always a UWorld block of 46 questions.

I would then review the block thoroughly until 11:30. Lunch was 11:30 to 12PM, and 12PM marked the beginning of the afternoon study block. This block ended at 4PM, and I got a quick 30-45 minute workout in until 5PM.

I did evening blocks at home, and they were broken up with dinner, as my mental endurance was waning later in the day. The first half of the evening block was 5-7PM, dinner was 7-7:30PM, and the second half was 7:30-9:30PM. I was in bed and asleep by 10.

I followed this daily structure from Sunday through Friday. Every Friday evening block was for fun and relaxation, meaning Fridays after 5PM I did not work. Every Saturday morning until lunch time was reserved for groceries and laundry, but I got back to studying immediately after lunch.

Weekly Schedule

Now that my daily schedule was determined, I went back and prioritized my study materials to organize my weekly studying. I recommend going through First Aid twice and UWorld at least once, preferably also going through all of your incorrects a second time around.

I determined how many pages each First Aid section was to help me estimate how many blocks to allocate to each system. Next, fill in with supplemental study materials as needed. I had already gone through Pathoma twice before my study period, so I only occasionally referenced it.

I watched Sketchy Micro videos either during my study blocks where I had assigned micro OR during lunch breaks, since I found the videos entertaining to watch. I had an Anki deck but rarely used it during the dedicated study period, as it was more useful earlier in second year when I was still seeing material for the first time. I felt the application of that knowledge with UWorld questions and review of First Aid was a better use of my limited time.

The reason I started my morning blocks with UWorld is because I needed to get used to test taking first thing in the morning, and I also felt like my mind was freshest at that point. I tracked how many questions I completed each day, the percentage correct, and the number of questions remaining. This was important for me, as it was encouraging to see the percentage of answers I got correct slowly rise as well as the number of questions left unanswered slowly drop.

At the beginning, I focused my blocks on the systems I was studying. If I was studying microbiology in First Aid, then maybe I would do a block of 20 questions with pure micro, and another block of mixed questions. A couple weeks into my dedicated period, however, I exclusively mixed all topics, as this was representative of the actual test.

I also recommend using 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.

Regarding practice tests, I recommend you take 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.

Make sure you take the practice tests while mimicking the real environment, which means wearing earplugs, timing yourself closely, and sticking to the time limits on breaks. More on breaks in a little bit.

I took my first practice test, which was an NBME test, within the first two weeks. I then took four additional practice tests in the two and a half weeks before my test. Alternatively, you can take one practice test per week during your dedicated and ramp up to two tests per week during the last 2-3 weeks of dedicated.

I do not recommend taking a practice test within the preceding 48-72 hours of your test, as you want to be fresh for the real deal. And you should absolutely review your practice tests and see why you got questions wrong.

Additionally, 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 testing facilities. This practice can really help reduce any nerves you may have.

 

3 | Test Day

Come test day, relax—you got this.

Go in with a plan of how you will allocate break time. If you skip the 15-minute tutorial at the beginning, you will get 60 minutes total. Some students like to skip their first break and do two blocks back to back. I do NOT recommend this. Your attention span is not limitless. I recommend taking a break between every block, even if it is short.

My break time was organized as 5 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 10 minutes, 10 minutes. Shorter breaks at the beginning since my mind was less fatigued, one longer 20 minute break for lunch, and 10 minute breaks at the end since my mind would be more fatigued.

Be sure to check out the articles Test Day Strategies and Last Minute Exam Tips (Day Before & Day Of) well in advance of your test day and begin practicing those principles now.

 

4 | Conclusion

If you deliberately create a thoughtful schedule and stick to it, you will maximize your potential come test day.

A word of caution though—You will fall behind! I had a beautifully laid out, highly ambitious study plan, and within the first two weeks, I was already falling behind. THAT’S OK! Readjust your schedule and keep at it.

There’s nothing wrong with shifting things around. Be realistic with what you can accomplish during each block, but also don’t beat yourself up if you fail to achieve it. Readjust and keep moving forward.

Best of luck with your Step 1 exam. If you want to take your Step 1 Score to the next level, visit our Tutoring page to learn more. Our tutors excelled on the test themselves and utilized the tried and true Med School Insiders methodology. Ultimately, that means a significantly smoother study experience, reduced test anxiety, and a passing score.

Learn How USMLE Step 1 Pass/Fail is Changing Medical School. We cover Step 1 and other testing strategies on our blog, including What I Wish I Knew Before Taking USMLE Step 1 and 4 Mistakes to Avoid When Studying for Step 1.

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This Post Has 56 Comments

  1. Pedro

    I can’t download the schedule, would you please send it to me?

    1. Kevin Jubbal, MD

      Sure thing!

      1. Ahmed

        Hey Kevin I did not receive your schedule if you dont mind can I have on sent. Thank you, I appreciate all the help

    2. Amy

      Hi Dr., can I get a copy of your dedicated schedule? I didn’t get one sent to me. Thank you

  2. BMartinez

    We’re not getting the file after signing up for it. Can you please fix it or send it out? Can you send it out?

    1. Kevin Jubbal, MD

      Please check your email and let us know if you still haven’t received it! It may have gone into your spam folder!

      1. Karrar

        Hi dr
        Could you please share the schedule with me

  3. Kai

    Dr. Jubbal, would you mind forwarding me the schedule? I didn’t receive the copy when I signed up. I also don’t see it in my spam folder!

  4. Munkhjargal

    Dr.Jubbal, I’ve watched your video through your youtube channel. Can you send me the schedule sample of Step 1. I’ve also signed up. Thank you in advance.

  5. Jeremy May

    Hi Dr. Jabbar,

    I signed up for the schedule template and have not received it. Can it be resent please,

    Jeremy

    1. Jeremy

      got it. thanks.

  6. Sarah

    Dr. Jubbal, I just want to say thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. Rarely do you find such a comprehensive breakdown of how to tackle the USMLE Step 1. This will help many future doctors!

    1. Kevin Jubbal, M.D.

      Sarah, I’m so glad that you found it useful! Best of luck with Step 1! We’ll have some other resources available by the time you’re studying for Step 2CK =)

  7. Schola Marie Zapanta

    Hi Dr. jubbal! I wasn’t able to download your schedule for the USMLE Step 1. Would you mind sending it to me again? Thanks for your help! God bless!

  8. Lottie Sowinski

    I can’t download the schedule, would you please send it to me?

  9. Sami

    Hi,would you mind forwarding me the schedule please ?

  10. N Rod

    Hello Dr Jubbal, first I would like to thank you for the great information with regards to Step 1. I tried both links to try to download the study schedule with no success. How can I obtain a copy of the template. Thanking you in advance and for your time. — Nidia —

    1. N Rod

      Thank you received!

  11. Sath Guru

    i couldnt download the schedule can you please send it to me for my email [email protected]

  12. Wala

    Hi Dr. jubbal, I can’t download the schedule . Would you mind sending it to me again?

  13. Taeho

    Seems like I’m also having trouble downloading the schedule – could you pls email me as well? Thanks – [email protected]

  14. Eider Moreno

    I can’t download the schedule, would you please send it to me?

  15. sai

    hello doctor i cant download the schedule.can you please forward it to me

  16. Jin Wen

    Thank you so much for sharing your experience of USLME step 1. I also can’t download it, so could you send me a copy of your schedule? [email protected],Thank you so much!

    Bests regards!

  17. Justin Santos

    This was inspiring! Can you please send me a copy of your schedule as well! [email protected]
    Thank you for your time.

    Best,
    stressed out med student : )

  18. Janeth Castano

    Hello, I cannot seem to find the excel file, where can I get it?

  19. Jorge A Gilces Velasquez

    Hello, Dr. Kevin, I’m so happy with all the great information you got on youtube also in this vlog. Can you please send me a copy of your schedule at [email protected]
    Thank you

    1. Kevin Jubbal, M.D.

      Sign up instructions in the blog post to receive the schedule!

  20. soha

    Hello Dr. Jubbal, I sincerely appreciate your time and kind attention in providing valuable information for medical students. I would also kindly ask that you please send me the schedule as well at [email protected]. Thank you for your time and kind support!

    Soha

    1. Kevin Jubbal, M.D.

      Please follow instructions on the download link above. I am no longer emailing student directly with the schedule.

  21. Charlotte

    Hey Dr. Jubbal — I’m just wondering how you went about doing the UWorld questions. UWorld allows a maximum of 40 questions per block (like the step). Did you do 46 to help prepare you with timing? Were your blocks timed and/or tutor mode? Thank you! Charlotte

  22. Aisha Khan

    How can I access the aforementioned “Practice Tests” for this study period?

    1. Kevin Jubbal, M.D.

      Depends on which practice test you want to purchase. We recommend NBME and UWorld practice tests.

  23. Aya Dank

    Hello, It seems the sign up link for the schedule download is not working. Can you please take a look at it? I signed up but haven’t received the file. Thank you.

    1. Kevin Jubbal, M.D.

      Yes, sign up for newsletter and you’ll receive it!

  24. adra

    DOCTOR I WANT TO ASK , HOW it’s POSSIBLE that we could finish to study for this exam in 4-8 Weeks !
    i was thinking that it will take min 7-8 months ?!
    Sorry if i misunderstood something

  25. Arshi

    I just checked and its working now! I just got an email with the link to it. Thankyou!!

  26. Sofia

    Can you send me the excel file please?

  27. Mary

    Hi Dr. Jubbal,
    I wasn’t sent the schedule when I signed up for the newsletter. Could you please email it to me? Thank you!

  28. Mary

    Hi Dr. Jubbal, I didn’t receive the schedule after signing up for the newsletter. Can you please email it to me? Thank you so much!

  29. Lina

    Dear Med School Insider Team,

    thank you for the input on your webpage. It is very much appreciated.
    I would kindly ask you to forward me the above mentioned excel file, as I am unable to download it through your site.

    Thank you very much in advance. Best regards

  30. Sabrina

    Hey Mary, Did you manage to recive the schedule? I havent recived mine either

  31. sweeterrere98

    hey, I didn’t receive the schedule could you please help me?

  32. N

    Hello Dr.Jubal!
    I hope my email finds you well.
    May I have the scheduled for STEP 1 preparation emailed to me?

    Thank you in advance
    Best regards

  33. Jahan

    Dr. Jubbal, this video was helpful. I couldn’t download the daily schedule. Could you please send it to this email [email protected]

  34. Dav

    Hi Dear Doctor, I can’t download the schedule . Would you mind sending it to me again?

  35. Andrew

    Could you send me the study plan? I tried waiting the two hours and then signing up again and neither one worked. Thanks for your help in advance!

  36. Daniel

    I didn’t receive the schedule after signing up, could you please send it to me?

  37. Laura

    Hi Dr. Kevin Jubbal, is the schedule still available? I signed up for the newsletter but it doesn’t let me sign up, Is there a way to get the schedule? Thank You! This post was very enlightening!

  38. skuchi10

    Good day Dr. Jubbal, I can’t download the schedule, would you please send it to me?

  39. Peter

    May I have this excel sheet as well?

  40. Thuwebat

    Hello Dr. Jubbal. Thank you so much for sharing this post! May I also have the schedule please? I signed up for the newsletter, but I’m unable to sign up to receive the excel spreadsheet. My email is [email protected].

  41. Yazeen

    May i have the excel file . i couldn’t find that

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