USMLE Step 1

Best courses

Achievable USMLE Step 1 prep stands out among USMLE prep courses by delivering an engaging, efficient program specifically designed to help you excel on Step 1. As a leader in USMLE prep, Achievable uses proven memory-based learning techniques and an adaptive study system that makes mastering even the most complex medical concepts enjoyable and effective. By continuously analyzing your results on practice quizzes and assessments, Achievable's intelligent platform creates a personalized study plan that targets your weak areas and maximizes memory retention, ensuring every minute of your USMLE prep is well spent. The course breaks down medical terminology into easy-to-understand language, and key topics are reinforced through real-world clinical scenarios. All content is developed by an experienced MD and USMLE tutor, making challenging subjects like the lymphoreticular system functions or biochemistry basics, such as glycolysis, accessible and memorable when studying with Achievable.

The primary advantage of Achievable's USMLE Step 1 prep program over traditional study options lies in its adaptive learning engine and time-saving strategies. Just like having a dedicated tutor, Achievable's smart performance tracking actively guides your study sessions, reassesses your progress, and narrows your review path for optimal results. With this advanced customization, USMLE prep becomes more efficient, allowing you to learn faster and retain more with less stress. Additionally, Achievable's comprehensive USMLE Step 1 package provides everything you need for effective preparation: access to a readable and engaging online textbook, over 1,400 review questions, a built-in study planner, an AI-powered tutor, and interactive video lessons focused on high-yield topics. The package includes unlimited access for a full year at under $180, plus a money-back guarantee if you don't pass, offering outstanding value compared to other USMLE prep providers.

UWorld Step 1 centers on a robust and respected USMLE question bank (QBank) that thousands of medical students rely on as a primary study tool for USMLE Step 1. The UWorld Step 1 QBank offers thousands of meticulously crafted, exam-style multiple-choice questions spanning the entire USMLE Step 1 curriculum, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, immunology, and more. These questions are presented within realistic clinical vignettes to enhance clinical reasoning skills rather than relying on rote memorization. Each QBank question provides comprehensive explanations, making UWorld Step 1 an active learning platform when used consistently and critically. Reviewing both correct and incorrect answers helps to reinforce fundamental concepts, build long-term retention, and improve USMLE test-taking strategies.

Beyond its high-yield question-and-answer practice, UWorld for Step 1 features adaptive performance tracking tools that allow students to monitor strengths and weaknesses throughout their USMLE study plan, customize practice exams, and create digital flashcards for targeted content review. Given the recent shift to pass/fail scoring for Step 1 of the USMLE, many test-takers find UWorld Step 1 especially valuable because it focuses on mastering core medical knowledge and clinical application skills, both of which are vital for future clinical proficiency. However, some users have reported that the dense volume of UWorld's content can be overwhelming, cautioning that it's more effective to review explanations thoroughly rather than focusing solely on completing daily question quotas. While UWorld offers a flexible and highly regarded preparation resource for the USMLE, it is notably more expensive compared to other USMLE Step 1 prep vendors.

Kaplan's USMLE Step 1 course is carefully designed to deliver a comprehensive, structured, and flexible review of the fundamental basic sciences covered on the Step 1. Whether you select the self-paced QBank, on-demand, live online, or, in select locations, in-person format, Kaplan USMLE Step 1 prep provides access to hundreds of hours of expert-led video lectures, in-depth "Lecture Notes," and a vast, exam-style bank containing thousands of practice questions tailored for Step 1. The Kaplan USMLE Step 1 program thoroughly covers all preclinical foundational subjects critical for exam success. Its robust QBank, combined with realistic simulated exams, provides students with the opportunity to reinforce their knowledge and hone their test-taking skills under conditions that mirror the actual exam day.

Kaplan goes beyond traditional content delivery by guiding students through every stage of their USMLE Step 1 preparation. The Kaplan USMLE Step 1 course includes detailed diagnostic assessments, adaptive progress tracking, and customizable study plans, all designed to help students identify and address weaknesses efficiently while staying organized. Kaplan's USMLE Step 1 offerings are considered a premium choice in the market, reflected in their pricing, particularly if you're seeking live instruction. However, it's worth noting that the lower-cost, self-study Kaplan Step 1 option includes fewer features compared to other leading courses. Another common critique is that Kaplan's USMLE Step 1 practice questions tend to be significantly more challenging than the actual Step 1 exam, which can cause students added stress during their preparation.

PASS Program markets itself as a comprehensive, flexible, and intensive bootcamp for USMLE Step 1 preparation, offering multiple course formats, including live in-person, live online, and on-demand/self-study video options to accommodate diverse learning preferences. The in-person and live online experiences are frequently described as "boot-camp-style," featuring a 5-week, full-immersion format where students participate nearly every day in lectures, practice questions, and test-taking strategy sessions. This highly structured approach is ideal for those seeking dedicated, guided USMLE prep. For students requiring more flexibility, the PASS Program USMLE on-demand package provides access to video lectures, a detailed coursebook, and extensive question/practice-quiz materials available over several months.

What truly distinguishes the PASS Program USMLE from other options is its unique teaching philosophy. The program emphasizes deep understanding over rote memorization, with instruction designed to build strong conceptual frameworks and encourage pattern recognition. The founder's teaching style connects physiology, pathology, biochemistry, and other key disciplines, helping students see how concepts interrelate rather than simply memorizing facts. PASS Program also incorporates practice exams and NBME-style simulations, along with one-on-one tutoring or mentoring for students who need additional support or who have struggled with other USMLE prep programs. While many students praise the quality of the live courses and teaching methods, some reviews mention that time was occasionally lost to guest speakers or non-essential events. Additionally, a few students felt that instructors favored in-person participants, leaving those in virtual classes feeling less supported compared to their on-site peers.

Med School Bootcamp is a comprehensive online USMLE Step 1 prep platform, making it easy for medical students to study on demand with high-quality video lectures, quizzes, and realistic, board-style practice questions, all integrated in one streamlined dashboard. This resource provides concise video lessons (typically 8-20 minutes in length) that focus specifically on high-yield, exam-relevant material, rather than lengthy, exhaustive lecture reviews. After each lesson, you'll encounter a "bites" review quiz to immediately reinforce key medical concepts, followed by a sequence of authentic board-style questions intended to simulate actual USMLE Step 1 testing conditions.

Beyond content delivery and active practice, Med School Bootcamp features built-in study schedules with structured, preplanned tracks, such as a detailed 9-week daily plan, to help students stay organized and make steady progress toward the Step 1 exam. Many aspiring doctors find this Med School Bootcamp both affordable (notably priced lower than most traditional prep companies) and impressive, with its high-quality videos and explanations. In terms of overall user experience, students have expressed a wish for better integration of images within the platform. Others report that working through all Med School Bootcamp resources requires a significant time investment, which may make this resource challenging for on-the-spot reviews.