We encourage you to carefully plan your dedicated studying time to choose the access time that is right for your needs. Both Kaplan and UWorld have very similar plans in terms of timeline with UWorld having the added flexibility of a 1-month pl an for those studying last minute. Learning science suggests that the key to retention is repetition, reinforcement and synthesis of information which requires a longer preparation time…but let’s face it if you’re preparing for the USMLE you have likely found a study strategy that works for you and now is not the time to make any drastic changes. Some of us may be crammers while others prefer taking our time and slowly and carefully mastering material. While we encourage you to learn about each Q-Bank to see which fits your needs best, overall cost definitely comes into play when determining which will both fit your test preparation needs and your budget.Īs students we have gotten this far by finding study strategies that work for us. For example, for 3 months including 2 practice tests it would cost you $179 with Kaplan while UWorld would cost you $369 for 3 months with just 1 practice test. Both companies have similar vast Q-Banks however Kaplan is the more cost friendly option at this time. Their question banks are large and although they may seem expensive, their utility in preparing you to succeed on Step 1 make them worthwhile investments. Interactive Videos and Mastery Assessmentsīoth Kaplan and UWorld lead the industry in USMLE Step 1 Q-Bank materials. Self-Assessments (depending on specific plan purchased) Each QBank has its advantages and disadvantages and these QBanks are not one size fits all so we encourage you to put some thought and consideration into this decision.
This review is meant to help you consider your learning style, budget, and overall studying needs to help you make the best decision possible. Studying for the USMLE Step 1 is a big hurdle for medical students across the country and choosing preparation materials like the right Q-Bank will set you up for success. We have tested both of these Q-Banks extensively and will highlight several important differences that all aspiring physicians should take into accountsx before purchasing a Q-Bank. In this head to head comparison we’ve considered the price, access time, quality and number of questions, answer explanation quality, test day simulation software, and overall user experience to help you decide which is best for you. Not sure which USMLE Q-Bank is right for you?ĭon’t worry, we have analyzed the data and done the leg work comparing the Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Q-Bank with the UWORLD USMLE Step 1 Q-Bank to help you make an informed decision with your test prep! Strength and Conditioning Certifications.