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This blog was originally written by Dr. Chris Bassil in May 2022, and was updated for accuracy by Dr. Ria Patel on August 7, 2025.   [embed]https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xedEVoX0Q3U[/embed] As a board...

Step 2 CK is an entirely different examination compared to Step 1. While Step 1 is now pass/fail, Step 2 CK is scored, making time management even more critical for...

With Step 1 transitioning to a pass/fail format, the importance of the Step 2 CK exam in medical school has become even more pronounced. It now stands as the primary...

Latest Blogs

This blog was originally written by Dr. Chris Bassil in May 2022, and was updated for accuracy by Dr. Ria Patel on August 7, 2025.   [embed]https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xedEVoX0Q3U[/embed] As a board...

If you're reading this, chances are you've taken the leap and decided to apply to medical school. Congratulations! One of the most important, but often intimidating, steps in your journey...

The blog was originally published in March 2024, and updated in July 2025 by Dr. Bijoya Basu Big Take Away For Step 2:  The best predictor of your Step 2...

USMLE STEP 1

Student studying for USMLE exam in front of her laptop.

This blog was originally written by Dr. Chris Bassil in May 2022, and was updated for accuracy by Dr. Ria Patel on August 7, 2025.   [embed]https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xedEVoX0Q3U[/embed] As a board exam tutor, the first meeting I have with almost any new student involves a discussion of their study schedule and...

Several USMLE percentile score graphs over an outstretched hand.

How to calculate your USMLE Step 1 or USMLE Step 2CK score percentile is a common question many medical students ask. Here are the 2020 USMLE Step 1 and Step 2CK percentile charts to see how you compare to other students.

8 Steps for Mastering ‘Most Likely Diagnosis’ Questions on the USMLE

8 Steps for Mastering ‘Most Likely Diagnosis’ Questions on the USMLE   The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is filled with clinical vignette-style questions designed to assess your ability to apply medical knowledge in real-world scenarios. One of the most common question types you’ll encounter is the "Most Likely...

USMLE STEP 2CK

Student studying for USMLE exam in front of her laptop.

This blog was originally written by Dr. Chris Bassil in May 2022, and was updated for accuracy by Dr. Ria Patel on August 7, 2025.   [embed]https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xedEVoX0Q3U[/embed] As a board exam tutor, the first meeting I have with almost any new student involves a discussion of their study schedule and...

The blog was originally published in March 2024, and updated in July 2025 by Dr. Bijoya Basu Big Take Away For Step 2:  The best predictor of your Step 2 Success is not a single practice exam or resource, but it’s a combination of consistent performance and dedication throughout medical...

US-Doctor-Specialties-by-USMLE-Step-2-CK-Scores

With the change of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 transitioning to an entirely pass-fail examination, more emphasis has been placed on the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (Step 2 CK) score in the residency selection process. While your Step 2 score is not the only factor that programs use...

COMLEX LEVEL 1

A DO doctor and his patient.

When starting your medical school application, you will find that there are multiple paths you can choose, namely, MD vs DO. Should you apply to an Allopathic or an Osteopathic medical school? What’s the difference between them, and which path is right for you?

A medical student studying on a laptop, preparing for COMLEX and USMLE exams.

This is a common question that my osteopathic medical students ask me. The answer is not so straightforward because they are different exams. As a DO student, an important decision that you have to make is whether or not you should take the USMLE exams in addition to the required...

A stethoscope resting on a thick medical book, symbolizing the study and preparation required for medical exams like USMLE and COMLEX.

Historically, DO students were recommended to take both the COMLEX and USMLE Step exams (specifically Step 1 and Step 2 CK) in order to be competitive for residency applications. However, now that both COMLEX Level 1 and Step 1 have become pass/fail, DO students wonder if they should still take...

RESIDENCY ADVISING

US-Doctor-Specialties-by-USMLE-Step-2-CK-Scores

With the change of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 transitioning to an entirely pass-fail examination, more emphasis has been placed on the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (Step 2 CK) score in the residency selection process. While your Step 2 score is not the only factor that programs use...

A group of medical residents in their chosen specialty, smiling and wearing scrubs in a hospital.

Residency is a stage of medical training that, in the US, is completed after medical school. As post-graduate medical education, residency training ranges in length depending on what field you are training for. Additionally within each field, there are opportunities to specialize even further through an added few years of...

Elite Medical Prep's residency roundtable event "Meaningful Experiences and Preference Signaling" opening slide introducing the speakers.

This blog was originally published in July 2023, and updated on July 9th, 2025 by Dr. Dylan Eiger.   Two years ago, Elite Medical Prep hosted a  residency roundtable event for the 2023 match cycle. We are now thrilled to share that all the sessions have been meticulously recorded, allowing...

RESOURCE REVIEWS

Student studying for USMLE exam in front of her laptop.

This blog was originally written by Dr. Chris Bassil in May 2022, and was updated for accuracy by Dr. Ria Patel on August 7, 2025.   [embed]https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xedEVoX0Q3U[/embed] As a board exam tutor, the first meeting I have with almost any new student involves a discussion of their study schedule and...

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.

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 CK self-assessment offers another valuable tool for gauging readiness and reviewing key...

A medical school student looking for Step 2 CK textbooks in the library.

If you are about to start your dedicated study period for the USMLE Step 2CK, you may be asking yourself, “what are the best study books I should use to prepare for this test?” Well, look no further! Here at EMP, we provide a comprehensive review of the best study books for Step 2CK!

HOW TO

A deck of empty flashcards to be used on UWorld.

UWorld flashcards have several unique features that make them particularly well suited to USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 prep. The flashcard feature utilizes spaced repetition systems and is completely integrated with the UWorld question bank which makes creating flashcards very simple. Here’s our guide to creating UWorld cards!

Someone with open book studying for ABIM Exam

The ABIM tests your knowledge on common and rare diagnoses expected from a board-certified internist according to American Board of Internal Medicine standards. To set yourself up for success, it is important to start early and practice often.

How-to-Score-a-280-on-USMLE-Step-2-CK

Having scored in the 270-280 range on Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 of the USMLE, I am often asked by students questions like “What’s your secret?”, “How can I plan my study schedule to…

ABIM

Someone with open book studying for ABIM Exam

The ABIM tests your knowledge on common and rare diagnoses expected from a board-certified internist according to American Board of Internal Medicine standards. To set yourself up for success, it is important to start early and practice often.

Desk with Laptop, stethoscope and notes for ABIM QBank Review

Each year, as thousands of physicians begin studying for the internal medicine boards, an age-old question comes up: Which question bank (Qbank) should they choose? Today we are going to be reviewing the UWorld ABIM question bank to evaluate its quality as a study resource.

A family medicine doctor and her patients.

The ABIM tests your knowledge on common and rare diagnoses expected from a board-certified internist according to American Board of Internal Medicine standards. To set yourself up for success, it is important to start early and practice often.