Boost Your Score in 10 Weeks – Free USMLE Step 1 Plan

So you’re in med school and 10 weeks away from taking the USMLE Step 1? Don’t panic, you still have some time!

You now need a realistic Step 1 study schedule that you can adhere to and be well-prepared for test day. Our dedicated USMLE tutors have put together the ultimate study calendar that outlines our recommended timeline for most Step 1 students.

So, let’s get right to it.

*Please note that most students have completed 1-2 weeks of dedicated studying prior to beginning this calendar.

Key Notes About This 10-Week USMLE Step 1 Study Schedule

• This study plan is intended to be intense and calls for roughly 10+ hours (including breaks) of studying every day (except evenings off after NBME assessments). The harder you work, the more likely you will be to pass. However, that being said, do what you can. We realize that many students simply don’t have 10+ hours a day for USMLE Step 1 studying.
• A minimum of 4 assessments should be taken before test day, with the first practice exam occurring at the start of the dedicated Step 1 study plan to identify strengths and weaknesses.
• This timeline focuses on a limited number of high-yield resources: Video resources, UWorld, NBMEs, and Flashcards. We believe that intensive focus on a limited set of resources is key to success.
• Flashcards are a MUST – putting in the time to create a personalized study resource is worth the effort in the long run. If there’s something you’re struggling with, add it to the flashcards! Learn how to utilize flashcards for USMLE studies.

Week-by-Week Breakdown of the 10-Week Step 1 Study Plan

Success on the USMLE Step 1 doesn’t happen overnight – it’s the product of a smart, consistent, and adaptable plan. Structuring your study time over ten weeks builds the endurance, content mastery, and test-taking instincts you need to walk into the USMLE step 1 exam feeling confident.

Looking to learn how to pass Step 1 with a 10-week plan? The following schedule balances foundational learning, applied practice, and real-world endurance. Each phase emphasizes how to improve your USMLE Step 1 test-taking skills, making sure you’re not only absorbing information, but also applying it under pressure.

• Weeks 1–3 focus on building a strong foundation. Dive deep into high-yield topics like pathology, physiology, and pharmacology using trusted resources such as First Aid, Sketchy, and Pathoma. Work through UWorld practice question sets in Tutor Mode and reinforce critical facts with Anki flashcards. Toward the end of Week 3, take your first NBME practice test to benchmark your initial strengths and weaknesses.
• Weeks 4–6 are about shifting gears toward application. Begin completing daily timed UWorld blocks with at least 40 questions each, while still reviewing tricky content areas. A second NBME practice exam at the end of Week 6 helps assess whether your new approach is paying off.
• Weeks 7–8 mark your transition to test day readiness. The focus now moves to randomized, timed question blocks that replicate real exam conditions. Abandon Tutor Mode and embrace timed practice fully. After completing another full-length NBME at the end of Week 8, you’ll have a better view of your readiness.
• Weeks 9–10 is your final time to polish your USMLE Step 1 preparation strategy. Complete at least one more full-length practice exam under strict Step 1 conditions. Zero in on refining your weaknesses and finalizing your endurance strategies. This stage is critical for improving mental stamina and reinforcing your step 1 preparation habits.

Following this 10-week USMLE Step 1 study plan gives you a clear structure and measurable milestones. If you’ve ever wondered how to study for Step 1 in 10 weeks, this breakdown is the guide every medical student looks for leading up to the exam.

Basic Daily Step 1 Study Structure:

• Day (about 8am to 5pm)
  • Morning: Practice questions: Completing a 40-questions-block in timed mode should take 1 hour with an additional 2-3 hours afterwards spent reviewing (maximum 4 hours). Completing a 40-questions-block on tutor mode should take about 3-4 hours, allowing for time to read explanations and make flashcards. Throughout this 10-week Step 1 calendar, students will be expected to gradually shift from completing the majority of questions in tutor mode, to timed mode.
  • Afternoon: Review assigned topic-specific content using supplemental videos and texts or review QBank questions. Repetition is the only thing that will solidify what you’ve learned and confirm your understanding to ensure your success when test day rolls around. So, DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!
  • Late Afternoon: Review weaker topics as identified during reviews.
• Evening (about 7pm to 9pm)
  • Content review using supplemental videos and texts, transitioning to targeting QBank review in later weeks.
  • Reviewing flashcards should become your new evening ritual for at least 1 hour per night.
• Assessments
  • The baseline assessment is less important than in the 6-week USMLE study calendar and is meant to simply give you a sense for what the USMLE is like.
  • The 5 subsequent assessments provide critical exposure to a real testing environment and objective data of how you are progressing. This will help your practice time, fatigue, and stress management in preparing for Step 1.
• At the conclusion of week 6, after your 4th assessment, pause to briefly reflect on your studying effectiveness. Have your practice exam scores been increasing? Do you feel more comfortable when approaching questions? If the answer is “no”, you may consider tweaking your study plan for the final 4 weeks to ensure a successful outcome.

The Final 2 Weeks Before Step 1 – How to Peak on Exam Day

The last two weeks of your USMLE Step 1 study timeline are where precision, confidence, and smart strategy take center stage. By now, you’ve laid the groundwork. Now it’s time to optimize every move leading up to exam day.

• Days 1–7 (Two Weeks Out):
  • This is your window to refine knowledge and sharpen endurance. Focus shifts heavily to test-taking strategy: complete at least one more full-length NBME or UWSA under exam conditions. Fine-tune your pacing, strengthen weak subjects, and practice full sets of 40 questions in timed mode to mirror real testing intensity.

• • Don’t neglect logistics during this phase. Knowing where your test center is, how to get there, and what you’ll need to bring reduces anxiety and protects your focus on the big day. Great time management for USMLE Step 1 prep makes a noticeable difference at this point.
• Days 8–14 (Final Week Before the Exam):
  • This final stretch is all about precision and mental conditioning. Following this final-phase strategy not only boosts recall but cements the calm, focused mindset you need to excel.
• Days 8–10:
  • Brush up on high-yield facts, review First Aid’s rapid review section, and revisit any persistent weak points in your NBME practice history.
• Days 11 or 12:
  • If you’re feeling strong and your scores are improving, consider taking a final practice exam to reinforce stamina. If you’re feeling fatigued, prioritize lighter review and confidence-building activities instead.
• Day 13:
  • Stick to light recall—skim flashcards, review diagrams, and mentally rehearse key topics. No heavy lifting.
• Day 14 (Day Before the Exam):
  • Unplug entirely. Pack your essentials, plan a relaxing evening, and get solid rest.
• Day 15 (Test Day):
  • Arrive early, stick to your pre-planned routine, and stay focused between blocks. Managing your energy throughout the day can make a significant difference in your performance and how you feel afterward.

Tips from the Best USMLE Tutors:

• 10+ hours a day of studying is no simple task. In fact, most full-time jobs are only 8 hours. That’s why it is very important that in following this 10-week Step 1 study schedule, you push yourself, but not too hard. Working yourself to exhaustion every day can cause more harm than it does good. Make sure to avoid test day burnout by doing your best to relax and making Step 1 studying as enjoyable as possible, which leads us to our next point:
• When you are studying during the day, if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, unreasonably stressed out, or exhausted, take a break. Especially in the first week or two while you are adjusting to this schedule. Don’t be afraid to turn off the computer, put down your pencil, take a walk, play with a pet, or cook some food. We also highly encourage students to make their study space comfortable and pleasant. Buy a desk plant, set up shop in an area full of natural light, and get studying!
• DON’T STAY AT HOME FOR 10 WEEKS!!! While it is important to study in a place where you can focus, staying home and studying for 10+ hours a day is not healthy. While it is okay to study from home sometimes, remember the importance of packing up your things and heading on over to the library, a quiet coffee shop, a friend’s house ( study buddies can be great! ) or even a quiet park.
• If you find yourself constantly distracted studying alone, give us a call to schedule tutoring sessions or create a study group of individuals that will hold you accountable and keep you on track.
• Stay relaxed and study, study, study!

We hope you enjoy our 10-week Step 1 study schedule! If you need personalized focused help preparing for USMLE Step 1, don’t hesitate to contact us!