Top 9 Tips for Balancing USMLE Study and Personal Life
/The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is an examination program for obtaining a licence to practise in the medical field. The USMLE is a competitive exam that must be prepared for. If you want to perform well in the exam, your studies should not be limited to books but include some extra-curricular activities. This post will discuss tips to help you balance your personal life with USMLE preparation and study for USMLE Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) exams.
Set realistic goals
Setting goals is one of the most important skills you can develop. It's also a skill that can be learned quickly, but it will take time and practice to master.
● Set realistic goals for yourself. If you want to become an emergency medicine physician, set a goal of passing Step 1 by December 31st. If your goal is more general—to become a better doctor—define what "better" means for you - Is it passing all of your classes? Are there other areas where you could do better?
● Set realistic goals for your team members or friends who may have taken Step 2 or 3 classes together but still need help with USMLE-style exams (like Step 1). Help each other by sharing notes on what worked well during previous exams so that everyone has the same information when they retake them later.
Prioritize your time
It's essential to prioritize your study time, but ensuring you pay attention to other areas of life is vital. I often find myself working all night on USMLE Step 1 and then being unable to sleep because I have so much work left over from the day before. This can be detrimental if you want a good score on exam day (which I do). Make sure you are taking care of yourself.
Stay organized
How? By using a study plan. A good study plan will help you stay organized so that you don't forget anything and can focus on studying instead of doing other things. You can use any planner or calendar that works for you—from a physical one, which I use to keep track of my schedule and deadlines, to an electronic device such as Google Keep or Evernote (which I recommend). If it's easier to write things down in your journal instead of using software like these two options above, go ahead.
Have a study buddy
There is no better way to get some extra practice for the USMLE than to study with a fellow student who shares your goal of doing well on the exam (or at least getting into residency), whether in person or online via video chat software like Microsoft Teams or Zoom. To put it simply, you are not superhuman. Have a study partner if you need help keeping on track. They'll keep you from becoming distracted, putting things off, or feeling burnt out.
Learn to say "no."
Mastering the art of the firm "no" will simplify your life and protect you from exhaustion. Not only is it crucial in medical school, but also while attempting to balance work and personal life or family responsibilities. Saying “no” can be challenging. It's easy to get stuck in the cycle of always saying "yes" and later regretting it.
Use study aids
It's crucial to have reliable study aids at your disposal to succeed on the USMLE. Several resources are available to assist you in studying for the exam, including one-on-one tutoring and group study sessions. Working with a reputable USMLE tutoring company, such as Ace Med Boards, is an excellent option.
One helpful piece of advice is to make good use of the internet. Practice exams and study guides are accessible on websites such as USMLE Central and Kaplan Test Prep. The library's computer lab is also a helpful resource, especially during nights and weekends when fewer people use the space leading to fewer potential distractions.
Be flexible
● Be flexible with your schedule:
If you're studying for USMLE steps 1 and 2, be ready to adjust your schedule. You can use an extension tool on the USMLE website or contact your residency or fellowship program for help.
● Be flexible with your habits:
Even if you have a good study routine and get into the groove of things, things can change anytime during the year. If something comes up in life (a sick family member or a move), don't panic; it's not the end of the world. Just make sure there's still time left before exams start so that everything else can come together again when they're done being busy elsewhere.
Get enough sleep
Getting adequate sleep is crucial if you care about your physical and emotional health. When you sleep, your brain can make new connections, grow new neurons, and repair itself after experiencing stress or injury.
Maintaining your emotional and physical well-being while cramming for the USMLE is only possible by prioritizing self-care. Do stretching, light exercise and meditation regularly throughout the day. Plan time in your schedule for things that bring you joy, like taking a stroll or hanging out with friends. In addition, rest, healthy food, and water intake are top priorities. It's tempting to let your mental and physical health slide when you're cramming for the USMLE; prioritizing your health will pay off on the long run.
Make use of study groups
Preparing for the USMLE with a study group of your peers might be an excellent approach to keep yourself motivated and on track. You can get help with things you need help understanding and share your ideas by joining a study group. Sharing what you've learned and lending a hand to others is a great way to solidify your content knowledge. Set a regular meeting time and establish an agenda for each session to get the most out of your study group. Ensure you're keeping each other on track and focused by discussing only study-related topics.
Final Words
If you're struggling with balancing USMLE study and your personal life, don't give up on studying. Remember: you can do it though it will take some work. Set realistic goals for yourself and prioritize your time accordingly—don't wait until the last minute before making an appointment for a pharmacy class or writing an essay for your residency program. If you need help getting organized, reach out to family members or friends who have similar experiences as yourself but don't mind helping out with their studies.
