When to Take the USMLE Step 1 and What to Do After It

If you’re preparing for medical school in the U.S., when you take the USMLE Step 1 can make a major difference in your performance and residency prospects. This milestone exam marks the transition from preclinical to clinical medicine and sets the tone for the rest of your medical training.

Here’s how to decide when to take Step 1, what the best timeline looks like, and how to use your results to guide your next steps.

What Is the USMLE Step 1?

The USMLE Step 1 (United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1) is a standardized test that assesses your understanding of the basic sciences underlying clinical medicine. Topics like anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology.

It’s now graded as Pass/Fail, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less important. A strong performance shows you’ve built a solid foundation for clinical work, while a failure can delay your progress or limit your residency options.

When Do Most Students Take Step 1?

Most U.S. medical students take Step 1 at the end of their second year (M2), after completing their preclinical coursework. This timing allows them to:

• Consolidate the basic sciences while the material is fresh
• Take a dedicated study period (usually 4 - 8 weeks)
• Transition smoothly into clinical rotations with confidence
  
  

International medical graduates (IMGs) often take Step 1 later, once they’ve completed or nearly completed their basic medical sciences abroad, to align with U.S. application timelines.

How to Know You’re Ready

You’re ready to schedule USMLE Step 1 when:

• Your NBME practice exams consistently score in the passing range
• You’ve completed your dedicated study period (typically 6 - 8 weeks)
• You can integrate concepts instead of just memorizing them
  
  

If you’re still struggling with certain systems or question styles, take an extra few weeks. It’s better to delay and pass confidently than rush and risk failing. 

How Long Should You Study for Step 1?

Study timelines vary, but most students dedicate 6 to 12 weeks of focused preparation time for Step 1. The length depends on prior knowledge, study habits, and available time during dedicated study periods.

During this time, most students follow a structured schedule that combines active recall, spaced repetition, and consistent practice testing. The goal is not just memorization but the integration of basic science concepts into clinical reasoning.

What to Study for Step 1

Step 1 covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Anatomy
• Biochemistry and molecular biology
• Physiology
• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Microbiology
• Behavioral sciences
  
• Biostatistics and epidemiology
  
  

Questions on the exam often blend multiple disciplines, requiring students to apply foundational knowledge to clinical scenarios. This is why using integrated study resources can make a big difference.

Best Resources to Use for Step 1

The key to effective preparation is using high-yield, evidence-based resources that match the Step 1 question style. Commonly used tools include:

• Question banks: These simulate the real test environment and help students get familiar with NBME-style questions.
• Video lectures: Helpful for reinforcing complex concepts visually and audibly.
• Anki decks: Great for retaining large amounts of information using spaced repetition.

For example, students who prefer structured flashcard systems may find the Med School Bootcamp Anki Deck useful for mastering key Step 1 topics. Similarly, those already using AnKing can learn how to integrate it efficiently by following this guide on how to use AnKing with Med School Bootcamp.

Bootcamp’s USMLE Step 1 platform brings together all of these tools in one place, offering high-yield videos, detailed question banks, and pre-made study schedules designed to maximize recall and understanding. Students who use Bootcamp appreciate how its structure mirrors the real exam, reducing surprises on test day.

What Happens After You Take Step 1

Once you’ve completed Step 1, here’s what to do next:

1. Take Time to Rest

After months of intense studying, rest isn’t optional, it’s recovery. Take a few days to decompress before you jump into your next phase.

2. Review Your Performance (If Needed)

If you pass—great! If not, analyze your score report and identify weak areas. Focus on remediation before retaking the exam.

3. Prepare for Step 2 CK

Your next major hurdle is USMLE Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge), which tests your ability to apply medical concepts to real-world scenarios. Many students start light prep for Step 2 during their clinical rotations.

4. Leverage What You Learned

Your Step 1 foundation will guide your approach to patient care. The physiology, pharmacology, and pathology you mastered will now inform every diagnosis and management decision.

Ready to Start Your Step 1 Prep?

Bootcamp.com’s USMLE Step 1 resources give you everything you need to pass confidently. Get comprehensive question banks, spaced repetition tools, and expert-crafted video lessons that break down even the hardest concepts.

Start your free trial of USMLE Step 1 Bootcamp today and take the first step toward mastering Step 1.