Bridging Medicine and Community Care
Many of us go into medicine because we want to “help people”. Explicitly saying this phrase is generally discouraged, but almost every version of a personal statement for a medical profession will contain some iteration of this sentiment. One of the best ways to accomplish this mission is to be...
Why Getting a High Percentile Score on Your Shelf Exams is More Important Than Ever
Many medical students take NBME Clinical Science Subject Exams, or “shelf” exams after completing core clinical rotations in Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Emergency Medicine, Surgery, OBGYN, Family Medicine, Neurology, and Pediatrics. While passing and honors scores for these exams differ between medical schools, it is important to do your best on...
A Look at the AMBOSS Step 2 Self Assessment
As you prepare for the high-stakes USMLE Step 2 exam, practice exams are a crucial tool to gauge your progress and identify areas for improvement. While many students rely on NBME and UWorld self-assessments, the Amboss Step 2 self-assessment is another option worth considering. In this post, we'll cover the...
Proven Strategies to Ace USMLE Step 2 CK with a 90th Percentile Score
Having scored above the 90th percentile on Step 2, students often ask “How do I get a high score on Step 2?”, “How long should I study for Step 2 CK?”, and “What’s the best study plan for Step 2 CK?” Mastering this exam is a combination of knowing...
How to Get a 90th Percentile Score in Your Psychiatry Shelf
Most medical students will take NBME Clinical Science Subject Exams, or “shelf” exams at the end of a clinical rotation. Depending on your medical school, there may be different score or percentile cutoffs for passing and honors grading. While the grading system at each medical school is unique, a 90th...
Study Strategies for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) for Step 2 CK
International medical gradutes (IMGs) represented ⅓ of the applicants to residency programs participating in the 2022 main residency match (30.4%). IMGs include both US-citizens who graduate from foreign medical schools and non-US citizens who graduate from foreign medical schools. However, despite their significant presence in the applicant pool, IMGs often...
Pros and Cons: Is the AMBOSS Step 1 Self Assessment Worth Your Time?
When it comes to acing USMLE Step 1, practice exams are essential. You've likely heard of NBME and UWorld self-assessments, but have you considered Amboss Step 1 Self-Assessment? In this post, we'll put it to the test: how does it stack up against the competition, and is it worth your...
How to Maintain Work-Life Balance During USMLE Step 2 Prep
How to Maintain Work-Life Balance During USMLE Step 2 Prep Medical school is notoriously time-consuming and dedicated study periods for USMLE board exams (Step 1, Step 2) can be even more demanding. While your preparation for USMLE Step 2 CK can be stretched out over a long period during...
Navigating the Transition from Step 1 to Step 2 CK
Navigating the USMLE Step 1 to Step 2 CK transition is a pivotal moment for many medical students, demanding a thorough grasp of the similarities and differences between these two exams. In this blog, we'll explore essential facets of each exam, from their structure and content to strategic insights for...
Aim High or Just Pass USMLE Step 1
Every year, medical students between second and fourth year will sit for the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK. With upcoming changes to how USMLE Step 1 is scored, many students find themselves wondering “What score do I really need?”