Medical school requires a higher level of study than undergraduate school.Final exams are held at the end of blocks in the first two years of medical school.You will be expected to pass the first and second steps of the USMLE while you are in school.Learning to understand, not just memorize, information is a part of studying for these exams.
Step 1: There is a quiet place to study.
Make sure you choose a place where you won't be disturbed.People coming and going frequently and loud noises should not distract you in your study area.You should have enough room to spread out your books and notes, as well as keep your study area free fromcluttering.
Step 2: You should match your study habits with your learning style.
Everyone learns differently.You should know if you learn best by studying in a visual, auditory, or hands-on style or by reading and re-writing information.Make sure to draw diagrams and use pathways to connect ideas in your notes if you want to learn best in a visual style.If you're good at hearing, record the lectures you go to and listen to them while you read through your notes.If you prefer hands-on learning, keep models of the organ systems so you can read about their different functions.
Step 3: You should study the information until you understand it.
Don't rely on knowledge.It is important to fully understand the material before taking the test.The USMLE and block exams are conceptual in nature, meaning that you have to take the information and understand how to apply it.
Step 4: You can find tutor and study groups.
Hearing someone else's perspective can help you understand something in a different way.Having another person ask you questions will help you figure out where your weaker areas are, and you will know to spend more time studying these.
Step 5: Stick to the schedule you created.
A well-organized schedule can keep you on task.All of your classes should be written down.Pick a topic for the study session and plan your study times.If they don't cover as much information, you can break the session into two parts.Don't forget to leave time for meals, exercise, and sleep if you include any scheduled study groups.Your schedule should be updated at the beginning of the week.You can adjust how long you spend on each subject to allow you to spend more time on areas where you are less confident.
Step 6: Get plenty of exercise and rest when you have time.
Medical school can be a lot of work.It's important to take care of yourself.Break your studies into smaller, more manageable chunks and schedule time for eating healthy, getting plenty of rest, and exercising regularly.Take a walk outside and get some fresh air if you schedule a 15-minute break into a long studying session.Plan to stop studying 30 minutes early each day so you can go for a run or stop by the gym on your way home.Fruits, nuts, and raw veggies are a good way to snack while you're studying.
Step 7: You should treat your self-assessments as if they are real exams.
Each week, you will have the chance to take a self-assessment to test your comprehension of the material you have learned.They can show you where you need to improve.
Step 8: Which information is most important?
There is no way to memorize everything you read in medical school.Ask your instructors, tutors, or older students what information is most important to the test to help you determine which facts are the most crucial.Pay attention to what your instructor says in class.
Step 9: For about 15 minutes before class, study notes or read material.
If you have study notes or a summary, take the time to read them before class because you don't have to get a full understanding of the lecture material.You can find the main points by skimming through the assigned reading.This will help you understand what your lecturer is saying.
Step 10: Practice taking notes in class.
During the lecture and while reading your textbook, take detailed notes in your own words.As your instructor seems to think is important, try to capture the big picture.Since these notes will become your study guide, organize your notes in a way that makes sense to you.There is a column on the page for questions and information.To connect ideas when you're studying, make sure to write down the cross-reference in your old and new notes.If you missed any important details in class, use your textbook to fill them in again.Circle key terms and their definitions with a different color pen.You can easily refer back to them when you're studying.
Step 11: 5 minutes a day is all it takes to review lecture notes.
Re-read the notes from the previous day.You will be able to connect what you learn to what has already been learned.
Step 12: To study for your block exams, take a week at the end of each block.
This week will help you to understand everything you have learned.Use study tools like flashcards and online quizzes after the first day to organize your notes.Once you have decided where you need the most help, meet with your tutor or study group.You should be able to take the last day of this week to rest if you have spent enough time preparing.As you go into your exam, this will help you relax.
Step 13: It takes about 4-7 weeks to study for the USMLE.
After the second year of medical school, Step 1 of the USMLE is required.In order to graduate these are required.Most medical schools give students a month to prepare for their board exams, so make sure you take advantage of this.
Step 14: You can get test materials from the website.
The USMLE is administered by The National Board of Medical Examiners.You will be more comfortable with the exam structure if you download the study materials.The materials can give you an idea of how the test will be laid out, but they don't cover everything.Don't just study the old test to prepare for the test.Every year, new information is added to the test.
Step 15: Understand the basic terms and information.
You have to comprehend the terms that are being used in order to fully comprehend what you are reading.The key terms which are found at the beginning or end of the chapter in your textbook as well as any words your instructor might have introduced in lecture is a good place to start.This is where you will see the big themes of the chapter.
Step 16: After studying the major chapter headings, you can move on to more detailed information.
Start focusing on how the information all ties together once you feel confident with the big picture.The major headings are what you should read through the chapter.When you re-read, keep in mind more and more detailed information.Try to remember what you have already learned.
Step 17: The focus should be more on meaning than information.
The USMLE wants to know if you can apply your textbook knowledge to real-world situations.You want to find connections between what you learn and the things you already know.
Step 18: Emphasize the integration of your knowledge.
Find other ways to group subjects together.You can find connections between what you have learned if you do this with other people.
Step 19: You can apply what you're learning to real-world situations.
Think about the clinical applications of what you are learning once you have mastered the big picture and most of the details.A patient might have a certain disorder.What are the consequences of a condition?Think about the way the questions are phrased.
Step 20: You can use a question bank to prepare.
The sample questions in the commercial question banks are designed to help you prepare for the USMLE.Kaplan and UWorld are the most popular question banks.The question banks allow you to see what strengths and weaknesses you have as well as learn more about the software the USMLE uses.
Step 21: When you're ready, take the USMLE.
During most of the year, the USMLE is offered 6 days a week, but you can take the test when you feel prepared.If you wait too long you will forget what you have learned, but don't rush to get it.The test takes about 8 hours.There are 7 blocks of 1 hour each with breaks between them.