How to Manage USMLE Test Anxiety

Posted by Billy Gun on February 2nd, 2021

Even the most prepared students struggle with anxiety in the days leading up to USMLE Step 1. It’s important to realize that this is normal, and it can even be a good thing. It’s a good indicator that you understand the importance of this exam, and you’re approaching it with all the seriousness it deserves. But anxiety can also affect your performance, so it needs to be managed.

Apart from making sure that you are adequately prepared with a study plan and a USMLE tutorial or two, there are a number of ways to ensure that your stress doesn’t get in the way. From leaning on the support of others to taking care of your physical and mental well-being, you can definitely work your way around test day anxiety. Here are a few tips to stay level headed before, during and after taking USMLE Step 1.

Have aUSMLE Step 1 preparation plan

Going into your test prep with a good idea of what needs to be covered will help you manage your time better. It seems obvious enough, but time management is critical to affirming yourself and easing anxiety. A USMLE Step 1 preparation plan shows you what to do and when to do it, so that you can take comfort in knowing that you’ve done all that you can and should do. The assurance that comes from being adequately prepared is more important than you may realize. Without a USMLE Step 1 preparation plan, it’s difficult to know whether you’ve done enough. This, on its own, can be a major cause for anxiety.

Get support

Having a mentor, coach or tutor can be a great way to stay motivated. They should be there to make sure you’re well-prepared and to give you a boost when you start to feel doubtful. Sometimes anxiety comes from being stuck in your own thoughts and perceptions. Having an external voice to tell you that you’re doing great can make all the difference! On top of that, they’ll help make sure that you stay on track with your plan, that you complete every USMLE tutorial, and that you spend more time bridging your learning gaps.

Don’t be hard on yourself

While you do have to do your best, you also need to be kind to yourself. Before and after the test, it can be easy to flood your mind with thoughts of having not done enough. Realize that USMLE Step 1 is a difficult test for everyone and it is meant to be that way. If you know that you have put your best efforts into preparing and studying as you should, don’t let negative thoughts make you feel like you are inadequate. Sometimes, anxiety is not a reflection of your performance, but a result of fostering negative thoughts about yourself. Try to keep positive, remember your strengths and remind yourself that you did or are doing your best.

Avoid procrastination

We all do it, but procrastination can quickly spiral into a loop of time-wasting. And the more time you lose, the more pressured you are going to feel. Having too little time for sufficient preparation will cause more anxiety than the procrastination is worth. Try to stay focused, stick to your preparation plan, and get yourself back on track when you notice yourself falling off.