Devising the Perfect Study Strategy for USMLE

Online, August 22, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Competitive exams are never easy and same is the case with USMLE. It is a multi-step professional medical examination which helps both US as well as international medical graduates gain licence to practice medicine in the US as a physician/doctor. However in order to pass each and every step of this exam, one needs to devise an intelligent and efficient USMLE study strategy that can generate the most desired results. Following is an efficient study strategy that might help you devise your own.

Select a particular time of the day when your concentration levels are the highest

USMLE syllabus is often very vast and extensive and hence study needs to be done with high degree of concentration in order to accumulate the required knowledge in least amount of time. One only has 24 hours in a day which means that time management and prioritization will surely play an important role. Select a time of the day (minimum 2 hours) when you can study with maximum concentration, it may be late or night or early morning or even afternoon. Now make sure you keep this time slot free every day and devote it entirely to your USMLE preparation.

Solve atleast XYZ number of practice questions every day

Make sure that you don't just acquire knowledge but also apply it intelligently. However your knowledge and application skills can only be tested via practice questions. Attempting minimum 25 questions every day will not only give you the much needed confidence but will also help you learn to manage your time while attempting questions in the examination hall on the D day. So make sure you don't just learn new topics but also solve the questions related to them every single day. You can set out a special hour for question practice everyday.

Form a study group

Find serious people or friends who too are preparing for the same USMLE step as you. Form a little group and meet on a regular basis. Discuss important concepts and exchange knowledge and ideas. You can use the group as a platform to discuss your doubts and solve each other's queries. Forming a group will also help you maintain your preparation consistency as you will regularly feel motivated to have people around you who are striving to achieve a common goal. Also having a study group makes you feel accountable which helps you not miss even a single day of USMLE preparation.

Set milestones

In order to maintain the pace of your preparation and make sure that you are able to revise the entire syllabus several times before the D day, it is highly important that you break down your entire preparation and syllabus into small milestones. For instance you could set separate dates and milestones for the times you'll complete preparing your each topic. Similarly you could also set a milestone for your first revision, second revision and so on. Reward yourself once you reach a milestone to keep yourself motivated.

While we have provided you with the above suggestions, you can also use your own creativity and intellect to come up with little measures that can enhance and optimize your USMLE study strategy. Always remember that your each and every step should be focussed towards becoming a successful practising physician in the US!