About the Author

Rebecca Lapides, MD

Rebecca graduated Summa Cum Laude from Purdue University with a degree in Nutrition Science, where she received the Outstanding Senior Award for excellence in academics and in her numerous teaching roles for students. Upon completing her pre-medical studies, Rebecca began medical school at the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, where she is currently a 4th year medical student. Rebecca has published numerous peer-reviewed manuscripts as well as presented many posters and presentations at national conferences.

When Should You Start Studying for USMLE Step 1? A Longitudinal Approach That Works

15 min

35 Views

Medical student studying on a laptop in the library with earphones in, preparing for USMLE Step 1.

35 Views

Preparing for the USMLE Step 1 can feel like an enormous task. With so much content to cover and the stakes so high, it’s no wonder students are constantly asking:   How early should I start studying for Step 1? What’s the ideal Step 1 study timeline? What month do...

The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to USMLE Permits: Everything You Need to Know

12 min

180 Views

A medical school student studying for USMLE using spaced repetition techniques.

180 Views

If you’re a medical student or an International Medical Graduate (IMG) preparing for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), one of the first steps is obtaining a USMLE scheduling permit. This document allows you to book your exam date and is essential for progressing in the licensure process.  ...

Step 2 CK vs. Shelf Exams: What’s the Real Difference (and Which Is Harder)?

12 min

608 Views

Medical student preparing for the USMLE Step 2 exam, taking notes at a desk with a laptop and study materials, representing focused study and exam preparation.

608 Views

If you’re a medical student deep in clinical rotations, you’ve probably heard the constant chatter about shelf exams and USMLE Step 2 CK. Maybe you’ve even asked yourself: Are shelf exams harder than Step 2 CK? Does Step 2 feel like a bunch of shelf exams stitched together? Can I...

What to Do If You Fail Step 2 CK: A Comprehensive Recovery Plan

11 min

364 Views

Stressed medical student sitting at a desk, holding glasses and looking at a laptop screen, processing Step 2 CK failure.

364 Views

So You Failed Step 2 CK—Now What?   Alright, take a deep breath. Failing Step 2 CK is not the end of your medical career. It’s a setback, sure, but setbacks happen. We all have them. The important thing is how you bounce back. Let’s go step by step to...

Need additional
help with an exam?

Elite tutors are qualified, professional, and 100% online.

Schedule a Consult