Archive | Studying

USMLE Step 1 General Study Plan

How can you integrate studying for classes and board exams? This is a common question from medical students. One plan does not fit every student. The best approach is to come up with a plan that takes into consideration several things including; your performance in medical school thus far, your learning style, your test-taking skills based on past scores, and an NBME self-assessment (if you have already completed this). We will give you general advice, but you should tailor this plan to your learning style, background, and abilities. Continue reading


Could You Be Taking Notes Wrong

One Easy Way to Improve Your Retention

Do you find yourself wishing you made better scores on tests? Why does the method of taking notes in a lecture matter? When we are writing, it is impossible to write down every word as fast as a person talks, so we have to be very selective in choosing which information is important enough to document. As we are listening to someone, we have to actively think through what is being said and summarize it to capture all of the main points. This method boosts our comprehension and retention of the information for success come test day. Continue reading


Plan, Prepare, Perform on USMLE Step 1

USMLE Step 1 Success Starts with the Primer Video Series

Are you searching for your Step 1 study strategy? Not quite sure how to add board prep into your extensive medical school schedule? Good news, you’re already on the right track by researching your best resources. To help you achieve your highest USMLE score in a structured yet flexible style, the Doctors In Training Step 1 Review Course is delivered as three simple components – Primer, Part 1 and Part 2. Let’s discuss Primer! Continue reading


student studying

How to Use Doctors In Training Part 1 and Increase Your Step 1 Score!

The Part 1 questions are in mixed mode to help you break away from thinking of the basic sciences by topic and to begin thinking of them as a whole - integrating concepts and applying information across subjects. This organizational approach also helps you practice switching from topic to topic (switching cognitive sets) as you will be required to do on your Step 1 exam. Continue reading


Ho to plan for your Step 1 preparations

How to Plan Your Step 1 Preparations (2012 Course)

While you are still concentrating on your medical school curriculum, annotate your comprehensive review book, such as First Aid, as you go through your course. Take an NBME practice exam 2-3 months prior to your intensive study period to establish a baseline and determine your weak areas. There are several ways to use the DIT Part 1 Questions and Video Answers that begin arriving to your dashboard in January and continue through May. These questions are open-ended questions that are focus on high yield topics for Step 1.
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