If you're on the journey to becoming a licensed physician in the United States, USMLE Step 3 is the final hurdle in the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) series. Passing Step 3 is crucial for obtaining an independent medical license and is often required before completing residency. In this...

The Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) Level 1 is a critical milestone for osteopathic medical students. It serves as one of the standardized examinations that students will need to overcome prior to clinical training and residency applications. This high-stakes exam assesses a student’s foundational medical knowledge and ability to...

If you’re preparing for the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA), knowing when to expect your scores can help you plan your next steps. Score release dates for COMLEX exams vary depending on the level and testing period. This guide explains when NBOME releases scores for COMLEX Level 1, Level...

The medical school application process is one of the most competitive and challenging journeys you will undertake. Many people will often say, “the hardest part of medical school is getting into medical school!”. Almost every year, the number of people applying to medical school increases and it is becoming evermore...

For international medical graduates (IMGs) aiming to secure a residency position in the U.S., the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step scores play a crucial role in determining competitiveness. The "Charting Outcomes in the Match" 2024 report by the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) provides valuable data on the...

Medical school is not just more school, it’s essentially a full-time job as you are almost always spending more times in the classroom and studying than a normal 9-5. It is also a personal and professional journey, and for many, some of the most intense period of training they will...

Let’s face it - there are a few things in medical school that will drain your spirit quite like seeing a low score on an NBME Step 1 practice exam. After the days and nights of review, Anki cards, reading First Aid, and watching Pathoma, a disappointing practice test score...

Pharmacology is one of the most challenging topics of medical school, and many students struggle with it during their preparation for Step 2 CK. Unlike Step 1, where pharmacology is heavily mechanism-focused, Step 2 CK emphasizes on clinical implications. In general, it is critically important that you understand which medications...

This blog was originally published in October 2025 by Dylan Eiger and updated in April 2026 by Kala Frye Bourque.   NBME shelf exams have evolved. Today’s shelves are longer, more reasoning-focused, and often mirror Step 2 CK in style. They emphasize next-step management, guideline-based care, and outpatient medicine more...

Preparing for Step 2 CK can feel like a fresh start, but in reality, many of the foundational topics from Step 1 resurface in a more clinical and applied context. Students often wonder which Step 1 topics they should review before diving into Step 2 CK prep. While Step 2...