Choosing the right USMLE Step 1 live prep course is the most important decision you will make on your journey towards passing.
You will be spending countless hours studying, so it’s crucial to find the USMLE course that best fits your learning style and background. The difference between successfully passing or failing the USMLE Step 1 exam largely depends on how well your study materials prepare you for it.
Using a review course that isn’t a good match for your learning style can cause you to score lower or even fail your exam, costing you months of study time and additional exam fees. CRUSH is here to make sure that doesn’t happen!
Here’s the good news: we have personally researched and reviewed all the USMLE Step 1 prep courses below to make it easier for you! The comparison chart will help you decide which online course best fits your needs.
Some of the links on this chart are affiliate links, meaning I get small commission (used to fund this website) when you purchase by clicking through. Don’t worry though, by using the USMLE promo codes and USMLE review course discounts you’ll get the best possible deal.
Best Live-Online USMLE Step 1 Courses
| USMLE Step 1 Live Online Courses |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| RANKINGS | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| OVERALL RATING | |||
| COMPANY | Pass Program USMLE | Kaplan USMLE | NYCS USMLE PREP |
| DIFFERENTIATOR | One-on-One Personalized Tutoring | Most Comprehensive Course Features | Best Value For Live & Live-Online |
| PRICE | $4.390 | $3,999 | $1,899 |
| DISCOUNTS | None | None | None |
| METHOD OF INSTRUCTION | 8 Weeks of Live-Online Instruction | 7 Weeks of Live-Online Instruction | 5 hours a day, 5 days a week for 8 weeks |
| COURSE FORMAT | Class Options 8:30am-5pm EST (Monday-Friday) | Class Options 11am-9pm EST (7 Days a Week) | Class Options 11am-9pm EST (7 Days a Week) |
| PASS GUARANTEE |  |  | |
| STUDENT SUPPORT | Dedicated Instructor Email Support | Instructor Email Support | Dedicated Instructor Email Support |
| ONLINE ACCESS PERIOD | 4 or 8 Weeks | 7 or 14 Weeks | N/A |
| READ MY FULL ANALYSIS | Read Full Review | Read Full Review | Read Full Review |
| GET STARTED | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now |
1. Pass Program USMLE Live Online Course
OVERALL RATING:
The Bottom Line: The USMLE prep course created by Pass Program has been tailored to meet the needs of students by being engaging and informative. Lessons aren’t too long or too short, and the instructors are helpful and entertaining.
USMLE Pass Program Coupons
Save 10% on all USMLE Pass Program Courses
USMLE Pass Program Discount – Save up to $430
2. Kaplan USMLE Live Online Course
OVERALL RATING:
The Bottom Line: In addition to their vast library of practice questions, video content, and simulated exams, Kaplan offers a more convenient USMLE test prep experience with their full mobile compatibility.
Kaplan USMLE Promo Codes
Save 10% on Kaplan USMLE Live Courses
Save 20% Kaplan USMLE prep
Save 25% Kaplan USMLE prep – OnDemand
3. NYCS USMLE Prep Live-Online
OVERALL RATING:
See the best On-Demand USMLE Step 1 Prep Courses here.
USMLE Pass Program Discount – Save up to $430
Save 20% Kaplan USMLE prep
Save 25% Kaplan USMLE prep – OnDemand
USMLE Live In-Person Step 1 Prep Courses
1. MedSmarter Test Prep
OVERALL RATING:
Located in Atlanta, GA 30096, USA
- 6 to 7-week comprehensive review course to prepare for USMLE Step 1 Exam
- Subject and System-Based Teaching approach
- Small Class Sizes
- 1 on 1 Study Plans
- Test Taking Strategies
- Exam Related Anxiety / Stress Management
- Time Management
- Study Lab Available for Self Study
- Coffee and Tea Provided
- End of Course Self Assessment
For a limited time get $500 off MedSmarter USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 CK here.
The MedSmarter courses are for students who are interested in a more focused and individualized approach to studying for their USMLE prep. The programs can be best described as a “hybrid” of tutoring and class room learning.
Classes are offered Monday thru Friday, usually from 9:30 AM t0 3:00 PM (depending on the subject/topic some classes may be longer or shorter). A typical day consists of lectures, u-world questions, and group discussions. Students are asked to subscribe to UWorld Qbank.
The Step 1 and Step 2 CK courses are continuous enrollment, meaning students can enroll at any time and start classes at beginning of the next subject/topic. The Step 1 Course is 6-7 weeks and Step2 CK course is 4-5 weeks. The difference in weeks is due to accommodating for any holidays that may come up during a cycle.
For Step 2 CS, the scheduling is based on the students’ needs. They ask students to enroll at least 2-3 weeks prior to wanting to attend the review program so that they may schedule the standardized patients and instructors accordingly. They also advise students to leave at least a one week gap in completion of the course and the actual exam date; to ensure time to overcome any weaknesses identified.
- 5 Day CS Course: Monday thru Friday, with a Mock Exam on Saturdays
- 3 Day CS Course: Wednesday thru Friday, with a Mini-Mock on Saturdays
Med/Smarter USMLE Reviews:
“In my opinion MedSmarter is the way to go. Kaplan and falcon do help with content knowledge and have a lot of books and resources but that’s it. You don’t get the focused, INDIVIDUALIZED, review that is necessary for you to succeed.
MedSmarter is a great prep program if you’re interested in a focused and more individualized approach to studying for your USMLE Step exams. I am a detail oriented individual with a lot of knowledge however I did not know how to focus that knowledge on exams. I often choose detailed answers when they are looking for commonly tested topics. MedSmarter reviews all the details necessary to be successful on the exam, but They make sure to tell you what you need to know, and for me they were extremely helpful with test taking skills!!! I improved my score from original assessment to actual test over 25 points. I also finished blocks with 10-15 minutes left because I was confident in the answers. I picked and moved on. Even on the exam! It was crazy how well I improved and how easy the questions were after opening my eyes to how to take the test. I am forever indebted to them for helping me be successful on my step 2ck as I have graduated Med school and well on my way to securing a residency position!!
At the end of the day if you want content knowledge any program will work, but if you want someone to understand and point out your strengths and weaknesses and work with you to improve those strengths and eliminate weakness MedSmarter is the way to go!!”
Best Live-Online USMLE Step 1 Prep Courses
| Best USMLE Step 1 Prep Courses | Price |
| Pass Program USMLE | 4,390 |
| Kaplan USMLE | 4,000 |
| Med Smarter LIVE USMLE | 2,299 |
