# The RPSR Method — How to Solve UWorld

> The RPSR method for UWorld: 3–4 days of First Aid prep per system, 20-question untimed tutor blocks, and First Aid-based bookmark review.

URL: https://vault-guides.vercel.app/uworld-rpsr.html
Canonical: https://usmlevault.com/blog/uworld-method
Note: canonical version lives on usmlevault.com; this page is a mirror.

## Summary

Explains the four-move RPSR method — Read, Pre-solve, Solve, Review — for using UWorld as a learning tool rather than a first-pass resource. Part 1 covers the 3–4 day per-system foundation: two days of First Aid page-by-page with the Vault (10–12 min per page, 4–6 pages/hour), one day of Mehlman Medical videos, and an optional Foundation Anki day. Part 2 covers exact UWorld settings (unused, all subjects, one system, untimed tutor mode, 20-question blocks), a three-scenario per-question protocol, and a review method built on finding and highlighting the matching First Aid line. Six non-negotiable rules close it out.

## Key facts

- RPSR = Read, Pre-solve, Solve, Review
- Students went from 45% to 75% in under four weeks using this method
- 3–4 days of prep per system before opening UWorld in that system
- 60–70% of UWorld questions trace directly from First Aid lines
- Each First Aid page takes ~10–12 minutes, or 4–6 pages per hour
- UWorld settings: Unused, All Subjects, one system only, Tutor Mode untimed, 20 questions per block
- Expect ~10–11 bookmarks per 20-question block; review after 2 blocks (~20 bookmarks)
- Spend no more than 5–6 minutes on any single bookmarked question
- Target ≥65% by mid-system; first system often starts at 40–50%
- If the last two blocks are under 60%, add Mehlman Medical for that system

## Covers

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## Source

USMLE Vault — https://usmlevault.com
Author: Dr. Marish Asudani

Updated: 2026-08-26