Test-taking is an art and test preparation is a science in itself. Your success on USMLE step 2 and 3 is heavily contingent upon proper resource utilization and making sure your mind is well rested to absorb new information and to process this information in a way to set you up for getting a great score on the test.
Keeping this in mind, it is no wonder that you need to put proper strategies in place to ensure the best results. One of the most important strategies is to create a study schedule that provides ample time for preparation. Here is how I personally approach this:
- Determine how much time you have before the exam: Start by determining how much time you have before your scheduled exam date. Ideally, you should give yourself several months to study, but the exact timeline will depend on your personal circumstances and other commitments.
- Break down the material: Once you have an idea of how much time you have, you can start breaking down the material you need to cover. USMLE Step 2 covers a wide range of topics, so it can be helpful to create a list of all the subjects you need to study.
- Prioritize topics: After breaking down the material, you can prioritize the topics based on your strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you are strong in cardiology, you may not need to spend as much time on that subject as you would on a weaker area such as endocrinology.
- Allocate time for each topic: Once you have identified the topics you need to study, you can allocate time for each one. This will depend on your personal preferences and study style, but you may want to allocate more time to difficult topics or those you are less comfortable with.
- Create a study plan: With all of this information in mind, you can create a study plan that outlines what you will study each day or week. You can use a planner or calendar to keep track of your progress and ensure you are staying on track.
- Be flexible: It’s important to remember that your study schedule may need to be adjusted along the way. Unexpected events or emergencies can come up, so it’s important to build in some flexibility and be prepared to adjust your schedule as needed.
Another vital strategy is to take breaks during study sessions to prevent burnout. Put it in play by adopting the following:
- Schedule breaks: When creating your study schedule, make sure to include regular breaks throughout the day. This could mean taking a 10–15-minute break every hour or taking a longer break every few hours. Whatever works best for you, make sure to schedule breaks into your study plan.
- Do something relaxing: During your breaks, it’s important to do something that relaxes you and helps you recharge. This could mean taking a short walk, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or simply listening to music. Avoid activities that are mentally taxing or stressful, as this defeats the purpose of taking a break.
- Step away from your work: During your breaks, try to step away from your work completely. This means putting away your study materials and disconnecting from your phone or computer. This can help you fully disconnect and give your mind a chance to rest.
- Avoid multitasking: During your breaks, try to avoid multitasking or checking off other tasks on your to-do list. This can lead to mental fatigue and prevent you from fully recharging during your break.
- Set a time limit: Finally, it’s important to set a time limit for your breaks to ensure you don’t get off track. Make sure to stick to your scheduled break time and return to your study session when your break is over.
I hope these tips will put you right where you need to be to succeed. I am happy to connect with learners and share my experiences to help them reach their goals.
Kashif J. Piracha, MD FACP
