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Anatomy is one of the most fundamental subjects in medical school - it can be considered, both literally and figuratively, the foundation for almost all other subjects you will study in medicine . A solid grasp of human anatomy is crucial for understanding pathology, performing both thorough and targeted physical...

Failing the USMLE Step 1 can be one of the most discouraging moments in medical school. It's natural to feel disappointed, frustrated, or even question whether you're capable of becoming a physician. But while failing Step 1 is undoubtedly a setback, it does not define your future career.   Every...

For many medical students, the transition from Step 1 to Step 2 feels surprisingly difficult, and not always for the reasons they expect.   After spending months or even years learning basic science concepts, memorizing pathways, and mastering Step 1-style thinking, students often assume Step 2 will feel easier because...

For many medical students, the transition from Step 1 to Step 2 feels surprisingly difficult, and not always for the reasons they expect.   After spending months or even years learning basic science concepts, memorizing pathways, and mastering Step 1-style thinking, students often assume Step 2 will feel easier because...

Preparing for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) can feel overwhelming, not because there is a shortage of study materials, but because there are so many options. Question banks, review books, videos, flashcards, practice exams, and study schedules all compete for your attention.   The challenge is deciding which...

The Free 120 Step 2 is a set of official sample questions provided by the USMLE program. Its official name is the Step 2 CK Sample Test Questions, but students commonly refer to it as the “Free 120.”   Unlike a commercial question bank, the Free 120 gives students direct...

This blog was originally published in 2023 by Dr. Alina Khil and updated for accuracy in February 2025 by Dr. Coco Stewart.   The Hardest Medical Specialties to Match Into Choosing a medical specialty is a challenging task, especially when it comes to many of the more competitive specialties. Is...

This article was updated by Rebecca Lapides in September 2026.   “Tell me about yourself.” This is probably the first question you’ll be asked in any residency interview. Certainly makes you wonder why you spent countless hours writing and rewriting that blasted personal statement.   The truth is that the...

After four years of college, four years of medical school, countless research projects and long hours shadowing you finally got a residency interview and you want to cancel it?! Yes, it happens. And here’s how to respectfully decline.

One of the hardest decisions that all medical students face involves picking the resources to help them succeed on their board exams. To provide you the best and most accurate advice, we have our tutors personally utilize the services we review. In this blog post, we will share our impressions of TrueLearn’s SmartBanks for COMLEX Level 1 and COMLEX Level 2 CE.

This blog was updated in 2025 to reflect the latest ABSITE study strategies and resources.   Preparing for the ABSITE in 2025 comes with new challenges and opportunities. Unlike for other standardized tests, it can be difficult to find comprehensive resources for ABSITE studying. Surgery requires a lot of knowledge,...

This blog was originally published on March 21, 2023, and was updated in September 2025 with new information.   There are innumerable resources available for Step 1 preparation. No one study approach will work for everyone or guarantee success. Whatever plan or resources you decide to use, everyone will need to...

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!

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.

Just like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day, at times medical students can feel like they are living the same day over and over again (especially now in the midst of coronavirus test cancellations). Between learning new content, spending long hours studying, and anxiously taking exams, many students feel stuck in a perpetual cycle of anxiety