So, we got our first (well, second really) 'official' email regarding step one prep.

Advice for those of us who will be taking it this spring? (And hey- who else out there is taking Step 1 in 2012?)

I am so excited about starting clinical years that I need to make sure I keep focused. (Step 1, then clinical years, Step 1, then clinical years... repeat to self 1,000 times)

I used First Aid as the backbone of my study plan and filled in with books I liked subject-wise. I got the binder cut off and 3-hole punched it. I went through my subject books and added pertinent info to First Aid, to consolidate so I could just use that for further run-throughs.

I went through all of that about 3.5 times and did as many USMLE World questions as I could. I did my consolidation stuff during Xmas break and started "real" studying about 2.5 months before the exam.

My goal was 220, and I came close, a few points shy. I might have done better if I wasn't 2 months pregnant and wanting to puke every 15 minutes LOL. I kept a trash can near me during the exam.

Also, take practice exams, starting about 2 months before the real thing. Assess your weaknesses and keep doing them. I did about 1 per week, and skipped a couple weeks in between.

That was my approach and I did okay. Like I said, I could have done better, but then again, I'm never happy with my final scores on anything.

Good luck getting started with prep!! Very exciting. I won't be taking Step 1 until 2013.... but very exciting! Almost to clinical years.

Megboo has good advice. Send me a pm and I will send you (and anyone else) my study schedule.

Asunshine helped me considerably. I also had about 50 mini-meltdowns via PM where she told me I would survive Step 1 too. Listen to her!

I'm handling a bit of a load right now academically, as well as with family, research, and mama load too, but let's talk when you get closer too. I'll be happy to offer my advice too.

Thanks ladies! Finals this week + unpacking many, many boxes + isn't there a holiday coming up?

I will be pm'ing all of you in the near future.

Did I mention that I am super excited for clinical years?

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, I have a lot of subject books I'm looking to get rid of. If anyone is interested, PM me to see if you want them and we can work something out.

Most people have a melt down at some point. You will likely too! Just have a good cry and then move on. In terms of doing well....First Aid, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, UWorld questions...over and over! I took five weeks. It was an adequate amount of time (and this was with no prep throughout the year).

My advice - keep your study materials to a minimum! I had a separate book for just about every topic area, plus First Aid, plus USMLE World, and trying to get through all of that meant I never really focused on anything. And I didn't do enough UWorld questions at all. If I had to do it again, I would go through First Aid several times (like what megboo did) and do as many UWorld questions as possible (like, make sure to do a bunch every day). I might also supplement with Goljan's rapid review pathology, but that would be it - no more! You just don't want to spread too thin.

Good luck - you'll do great!

lynee and nbp are right on! (although our advice to ditch the subject books is probably not helping megboo sell hers )

bring on the meltdown! the sooner it's out of the way, the better!