Preparing to take the USMLE Step 1: a survey on medical students' self-reported study habits. Issue 1075 (24th April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kumar, Andre D; Shah, Monisha K; Maley, Jason H; Evron, Joshua; Gyftopoulos, Alex; Miller, Chad
• Is Part Of: Postgraduate medical journal. Volume 91:Issue 1075(2015)
• Page Start: 257
• Page End: 261
• Publication Date: 2015-04-24
• Subjects: BASIC SCIENCES -- EDUCATION & TRAINING (see Medical Education & Training) -- MEDICAL EDUCATION & TRAINING; Medicine -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2014-133081
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-5473

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: The USA Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 is a computerised multiple-choice examination that tests the basic biomedical sciences. It is administered after the second year in a traditional four-year MD programme. Most Step 1 scores fall between 140 and 260, with a mean (SD) of 227 (22). Step 1 scores are an important selection criterion for residency choice. Little is known about which study habits are associated with a higher score. Objective: To identify which self-reported study habits correlate with a higher Step 1 score. Methods: A survey regarding Step 1 study habits was sent to third year medical students at Tulane University School of Medicine every year between 2009 and 2011. The survey was sent approximately 3 months after the examination. Results: 256 out of 475 students (54%) responded. The mean (SD) Step 1 score was 229.5 (22.1). Students who estimated studying more than 8–11 h per day had higher scores (p<0.05), but there was no added benefit with additional study time. Those who reported studying <40 days achieved higher scores (p<0.05). Those who estimated completing >2000 practice questions also obtained higher scores (p<0.01). Students who reported studying in a group, spending the majority of study time on practice questions or taking >40 preparation days did not achieve higher scores. Conclusions: Certain self-reported study habits may correlate with a higher Step 1 score compared with others. Given the importance of achieving a high Step 1 score on residency choice, it is important to further identify which characteristics may lead to a higher score.