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.

How to Start Studying for Step 1: A Longitudinal Approach

Rebecca Lapides, MD

Rebecca Lapides, MD

Apr 22

16 min

6242 Views

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

6242 Views

Preparing for the USMLE Step 1 exam 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 to start studying for Step 1? How early should I start studying for Step 1? What’s the...

Guide to USMLE Permits: Everything You Need to Know

Rebecca Lapides, MD

Rebecca Lapides, MD

Apr 4

12 min

9117 Views

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

9117 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

Rebecca Lapides, MD

Rebecca Lapides, MD

Mar 18

12 min

10559 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.

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 Recovery Plan

Rebecca Lapides, MD

Rebecca Lapides, MD

Feb 28

11 min

4428 Views

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

4428 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...

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