Hi folks,
Some of this material is posted on another post under USMLE Step I and Step II under the Basic Science section but I will repeat it here too. You need to start with the CD-ROM that USMLE gives you once you send your application money. The questions on this CD-ROM are most like the actual exam.
For Step I:
First Aid for the Boards for Step I: This book is better than its counterpart for Step II. These authors lay the ground work for Step I preparation. I read through this book at least five times before Step I. Easy fast reading here.
Board Simulator Series - to be used during first and second year along with your class work.
Step Up for the Bedside - this is a brand new book that you can use on the wards for answering those pimp questions.
Robbins Pathology Sixth Edition - all of the photos on Step I come from this book. Get a copy of the CD ROM if you can. It is painless learning and has great cases.
Medical Student Pocket Handbook - this was a simple and quick read for waiting in line or on the subway. This little book covers the entire medical curriculum. The writing is very tiny.
Q-Bank for USMLE Step I - this is available on the Kaplan website < www.kaptest.com> This is the best prep available for Step I without question.
USMLE Step II
Prescription for the Boards - great sections and easy reading. This book covers every topic that you need to know but you have to be able to put things together. Good review.
NMS Review for Step II - If you really know all of the material in this book, you are in good shape.
Q-Bank for USMLE Step II - This is available on the Kaplan website < www.kaptest.com> It is not as good as it's counterpart for Step I but worth the money for one month's worth of questions.
Medicine Secrets - This book was a good cover book for the zebras. Medicine is the most represented subject on Step II so you really need to be tight with it.
Physical Diagnosis Secrets - Not a necessity but recommended.
Crush the Boards for Step II - This book has really improved since it was first published.
Good luck on these exams! I can tell you from experience that my USMLE Step I score opened more doors than anything else on my application. That being said, solid, systematic preparation for USMLE pays back in spades. These are one shot tests (unless you fail) that need not be feared but need good preparation and review.
(Edited by njbmd at 9:51 am on Feb. 1, 2002)
(Edited by njbmd at 4:45 pm on Feb. 12, 2002)