Resources Review
Honest, no-fluff reviews of popular USMLE resources to help you decide where to invest your time and money.
Here's a comprehensive list of what we used during our USMLE Step 1 journey. Below, we give our honest take - the pros, cons, and for who each resource is best for. We hope this helps you make smarter decisions based on your learning style and goals.
- Ankit: UWorld, Amboss, Bootcamp, First Aid
- Vishal: UWorld, Pathoma, First Aid, Boards & Beyond, Sketchy, Pixorise, Physeo, USMLE-Rx
Disclaimer: These reviews reflect our personal opinions and experiences. Just because we liked or disliked something doesn't mean you'll feel the same or that the resource is good or bad overall. Use what fits your own style and goals.
Ankit's Take:
I used UWorld in random, tutor, untimed mode right from the start. It was uncomfortable initially, but once I adjusted, it became incredibly effective. This approach helped me form strong temporal associations because topics appeared out of context, I could recall them more vividly. I aimed to solve 50-80 questions per day. When I got something wrong, I didn't just read the explanation - I made sure I fully understood the underlying concept. One huge advantage of random mode is the 'shock factor', i.e. when a topic reappears weeks later and I get it wrong, the surprise reinforces the learning. It's like spaced repetition, but more intense.
Vishal's Take:
I began UWorld in system-specific, tutor, untimed mode and completed about 60% that way. But I realized I wasn't retaining the material well. So I paused and switched to USMLE-Rx, finishing nearly 80% of it. That helped me build a solid foundation and boost my confidence. Then I returned to UWorld - this time in random, exam-timed mode. Initially, I could manage only 10-20 questions per day with review, but gradually built up to 40-50. I struggled early on because I didn't know how to use UWorld effectively, which is why Rx played a critical bridging role for me.
The Verdict
UWorld is the single most important resource for your USMLE preparation. It's so comprehensive and well-designed that, if used properly, it can even serve as a standalone resource for Step 1.
Time Commitment
Varies based on your pace. On average, students take 3-4 months to complete it thoroughly.
Our Tip
Use random mode from the beginning. It may feel tough at first, but the long-term retention is absolutely worth it. Also, don't stress about your UWorld percentage because you're using it as a learning tool, not an assessment. Reserve judgment of your Step 1 readiness for the NBME practice tests which you'll take towards the end of your preparation, those are the true benchmarks.
Official Link: https://www.uworld.com/usmle
Ankit's Take:
I didn't use AMBOSS for full-time question solving, but I leaned on it heavily as a reference tool throughout my preparation. Whenever I came across a topic I didn't fully grasp, I'd turn to AMBOSS. Its 'highlighted mode' and contextual pop-ups made it incredibly easy to navigate complex topics without getting lost in endless search loops. It helped me bridge knowledge gaps that UWorld explanations occasionally left behind.
Vishal's Take:
AMBOSS also has its own question bank, which is well-structured and includes detailed explanations and difficulty tags. While I didn't rely on it as my primary Qbank, I've heard from others who used it in the early phase of prep to build foundational understanding before transitioning to UWorld. It's especially strong in clinical reasoning and gives you a 'step back' perspective on questions, helping you think like a test-maker.
The Verdict
AMBOSS shines as a study companion and reference guide. Whether you're looking to clarify a confusing UWorld explanation, reinforce a weak subject, or explore deeper clinical reasoning, AMBOSS is an excellent tool. Its ethics section is also widely appreciated, many students find it incredibly well-written and helpful for mastering often-overlooked topics like professionalism and patient communication.
Time Commitment
Depends on how you use it. You could spend just a few minutes here and there referencing a concept, or dive deep into its articles and question bank for early prep.
Our Tip
Use AMBOSS as a supplement, not your primary Qbank. It's ideal for quick concept reviews, reinforcing high-yield facts, or digging deeper when something in UWorld doesn't click. Don't underestimate how powerful its library can be for rapid lookups and clinical clarity - especially closer to exams or during rotations.
Official Link: https://www.amboss.com/us
Ankit's Take:
I used Bootcamp at the very beginning of my preparation for content review. I went through the entire course from start to finish because I felt that my basics weren't strong enough. It's not a short or quick resource, but I don't regret committing that time. For me, it laid a solid foundation. Could I have passed using just UWorld? Absolutely. Was Bootcamp a bit of an overkill? Yes. But do I regret using it? Absolutely not. It gave me the structured review I needed at the time.
The Verdict
Bootcamp is a comprehensive, structured resource best suited for early-phase preparation or for students looking to solidify weak foundational concepts. It's especially helpful if you feel overwhelmed jumping straight into UWorld without a content base. Not essential for everyone, but extremely valuable for those who need a guided start.
Time Commitment
Significant. Watching the entire series can take several weeks or months, depending on your pace. If you're planning to go through it fully, make sure to account for that in your overall prep timeline.
Our Tip
Use Bootcamp early in your prep if you feel underprepared or if your fundamentals are shaky. Don't use it as a replacement for UWorld, but as a primer before diving into active question solving.
Official Link: https://www.bootcamp.com/usmle
Ankit's Take:
I didn't use First Aid much in the beginning. I brought it in during the final phase of my prep as a checklist of everything I needed to know for the exam. After completing my first pass of UWorld (which I did in random mode), I flipped through First Aid and realized I already knew almost everything in it. That gave me a big boost in confidence. From that point onward, I used it purely for rapid revision.
Vishal's Take:
I made the mistake of trying to memorize First Aid cover to cover at the start of my prep. I used it alongside UWorld from the beginning, thinking I had to know every word. That approach didn't work for me. Later, after completing UWorld and USMLE-Rx, I changed how I used First Aid. I stopped trying to memorize it and instead treated it as a map to organize and reinforce what I had learned. That shift made a huge difference.
The Verdict
First Aid is best used as a consolidation tool, not a textbook. It works excellently as a reference or checklist after you've built your foundation through question banks and videos. Trying to memorize it line-by-line early on can be overwhelming and inefficient. Use it as a guide to ensure you're not missing high-yield content.
Time Commitment
Depends on when and how you use it. As a daily reference alongside question banks, it doesn't take long. But if you're doing a full pass in revision mode, expect to spend 2-3 weeks going through it properly.
Our Tip
Don't treat First Aid like a Bible you have to memorize from Day 1. Instead, think of it as your high-yield companion. Use it to track your coverage, flag weak areas, and tie together your learning during revision. It shines brightest in the last few weeks before your exam.
Official Link: https://www.firstaidteam.com/
Vishal's Take:
Pathoma is the undisputed king of pathology. Dr. Sattar doesn't just explain what's in First Aid - he teaches you how to think clinically. His ability to connect basic mechanisms with real pathology and clinical relevance is exceptional. The explanations are clear, logical, and build a solid foundation without feeling overwhelming making them detailed enough to understand the 'why' behind pathology but concise enough to remain high-yield. The integration of real histopathology images and alignment with First Aid structure makes it accessible for every type of learner.
The Verdict
The gold standard for understanding disease mechanisms and pathology morphology. A must-use resource for both Step 1 and your second-year coursework.
Time Commitment
Around 35 hours in total. You can go through it once over a few weeks or use it selectively during your system-wise prep and final review.
Our Tip
Use the Pathoma book while watching the videos and annotate key insights. It reinforces learning and creates a great revision-ready resource. Ideal for early prep, UWorld blocks, and revisiting tough pathology topics before the exam.
Official Link: https://www.pathoma.com/
Vishal's Take:
I used Boards & Beyond primarily to build a solid foundation before starting UWorld. The teaching style is detailed and professor-like, going much deeper than First Aid. It helped me understand concepts thoroughly, rather than just memorizing facts. The videos are organized by systems and concepts, making them easy to follow and ideal for a first pass. I paired B&B with AnKing and First Aid - it's a great combo. The structure suits students who prefer learning by listening and taking notes alongside video explanations.
The Verdict
One of the best resources for building your foundational understanding in the early phase of prep.
Time Commitment
Approximately 120-130 hours in total. It's a comprehensive resource, so be prepared to invest time if you plan to go through it fully.
Our Tip
Use the official Boards & Beyond book or PDF to follow along while watching. Annotate it with pearls from the videos. It helped me during my second year, and made UWorld system blocks easier to manage.
Official Link: https://www.boardsbeyond.com/
Vishal's Take:
Sketchy was an absolute game-changer for me. It transforms dry, memorization-heavy subjects into unforgettable visual stories. In Microbiology, Staph aureus becomes a golden king, and Neisseria are portrayed as twin mobsters. It may sound quirky, but these characters stick with you for the long haul. Their Pharmacology content is equally strong, with drug classes, mechanisms, and side effects brought to life through creative, immersive animations.
The Verdict
Ideal for visual and story-based learners. Sketchy excels at long-term retention, especially for Micro and Pharm. Even months after watching, I could recall scenes vividly. For me it was not as effective for subjects like Biochemistry or Pathology, though.
Time Commitment
Videos are moderately long, typically 12–15 minutes each. So staying consistent is important to make steady progress.
Our Tip
Use Sketchy primarily for Microbiology and Pharmacology. These sections are incredibly well done and can be used alongside your main resources. Avoid relying on Sketchy for Biochemistry or Pathology, as those aren't its strengths. Also, if you're short on time or prefer minimalist study styles, you may want to use it more selectively.
Official Link: https://www.sketchy.com/
Vishal's Take:
I switched to Pixorize for Biochemistry and Immunology - and I'm glad I did. It uses clean, single-frame visuals with symbolic memory cues. There are no elaborate storylines, just direct, infographic-style images. Think of it as a blend between Anki and visual flashcards. It's especially effective for memorizing vitamin deficiencies, inborn errors of metabolism, biochemical pathways, and immune responses.
The Verdict
An excellent resource for visual learners who prefer straightforward memory hooks over complex narratives. Very effective for Biochem and Immuno, where memorization often becomes a hurdle.
Time Commitment
Videos are short, usually 5-10 minutes. So it's easy to fit them into your schedule. Great for both first-pass learning and quick revisions.
Our Tip
Use Pixorize specifically for Biochemistry and Immunology. If you're already using Sketchy, skip the Microbiology section here because in my opinion it covers similar material but with less impact.
Official Link: https://www.pixorize.com/
Vishal's Take:
If you struggle with Physiology, Physeo is your best friend. Their whiteboard-style animations made tough topics like cardiovascular, renal, and neurophysiology finally click for me. Concepts like the Wiggers diagram and pressure-volume loops became second nature thanks to their clear, step-by-step visual explanations.
The Verdict
One of the best resources for mastering physiology conceptually. Their use of analogies and visual breakdowns helps ensure long-term retention, especially for topics that aren't well explained in First Aid.
Time Commitment
Around 70+ hours if you plan to cover both Physiology and Pathology. I used it mainly during the early part of my prep to build a solid base for physiology, then relied on Pathoma for a tighter pathology review later. Physeo's Pathology isn't bad - just not as concise or exam-focused as Pathoma.
Our Tip
Physeo works best as a first-pass resource when you're trying to understand rather than just memorize. It's ideal for visual and conceptual learners. If you're close to your exam date, it may feel too detailed. So use it early in your prep when you have time to absorb the material.
Official Link: https://www.physeo.com/