| |
 |
|
|
|
|
| |
You're becoming a doctor, so you've probably
seen your share of long, intensive exams by this point.
The next adventure in your quest starts now. Welcome to
the USMLE, Step 1.
Read on to learn the key facts about the USMLE Step 1 exam
and our test preparation solutions. If practicing medicine
in the US is your goal, you'll need to pass this test (as
well as Steps 2 and 3 in the future) to become a licensed
physician.
|
| What is the USMLE Step
1 and how is it structured? |
| As you know, all medical students and residents
must pass the three-part United States Medical Licensing Exam
(USMLE) in order to be licensed to practice medicine in the
United States. The first part of the USMLE, affectionately
known as Step 1, is usually taken at the end of the second
year of medical school. It's a one-day, computer-based exam
that tests a broad range of topics covered during the first
two years of medical school. In fact, most medical schools
require students to pass the USMLE Step 1 before continuing
on to their third-year clinical rotations, so this is a high-stakes
test that you'll only want to take once! International medical
students and graduates must also pass the USMLE Step 1 to
practice medicine in the United States. |
| What topics does the
USMLE Step 1 cover? |
| Step 1 emphasizes basic science principles
in Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Pathology, Micro-Immunology,
Pharmacology, and Behavioral Science. The test contains 350
questions and requires 8 hours of testing time, including
1 hour of break. You'll have to complete 7 one-hour sections
that contain 50 questions each. Once you finish answering
questions from a particular section, you will not be able
to go back to that section. |
| What is the test format
of the USMLE Step 1? |
| Questions on the USMLE Step 1 are randomly
grouped by subject within each section, which means that you'll
see questions from different topics (anatomy, biochemistry,
physiology, etc.) within any one section.
The test questions consist of a statement or question followed
by three to eleven response options arranged in alphabetical
or logical order. The response options for all questions
are lettered. Your job is to choose the best answer to the
question. Even though other choices might be partially correct,
in order to get the question right, you will have to choose
the best answer choice among those given. |
| What is the pass rate
for the USMLE Step 1? |
| In 2001, the pass rates for first-time takers
were 91% from US and Canadian allopathic medical schools,
and 72% from US osteopathic schools. Among foreign medical
graduates, 66% passed the examination on their first attempt.*
|
| How important is my USMLE
Step 1 score? |
| For licensure, your actual score is not as
important as whether or not you pass. However, if you are
competing for a specific residency program, you'll want to
get the highest score possible on this exam — it's an
important factor in the match process. |
| When can I take the USMLE
Step 1? |
| Step 1 is a one-day computerized exam that
you may schedule and take anytime. Most medical schools require
that you pass Step 1 to continue on to your third-year clinical
rotations. If you have completed medical school but need licensure
in the United States, you may schedule your exam when it is
most convenient for you. However, the most popular times of
year to take the exam are May, June and July. |
| How do I know if I am
ready for the USMLE Step 1? |
| Try our free
1-hour practice USMLE Step 1 Test Section. If you are
satisfied with your results, then you may be ready to dive
right in. If you feel that you still need help, check out
The Princeton Review's USMLE Step 1 Classroom
and Online Solutions or call at for more information.
|
| Where can I get more
information about the USMLE Step 1? |
| For students and graduates of LCME- and AOA-accredited
medical schools in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
Contact Information:
NBME®
Applicant Services
3750 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3190
Phone 215-590-9700
Fax 215-590-9457
Email webmail@nbme.org
Website http://www.nbme.org
www.usmle.org
For students and graduates of medical schools outside the
United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Contact Information:
ECFMG®
3624 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2685
Phone 215-375-1913
Phone 800-500-8249 (toll free within North America)
Phone 215-386-5900 (other inquiries)
Fax 215-387-9963
Website www.ecfmg.org
www.usmle.org |
Where
can I get more information about Princeton Review's USMLE
Step 1 test preparation courses? |
| You can contact us here at The
Princeton Review by calling 800-2Review.
We will answer your questions about the test and help you
determine which test preparation course is right for you.
Enroll in a Princeton Review USMLE
Step I Classroom or Online
Course
* As published in the 2001 National
Board of Medical Examiners Annual Report® Annual Report
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
