Preparing for the USMLE Step 1 in just four weeks can feel overwhelming — but with a structured, high-yield study plan, it’s possible to make a huge score jump. Whether you’ve been reviewing throughout med school and just need a final push, or you’re short on time, this Step 1 4-week study schedule will help you maximize efficiency.

This guide covers:

• ✅ The best resources to use in 4 weeks

• ✅ A day-by-day schedule for Step 1 prep

• ✅ Strategies to balance QBank practice + First Aid + Anki + NBME practice exams

• ✅ Free PDFs, templates, and high-yield mnemonics

👉 If you want longer prep schedules, check out:

• Step 1 3-Month Study Schedule (PDF)

• Step 1 6-Month Study Plan (PDF)

• Step 1 12-Month Prep Guide

And if you want all exams material, high-yield recalls, and real exam insights in one place, unlock our premium Step 1 package here:
🔗 Get Premium Access to All Step 1/2/3 Materials

---

🧭 Why a 4-Week Plan Works

Step 1 has transitioned to Pass/Fail, but scoring well still matters for Step 2 CK prep and residency competitiveness.

A 4-week intensive plan is designed for:

• Students who already completed class-based learning and want a dedicated review

• Students who have done UWorld once and need consolidation

• Students who need a short, focused sprint before exam day

💡 In 4 weeks, your goal isn’t to learn everything from scratch — it’s to:

1. Reinforce high-yield concepts

2. Practice applying knowledge in QBank-style questions

3. Build test stamina with NBME practice exams

---

📘 Core Resources for the 4-Week Step 1 Plan

Don’t overload yourself with too many resources. Stick to the essentials:

1. UWorld Step 1 QBank – Gold standard for practice questions

2. First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 – The core content review

3. Anki (Zanki, Lightyear, or Dorian decks) – For spaced repetition of high-yield facts

4. Pathoma (Rapid Review) – For pathology consolidation

5. NBME Practice Exams – To benchmark progress and simulate the real exam

Optional (if weak in certain areas):

• Sketchy Medical (for Micro/Pharm)

• Boards & Beyond (for tricky concepts)

---

📅 The 4-Week Step 1 Study Schedule

Each day is ~8–10 hours of focused study. Adjust if you need breaks or have limited time.

---

Week 1: Foundation & First Pass of UWorld

• Morning (4–5 hrs):

  • 2 timed UWorld blocks (40 questions each) → Review explanations in detail

• Afternoon (2 hrs):

  • Read corresponding sections in First Aid

• Evening (2–3 hrs):

  • Anki review (~1,000 cards/day if possible)

  • Pathoma Chapter review

👉 Goal: Cover ~350–400 UWorld questions in the first week

---

Week 2: Systems-Based Review

• Morning:

  • 2 timed UWorld blocks

• Afternoon:

  • Focused review by organ system (CV, Renal, Neuro, etc.) in First Aid

• Evening:

  • Anki review + Pathoma videos for weak topics

👉 End of Week 2: Take NBME Self-Assessment (baseline predictor)

---

Week 3: Reinforcement + Weak Areas

• Morning:

  • 2–3 UWorld blocks

• Afternoon:

  • Review incorrect questions + targeted First Aid reading

• Evening:

  • Anki (weaker decks, e.g., Micro/Pharm)

  • Rewatch key Sketchy/Pathoma videos

👉 End of Week 3: Take another NBME practice test

---

Week 4: Exam Simulation & Final Review

• Day 1–3:

  • Timed UWorld blocks → simulate exam conditions

  • First Aid rapid-fire review

• Day 4–5:

  • Take a full-length NBME exam (simulate test day)

  • Review incorrects thoroughly

• Day 6:

  • First Aid rapid review (focus on mnemonics, diagrams)

  • Light Anki cards

• Day 7 (Day before exam):

  • Relax, light review only

  • Sleep early, hydrate, eat well

---

📝 Daily Step 1 Study Template

Here’s a repeatable template you can use each day:

• 8:00–12:00 → UWorld timed blocks + review

• 12:00–1:00 → Lunch & short break

• 1:00–3:00 → First Aid reading (related to questions missed)

• 3:00–6:00 → Anki reviews + Pathoma/Boards & Beyond

• 6:00–7:00 → Dinner

• 7:00–9:00 → Light review (images, mnemonics, weak areas)

📑 Download Free Step 1 Study Schedule Template (PDF)

---

📊 NBME & UWorld Benchmarks

• NBME Scores: Best predictor of Step 1 performance

  • NBME 25, 26, 27 → Use in weeks 2–4

  • Score within ±5 points of real exam

• UWorld Percent Correct: Aim for 65–70%+ on first pass, higher on second pass

---

🧩 Pro Tips for the 4-Week Step 1 Plan

1. Simulate Test Conditions – Always do UWorld in timed mode (not tutor).

2. Don’t Skip Explanations – Reviewing why each answer is wrong is as important as the right one.

3. Space Out NBME Exams – Don’t take them all at once. Use them to measure progress.

4. Sleep & Exercise – Step 1 is a 7-hour exam; stamina matters.

5. Focus on Weak Systems – If cardio/neuro is low, dedicate extra time.

---

📂 Free PDFs & Study Guides

We’ve put together free downloadable resources to save you time:

• 📑 4-Week Step 1 Study Schedule PDF

• 📑 Step 1 Mnemonics & High-Yield Facts

• 📑 Step 1 Anki Deck Compilation

• 📑 [Step 1 QBank Tracker Spreadsheet]

👉 Want everything (exam recalls, past papers, real insights)?
🔗 Get Premium Access to All Step 1/2/3 Materials

---

📌 Internal Links to Cornerstone Posts

• Step 1 Study Guide – Complete Resources & Schedules

• Step 2 CK Prep Strategy & Study Plan

• Step 3 Resources & Study Guide

---

❓ FAQs on the Step 1 4-Week Study Plan

Q1. Is 4 weeks enough to study for Step 1?
Yes, if you already have a foundation and are using it as a dedicated review. If you’re starting from scratch, consider a 3–6 month plan.

Q2. How many hours should I study per day in a 4-week Step 1 plan?
Expect 8–10 focused hours/day. Quality > Quantity.

Q3. Should I do UWorld in tutor or timed mode?
Timed mode is best for exam practice. Use tutor mode only for deep review early on.

Q4. How many NBME practice exams should I take?
At least 2–3 NBMEs spread across the 4 weeks. One in week 2, one in week 3, one in week 4.

Q5. Where can I get a Step 1 study schedule PDF?
Download free PDFs in this post, or get the premium all-in-one resource package here:
👉 Premium Step 1/2/3 Study Materials

---

✅ Bottom Line:
A 4-week Step 1 study plan is intense, but with UWorld, First Aid, Anki, Pathoma, and NBME practice exams, you can solidify high-yield material and walk into test day prepared. Stick to the schedule, trust the process, and focus on mastering your weak spots.