Factors Predictive of Performance on USMLE Step 1: Do Commercial Study Aids Improve Scores?

Background The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 was the most cited factor in granting medical student applicants’ residency interviews in a 2016 NRMP survey. Medical students utilize numerous commercial resources to achieve the highest score possible. This study sought to e...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Medical science educator 2019-09, Vol.29 (3), p.667-672
Main Authors: Parry, Stephanie, Pachunka, Joseph, Beck Dallaghan, Gary L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Education
Medical Education
Original Research
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Summary:Background The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 was the most cited factor in granting medical student applicants’ residency interviews in a 2016 NRMP survey. Medical students utilize numerous commercial resources to achieve the highest score possible. This study sought to examine preparatory resources and their association with USMLE Step 1 performance. Methods In 2016 and 2017, 170 medical students from a public, Midwestern medical school completed a voluntary survey after completing USMLE Step 1. The survey asked about study aids, anticipated performance, test preparation time, and practice exam performance. Actual scores and academic performance (overall percent for years 1 and 2 of medical school) were matched to survey responses. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. Results USMLE Step 1 performance was associated with academic performance ( r  = 0.719, p  
ISSN:2156-8650
2156-8650
DOI:10.1007/s40670-019-00722-4