What is the best USMLE Step 1 prep course?

The best USMLE Step 1 prep course depends on your learning style, but top contenders include UWorld (best Qbank), Kaplan (comprehensive, structured, live options), Med School Bootcamp (value, video-focused), and Boards and Beyond/ Pathoma/ Sketchy (supplements for specific topics like pathology/micro). Many students use a combination, with UWorld Qbank and First Aid/Anki as core, supplemented by video resources like Pathoma (pathology) and Sketchy (micro/pharm), alongside official NBME practice tests.

What is the best Step 1 prep course?

Most popular resources for Step 1

• UWorld: Popular qbank with good explanations and images.
• Med School Bootcamp : A well-rounded resource for Step 1 prep.
• First Aid : Great for a high-level, high-yield overview of target areas for review.
• Anking
• Pathoma
• NBME Self-Assessments
• NBME Free 120
• Sketchymedical:

What is the best way to prepare for USMLE Step 1?

One of the most beneficial ways to prepare for your USMLE is to test yourself with practice exam papers. The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) offers a range of USMLE Step 1 practice exams.

What is the best resource for USMLE Step 1?

For USMLE Step 1, the consensus gold standard resources are UWorld (Qbank), First Aid (high-yield overview), Pathoma (pathology videos), Sketchy Medical (visual mnemonics for micro/pharm), and Anki/AnKing (spaced repetition), often used with Boards and Beyond (videos) and NBME Self-Assessments to gauge progress. The key is strategic integration, using UWorld for practice and learning, First Aid as a core reference, and video resources like Pathoma/Sketchy for weak areas, supplemented by Anki. 

Which course is best for USMLE?

6 Best USMLE Prep Courses & Classes (2025)

1. Kaplan. A veteran in the test prep world, Kaplan is a go-to for many medical students. ...
2. PASS Program. The PASS Program offers a unique, immersive approach to USMLE test prep. ...
3. Achievable USMLE. ...
4. Lecturio. ...
5. BoardVitals. ...
6. SmashUSMLE.

Best USMLE Prep Courses (Reviewed & Rated)

Is UWorld enough for USMLE prep?

UWorld alone is not enough. You should use UWorld along with these tips to effectively prepare for Step 1: Combine UWorld with other resources, such as First Aid and NBME self-assessments. Start with a small question pool at the beginning of each topic to determine which concepts you need to focus on the most.

Which coaching is best for USMLE?

Latest Customer Reviews

• Gate Indian Institute. 5.0. I had a great experience with Gate Indian Institute. ...
• TC Global. 5.0. ...
• Ms Arpitha. 5.0. ...
• Goo Campus Edu Solutions Pvt Ltd. 5.0. ...
• Gate Indian Institute Of Tutorials. 5.0. ...
• American Medical Education Inc Usa. 5.0. ...
• Next Step USMLE. 5.0. ...
• Guidance Medical Education. 5.0.

What is the 7 year rule for USMLE?

The USMLE 7-Year Rule mandates that most applicants must pass USMLE Steps 1, 2 CK, and Step 3 within seven years of passing their first step, starting from the date of that initial pass, for ECFMG Certification and medical licensure. Failure to meet this deadline invalidates earlier scores, requiring retesting, though waivers or extensions may be possible for documented extenuating circumstances like MD/PhD programs or severe illness, requiring contact with the specific state medical board or ECFMG. 

Is 4 months enough for USMLE Step 1?

FAQs About USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 Preparation

You need enough time to thoroughly review all the material, take practice exams for each Step, and address weaker areas: For Step 1: at least 4-6 months. For Step 2: at least 3-4 months.

Is 60% enough to pass Step 1?

Yes, around 60% correct is generally considered the approximate pass mark for USMLE Step 1, though the exact percentage varies with each exam form, and the score is reported as Pass/Fail, not a number, so consistently scoring higher (like 65-70%) on practice exams (NBMEs) is recommended for a comfortable pass. The official passing score (around 196 before 2022, now just "Pass") isn't a fixed number of questions, as some are experimental, but aiming for about 60% on practice tests is a good benchmark, with 70%+ being a safer target for a strong pass. 

How many hours a day to study for Step 1?

Most students preparing for USMLE Step 1 study between 6 to 10 hours per day, depending on how far they are from test day and their familiarity with the material.

What is the hardest step in USMLE?

Step 2 had the highest passing rates for both US/Canadian students (98%) and non-US/Canadian test takers (88%). This data suggests that Step 1 was the hardest exam to pass. No matter which step you are preparing for, the USMLE exams are challenging.

What is a 75% on Step 1?

A 75% on USMLE Step 1 usually refers to a high performance level, often meaning you scored better than 75% of other test-takers (75th percentile) or got around 75% of questions correct on practice exams, indicating a very high chance of passing, as a ~65% correct on NBMEs often predicts passing. While Step 1 is now pass/fail, historically, a score in the 75th percentile (around 240-250+ on the old scale) was considered strong for residency applications, and 70-75% on practice NBMEs suggests near-certain success on the actual exam.
 

What is Kaplan known for?

Kaplan is globally known for providing a wide range of educational services, primarily test preparation (SAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, etc.), professional licensing exam prep, language training, and degree programs, helping students and professionals achieve academic and career goals through online, on-site, and self-study options for over 80 years.
 

Is USMLE Step 1 pass/fail now?

On January 26, 2022, the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 exam transitioned to a pass-fail grading system instead of the conventional three-digit score.

What are common Step 1 study mistakes?

Memorizing over understanding:

Unfortunately, many students make the mistake of memorizing the facts without first understanding them. This leads them to have low scores on the exam. USMLE Step1 demands you to combine concepts, apply different fields and manipulate information at a higher level.

What is a 90% chance of passing Step 1?

A 90% chance of passing USMLE Step 1, often from an NBME practice exam, means you're very likely to pass but still have a 1 in 10 chance of failing, as it's a prediction not a guarantee, and validity depends on taking the real test soon after; it's calculated by the NBME, reflects statistical models, and isn't the same as mastering 90% of content, though strong practice scores usually indicate good readiness.
 

What happens if you fail USMLE Step 1-4 times?

If you have attempted a Step four or more times, including incomplete attempts, and have not passed, you are ineligible to apply for any Step in the USMLE sequence.

Can I use USMLE in the UK?

Yes, as part of your GMC application, you will need to provide the GMC with a number of additional documents, including: The GMC application form; You will need to complete and return this to: [email protected]. Your passport. Evidence of your English language skills.

Has anyone gotten a 300 on USMLE?

The highest possible score for the USMLE Step 2 CK is 300, but no one has ever achieved a “perfect” score. A score around 280 would be considered a top Step 2 CK score.

Is residency harder than med school?

Yes, residency is generally considered harder than medical school, but in a different way; medical school is academically intense with exams, while residency trades academic pressure for real-world responsibility, longer hours, physical exhaustion, critical patient-care decisions, and emotional stress, though it's where you truly become a doctor. Residency shifts focus from book learning to hands-on, high-stakes clinical practice, often involving 80+ hour weeks, overnight calls, and constant responsibility for patients' lives, making it more draining on stamina and time. 

What is the best USMLE prep course?

1. USMLE Pass Program. The USMLE Pass Program focuses on giving students not just content review but also strategic insights to “pass” the exam. The course is built around both knowledge acquisition and exam strategy sessions, often highlighting common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Is UWorld worth it for USMLE?

Both UWorld and AMBOSS are outstanding tools for USMLE preparation.

Which country is best for USMLE?

Keep reading for a general overview of countries that commonly accept or consider USMLE results.

• United Arab Emirates (UAE) ...
• Qatar. ...
• Singapore. ...
• Israel. ...
• Australia. ...
• New Zealand. ...
• Ireland. ...
• Canada.