United States Medical Licensing Examination, often abbreviated as USMLE, is a three tier examination process for the attainment of medical license in the United States (US).

Through the Step 1  the understanding of one’s concepts in medical sciences and science overall are tested through a 8-hour computer exam . With its intensive scrutiny it’s not a easy not to crack.

One need to do proper, structured effort over a 8-9 months duration to clear the step 1 of exam. Patience and resilience being handy below are some misconceptions of USMLE Step 1 topics.

1. Study Microbiology, Skip Anatomy

Step 1, is an unpredictable exam. You never know the topics you had skipped during preparation might have a far more questions than you may have anticipate.

You should always make an effort to Study each and every subject in Step 1 with equal time and honesty.

2. Don’t follow the drift on “IMPORTANT topics” present in various forums boards

Some people on boards will say “I had all on Micro, anatomy and biochem!!” others will say “I had a lot on physics, path and NO pharm hardly!” you get my drift.

As stated earlier USMLE Step 1 is an unpredictable exam you set of question might be the opposite of that stated. So don’t worry what other people say.

3. You can skip your lectures and prepare

You absolutely cannot give up studying lectures. There will be things which you would have studied during your MS1 and MS2 which you won’t encounter during your preparation. I know it seems impossible to study form the huge plethora of resources and also pay attention to your lectures , but it’s the only way to score your best on step 1.

4. I will read every topic in every subject

Be Inquisitive, Study hard and Smart but it’s impossible to study and most important remember every topic. Accept there would be questions you won’t know.

5. You have a lot to Study! Have review books for everything.

I had maybe 8 or 9 different Review Books, one for each subject, to read the month before the test. The lesser the review books the better off you would be. That doesn’t mean NO review books!

6. You will find every answer in Kaplan videos, UWorld qbank

There will be some “common sense” question in basic sciences also in other topics which would be freebies. You just need to apply general understanding to answer.

7. Just follow practice Exams rigorously and you are good to go!

You concepts matter a lot. There will be questions which you won’t find in any practice exams you have taken. It may be simple concept which with a better understanding you could have done.

It might seem like the USMLE Step 1 is the last day of your future, but it’s not. Keep your head held high and your mind clear, and you’re going to do just fine!