As you already heard Step 1 is getting harder and harder every year. Even though the number questions are decreasing per block, the concepts are still the same. This makes it more difficult.
Fewer questions per block mean each question worth more point. And this is why you have prepared very well to score high on Step 1.
In my previous blogs, I talked about sticking to just USMLE World and First Aid. Don’t get me wrong I scored very high by sticking to this source. So it basically depends on the person. If you have a strong foundation, then UW and First Aid should be sufficient. Otherwise, you must do 2 Qbanks.
However, over the years Step 1 is getting harder and harder. And people who are just using USMLE World are scoring average. And, this is why I recommend doing two Qbanks to get a higher score and solid foundation.
Here is the structure you should follow:
- First 2 Months: USMLE World and First Aid; following by an NBME
- Third Month: Kaplan Qbank and First Aid; following by an NBME
- Fourth Month: USMLE World and First Aid; following by an NBME
- Fifth Month: Repeat USMLE World and First Aid; following by an NBME
Now, take the average of your NBME scores, and that should be a rough estimate of your real exam score.
Again, the moral of this post is that USMLE World will make you an average student, but if you combine it with Kaplan QBank, you will score very high. And trust me on this!
If you find it difficult to study for Step 1 and doing Qbanks, feel free to contact me for help. I offer tutoring session over Skype, and my students score more than 235+ on Step 1.
Good Luck!