The Most Common Mistakes M2s Make on Step1

Thousands of M2s will take Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) this spring. The minimum passing score on Step 1 is 196, and while Step 1 is now pass/fail, it is still one of the most important exams for medical students in the United States. It tests their basic knowledge of medical sciences, including anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, and more. However, many students make common mistakes when preparing for this exam, which can affect their performance, and the increasing failure rate shows this. In this post, we'll discuss the most common Step 1 mistakes medical students make and how to mitigate them.

Using Inadequate Study Resources

Some students rely solely on lecture notes or textbooks, while others may use outdated or ineffective study materials. It's essential to do your due diligence when selecting study resources. Look for reliable and up-to-date resources such as online question banks, review books, and study guides. Ask for recommendations from peers or faculty members. We don't endorse any particular resources, but UWorld and Adam Cifu et al.'s "Symptom to Diagnosis" list of faves is on this writer's list.

Lack of Active Learning

Many students make the mistake of passive studying, which means simply reading and highlighting information without engaging with the material. On the other hand, active learning involves engaging with the material meaningfully, such as by taking notes, creating flashcards, or teaching the material to a study partner. Active learning is more effective for the long-term retention of information. A 2021 美国卡内基梅隆大学 study concluded, "Active learning techniques encourage students to produce thoughts and get feedback through interactive settings rather than passively receiving information as is common in pervasive educational approaches like lectures and readings.

Not Taking Enough Practice Tests

Practice tests help you identify strengths and weaknesses and familiarize you with the format and timing of the exam. According to Facultyfocus.com, practice exams are the best way to prepare for actual exams because they implement spaced retrieval practice. The learner pulls the information out of their memory when applying it to the question, which hardens that information in memory (Oakley & Sejnowski, 2018).?LAS integrates spaced retrieval into our coaching model to help medical students form better study habits for high-stakes exams. We call it the "Testing Effect." Many students make the mistake of not taking enough practice tests or not reviewing them. Take several practice tests throughout your study period and review them carefully to identify areas you need to improve. If you want to learn more about retrieval practice, check out this video.

Overwhelming Yourself with Too Much Information

One of the most common mistakes medical students make when studying for Step 1 is overwhelming oneself with too much information. The exam covers a vast amount of material, and it's easy to feel you need to know everything. However, focusing on high-yield information is essential. Make a study plan and prioritize the critical topics, such as biochemistry, microbiology, and pharmacology.

Neglecting Self-Care

Many medical students put all their focus on studying and neglect their self-care, which can lead to burnout, fatigue, and poor performance on the exam. It's essential to take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and taking breaks to relax and recharge. Taking care of yourself will help you perform better on the exam and in your future career as a physician.

To conclude, preparing for Step 1 can be a challenging and stressful process. However, by avoiding these common mistakes and taking care of yourself, selecting effective study resources, engaging in active learning, taking enough practice tests, and focusing on high-yield information, you can increase your chances of success on this crucial exam. If you’re stuck in a rut or need help with a study plan, LAS has medical coaches who can guide you on the right path. Our proven method of medical coaching for Step 1 has been endorsed by students and faculty members from some of the nation’s top medical schools. Let us know if we can be of assistance.