STEP 1      

Last updated: Dec 2024

What I Wish I Knew: STEP 1 Studying

In a survey of graduating UCSF MS4s, the majority of students identified studying for STEP 1 as one of the most stressful parts of medical school. It is our hope that these tips can help make that period slightly better. You can do it!

  1. Read this amazing guide put together by UCSF SOM ‘24. It is incredibly helpful—explains what the test is, many of the study resources, what worked for prior UCSF students, sample study plans, etc. Don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed after reading the guide, you’re not alone.

  2. Start EARLY (better to give yourself closer to 7-8 weeks and move your test up earlier than plan for 6 weeks and run out of time)

  3. There is no “perfect study plan” and it will probably change many times. Just pick something to start with (e.g . 50 UW questions per day, 1 hour of Pathoma, 1 hour of sketchy, Anki).

    • Resource-paralysis: There are so many resources for studying for STEP 1 and it can be overwhelming. When in doubt, stick with UW as the primary resource and a tool to diagnose areas for improvement. You can supplement areas you’re weak in with First Aid, Boards and Beyond, and Pathoma. Most students felt that watching Sketchy videos for micro and pharmacology were helpful (or at least doing the Anki cards, like the Pepper deck)—important to space this out throughout studying, don’t wait to the end to “binge watch” them

    • Know that you’ll be doing a lot learning of new material in the beginning which means each UW question can take very long in the beginning; okay to start with ~30 UW a day, but try to build up to get to 80-100 UW daily toward the end of dedicated

  4. Study by system in the beginning: not every student does this, but those who did found it helpful and easier to solidify pattern-recognition

  5. Avoid isolation and have a good study environment: Have a group chat / support group of other UCSF med students who are also studying for STEP 1. It’s nice to have a place to vent, and know you’re all going through the same horrible experience together. Quick FaceTime calls with each other during study breaks/meals can really make your experience far less isolating and stressful! Consider your study environment, too—for some people, living back with family is the best study environment. For others, being in SF with classmates going through the same thing can be more motivating. Adapt if something is not working!

  6. Protect your mental health! Most UCSF medical students reported STEP 1 as the worst part of medical school—it is a time of immense stress, frustration, anxiety, and isolation. Know you are not alone in your struggles. If you need more time than the allotted time, reach out to the school to set up an alternate plan—many students before you have done this. You’ll get through it! In the worst worst case scenario, even if you fail STEP 1, you can still be a physician!

  7. This is a great resource for biostats!