How to Study for USMLE Step 1 (resources & strategy) | Rachel Southard

Hi everyone! It's finally here! In this video, I explain how I studied for the USMLE Step 1 (and i briefly touch on COMLEX Lvl 1 materials). In this video, you will hear about the resources i used, how i studied, and tips/tricks! This exam is tough, so above all, MENTAL HEALTH is incredibly important. Stay to the end of the video to hear about that! :) Best of luck in your studies! Be sure to leave and comments or questions down below.
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contents of this video
_______________________
00:00 - intro
01:04 - resources
01:45 - foundation
02:20 - pre-dedicated
04:14 - dedicated
07:34 - mental health

[@RachelSouthard]

Best of luck in your studies! :) You got this.

[@kz8972]

hey!!! I love ur videos...keep up the good work

[@nextthe9651]

Hello racheal, Could you share your score or just say is it >240 or < 230?

[@happykumar1045]

how did you keep your hours or goals in check and how did you gradually increased...also test marks as well how did you plan if you got it bad ornot as well as expected ...how did you plan your revision?

[@AliciaLatrell]

Well I've taken the step1 exams for the second time now and still didn't succeed, i wonder how those who succeeded did it

[@AprilLynn-zn8sy]

You will pass everyone has their own season, just keep going pray and believe you will receive

[@AhmetKaan]

*To all the dreamers out there, don't ever let the world's negativity disenchant you or your spirit. If you surround yourself with love and right people, ANYTHING is possible...*

[@hadeelus]

Thank you 🤗

[@mybeautifuljourney7540]

❤️

[@B3bita1215]

Wow!! I love this comment...... very encouraging! Thanks for sharing.

[@amberlawson668]

Thank you for sharing this with us Rachel! Always here rooting you on! I hope your rotations are going great right and you are learning lots! Looking forward to hearing more about your OB/GYN rotation because I know how much that specialty excited you ❤️🐜

[@piscespicks]

I'm studying for the MCAT now, so I have a ways to go until some of this information is relevant to me. I am going to take your mental health advice with me into my prep for this exam and be patient and kind to myself. You are a wonderfully genuine human being, and thank you for always being yourself! You're a true gem!

[@swapnilsingh1495]

Reminder is set! This video is the need of the hour 🔥 can’t thank you enough!! Ly Rachel hope you are doing good ☺️

[@wow-si6th]

Rachel, I just wanted to say that I got into Western today for the next class of DOs and you were the first person I wanted to tell. You have motivated me so much in the past year (especially when crying over the MCAT) and I wouldn’t have been able to do this without your videos. Truly, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@NurseSteve]

I struggle with pacing my studying this takes SO much dedication.. you are amazing !! This is definitely the way to do it... reminds of the saying "its a marathon not a sprint". So much effort, so much energy to just keep at a steady pace..

[@samamahmood8008]

Thank you so much for sharing your study methods and resources with us! We love you so much Rachel🤍

[@WittyKitten]

Just got my white coat! I've been watching your videos since you first started medical school and it's so amazing to see how far you've come! It's surreal to think I'm a first year now. Hope your rotations are going great!!

[@josephdahdouh2725]

Or Reason I watched this is because I have been following your entire journey, and love your vids, and supporting u. Not only that, but you also motivate me to study more.

[@biancarangel6089]

Hiiii Rachel! Just wanted to let you know that you were the person that encouraged me to pursue medicine again! I had ONE teacher tell me I wasn’t smart enough and that truly made me think I didn’t have what it takes. But your strength and dedication has made me realize thatI really can. Thank you so much for all of your hard work and inspiration Rachel

[@alishacranford8289]

Bianca Rangel, Wow! I can’t believe that a teacher would actually say that to a student . Don’t ever believe that you are not smart enough. If you believe in yourself, then go for it.

[@mybeautifuljourney7540]

Thank you Rachel for all that useful information.

[@tramymai2501]

Thank you for your share. It's so helpful for those studying for Usmle. ❤️

[@hermedseries]

This was pretty good. And yes heavy on the mental health part. I definitely didn't prioritize on that and my anxiety got to me and my progress 🙃. Thanks for sharing! ❤

[@sapphiralyons2448]

i love the new intro music Rach! 🥰

[@samirbatta502]

Oh lord , I'm just gonna be starting med school in 4 months, and I NEED ALL THE HELP I CAN GET!!!! Thanks so much Rach for this video! Please make more for the newbie's entering med school

[@amirmail7975]

thanks for sharing your valuable experiences with us،in the hope that we will see you in higher success.

[@cindynativi8258]

Thank you so much Rachel ❤️ so helpful!!!🐜

[@maddiegraham9430]

Not studying for USMLE rn but just want to boost this bad boy for the algorithm. Thanks for the videos Rachel and no matter what you're studying for everyone just know its temporary and you can get through this!

[@HollisJordan]

Thank you for this. I’m a second year med student and really nervous to start studying for step! This made me feel much less stressed 😊

[@hamindo0.337]

Best luck rachhh

[@MsSalisha13]

I didn't get a notification!!! But it's okay, I'm here now😅 Great video R!! Congratulations ❤❤❤❤❤

[@lifeofmeki]

Thank you for this!!! Starting dedicated in January after clinicals is so rough but I’ll try to do as much pre-dedicated studying until then 😭😭😭

[@minaabdulaal5549]

Im a pre med so I only clicked on it cz I love your vids no matter what they’re about 😭💕

[@sumayyarehman99]

these videos could be a playlist. I keep coming to these for motivation!

[@doctorharry]

Reminder on 😎

[@sumayyarehman99]

hi Rache!! :D You inspire!!

[@tuhinsubhramandal4436]

Thank you so much for this useful information

[@asdfjklasdfjkl408]

That color looks great on you!!

[@shandisfancher8766]

Wow this was dense, definitely gonna come back to this once I’m closer to step

[@Mikesco10]

its 10 min lol not that dense

[@shandisfancher8766]

Random but your new intro music reminds me of Christmas and reindeer bells 🎄

[@lidyaabiy7931]

❤️❤️🥺🥺thanks Rach

[@mikaellarmond]

Hi Rachel, I’m a 2nd year med student here in the Caribbean at our regional university. Your videos are so therapeutic, I love it!!! What are your thoughts on IMGs and matching and the best ways for non US system medical students to study?

[@connorborresen2515]

Hi Rachel! Did you feel the need to reset any Anki decks? I'm using B&B lightyear decks during my systems so by the time I get to dedicated, I'll only see those cards probably once or twice again. As always, thank you for your help and being so candid with these videos!

[@omarsasse9389]

Best of luck doctor

[@airbender9593]

Thank you for sharing your study strategy. How do you find time to review all the previous blocks as you get closer to dedicated period?

[@AhmetKaan]

*"When something is important enough for you, you do it even if the odds are against you."* I hope this message helps you. 🙂

[@mybeautifuljourney7540]

Thank you, I appreciate that.

[@aliciad.2938]

Hi Rachel, thanks for these tips! I had a quick question. I hear a lot of Med students say they annotated First Aid and I had a few questions about that. 1. Is there something specific you’re taking note of or just writing whatever notes you personally need? 2. Do you ever come back to those notes? Second year starts for me in a little less than a month so I’m trying to get as much insight now so I’m prepared when dedicated comes! Thanks!

[@lindsey2520]

Love your Figs! Great color on you. ☺️

[@cnjisdf934]

USMLE Step 1 Prep: How many resources do you want to use? Rachel: Yes :)

[@RachelSouthard]

Lmao exactly

[@yonatantzur8668]

Hey! great video, thank you. Could you please share which Anki decks you used to revise sketchy and pixorize?

[@markkrepfl4643]

Can you make a Figs scrub giveaway!!!! Love your videos, from Italy!

[@marianna380]

rachel i'm so not okay... i'm so overwhelmed with school right now and i just feel so scared and behind. my dream is to go into medicine but i hate feeling like this so much i don't know if i can handle medical school. i know it's temporary but it's so scary.

[@hira6560]

Applied for my STEP 1 and waiting for a date. I have a few questions: 1) did you use the flashcard and notebook features in UWorld? How would you compare that with Anki (never used Anki so just wondering...) 2) When you were doing uworld, did you redo your incorrects/marked all over again? If so was that during dedicated or pre-dedicated?

[@jessicaestep3607]

I'm not even taking this exam - I'm a mental health therapist; I just love Rachel. Lol.

[@LIGHTISBURNING]

Rachel can u do a video about all the stuff you use daily like your applewatch, what model is, are you going to buy the series 7 things like that. I know your channel is not about that! but maybe you could do it

[@geethikatatikonda1604]

We miss ur desk 🤍

[@LIGHTISBURNING]

Can we get a updated vid about all your study techniques etc

[@swimman62197]

With Step 1/Level 1 going P/F which of the resources would you say were most helpful and which would you chose not to use? Your study strategy seems like it is good for getting a high score but just as you touched on at the end, mental health is important and you’re the last class to have such an immense amount of pressure riding on Step 1/Level 1.

[@AhmetKaan]

*If you are reading this, never ever give up. We will succeed. I'm cheering for you!* Have a great day! 🖤

[@zionstewards6508]

Hi Rachel, love your videos. As a prospective DO student, with the merging of the residencies do you still recommend for DO students to take USMLE? Especially with step 1 being pass/fail. Just curious for your insight. Thanks.

[@ankithaiyer6138]

Rachel, I have about 3 months until dedicated and have a few questions. How did you balance step studying and your curriculum? (essentially, how much time did you spend every day on step vs lecture) How many new and review anki cards were you doing pre-dedicated (I know you had mentioned you were doing 500-600 during dedicated). Was doing AMBOSS helpful for you or do you consider UWorld and USMLERx enough in terms of practice questions?

[@jameelashkar9244]

Hi 👋 ❤ ... Great video ... Can you please comment on Ankii .. do you recommend using already made decks.. which decks did you use .. Did you purchase them ... does ankii really helps with space repetition... i need your help please ... thanks

[@ME-ke3sr]

Hey girl thanks so much for this helpful video! I was wondering where did you find the anki cards for Boards and beyond and sketchy? Does the lightyear deck include them both? Do you know of any decks that may include pathoma and First Aid? thanks again! :)

[@juliahoriates4796]

Look up the reddit threads under Med School Anki. The go-to tends to be Anking and you can unlock the different tagged cards for the resources you use (Pathoma, Sketchy, B&B and more). You can also find the link for the Light Year deck too. Anking made a ton of KZbin videos talking about the different decks and how to use them too. Hope this is helpful!

[@yashprajapati6125]

Didi please make a video how you prepared for pre- medical school

[@angelica8697]

Rachel! Random question, but where is your necklace from?

[@glennsouthard9208]

I’m a Southard too

[@strongerpink3376]

You look excellent even after eating cramming studying.

[@tuhinsubhramandal4436]

Hi Rachel, I'm Tuhin, 3rd year MBBS student in India. I'm an USMLE aspirant, and having of it so bad to get the maximum knowledge of medical field abroad. But recent news of discrimination against IMGs for not able to get proper match in dream department breaks my heart. I've also heard people with step 1, CK high marks, fails in interview. I've been demotivated a lot recently. Do you think I should stop dreaming for USMLE?

[@usmlealatbee8131]

Thanks

[@doctorharry]

Watching 🙂

[@j_tji]

Yayyy

[@Elleynkwanyuo]

Hey do you have links to the anki decks? (sketchy, B&B, and pixorize)

[@wajeehashah7103]

Hey Rachel can I use Physeo videos instead of sketchy for Micro/Pharma/Immunology

[@alessandrorana3]

Hi to everyone, I‘m a medical student from Switzerland and I would like to make the USMLE Step 1 in September 2023 (I know it‘s far away). Do you guys can help me, because I don‘t find the information about when I have to apply to take the test on that date (it‘s january 2023 too early?) Thanks for your answers :)

[@owaisshah907]

Rachel I love you so much ❤️honestly and I also very inspired from your videos and I am also a MD medical student and I want some tips from your about USMLE step1 exam please give me reply 😊

[@RachelSouthard]

All my tips are in this video :) best of luck

[@owaisshah907]

@@RachelSouthard thank you so much😍❤️😘

[@romangrisciuc2389]

Hi! Can you share your anki cards? please!

[@elleburress2412]

Hi Rachel! I wanted to ask you did you take the USMLE and COMLEX because OBGYN is so competitive? Do you recommend that same strategy for those that want to specialize?

[@RachelSouthard]

Yes it took both!

[@joshmcgoo]

commenting for the algorithm

[@Biologosi]

❤❤❤

[@MuhammadAbbas-yq5jm]

"Who says you don't pass the test?" - Selena Gomez

[@SoloJedi_]

How did you make a schedule? Did you use Cramfighter?

[@RachelSouthard]

Yes!

[@gamzenur2204]

Everybody says BnB is enough but am I the only one who think it is hard to learn with Bnb if it is your first time seeing the topic

[@pc3721]

Not in med school. But every point is relevant. P.s I'm an electrical engineer from india ❤️

[@lexin1458]

I have been wanting to get AMBOSS for second year but some people say the questions are too advanced. Did you find the questions too hard or doable when you were doing it by each system block as you were learning it the first time?

[@RachelSouthard]

They were definitely more challenging! Especially being the first set of questions you see. But that’s what made it worth it. You learned soooo much more and it made UWorld much “easier.”

[@almahdifaris3323]

is it expensive? bc I'm studying right now mbbs in my third year in ukraine and as i see all the informations the usmle step 1 and 2 with everything will cost more than 23000 dollar is it true?

[@erinpellot2913]

I'm curious because I know things are changing. Does it make sense to study this much for USMLE step 1 moving forward knowing it's pass/fail or is it better to use that time to do extracurriculars? Will studying more for USMLE step 1 help with step 2 ( which is not pass/fail)?

[@RachelSouthard]

Yes! You’ll need much of this information for step 2. And it’s better to learn as much as you can for a solid foundation when going into step 2 although not all of it is directly tested.

[@tailorforeman7082]

Rachel: "mental health" AMA : *laughs. hysterically* Me: 🥺a girl just tryna match

[@Md-gr7we]

Can img get the job 100%in the usa?

[@MsSalisha13]

Also, please can you do a video of Hasan Minhaj + Jimmy Fallon on DOs?

[@saintsam7397]

Im in dedicated and almost suicidal

[@kamaragurl]

How do you chose what amboss questions to do?

[@RachelSouthard]

i just do them all in blocks at a time.

[@franziacastro3444]

Where do u get pre madr ankicards. Im lost :(

[@resilientlexi]

Google it

[@bayareamacaddict]

Genetics.

[@drearosa4253]

me - a politics and philosophy student watching this

[@Md-gr7we]

Past fail

[@alanoudalhk6559]

I liked your scrub… from where ? Linke please

[@francmittelo6731]

Memorize First Aid and UWorld. Don't even bother understanding. Just memorize as many facts as possible from First Aid and then do all the UWorld questions over and over again as many times as you can. It is like learning to speak a language. Memorize the meaning of as many words as possible, and the rules about grammar will come later. There is no point knowing the rules about grammar when you don't have the vocabulary.

[@RachelSouthard]

To not confuse people who read this comment: this isn’t what I did, but to each their own.

[@omarnw7824]

Omg you used resources that take someone four years to finish 🤣🤣🤣