About the Author

Alexandra R., MD

Alexandra earned her Neuroscience degree from the University of Michigan, graduating with Summa Cum Laude recognition in 2014. She continued her education at the University of Michigan Medical School, earning her MD in 2019. During her time in medical school, Alex achieved honors in most clinical rotations and was very involved in the Michigan community, serving as a student interviewer for the University of Michigan Medical School Admission Committee. She graduated with a Distinction in Research Honors, having received the Young Investigator Award and Rising Derm Star Award for her research in Oncodermatology. After medical school, Alexandra completed her intern year at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a program universally considered among the most competitive medicine internships. She is completing her final year of dermatology residency as Chief Resident at Einstein/Montefiore Medical Center, a program ranked in the top 20 training programs for dermatology (Reference: Doximity). Alexandra is a published academic author, and her work can be found here.

Step 3: Managing Anxiety if Day 1 Didn’t Go as Planned

5 min

1420 Views

Frustrated medical school student studying for the USMLE Step 3 exam.

1420 Views

Whether you spent a lot of time preparing for Step 3 or not, the first day for most test takers feels like absolute defeat. But, there is still another day of test taking.

How to Study for USMLE Step 2CS

10 min

1281 Views

A group of medical school students studying for USMLE Step 2 CS using aids.

1281 Views

While it is difficult to predict when the centers will reopen, it is important to stick to your organized study plan and be prepared for your scheduled testing date.

Questions You Should Ask Your Prospective Residency Programs

15 min

8044 Views

An attending shaking hands with a potential resident at a residency interview.

8044 Views

Residency interviews are a 2-way process. The program isn’t just interviewing you (although it may feel like this); you are also interviewing the program! Here are some essential questions that you should be asking residency programs and residents during your interview.

The Ins and Outs of Virtual Residency Application Season

10 min

3027 Views

Someone using their laptop for a virtual residency application

3027 Views

Wondering how the virtual residency application season is going to be different from prior years? So are we! We asked some of our students and resident tutors the questions you want answers to.

Taking USMLE Step 1 with Step 2CK After Rotations

9 min

6854 Views

Medical school student studying for the USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 with multiple study books open in front of her.

6854 Views

There has recently been a wave of change where some medical students are opting to take USMLE Step 1 after clinical rotations either simultaneously or back-to-back with Step 2CK. Here are the pros and cons of taking this route.

My Experience Taking the USMLE during COVID-19

11 min

1869 Views

Masks Hanging on hooks for those taking USMLE during COVID 18

1869 Views

Taking USMLE Step 3 is stressful enough without a pandemic. I took my USMLE exam on the 1st day that Prometric opened up my testing site which quite frankly seemed like a miracle. Here’s what to expect.

Medical School Closed Due to Coronavirus? Remote Learning Tips

7 min

2397 Views

Medical student learning from home.

2397 Views

How to keep up with USMLE material during the extended spring break.   The coronavirus (COVID-19) has disrupted our lives in unprecedented ways. The typical stress of medical school has turned into uncertainty. Beyond the extended spring break, medical students preparing for USMLE exams are faced with shuttered Prometric Testing...

Everything Changed – COVID-19 From a 1st Year Resident’s View

7 min

1531 Views

Doctors wearing masks for COVID-19 protection.

1531 Views

The past week has been an absolute whirlwind as the COVID-19 pandemic has rocked most aspects of our daily lives. I am a first-year resident at a reputable hospital in one of the world’s largest cities.

Matching Into Orthopaedic Surgery Residency

10 min

10725 Views

Orthopaedic surgeons and residents in surgery.

10725 Views

The NRMP Program directors survey “at a glance” tool is extremely helpful in gauging where your application packet stands compared to the applicant pool. Here are the major components to consider when applying into Orthopaedic Surgery.

How to Match into OB/GYN Residency

10 min

13149 Views

An OB/Gyn resident holding a floating representation of a uterus.

13149 Views

The NRMP Program directors survey “at a glance” tool is extremely helpful in gauging where your application packet stands compared to the applicant pool. Here are the major components to consider when applying into OB/GYN

Need additional
help with an exam?

Elite tutors are qualified, professional, and 100% online.

Schedule a Consult