Are you preparing for the USMLE Step 1 in 2025? With the exam now officially pass/fail, many students are shifting their focus to mastering high-yield concepts and clinical application instead of chasing a three-digit score. But even without numerical scoring, Step 1 is still critical for building a strong foundation for Step 2 CK, shelf exams, and clinical success.

In this updated guide, we’ve ranked the Top 10 most recommended USMLE Step 1 resources—based on feedback from thousands of medical students, both U.S. and international, who aced the exam using these tools.

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🔝 Why Choosing the Right Step 1 Resources Matters

Even with the pass/fail change, failing Step 1 can delay graduation, impact your residency timeline, or lead to costly retakes. That’s why using proven, high-yield resources is more important than ever.

So, which tools actually help you retain, apply, and recall the material? Let’s break it down:

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📚 Top 10 USMLE Step 1 Resources (2025)

1. UWorld (Qbank + Self-Assessments)

Keyword focus: Best Step 1 Qbank, UWorld for Step 1

Still the gold standard. UWorld is widely considered the single most important resource for USMLE prep.

• Why it’s top-rated: High-yield, exam-style questions with detailed explanations.

• Pro tip: Start early, annotate into First Aid, and aim to finish at least 2 full passes.

• Bonus: Use the UWorld Self-Assessments (UWSAs) to predict your readiness.

✅ Pair it with: Our Real USMLE Exam Recall Package to compare question styles →
👉 USMLE Real Exam Package (Step 1 Recalls)

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2. First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 (2025 Edition)

Keyword focus: First Aid Step 1 2025, how to use First Aid

The Bible of Step 1, First Aid is your master resource for high-yield facts, especially anatomy, pathology, and biochem.

• Use it as: A roadmap for your study plan.

• Best strategy: Don’t just read—annotate, quiz yourself, and link it to UWorld explanations.

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3. NBME Practice Exams (Forms 25–31)

Keyword focus: NBME Step 1 forms, best NBME practice tests

The NBME exams are created by the same organization that writes Step 1, making them the most predictive of your real exam readiness.

• Use Forms 27, 30, and 31 for the most up-to-date content.

• Review your incorrects in detail with our recall bundle →
  👉 Step 1 Real NBME-Based Recall PDFs 

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4. Anki (Pre-made Decks like AnKing)

Keyword focus: Best Anki deck for Step 1, AnKing deck download

Spaced repetition works. The AnKing deck, built on Zanki + Brosencephalon + Pepper, is the #1 choice for Anki users.

• Features: Thousands of cards synced with First Aid and Pathoma.

• Best used: 6+ months out. Make it a daily habit with Anki’s algorithm.

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5. Pathoma (Dr. Sattar’s Video Series)

Keyword focus: Pathoma Step 1, best pathology resource USMLE

Dr. Sattar’s calm and clear explanations are legendary. Pathoma simplifies complex pathology so well that even non-US students find it indispensable.

• Start with videos, then reinforce with the book.

• Focus on chapters 1–3 early—they’re critical for understanding disease mechanisms.

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6. Boards and Beyond (B&B)

Keyword focus: Boards and Beyond vs Pathoma, B&B Step 1 2025

Dr. Ryan’s Boards and Beyond offers more in-depth content than Pathoma, especially for physiology, biochem, and microbiology.

• Best paired with First Aid and Anki.

• Pro tip: Don’t binge—pace videos by system and do questions alongside.

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7. Sketchy Medical (Micro, Pharm, Path)

Keyword focus: Sketchy Step 1 mnemonics, Sketchy Micro videos

Mnemonic visual learning is the fastest way to retain long lists. Sketchy’s cartoons help you lock in bacteria, drugs, and viruses with vivid mental imagery.

• Focus on Sketchy Micro and Pharm early.

• Combine with Anki for long-term recall.

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8. USMLE Recalled Questions & Real Cases

Keyword focus: USMLE recall questions 2025, real exam questions Step 1

Want to see how closely your practice aligns with the real exam? Our curated recall packages are built from verified recent test-takers who took Step 1 in 2024–2025.

👉 Download USMLE Step 1 Real Recalls (2025 Edition) 

• Includes case-based questions, new format insights, and trending high-yield topics.

• Useful for last-minute review and exam-day mindset.

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9. Kaplan USMLE Videos & Qbank

Keyword focus: Kaplan Step 1 review, Kaplan vs UWorld

Kaplan still has a loyal fanbase, especially for international students or those seeking a more structured start.

• Use it early in prep (6–9 months out).

• Pair with First Aid or Boards & Beyond later.

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10. Amboss

Keyword focus: Amboss Step 1 review, Amboss vs UWorld

Amboss is gaining traction as an interactive platform combining a Qbank with deep concept-based learning.

• Use its overlay feature to read First Aid or lecture notes faster.

• Best for early consolidation and clinical reasoning skills.

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✅ Bonus: Real USMLE Step 1 Recalls — Why You Should Review Them

Using real recall-based questions is the closest you can get to seeing what the test actually feels like. These packages include:

• Common question patterns

• Vignette-based scenarios

• Updated NBME-style formatting

🎁 Get your Step 1 recall bundle here:
👉 USMLE Step 1 Recall Bundle — 2025 Edition 

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📅 How to Combine These Resources (Study Plan Tip)

A typical 6-month USMLE Step 1 prep strategy:

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❓ FAQ – Step 1 Resources in 2025

Q: Is UWorld enough to pass Step 1?

Yes, many students pass using only UWorld + First Aid + NBME forms—but combining with Anki or Pathoma improves retention.

Q: Are real exam recalls legal to use?

Yes—our recall packages are educational summaries compiled from student feedback and do not violate NBME policy.
👉 Check them here 

Q: How long do I need to study for Step 1?

Typically 4–6 months of focused prep, longer if balancing with clinical rotations.

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✍️ Final Thoughts

Choosing the right Step 1 resources can make the difference between passing confidently or feeling lost on test day. Focus on active learning, repetition, and practice questions, and don’t forget to review real recall cases to simulate the true exam.

📦 Download the complete 2025 USMLE Step 1 Real Exam Recall Pack here:
👉 [[HERE]]