About the Author

Dylan Eiger, MD/PhD Candidate

In 2016, Dylan Eiger graduated Cum Laude from Duke University with a BS in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry. Matriculated in the MD/PhD Duke Medical Scientist Training Program in 2016, Dylan achieved honors in all clinical rotations and was accepted into Alpha Omega Alpha. He recently completed his PhD in Biochemistry in early 2022.

How to Prepare for Residency Match Day

An excited residency applicant learning that she matched for residency.

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The day you have been waiting for has finally arrived! You have spent years training to become a doctor. And in just a few days or weeks, you will learn on Match Day where you will spend the next few years of your life as a practicing physician in residency....

How to get a 90th percentile score in your Pediatrics shelf

How to get a 90th percentile score in your Pediatrics shelf

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The pediatrics shelf exam is one of the more challenging examinations given its breadth of topics, covering everything from neonatology to adolescent medicine. To achieve a 90th percentile score, you will need a targeted study strategy that leverages high-yield topics, effective study methods, and the best available resources. This guide...

Getting the Most Out of AMBOSS for Step 2 CK Prep

Getting the Most Out of AMBOSS for Step 2 CK Prep

161 Views

For medical students preparing for Step 2 CK, choosing the right study resources is crucial. AMBOSS has gained popularity as a powerful question bank (QBank) and medical knowledge resource, but many students wonder: Is AMBOSS worth it for Step 2 CK? How many Step 2 CK questions does AMBOSS have?...

Step 2 CK Timing: Should You Flag Questions?

Step 2 CK Timing: Should You Flag Questions?

190 Views

Step 2 CK is an entirely different examination compared to Step 1. While Step 1 is now pass/fail, Step 2 CK is scored, making time management even more critical for those aiming for competitive specialties as this score is extremely important in selecting who are the top residency candidates. One...

USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 Score Percentiles

Several USMLE percentile score graphs over an outstretched hand.

82863 Views

How to calculate your USMLE Step 1 or USMLE Step 2CK score percentile is a common question many medical students ask. Here are the 2020 USMLE Step 1 and Step 2CK percentile charts to see how you compare to other students.

How to Approach ‘Most Likely Diagnosis’ Questions on USMLE Exams

8 Steps for Mastering ‘Most Likely Diagnosis’ Questions on the USMLE

4540 Views

8 Steps for Mastering ‘Most Likely Diagnosis’ Questions on the USMLE   The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is filled with clinical vignette-style questions designed to assess your ability to apply medical knowledge in real-world scenarios. One of the most common question types you’ll encounter is the "Most Likely...

Are NBME Practice Exams a True Reflection of Shelf Exam Difficulty?

Medical school students taking a practice NBME to prepare for their shelf exams.

6308 Views

In medical education, shelf exams evaluate students' knowledge and clinical reasoning during core clinical clerkships. Administered by medical schools, often written by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), these pivotal exams determine students' readiness for clinical rotations and overall performance. Questions often arise about the correlation between NBME practice...

2025 Guide to Interpreting NBME Practice Exams for Step 1 and Step 2

A medical school student taking an NBME practice test for USMLE prep in a living room in front of a desktop computer.

21792 Views

Almost all students preparing for the USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 will take at least one (hopefully more!) practice test leading up to test day. While various practice tests are available to assess your performance, many students will turn directly to the NBME practice tests to estimate their chances...

Best Study Books for the Step 2 CK 2025

A medical school student looking for Step 2 CK textbooks in the library.

18251 Views

If you are about to start your dedicated study period for the USMLE Step 2CK, you may be asking yourself, “what are the best study books I should use to prepare for this test?” Well, look no further! Here at EMP, we provide a comprehensive review of the best study books for Step 2CK!

USMLE Step 2 CK Clinical Knowledge Study Strategies

A medical instructor demonstrating a clinical procedure to two medical students on clinical rotations.

595 Views

Your journey through medical school is characterized by rigorous academic challenges coupled with hands-on learning. Arguably, one of the most significant hurdles for medical students to overcome is the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK). The USMLE Step 2 assesses students' ability to apply clinical...

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