The life of a pre-clinical student of a medical program is no less challenging than clinical. They must balance lectures and lab learning while starting their USMLE Step 1 preparation in their M2 year. In some universities, pre-clinical training is shorter as they have longer clinical rotations that typically start from the program’s second year. If you are in one such college, you must excel at time management as that is the only hack that will save your exam day.
Whether you are going to stick to smart solutions like online medtech platforms and apps or traditional question bank books like Uworld, it is necessary to concentrate and spend more time learning high-yield topics. Once you identify the resources, you can design the roadmap that will benefit by using the following tips:
- Organize Time Table
Be pragmatic and don’t rush everything to the last minute. Consistent study of 3-4 hours for four months is a fair allocation of time that can be used practically to complete the syllabus. Aim to take the exam after your pre-clinical training so that you have some hands-on experience. You can accelerate the pace of study during slack periods so that you can afford to lose an hour or two during peak days.
- Optimize Resources
In the confusion that leads to study prep, students often are misguided and try to follow multiple strategies. It is imperative to understand that one has to keep their preparation focused and simple. The process is easy and boring to the point that one has to do the same things over a period of time. One need not buy a dozen books, sign up for six online courses, and bury deep under thick study material. Using the time-tested route with some alterations will be more purposeful. It is recommended to use online medtech platforms that offer immersive animated videos that cover all the topics.
- Study Groups
Your fellow students are facing the same issues as you and are far more likely to come up with solutions collectively that otherwise can be missed out as a single person who is siloed. If they are looking to take up a practice exam in the next two weeks, you will be motivated to take it along with them. Teamwork will divide your problems through sharing best practices.
- Select Your Space
Your studies will be focused and without distractions if the surroundings are conducive. Trying to lay in bed while flipping through books is not ideal as it encourages lethargy and leads to distractions. You should have a neat desk with a stable chair in a private room with ventilation and light. Try not to pile on too many worksheets or books on the table. A clean space will help you finish the problem-based learning when your mind is at the highest state of consciousness.
Conclusion:
Complex problems are solved in tranches. So divide your time based on the high-yield topics and allocate a day for each important topic before giving your first practice exam.
