Step 1 tips for Canadian Medical Students

[X Æ A-12]

Our preclerkship curriculum isn’t focussed on writing Step 1 so our background knowledge going into prep is nowhere near our American colleagues. However we only need to pass for fellowship or US licensing purposes. I do not wish to participating in ERAS. what are some recommended strategies and resources for approaching this beast 

[GrouchoMarx]

UFAP

[JohnGrisham]

3 hours ago, swoman said:

Our preclerkship curriculum isn’t focussed on writing Step 1 so our background knowledge going into prep is nowhere near our American colleagues. However we only need to pass for fellowship or US licensing purposes. I do not wish to participating in ERAS. what are some recommended strategies and resources for approaching this beast 

The background knowledge is not insurmountable, UFAP and you're there. Canadian curriculums are generally much more focused on step 2 material, so you'll be better off in a different way.  UFAP. UFAP.  

[OwnerOfTheTARDIS]

Probably plan to write at the end of Year 2. UWorld and First Aid are amazing (haven't used Pathoma), but most importantly start studying early. If you did  just a half hour a day starting beginning of year 2, and then buckled down pretty intensely for 1 month or so at the end of year 2 before writing it, you'd probably be in a decent position if you're not too worried about score. I gave myself approximately one month to study total and I want to die. 

If you want to aim for a better score, I think going through First Aid once between 1st and 2nd year, and then working through UWorld, First Aid (again), and maybe Pathoma during 2nd year we be a decent approach.

[ChemPetE]

also did step 1 first year residency. Studied 1-2h a week for a few months. Barely passed but I passed. Uworld and first aid, uworld was most helpful.

[indefatigable]

It costs a lot of $$$ to write Step 1.  You don't want a failure.

I've never heard of anyone even passing without putting substantial effort.  It's a big stakes exam in the US or people aiming for US residency.

UFAP works but costs $$ too.  UWorld and NBME both have self-assessments - costs $+, but are only half the length.  

These would be useful to assess pre-test readiness.  

Step 1 gunners often do 1.5 pass of UWorld's 2500 questions.  Step 1 itself is up to 280 question over 8 hours.  Review >> more time than doing questions blindly.  Realistically no more than 80-100 UWorld questions can be done per day including review.