USMLE® Step 1 Study Schedule
Customize your Step 1 study period with tailored study plans
Pick your pace
Choose a tailored learning plan to maximize your
dedicated study period results
60-day
study schedule
- Comprehensive plan for thorough readiness
- 3–5 hours of study time per day
- Covering all topics
21-day
Qbank training
- Daily Qbank practice questions covering all USMLE topics
- 4–5 hours of practice per day
- Enhancing test-taking ability
Step 1
self-assessment
- Based on latest NBME standards
- Simulating real test-taking conditions
- Measuring preparedness
Skip the guess work and study exactly what you need to know
Pre-configured study blocks
Organize your studying with pre-configured learning blocks that consolidate all relevant content into tailored schedules.
High-yield video lectures
Master essential concepts with daily videos. Dive in even deeper with corresponding downloadables and in-depth study materials.
First Aid® references
Enhance your learning approach with interconnected First Aid references, seamlessly synced with every study plan.
Clinical case questions
Test your knowledge with carefully chosen Qbank questions, presented in an exam-simulating environment.
Performance analysis
Continuously monitor your exam readiness with a learning platform that tracks your plan progress and monitors Qbank performance.
Lean on our experience
Top educators lead you to excellence
FAQs
The USMLE Step 1 study schedule is a pre-configured, comprehensive study plan designed to guide medical students through the process of preparing for the USMLE Step 1 exam. It provides a structured timeline, detailing what topics to study each day, and guides you through your preparation with a unique combination of learning materials: videos, Qbank questions, and complementary text-based materials including First Aid references.
We offer two variants of the USMLE Step 1 study schedule: a 21-day long practice schedule and a 60-day long study schedule. Choose the one that best fits your learning pace and schedule.
| Day | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1 | Self-assessment |
| 2+3 | Biochemistry |
| 4+5 | Immunology |
| 6–9 | Microbiology |
| 10 | Pathology |
| 11 | Pharmacology |
| 12 | Public Health Sciences |
| 13 | Recap |
| 14–16 | Cardiovascular |
| 17+18 | Endocrine |
| 19–21 | Gastrointestinal |
| 22–24 | Hematology and Oncology |
| 25–27 | Musculoskeletal, Skin, Connective Tissues |
| 28+29 | Neurology & Special Senses |
| 30+31 | Psychiatry |
| 32+33 | Renal |
| 34+35 | Reproductive |
| 36–38 | Respiratory |
| 39 | Recap |
| 40 | Practice Exam |
The primary difference between the 21-day and 60-day USMLE Step 1 study schedules lies in the pace of study and the focus. Both schedules cover the same topics, but the 21-day Qbank training is more intense, covering topics at a faster pace, and focuses on practice questions only: a “test-taking” bootcamp making you exam-ready. The 60-day schedule, on the other hand, allows for an in-depth review of all USMLE topics, allocating study time as well as practice tests to each topic.
Our USMLE Step 1 study schedules are pre-configured and based on intensive research and feedback from successful test-takers. While they are designed to be followed as is, we understand that each student is unique. Therefore, you are free to adjust the schedules as per your study habits and convenience, although we recommend sticking to the given plan for optimal results.
The USMLE Step 1 study schedule improves exam preparation by providing a structured and organized approach to your study process. It eliminates the stress of figuring out what to study each day and ensures you cover all the necessary topics. By following the study schedule, you can focus on learning and understanding, knowing that you’re adequately preparing for the USMLE Step 1 exam.
While everyone has their unique learning style, the USMLE Step 1 study schedules are designed to cater to a wide range of learners. Whether you prefer an intense, fast-paced study regime or a more gradual approach, the combination of different study materials ensures a holistic learning experience that helps make the knowledge stick.
Starting with our USMLE Step 1 study schedule is easy. Choose a schedule based on your needs and time availability, and sign up for free! Once you have the schedule, simply follow the day-by-day plan, dedicating your study time as suggested to each topic.
Tips:
- Daily active recall is what will help you retain the content, so don’t ever skip the questions!
- The Learning Path only contains the key topics you need for USMLE Step 1, without extra discussions and unnecessary fluff. Time is precious and getting distracted in details you will not be needing can cost you valuable study hours.
- The matched Qbank questions in every step match the topic proportions in the actual USMLE exam: Don’t be surprised to encounter lots of Pathology questions. The goal is to prepare you efficiently for your exam by training you in exactly what you will encounter, not to cover each subject equally.
- Stay consistent – It happens to all of us: We procrastinate and end up studying a lot in one sitting to catch up. Our advice is to make a serious effort to avoid this: The study schedule gives you a reasonable plan to cover topics every day. Go at your own speed, but do your best to keep up with the schedule. This way, you can avoid crashing after a big catch-up session and instead make use of the solid retention success that comes with consistent effort. So, if you’re having a bad day, try to do at least a little instead of giving up on the day completely!
If you follow the 60-day study schedule, you should be in great shape on test day. You have what it takes!