First Aid for the USMLE Step 1: 2002

Rating:
Summary: Key source for step 1
Review: Definitely the key source for step 1 preparation but as the authors say: it should not be the only source of preparation.
Molecular biology and genetics should have a separate section in the review section as they are heavily tested in the actual exam. Otherwise very good and concise presentation of high yield facts. Do not forget to practice questions which are most similar to the real thing in NMS or on Kaplan website.
Careful with rating of book recommendation.
Better to make up your own mind.
Good luck.

Rating:
Summary: First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 2001: Student to Student
Review: excellent review book for the step 1. word is not enough to say how much good is this book. read this book cover to cover as much as you can (I read 6 times)then take your exam. without reading this book taking step 1 is a big risk taking. I very highly recommend this book. I call it the BIBLE OF THE STEP 1.

Rating:
Summary: This book is MONEY for Step 1
Review: I worked hard through out my first two years of Medical school. We even started studying early for the boards. However when crunch time came and there was a limited amount of time for review I used First Aid. I got the score I wanted and felt like I was prepared for 99% of the questions I had on the boards. If you can use this book during your course work-DO IT! What I did was made flash cards from this book and quized myself. I also used this along with the Clinical Vignettes which were awesome as well.

Rating:
Summary: Great book
Review: I wouldn't recommend reading this book 6 times cover to cover as the guy below me did, but it's definitely a must for Step I. Good images, great high yield info, wonderful index, great buzz-word association section, and helpful reviews of other medical texts at the end. You're making a big mistake if you don't pick this one up... if you have the time (and the lack of social life) to read this book cover to cover 6 times, more power to you... if you get through it once, more power to you. A must!

Rating:
Summary: Great Book for the Boards
Review: If you're taking the exam the same time I am - don't buy this book; I'll definitely have the edge!

Rating:
Summary: Great Overall review book
Review: This is a great book for overall review. I'd recommend buying it at the start of 1st year or the very latest the start of second year and use it as a review tool for exams. Make notes in the margins on things you think are important and aren't included. By making notes in the margins it will become the only book you'll need to study from because if you know everything in this book you are guarenteed to pass the boards.

If you like system-based approach, Step-Up is a great supplement, but it's micro section is poor

-3rd Year Medical Student

Rating:
Summary: Dr.Claudio A.G.Monteiro Filho
Review: This is so funny I bought a copy of the FA book 2003 and looking at it and comparing it to the 2002 version I saw that all the mistakes where corrected...
I had the 2002 version, which was fraught with mistakes...?
As there were many mistakes on the 2002 version of the book in the different subjects areas.
At least the ones that I had come across while attempting to read it...
Now the question is:
How come step1 had
Some mistakes Like that?
I mean being so popular and all...
What a shame...
It had mistakes in Path; biochemistry and so forth and so on...
Thanks God that the 2003 edition of the book which has so many of these necessary corrections; that drove me crazy thinking that they were meant to be at one time or another...
It was driving me paranoid...lol
which was fraught with mistakes...?
I had never seen a First Aid edition book
with so many mistakes as the 2002 version had...
Thx for your time.
Dr.Claudio A.G.Monteiro Filho
Recife,Pernambuco.
Brasil
South America.