Congratulations on getting into medical school! It's great that you are aware of the resources out there and are thinking early. My advice would be to use your first semester and year to focus on your M1 classes. Purchasing FA right now isn't in your best interest and is not a great use of your money for several reasons. First off, the book covers everything you learn over the first 2 years of med school. It is more of a review book and not good for learning information for the first time. It will probably make you feel overwhelmed if anything. Most importantly, every year First Aid updates their books. By the time you start studying for Step 1 there will be two newer editions and you want to use the newest edition when you start studying for Step 1.
The two resources I would consider using in M1 is Pathoma and Sketchy. The reason for this is because you can actually use these resources to supplement whatever you are learning in your M1 classes. Sketchy is time consuming, so I actually encourage students to get through them before designated Step 1 studying sometime during M1 or M2. Pathoma is also incredible and will help you understand and digest the high yield pathology topics that comes along with each system you cover in med school.
Since all three of these resources are time consuming, the most efficient and effective way to utilize them during M1 and/or M2 is to do them along with your basic science course work. For example, if you are going through Heme/Onc this week, then watch all the Heme/Onc videos in Pathoma, go through the chemo drugs in Sketchy pharm, and watch the fungus videos in Sketchy micro (fungus = think immunocompromised). It will not always line up perfectly but you can do your best to try.
One last thing, UWorld is an amazing resource, but I wouldn't start it in your first year or even early into your second year. It is best to start UWorld when you are closer to your designated study period. Starting UWorld too early can make students feel really discouraged and disappointed. Plus, it's a very expensive resource. A 30-day question bank costs $269 to give you an idea.
Hope this helps. Best of luck with everything and welcome to the beautiful world of medicine!
- Annette G, MD, MPH - USMLE Tutor and Residency Advisor at Med School Tutors