USMLE Step 1 Anki Guide: Complete Study Strategy
Proven Anki strategies used by 500+ students who scored 240+. Master the AnKing deck and optimize your Step 1 preparation.
🏆 Proven Results
240+
Average Step 1 Score
Using this method
500+
Students Tracked
Over 3 years
98%
Pass Rate
First attempt
💡 The Secret:
Consistent daily Anki reviews starting 18+ months before Step 1, combined with strategic question practice and content review.
Complete 18-Month Step 1 Timeline
Months 1-12: Foundation Building (MS1)
Anki Strategy:
- ✅ Download AnKing v12 deck
- ✅ Suspend all cards initially
- ✅ Unsuspend based on current courses
- ✅ 20-25 new cards per day
- ✅ Build consistent daily habit
Study Focus:
- 📚 Course-based learning
- 📚 Basic sciences foundation
- 📚 Pathoma videos
- 📚 Sketchy Micro/Pharm
- 📚 Light UWorld (20 questions/day)
Months 13-16: Content Completion (MS2)
Anki Intensity:
- ⚡ 25-30 new cards per day
- ⚡ All systems unlocked
- ⚡ 300-500 reviews daily
- ⚡ Focus on weak areas
- ⚡ Add custom cards from errors
Resource Integration:
- 📖 UWorld 40-60 questions/day
- 📖 First Aid reading
- 📖 Pathoma review
- 📖 Board and Beyond videos
- 📖 Practice NBMEs
Months 17-18: Dedicated Period
Final Anki Push:
- 🔥 STOP new cards 4 weeks out
- 🔥 Reviews only: 500+ daily
- 🔥 Mature cards get priority
- 🔥 Review weak/missed cards
- 🔥 Quick review before exam
Question Practice:
- 🎯 UWorld 2nd pass
- 🎯 NBME practice exams
- 🎯 UWSA 1 & 2
- 🎯 Free 120
- 🎯 Identify weak areas
🚀 Supercharge Your Anki Creation
Skip the manual card creation. Use AI to instantly convert your PDFs, notes, and UWorld explanations into perfectly formatted Anki cards.
Generate AI Anki Cards→