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...
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?
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?
5 Mistakes to Avoid While Studying for Step 2 CK
No medical student wants to make mistakes on Step 2 CK especially when aiming for an extremely high score. Because making any number of common study mistakes can be detrimental especially once you get up into high percentiles, here are the top mistakes to avoid while studying for USMLE Step 2 CK.