Selecting the best USMLE Step 1 prep course is a crucial step in your medical school journey, directly impacting your chances of scoring high on this challenging exam. With so many hours dedicated to study, finding a course tailored to your learning style, strengths, and areas of improvement is essential.
The right prep course not only boosts your confidence but also ensures you’re fully prepared for every aspect of the USMLE Step 1. Conversely, choosing the wrong course can lead to inadequate preparation, lower scores, and even the need to retake the exam—costing you valuable time and money. We’re committed to helping you avoid these setbacks by guiding you to the top USMLE Step 1 prep course for your unique needs.
To save you time and stress, we’ve meticulously researched and reviewed all the leading USMLE Step 1 prep courses available. Our expert comparisons and in-depth reviews are designed to help you find the perfect fit, ensuring you’re set up for success on exam day. Explore the comparison chart below to find the course that aligns best with your study style and goals.
Best USMLE Step 1 Prep Courses to pass on your first try:
- Kaplan USMLE Live Online Course
- USMLE Pass Program Step 1 Course
- Varsity Tutors USMLE Tutoring
- Achievable USMLE Qbank
- BoardVitals USMLE Question Bank
- Lecuturio USMLE Study Materials
Pros of using Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Prep Courses
Weaknesses
Kaplan was a great study program I truly believe they are not just preparing you to beat the USMLE, they care that you learn these topics for your professional life, it needs a few improvements to be the ultimate learning experience but is getting there! The professors were great the TAs were such a great team! The qbank is good and the prerecorded lectures lessons are amazing, great place to learn about the different diagrams and graphs that appear on the test!
Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Features
- Price: $1,999+ Self Paced, Live Online $4,399+, In Person $9,999+
- Practice Questions: 3,300
- Video Lectures: 220 Hours
- Course Length: 4, 7, or 12 months
Bottom Line: Kaplan has one of the most comprehensive USMLE prep courses on the market. They offer flexible course formats including in person options (which are hard to find these days). If you value real time feedback and want all the bells and whistles to pass then don’t let the price scare you. It’s a quality course and offers a vast library of practice questions, video content, and simulated exams all focused on helping you pass the exam.
GET BEST PRICE ON KAPLAN USMLE
Kaplan USMLE Promo Codes
Up to $400 Off Kaplan USMLE Live Online Courses
Save Up to $800 Kaplan USMLE Live Online Courses
Pros of Pass Program USMLE Step 1 Prep Course
Weaknesses
The PASS Program led me to my success in medical school. Dr. Francis truly has the most efficient method I’ve ever learned when learning concepts. My physiology knowledge was lacked before I started this program, now, I passed my exams and scored honors in all my rotations. My preceptors were all impressed with the knowledge I knew because making connections was the key of it all and it was because of joining PASS. And of course, all thanks to Dr. Francis and his outstanding staff!
USMLE Pass Program Features
- Price: $899 Self Paced, $2,200+ Live Online
- Practice Questions: 2,000
- Video Lectures: 150 Hours
- Course Length: 5 weeks or 12 weeks
The Bottom Line: The USMLE prep course created by Pass Program is among the most challenging and all-encompassing study options currently available on the market. You will have access to daily test taking strategy sessions, extensive subject study, and a great deal of practice work and drills for the duration of your multiple week package. This class earns great grades due to the extensive amounts of live class work, high-quality study materials, and strategy that prioritizes the needs of the students.
USMLE Pass Program Discounts
Pass Program USMLE Course- Save 10% Sitewide
Pros of using Varsity Tutors USMLE Step 1 Prep Classes
Weaknesses
Varsity Tutors USMLE Step 1 Features
- Price: $1,999 (Live Online)
- Class Size: 6-9 People
- Course Length: 40 Hours (2 hr sessions)
Bottom Line: The world’s best Step 1 prep classes are here, and you don’t have to take them in person. Varsity Tutors offers convenient scheduling, expert instructors, and small classes. This is all paired with a pass guarantee and the ability to reach out to your instructor directly almost anytime.
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OVERALL RATING:
Strengths
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Achievable USMLE Step 1 Features
- Price: $299
- Practice Questions: 1,300
- Video Lectures: 0 Hours
- Course Length: 10 months
The Bottom Line: Achievable’s online textbook and great mobile experience make it an excellent resource so you can study anywhere, and their adaptive learning engine helps you memorize more information in less time.
Achievable USMLE Promo Code
Save $100 on Achievable USMLE Courses
OVERALL RATING:
Strengths
Weaknesses
Board Vitals USMLE Step 1 Features
- Price: $69, $119, or $189
- Practice Questions: 3,300
- Video Lectures: 0 Hours
- Course Length: 1, 3, or 6 months
The Bottom Line: BoardVitals has a great USMLE prep course that contains realistic test simulations and is backed by effective adaptive learning technology. Best of all is that these features come at one of the lowest prices on this comparison. Better yet they even have a monthly option so you can get a taste of what the content and dashboard looks like.
Board Vitals Promo Code
OVERALL RATING:
Strengths
Weaknesses
Lecutrio USMLE Step 1 Features
- Price: $299
- Practice Questions: 2,000
- Video Lectures: 200 Hours
- Course Length: 3 months, 1 year, 2 year, or 4 year
The Bottom Line: Lecturio’s USMLE study materials are focused on high quality videos and are great for visual learners. This is a contrast to the traditional question bank style of learning, but they have that too. New monthly pricing is very affordable making this a great option to get started with your USMLE preparation.
The Lecturio Prep Course Discounts
Save Up to 50% on Lecturio Medical Course
OVERALL RATING:
Strengths
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The Bottom Line: Unless video content is a must-have, students will appreciate what UWorld has to offer in their USMLE Step 1 prep course. Expect lots of practice questions, self-assessments, and a handy mobile app.
OVERALL RATING:
Strengths
Weaknesses
Smash USMLE Step 1 Features
- Price: $697+ Self Paced
- Practice Questions: 2,300
- Online Practice Exams: 2
- Video Lectures: 250 Hours
- Course Length: 3, 6 or 120 months
Select the Best USMLE Prep Course for You
The optimal USMLE preparation course for you will rely on your needs, objectives, and unique skills. There are various USMLE preparation courses accessible. We’ve compiled a list of the key actions to follow while selecting a USMLE prep course.
Plot out your USMLE preparation time
Since the USMLE is so extensive, it’s critical to begin preparing as early as possible. Successful test takers advise starting your preparation at least six months before the test. You may need to start even sooner if you want to take in-person classes and have to juggle work and education.
Keep your learning style in mind
Knowing your learning style and being able to tailor exam prep to capitalize on those strengths can make studying simpler and faster and improve subject retention. Read through these descriptions to determine which one seems to best describe your preferred learning style if you are unsure. Look for prep classes that include alternatives that fit your learning style if you are already aware that you are a visual or kinesthetic learner.
Compare USMLE Prep Course Prices
USMLE preparation courses come in a wide range of price points, from inexpensive monthly fees around $20 all the way up to almost $10,000 for all-inclusive programs with lifelong access. It’s a smart idea to look around and select a prep course that falls within your available budget after getting a sense of what’s available.
Features That Are Essential For The Best USMLE Prep Course
When assessing USMLE preparation courses, some of the most crucial qualities to consider are as follows:
- Whether a trial period is free
- The quantity of available practice exams or questions
- Whether there are in-person or online classes offered
- If private tutoring is available
- Whether the business provides a money-back guarantee
USMLE Questions and Answers
Unlike other standardized tests, the USMLE requires an application before you can take it. On the USMLE website, you can submit the application. You can set a date for your test once you have been accepted. Every September, application materials become accessible. 31 days prior to the test date is the cutoff for free test cancellation or rescheduling. Every Wednesday, results are made public after a processing period of around three to four weeks.
In line with the Americans with Impairments Act, the USMLE does offer accommodations for persons with disabilities (ADA). However, before choosing a date for your test, you must submit the request for accommodations together with the necessary supporting materials.
Starting your preparation at least six months before the test is recommended. You only get six chances to do it right, so it’s crucial to be ready. If you are an expert in the field, you might be able to prepare in less time.
You gain a better understanding of your level of readiness for the USMLE and the areas you still need to improve with each practice exam you take. It’s a good idea to take a preliminary practice exam to gauge your chances of passing. You can make sure you’re making progress and feel better prepared on test day by taking another test in the middle of your preparation and a week or two before the actual exam.
The length of time you have access to the course contents depends on how much you pay for it in many USMLE prep courses. This can be anything between one month and four years. The 5 to 12 week duration is typical for the guided prep courses on our list.
The USMLE will switch to pass/fail marking for Step 1 exams starting in January 2022, thus you might not be able to use the increase in score points to determine whether the preparation was worthwhile. However, you will perform better on tests whenever you are more prepared, both in terms of the required theoretical knowledge and practical abilities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average compensation for physicians after passing the USMLE is $208,000, but this can vary greatly depending on speciality.
