When studying for the MCAT, I used the Kaplan set, which did break things down to me at an understandable level. The only hitch is the expense; nevertheless, I did the stuff necessary for the exam.

Now everyone knows that you cannot effectively take Step 1 or 2 or 3 without using this resource!!!

While this is a lengthy read, it does provide A LOT of information for medicine. I used this source while studying for my internal medicine rotation and for USMLE Step 2 (which is mostly internal medicine). Do not sleep on this resource especially if you give yourself enough time to read.

This resource helped me in pathology so much!!! It allowed me to preview material before my lectures and still have a good grasp of the information. It’s definitely more affordable and paying for it lasts a year. I highly recommend.

This is a very “slept on” resource that provides more questions and is very affordable. If you’re an AMA member, you can get 30% off. For example, I spent $140 for the 2000+ questions!!!

This source is like psychiatry for dummies, which I was. I love psychiatry, but the medications is where I struggle. This book was very easy to digest.

To this day, I owe what I know about microbiology to SKETCHY MICRO. I’m a visual learner, and these pictures did wonders. If you use this resource, you WILL remember the photos when you’re taking Step 1.

I stumbled upon this book, and I was so shocked at all the little details that we often forget. I recommend reading this the week before your USMLE Step 1.

This serves as the ONLY resource I used for studying for my USMLE Step 2 CS. It presents cases that you might encounter on your exam, which is all simulated OSCEs. So please read this, including the pages at the beginning that actually give the address of the test site. Yeah, just start on page 1.

This is simply something that every 1st/2nd year should have. Period.

I actually used this while studying throughout my 3rd year and when studying for USMLE Step 2. Yes TWO. It was a great source and was an easy read.

Just like Step 1 Secrets, this provided to be just as good. It covers tiny details, and would be best to read within one week of your USMLE board exam.