The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 is a crucial milestone for medical students on their journey to becoming a doctor. This comprehensive exam assesses a student’s understanding of basic medical sciences, as well as their ability to apply that knowledge in clinical scenarios. Passing the USMLE Step 1 is essential, but how can you achieve the best outcome? Here’s a complete roadmap to help you prepare effectively and pass the USMLE Step 1.  Understand the Exam Structure  Familiarize yourself with the structure and content of the Step 1 exam. It comprises mul ..read more

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 covers a substantial amount of content that not only needs to be memorized but understood, as the exam is very integrative in nature. But an organized, workable study plan can help you prepare for the exam and pass.   A study plan serves as an accountability framework that helps keep the students in check, provides an agenda to rely on, and evaluates their performance. Medical students must set up a study schedule based on dedicated study time. Usually, medical school graduates utilize 6-8 weeks to study for USMLE. Howeve ..read more

How well do you know Glycogen Storage Diseases (GSD)? We’ve noticed this tends to be a difficult topic for our users that’s why we’ve asked our partners at MedCram to explain a Glycogen Storage Diseases practice question from our USMLE Step 1 and COMLEX Level 1 question banks in the past. Lucky for you, we asked MedCram’s Dr. Roger Seheult to explain another one of our Glycogen Storage Disease practice questions to make sure our users understand this topic really well since it comes up on multiple exams you’re sure to face. First, take a stab at the question and see if you can answer it correc ..read more

Medical school is a long and arduous journey for any student, but with the right tools by your side, you will be successful in your journey to becoming a doctor. But what do you need to do the best you can in school? We’ve put together a list of some of the most essential medical school supplies that will help you throughout all four years:  1. Stethoscope  Most schools require medical students to have a stethoscope before starting their program. Even first year students should invest in a quality, cardiology-grade stethoscope.  2. Laptop/Tablet  Education today is heavy on ..read more

Are you getting ready to take your USMLE® Step 1 exam? We get asked all the time about how the BoardVitals Step 1 Question Bank compares to UWorld and Kaplan’s, so we talked to a few MDs to get the inside scoop. The Step 1 exam is a one-day, 8-hour exam, divided into seven 60-minute blocks. The number of questions per block varies, but never exceeds 40, which would suggest that timing is not the biggest problem, but is something everyone should take into account. The total exam has at most 280 questions and allows test-takers to jump around to answer questions on their own accord. There a ..read more

The program was highlighted as Best Free Trial among top study solutions for the three-step medical licensing examination  New York, NY – Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has named BoardVitals among the best USMLE® (United States Medical Licensing Exam) prep courses of 2021. The study highlights 6 high-ranking programs across the nation based on adaptable formats, scheduling, and personalized instruction. BoardVitals and other top prep courses offer multiple formats with flexible options for taking classes online or in-person. E ..read more

While it may be disappointing to fail the USMLE® Step 1, the good news is that you are not alone. Failing the exam does not mean you won’t match into a residency program.  Approximately 4,000 do not pass each year and the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) reports that failing Step 1 on your first try does not mean you cannot secure a medical residency. According to AAMC’s July 2020 report, based on data from 2017, 72% of U.S. applicants who failed Step 1 on the first attempt went on to a residency, compared to 94% of applicants who passed on the first attempt.  You ..read more

The January 2022 USMLE Step 1 Pass/Fail score-reporting changes have sparked online debates across social media channels such as Twitter, Reddit, STAT News and KevinMD.  In February 2020, the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners® (NBME®) announced their decision to change Step 1 from a three-digital number score to Pass/Fail. In making the change, the co-sponsors cited the need to “balance student learning and student wellbeing,” and to “minimize racial demographic differences that exist in USMLE performance.”  Following the announceme ..read more

The BoardVitals USMLE® Step 1 question bank has been updated with new features and more questions to help you feel confident and prepared going into exam day. The new USMLE® Step 1 question bank will include all the great features you’ve come to expect from BoardVitals, such as a 100% Pass Guarantee. Our updates include new features to help you become better equipped to successfully and confidently tackle the USMLE® Step 1.  More USMLE® Questions, More Practice The BoardVitals USMLE® Step 1 question bank now has even more practice questions than ever before that match the difficulty ..read more

The United States Medical Licensure Exam (USMLE) Step 1, commonly called “the Boards,” is a standardized test that assesses a medical student’s ability to apply basic science fundamentals to the practice of medicine. The entire exam has three steps, but this article applies only to Step 1. Students take Step 1 following their second year of medical school. The test is administered by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB). Do you have questions about Step 1? Below are answers to some of the most common questions. 1. What is the Step 1 e ..read more