Student USMLE Step 1 preparation and performance

Abstract

Objectives: Many medical students take commercial preparation courses to prepare for the USMLE Step 1. This investigation examined the relationships among Step 1 performance, preparation method, and academic achievement in medical school. Method: A survey was conducted on 148 junior students at a medical school in July 2000 regarding their preparation methods for Step 1. Additional data was collected on student Step 1 scores, attendance record on preparation courses, and course grades in medical school. Results: One hundred students (68%) responded to the survey including 32 preparation course participants. Course participants had significantly lower Step 1 scores and second-year GPAs than those of the non-participants (p < 0.05). However, the effect of preparation method was not significant by using ANCOVA when the second-year GPA was used as a covariate (p = 0.71). Conclusion: Performance onStep 1 is related to academic performance in medical school and not the type of preparation methods.

Standardized Patient-Narrated Web-Based Learning Modules Improve Students’ Communication Skills on a High-stakes Clinical Skills Examination

“…Some studies have demonstrated that lastminute preparation correlates with higher test performance, 19 but others have not. 17,18,28 It is unclear whether the module actually leads to clinical skills acquisition versus merely prompting students to review and use skills they have already learned (i.e. a test refresher).…”

“…"last-minute" preparation) are effective. [16][17][18][19] Web-based learning in medical education is associated with positive learning outcomes and appears to be as effective as traditional teaching methods. 20,21 Web-based SP teaching modules typically consist of videotaped clinical encounters between medical students and SPs with expert clinician commentary; they are more cost-effective, convenient for students, and easier to administer although less preferred by students than inperson SP modules.…”