Step 2 Scores by Specialty: What You Need to Know
The U.S. residency application landscape has shifted dramatically since USMLE Step 1 became pass/fail. For today’s applicants, the Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) exam is often the only numerical score available to program directors when comparing candidates. This change has made Step 2 CK more influential than ever before. ...
How to Make the Most of Your AAMC Practice Tests for the MCAT
A Tutor’s Guide to Smarter Studying, Stronger Scores, and Minimal Stress Why Your AAMC Practice Exams Are Gold If you’re preparing for the MCAT, you’ve probably heard it a hundred times: The AAMC practice tests are the most accurate predictor of your actual score. And it’s true - no...
How to Tackle the Hardest USMLE Step 1 Topics: A Tutor’s Guide
As many have said before, preparing for the USMLE Step 1 can feel like trying to drink from a firehose. And while some topics may come easily, others feel like they were designed in a secret lab just to test your sanity. As a tutor, I’ve worked with dozens of...
How to Stay Motivated Throughout COMLEX Level 1 Preparation
Preparing for COMLEX Level 1 is a unique kind of marathon - equal parts knowledge, endurance, strategy, and mindset. When it comes to COMLEX Level 1 preparation, as you gear up for what might feel like the most important test of your life (so far!), it’s completely normal to ride...
Medical School Parental Leave Policies in the US
Starting a family during medical school is both exciting and overwhelming. Between exams, clinical rotations, and everything else on your plate, figuring out parental leave policies can feel like yet another challenge. Unfortunately, medical schools don’t always make it easy - policies can be vague, inconsistent, or even nonexistent. ...
Step 1 Mnemonics: Master Your Study Techniques
From the perspective of a med student-turned-tutor who has used them in the trenches. Want the Science Behind It? If you’ve ever found yourself reciting “Some Say Marry Money, But My Brother Says Big Brains Matter More” while trying to remember the cranial nerves, you already know the quiet...
Active Recall and Spaced Repetition for Step 1
Active Recall and Spaced Repetition for Step 1: Why They Work (and How to Start) If you’re in medical school, you’ve probably heard people talk about active recall and spaced repetition like they’re some kind of magical learning tools. And honestly? They kind of are - if you use them...
The Art of Active Listening: Boost Your Medical Communication Skills
Effective communication is one of the most essential skills in medicine, but it’s not just about what you say - it’s also about how well you listen. After all, we have one mouth and two ears for a reason, right? Active listening is the foundation of patient-centered care, helping doctors...
What to Do If You Struggle with NBME Shelf Exams
NBME shelf exams can be a major source of stress during medical school. You’re trying to adjust to your 3rd year of medical school, which is basically working a full-time job, and you have to study for these exams in your nearly non-existent free time! If you’ve found yourself struggling...
Exploring Tuition-Free Medical Schools in the United States
Pursuing medical school in the United States has traditionally been associated with significant financial investment, often leading to a substantial student debt burden. However, a growing number of medical schools are now challenging this norm by offering tuition-free education to alleviate the financial burden on aspiring physicians. This post examines...