Writing Your Medical School Letter of Intent: a Guide
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...
Understanding the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP)
The Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program, or SOAP, is the process by which unmatched or partially matched medical students can apply for residency matching spots left unfilled following the NRMP match. SOAPing is the dreaded outcome of the match. I will never forget the grief and anxiety I felt after...
Writing a Hook for Your Personal Statement for Medical School
It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. —George Orwell, 1984 (1949) You better not never tell nobody but God. —Alice Walker, The Color Purple (1982) It was a pleasure to burn. —Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451 (1953) Some of the best...
How to Study for CCS on Step 3
By the time most medical students begin their intern year, they are expert test-takers. Graduating from medical school and matching into their specialties of choice requires them to be attentive learners, good multitaskers, and skilled test-takers. That being said, a few extra tips for how to study for USMLE Step...
Best Ways to Use NBME Practice Exams to Prepare for the Real Thing
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?
Top USMLE Step 3 Resources for Struggling Students
Studying for USMLE Step 3 is a unique challenge for many residents and applicants. Between balancing your clinical responsibilities and your studies, how can anyone expect to study for this beastly exam?
USMLE Step 2 CK Scoring
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.
How to Score a 270 on USMLE Step 2 CK
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.
2021 Top 5 Study Resources for USMLE Step 2 CK
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!
What Makes the Surgery Shelf Exam so Difficult?
The surgery rotation has gained a reputation amongst many medical students as long and mind-numbingly boring due to long hours standing watching in the operating room (OR). So, what makes the surgery shelf exam so difficult?