---
type: Index
title: "USMLE Vault — Open Knowledge Bundle"
description: "Agent-ready knowledge bundle (OKF v0.1) for USMLE Vault: Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 study guides, strategy articles, and mentorship resources by Dr. Marish Asudani."
resource: https://usmlevault.com
tags: [usmle, step-1, step-2-ck, step-3, img, study-guide]
---

# USMLE Vault — Open Knowledge Bundle

This bundle conforms to the Open Knowledge Format (OKF v0.1). It contains 53 documents covering USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 preparation — strategy articles, system-wise study guides, and mentorship program details.

## Article

- [5 Biggest IMG Mistakes During Step 1 Prep (And How to Avoid Them)](./blog-img-mistakes.md) — Essential reading for your NBME strategy and exam day guide. Avoid the 5 biggest IMG mistakes during Step 1 prep.
- [Anki vs First Aid Highlighting vs Mobile Review: The Spaced Repetition Showdown](./blog-anki-vs-highlighting.md) — Compare Anki flashcards, First Aid highlighting, and mobile review for USMLE Step 1 spaced repetition. Find the method that fits your schedule and learning style.
- [Boards & Beyond vs Pathoma vs USMLEVAULT.COM: Video Learning Platforms Compared](./blog-boards-vs-pathoma.md) — Compare Boards and Beyond, Pathoma, and USMLE Vault for Step 1 video learning. Learn when each platform helps and which to use as your primary tool.
- [Complete USMLE Step 1 Study Guide for IMGs: 12-20 Week Roadmap](./blog-pillar1.md) — You've found a thousand study guides. None give you the exact timeline you need.
- [Exam Day Execution: Your Complete Step 1 Protocol (Hours Before to Final Block)](./blog-exam-day-execution.md) — Your complete Step 1 exam day protocol from 48 hours before to the final block. Covers pacing, mental game, buffer strategy, and the exact timeline to follow.
- [Free vs Paid Resources: What You Actually Need for USMLE Step 1](./blog-free-vs-paid-resources.md) — Critical reading for your complete USMLE Step 1 study guide. Free vs paid resources breakdown for budget-smart Step 1 prep.
- [How to Create Your 12-Week Timeline: Day-by-Day Planning Guide](./blog-timeline.md) — Create your personalized 12-week USMLE Step 1 study timeline with day-by-day planning, system order, and weekly pacing.
- [How to Do UWorld for Step 1: The Complete 13-Week Guide](./blog-uworld-13-week-guide.md) — System by system. Two blocks of 20 questions a day. The exact sequence, protocol, and checkpoint for all 13 weeks of system study.
- [How to Master NBME Strategy and Pass Step 1: The Final Sprint](./blog-pillar3.md) — By end of Week 14, you've spent 2 weeks on foundation + 12 weeks on all 16+ medical systems. You've finished 100% of UWorld. You've mastered every system.
- [How to Master Pharmacology for Step 1: The 3-Day System](./blog-pharmacology.md) — Master pharmacology for USMLE Step 1 in 3 days using mechanism-based learning instead of drug memorization.
- [How to Master Sketchy Micro: The Complete 6-Day Method](./blog-sketchy-micro.md) — Complete Sketchy Microbiology in 6 days using visual memory techniques. The exact daily schedule and retention strategy for USMLE Step 1.
- [How to Master Step 1 Study Methods: First Aid, UWorld, and System-Wise Learning](./blog-pillar2.md) — You've got your timeline. You've committed to a 12-13 week sprint. Now here's what separates students who pass from those who repeat: they understand that 
- [How to Review NBMEs: The Notebook System That Locks in Learning](./blog-nbme-review-system.md) — Part of your NBME strategy and exam day guide. The exact notebook system for reviewing NBMEs that locks in learning and improves scores.
- [How to Solve UWorld: The Complete Method](./blog-uworld-method.md) — The 6-step system that prevents plateaus. Learn the exact per-question protocol, block strategy, and 65% checkpoint for mastering UWorld during Step 1 prep.
- [How to Take NBMEs: The Offline 40-Question Method That Predicts Your Real Score](./blog-nbme-offline-method.md) — Part of your NBME strategy and exam day guide. The exact offline 40-question NBME protocol that predicts your real Step 1 score.
- [How to Use First Aid for Step 1: A Stage-by-Stage Guide](./blog-first-aid-strategy.md) — First Aid is not a textbook — it's the reference spine of Step 1. Here's exactly how to use it at every stage of your prep, with every tool that plugs into it.
- [Mobile-First Study: Your Phone as Step 1 Command Center](./blog-mobile-first.md) — This foundation approach is part of your complete USMLE Step 1 study guide. Learn how to use your phone as a Step 1 command center for mobile-first studying.
- [Online NBME vs Offline NBME: Why Format Matters More Than Score](./blog-online-vs-offline-nbme.md) — Part of your NBME strategy and exam day guide. Understand why offline NBME format matters more than your score for Step 1 preparation.
- [Strategic Biochem Prerequisites: When to Study Each Block](./blog-biochem-strategy.md) — Learn why biochemistry is split into 3 strategic blocks across your USMLE Step 1 timeline and how each block connects to the systems you study next.
- [System Study Order: Why Renal First, CNS Last](./blog-system-order.md) — The neuroscience-backed system order for USMLE Step 1: why Renal comes first, CNS last, and how prerequisites drive the sequence.
- [The 15-Minute Buffer Philosophy: Why Finishing Early Determines Your Score](./blog-buffer-strategy.md) — Master the 15-minute buffer philosophy for USMLE Step 1. Learn how finishing each block early gives you review time that separates passing from failing.
- [The Per-System Method: Study Each System in 5-7 Days](./blog-per-system-method.md) — The exact daily routine for studying each medical system in 5-7 days using First Aid, UWorld, and page-by-page MCQs.
- [The Step 1 Mentality: Discipline Over Motivation](./blog-mentality.md) — Build the psychological foundation for USMLE Step 1 success. Learn why discipline beats motivation and how to push through the hardest weeks of your prep.
- [The UWorld 65% Rule: When to Add Mehlman Videos](./blog-mehlman-intervention.md) — Key strategy from your complete guide to mastering Step 1 study methods. Learn when to add Mehlman videos based on the 65% UWorld rule.
- [USMLEVAULT.COM vs USMLE Rx: Why Page-by-Page MCQs Beat Topic-Wise](./blog-usmlevault-vs-rx.md) — Why page-by-page MCQs aligned with First Aid beat topic-wise question banks like USMLE Rx and Amboss for Step 1 prep.
- [UWorld vs Amboss vs USMLE Vault: When to Use Each](./blog-uworld-vs-amboss.md) — A head-to-head comparison of UWorld, Amboss, and USMLE Vault question banks for Step 1 prep. Learn when to use each tool in your 16-week study timeline.
- [Watch-Recall-Watch: The Video Learning Method](./blog-video-learning-method.md) — Learn the Watch-Recall-Watch method to maximize retention from educational videos during Step 1 prep. Active engagement, retrieval practice, and verification.
- [When NBME Scores Plateau: Break Through 65-70% to 72%+](./blog-score-plateau.md) — Diagnose why your NBME practice scores are stuck and apply targeted interventions to break through the 65-70% plateau.

## Guide

- [ERAS Mentorship Program](./mentorship-eras.md) — For Recent Graduates Who Deserve a Second Chance — and a Real Plan
- [Step 1 Mentorship Program](./mentorship-step1.md) — [Book Your Free Strategy Call](https://calendly.com/marishusmlevault/30min) 30 minutes · No commitment · Clarity guaranteed
- [Step 3 Mentorship Program](./mentorship-step3.md) — Stop guessing. Start passing. The only Step 3 mentorship you need — from audit to exam day.

## Reference

- [📚 Cardiovascular Master Study Guide](./data-cvs.md) — How to use: Open any category → select a page → read the 💡 Focus On first. Expand 🎓 Concept Walkthrough to watch videos and read detailed explanations. Check ⚡ Key Takeaways for quick review. See ❓ How Is This Tested? for exam strategy. Practice with ✏️ Test Yourself — tap any question to reveal t
- [📚 General Pharmacology Master Study Guide](./data-genpharm.md) — How to use: Open any category → select a page → read the 💡 Focus On first. Expand 🎓 Concept Walkthrough to watch videos and read detailed explanations. Check ⚡ Key Takeaways for quick review. See ❓ How Is This Tested? for exam strategy. Practice with ✏️ Test Yourself — tap any question to reveal t
- [🩺 CNS & Special Senses Master Study Guide](./data-cns.md) — How to use: Open any category → select a page → read the 💡 Focus On first. Expand 🎓 Concept Walkthrough to watch videos and read detailed explanations. Check ⚡ Key Takeaways for quick review. See ❓ How Is This Tested? for exam strategy. Practice with ✏️ Test Yourself — tap any question to reveal t
- [🩺 Endocrine Master Study Guide](./data-endo.md) — ▸ Open any category → select a page → read the 💡 Focus On first
- [🩺 Gastrointestinal Master Study Guide](./data-git.md) — How to use: Open any category → select a page → read the 💡 Focus On first. Expand 🎓 Concept Walkthrough to watch videos and read detailed explanations. Check ⚡ Key Takeaways for quick review. See ❓ How Is This Tested? for exam strategy. Practice with ✏️ Test Yourself — tap any question to reveal t
- [🩺 Immunology Master Study Guide](./data-immuno.md) — How to use: Open any category → select a page → read the 💡 Focus On first. Expand 🎓 Concept Walkthrough to watch videos and read detailed explanations. Check ⚡ Key Takeaways for quick review. See ❓ How Is This Tested? for exam strategy. Practice with ✏️ Test Yourself — tap any question to reveal t
- [🩺 Microbiology Master Study Guide](./data-micro.md) — How to use: Open any category → select a page → read the 💡 Focus On first. Expand 🎓 Concept Walkthrough to watch videos and read detailed explanations. Check ⚡ Key Takeaways for quick review. See ❓ How Is This Tested? for exam strategy. Practice with ✏️ Test Yourself — tap any question to reveal t
- [🩺 MSK & Dermatology Master Study Guide](./data-msk.md) — How to use: Open any category → select a page → read the 💡 Focus On first. Expand 🎓 Concept Walkthrough to watch videos and read detailed explanations. Check ⚡ Key Takeaways for quick review. See ❓ How Is This Tested? for exam strategy. Practice with ✏️ Test Yourself — tap any question to reveal t
- [🩺 Psychiatry Master Study Guide](./data-psychiatry.md) — How to use: Open any category → select a page → read the 💡 Focus On first. Expand 🎓 Concept Walkthrough to watch videos and read detailed explanations. Check ⚡ Key Takeaways for quick review. See ❓ How Is This Tested? for exam strategy. Practice with ✏️ Test Yourself — tap any question to reveal t
- [🩺 Public Health Sciences Master Study Guide](./data-phs.md) — How to use: Open any category → select a page → read the 💡 Focus On first. Expand 🎓 Concept Walkthrough to watch videos and read detailed explanations. Check ⚡ Key Takeaways for quick review. See ❓ How Is This Tested? for exam strategy. Practice with ✏️ Test Yourself — tap any question to reveal t
- [🩺 Renal Master Study Guide](./data-renal.md) — How to use: Open any category → select a page → read the 💡 Focus On first. Expand 🎓 Concept Walkthrough to watch videos and read detailed explanations. Check ⚡ Key Takeaways for quick review. See ❓ How Is This Tested? for exam strategy. Practice with ✏️ Test Yourself — tap any question to reveal t
- [🩺 Reproductive Master Study Guide](./data-repro.md) — How to use: Open any category → select a page → read the 💡 Focus On first. Expand 🎓 Concept Walkthrough to watch videos and read detailed explanations. Check ⚡ Key Takeaways for quick review. See ❓ How Is This Tested? for exam strategy. Practice with ✏️ Test Yourself — tap any question to reveal t
- [🩺 Respiratory Master Study Guide](./data-respi.md) — How to use: Open any category → select a page → read the 💡 Focus On first. Expand 🎓 Concept Walkthrough to watch videos and read detailed explanations. Check ⚡ Key Takeaways for quick review. See ❓ How Is This Tested? for exam strategy. Practice with ✏️ Test Yourself — tap any question to reveal t
- [13-Week UWorld Plan — USMLE Vault](./downloads-13-week-uworld-plan.md) — The exact sequence used by 100+ students. System by system, in the right order, with the right resources on the right day.
- [Biochemistry Master Study Guide](./data-biochem.md) — How to use: Open any category → select a page → read the 💡 Focus On first. Expand 🎓 Concept Walkthrough to watch videos and read detailed explanations. Check ⚡ Key Takeaways for quick review. See ❓ How Is This Tested? for exam strategy. Practice with ✏️ Test Yourself — tap any question to reveal t
- [General Pathology Master Study Guide](./data-genpath.md) — How to use: Open any category → select a page → read the 💡 Focus On first. Expand 🎓 Concept Walkthrough to watch videos and read detailed explanations. Check ⚡ Key Takeaways for quick review. See ❓ How Is This Tested? for exam strategy. Practice with ✏️ Test Yourself — tap any question to reveal t
- [Hematology & Oncology Master Study Guide](./data-hemonc.md) — How to use: Open any category → select a page → read the 💡 Focus On first. Expand 🎓 Concept Walkthrough to watch videos and read detailed explanations. Check ⚡ Key Takeaways for quick review. See ❓ How Is This Tested? for exam strategy. Practice with ✏️ Test Yourself — tap any question to reveal t
- [NBME MCQ Protocol — USMLE Vault](./resources-nbme-mcq-protocol.md) — Read faster. Think sharper. Never secondguess yourself.
- [NBME Review Protocol — USMLE Vault](./resources-nbme-review-protocol.md) — Most students look at their score, feel bad, and move on. That's why most students plateau. This protocol extracts every possible learning point from every NBME — same day, systematically, with a clear framework for exactly what went wrong and how to fix it.
- [Sketchy Micro in 6 Days — USMLE Vault](./downloads-sketchy-micro-6-day-plan.md) — The WRW method. Daybyday breakdown. The system 100+ students used to finish all of Sketchy and move on.
- [Taking Your First NBME — USMLE Vault](./resources-nbme-prep-protocol.md) — Watch before your first NBME — no exceptions
- [USMLE High-Yield Nutrition Review](./resources-usmle-nutrition-review.md) — Synthesizing Divine Intervention EP650 · HyGuru NBME Vignette Patterns · Step 1 & Step 2 CK