We all know a review book is a must for the USMLE. Our review book of choice is First Aid for the USMLE Step 1, commonly referred to as “First Aid.” This is no surprise, as it is the most commonly used review book for the USMLE—not just nationally but worldwide. In fact, almost every single student taking USMLE Step 1 uses this book to prepare. But if EVERYONE is using this book, why are the results among students so varied? Here we’ve identified the 3 biggest mistakes med students make with First Aid, because the question isn’t whether to use First Aid (which everyone does), but how to use First Aid correctly. 1. Not Starting First Aid Early Enough Some students come to us saying they are “saving” First Aid for their dedicated study time a few weeks before the exam. Although First Aid is a high-yield review book, the 2014 edition has 583 pages of material! No one can completely learn First Aid in a few weeks (despite what fellow classmates might say), so it’s best to start early. Studying First Aid alongside your classes during your pre-clinical years is the best bet, and reviewing First Aid even after these classes end will help translate what you learned in each class to long-term memory for Step 1. 2. Filling in First Aid with Class Notes Now that you are using First Aid during your pre-clinical years, you may think to fill up the book with notes from class. However, this is something you should avoid! The reason we all buy this book is because the authors put in the time to filter down the massive amount of medical information into a more manageable amount that is actually tested. Unfortunately, much of what you learn in class—while important in general—is not on Step 1. While adding in mnemonics and explanations are useful, resist the urge to write down everything you hear in class; there are already more than 500 pages to review! 3. Reading, Rather than Memorizing So, you're probably asking, "How can I possibly remember all the essential information in First Aid?" Having worked with thousands of students, we’ve noticed that people who study the same book the same amount retain vastly different levels of information. How could this be? The difference is in HOW students are studying First Aid. Many students simply read First Aid casually. Unfortunately, Step 1 is as much about memorizing facts as it is understanding major concepts, if not more so. You must actively and energetically seek to memorize what's inside. If brute force memorization is not your strong suit, try reading the pages first and then recalling the information (either by writing it out or saying it out loud) without looking at the page. If you understand and can recite the information on a page of First Aid without looking, you will be much more prepared for this test than someone who just read, but did not retain, any of the high-yield information. Memorizing the high-yield information in First Aid becomes immensely easier when you utilize flashcards as well. It also becomes easier when you have the right supplemental resources to fill in the conceptual gaps, because we all know that First Aid is the most hi-yield, but it is not the most complete resource. With all of that said, though, remember that this is only one piece of the Step 1 puzzle. Solely memorizing the info in First Aid will NOT be enough to ensure you crush your exam. You MUST also maximize USMLE World to its fullest potential. If you are still hesitating, click here to compare between USMLE vs PLAB vs MCCEE vs AMC If you need more information about USMLE, Check our free USMLE Forum Source
