About the Author

Eric Grisham, MD

Beyond Passing: How to Approach USMLE Step 2 CK Scoring for a Higher Score

9 min

27535 Views

A medical student taking the USMLE Step 2 CK exam.

27535 Views

Scoring high on these exams will open doors for applicants. Scoring high on an exam means understanding what’s being tested and how you’ll be scored.

To SOAP or Not to SOAP? Is SOAPing Right for You?

14 min

2339 Views

Two medical residents working in a hospital after having matched to residency through the SOAP.

2339 Views

After going partially unmatched during Match Week, I relied on the advice of trusted mentors, residents who had SOAPed, and internet forums to help me decide whether I should put myself through the SOAP. Fortunately for me, most of the advice I received was good advice. Yet, I had no...

How to Score a 270 on USMLE Step 2 CK

12 min

16725 Views

person preparing schedule for USMLE Step 2

16725 Views

Believe it or not, scoring greater than the 99th percentile on Step 2 CK is possible for a select few who prepare well, take care of themselves, and get a little lucky. In this brief article, I’ve included eight steps I personally used to score a 270+ on Step 2 CK.

Best Ways to Use NBME Practice Exams to Prepare for the Real Thing

10 min

11861 Views

A med school student taking an NBME practice exam in preparation for Step 1 in a library.

11861 Views

The NBME, or National Board of Medical Examiners, writes practice exams for Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3. The NBME exams contain questions similar to those found on your step exams and are one of the best ways to practice your test-taking skills for Step 1, 2, or 3. But what is the best way to use the NBME practice exams?

2023 Top 5 Study Resources for USMLE Step 2 CK

8 min

19610 Views

Student using study resources on a laptop for USMLE Step 2 CK

19610 Views

To save other students from stressing over which Step 2 CK study resources to use as I did, here are my five most trusted resources for studying for Step 2 CK. These resources may not work for everyone, but these are the resources that helped me score in the 99th percentile on Step 2 CK!

How to Talk About Re-Applying for the Match in Your Residency Interviews

17 min

2278 Views

An applicant at her medical school interview.

2278 Views

Imagine this… it’s 9:59 AM on the Monday of Match Week. You’re sitting at your desk or with your loved ones, nervous, waiting for an email notification from the NRMP that will determine your future career. Thoughts are racing through your mind. “Will I match? What will I do if...

SOAPing Into a Competitive Residency Program

9 min

2128 Views

Two medical residents reviewing a document on a clipboard.

2128 Views

The last thing on most students’ minds going through the SOAP is, “how do I match into a competitive program?” The truth is, most SOAPing medical students just hope they Match into a residency program at all. But, the best applicants make the most of this tough situation. Sometimes, these...

How to Prepare Your Application for SOAP

9 min

3240 Views

A student using a laptop to prepare her application for SOAP.

3240 Views

Take a deep breath. If you've found yourself here, then you are considering preparing for the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program, or SOAP and you probably already know what the SOAP is and what the SOAP process entails. In this post we will review how to prepare your application for...

A Guide to Swapping Residency Programs

15 min

13963 Views

A group of medical residents in a hospital, wearing scrubs and smiling.

13963 Views

So, what do residents do when they need to switch programs or specialties for personal reasons? Fortunately, systems and businesses exist to help residents make that transition. 

Writing Your Medical School Letter of Intent: a Guide

12 min

5583 Views

A photo of a notebook and pen for writing your medical school letter of intent.

5583 Views

It’s Spring! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and you’re finishing up your medical school interviews. You’re in the home stretch! At the end lies your dream medical school. You (hopefully) have many schools to choose from. However, these schools have many applicants to choose from. How do...

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