A preliminary analysis of different approaches to preparing for the USMLE step 1.

Abstract

RAJ A. THADANI, DAVID B. SWANSON, and ROBERT M. GALBRAITHPrior to taking the United States Medical Licensing Examination(USMLE) Step 1, medical students commonly spend large amountsof time studying on their own or in groups. They also may partic-ipate in test-preparation activities offered by their schools. In ad-dition, there is anecdotal evidence indicating that medical studentsincreasingly purchase ‘‘board prep’’ publications and sign up forcommercial coaching courses that may last several weeks and costthousands of dollars.The effectiveness of alternate approaches to preparing for Step1 is unknown, though research on other high-stakes exams suggeststhat exam performance may be improved by coaching courses.