PLM Logan Kenny (Class of 2028) explains how to use tags to find and add ANKI cards.
Jordan Brown and Marcus Orzabel (Class of 2027) give their perspectives on questions from the Class of 2028.
Jordan Brown's Answers (Written)
General Advice:
It’s a long and overwhelming process, so utilize your Learning Specialists for personalized advice and check-ins. They are fantastic!!
Do a little bit of STEP studying every day (or most days) as it really does add up over time.
Start early!!
Prioritize practice questions.
In my opinion, it is better to dive into practice questions early and learn as you go. It is uncomfortable at first, but you will pick up on patterns and learn how the test writers want you to answer questions.
Biggest thing is to slowly build up endurance because it is a long, mentally-draining exam.
Anki works great for some people, but it is not the only way to study for STEP.
I only used it very minimally for bugs and drugs material (things that required pure memorization).
Resources I used: UWorld, Amboss, Sketchy, and First Aid (fill in content knowledge gaps whenever needed).
Remember that studying for block, is preparing you for STEP (even if you don’t think so sometimes).
Having a really solid foundation of block material will pay off big time!
Marcus Orzabel's Answers (Recorded)
Members of the Class of 2027 share their advice on getting ready to sit pre-Dedicated.
Liliana's Advice (Written)
Hi everyone,
Thanks for the invite to share my experience. I took Step 1 just before Christmas, and while I can’t attend the live panel, I hope this gives you something practical to hold onto.
Study Process & Timeline
I kept things simple: 20 random, tutored UWorld questions a day, and 20 random, tutored Amboss questions a day—almost every day—starting around where you are now. I didn’t push for high volume. Instead, I focused on building strong, repeatable pattern recognition.
For example, you already know the difference between protein-based vs steroid-based mechanisms, or between enzymatic vs gene-level control. Build on those foundations.
Why do Thiazolidinediones and metformin have different side effects? Because TZD acts like a steroid = tampers with gene expression = system-wide organ changes. Metformin? messes with enzymes in the cytosol/mitochondria = lactic acidosis. There’s the pattern—once you see it, the question becomes less about memorization and more about logic.
Why are ACE inhibitors protective in diabetic nephropathy, while NSAIDs worsen kidney function? Because ACE inhibitors dilate the what goes out, reducing glomerular pressure, while NSAIDs constrict what comes in, decreasing perfusion. Same system, different levers—understand the switches, and the questions get easier.
Review every question carefully. Each stem is meant to test you on a single concept, and once you master that concept, you’ll rarely miss it again. Remember: the USMLE sandbox is limited. There are only so many concepts they test on—and the game repeats over and over again. Mehlman’s PDF has every single testable concept on there. Use at your own conscience.
I completed 2–3 NBMEs and the Free 120 to assess my readiness. I was averaging around 80% on NBMEs before I sat.
Resources:
UWorld & AMBOSS: These were my core. Questions were my lectures. Review everything.
Anki: Essential. Doing most of the cards alone could carry you to a pass. I matured about a third of the deck and only did cards on concepts I missed.
NBMEs: I took them the month of my exam—not too early. They were the clearest signal that I was ready.
First Aid: Gold resource. I looked through it regularly and used it to follow along with school material—it reinforces what matters.
Physeo/Boards and Beyond: Clutch for cardio, pulm, renal, and hemodynamic concepts. Great visual anchors when things got abstract.
Bootcamp: I didn’t use it—felt a bit too spark-notes for me. But if that’s what works for you, then go for it.
School lectures: PBLs were long, but clinician input was incredibly useful—especially for Step 2 CK.
PAL & Coursework
I didn’t study more during PAL. I used that time to stay consistant—just 20 questions per day.
Dedicated Time
I didn’t really have a dedicated period. I just did questions consistently—about two hours per day, and supplemented about one to three hours of Anki as needed. It wasn’t about burnout or massive days—just steady effort, done well.
Plateaus
I hovered around 70% on UWorld and AMBOSS. My scores didn’t really change over time. The real skill was in pattern recognition, not perfection. It’s fine if I got less than a 50% on some days. What’s more important is reviewing what’s wrong.
Advice for Neurodivergent Students
Keep your system lean and predictable. Anchor your focus. Do not just put in the work, but put it in smart. Repetition builds trust in yourself. Anki, done well, is your key to success.
Know that our school is prepping you early for this. Case Western students take Step 1 in April. Don’t question your worth if you need the time. You are always worth it. Your time is worth more than risking failing. You are exactly where you need to be.
Pros & Cons of Taking It Early
Pros: Step 1 was done, which allowed me some time to relax and start the clinical year with more mental bandwidth.
Cons: After step, I had a month where I didn’t study at all, and it made me rusty when I got back.
Final Thoughts
There’s no perfect formula. Stay consistent, use a few tools well, and lock in on the bigger pattern rather than the pieces.
Concepts matter. Random medical facts may come up from time to time, but they won’t save you in the long run.
Finally, Trust yourself. That carried me through.
Hope this helps you find your own shape to success.