About the Author
For over 40 years, Kaplan Medical has been dedicated to helping aspiring doctors prepare for and pass their medical licensing exams. We are proud to offer the most innovative study tools available on the market and our dedicated staff of expert advisors and faculty ensures that doctors and medical students receive the guidance and support they need. At Kaplan Medical, our students’ success is our goal.
I couldn’t find a legit, full free PDF of Kaplan’s USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes – 2025/2026 (12th edition). Here’s what’s real:
📘 Official Resource
- Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes, 12th Ed (2025–2026) — A seven-book set (Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Biochemistry/Genetics, Immunology/Microbiology, Anatomy, Behavioral Science) covering 2,600+ pages with full-color content, clinical correlations, and high-yield summaries
- Available through:
- Kaplan Test Prep site
- Major retailers like Simon & Schuster and Amazon
- Paperback editions typically retail between $250–$350
⚠️ Sketchy Free Sources
Sites like Yumpu or MedicalStudyZone sometimes host “free downloads,” but these are likely unauthorized:
- Yumpu link labeled “USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes 2025–2025” (7-book)
- AfraTafreeh offers older Kaplan sets (e.g., 2025 edition)
Risks:
- Often incomplete or out-of-date
- Low quality scans
- Potential copyright issues
- No guarantee of authenticity or updates
✅ Your Best and Legal Options
1. Purchase the Kaplan 12th Ed Set
- Get the official 2025–2026 edition via Kaplan, Amazon, or Simon & Schuster.
- Cost: roughly USD 250–350 for full access to all 7 volumes.
2. Leverage Official Kaplan Resources
- Kaplan offers free USMLE Step 1 practice questions and sample tests on their site
- Their test prep portal supports study with structured resources connected to the Lecture Notes
3. Avoid Unauthorized PDFs
- Illegal downloads or expired editions may skip updates and clinical enhancements vital for exam success.
📊 Quick Comparison
| Option |
What You Get |
Quality & Legality |
| Kaplan 12th Ed (2025–26) |
Full, printed set; updated content |
✅ High & legal |
| Kaplan test prep questions (free) |
Practice questions and quizzes |
✅ Legal & supplemental |
| Sketchy free PDF sites |
Outdated scans; low quality |
❌ Risky & incomplete |
➥ Recommended Next Steps
- ✅ Purchase the Kaplan 12th Ed Lecture Notes for comprehensive and official content.
- 🧠 Use Kaplan’s free USMLE question bank for active practice alongside the books.
- 💡 Avoid dubious PDF downloads—they’re unreliable and could harm your preparation.
Would you like help with:
- 🛒 Links to purchase the Kaplan Lecture Notes set?
- 🔗 Access to Kaplan’s free USMLE practice materials?
- 📋 A study plan structured around these resources?
Let me know—I’m here to guide your USMLE prep effectively!
