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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...

If you’ve recently passed Step 1 or you’re preparing to take Step 1 and Step 2 close together, you’ve probably heard that Step 2 is just Step 1 with longer clinical vignettes. While this is a commonly shared idea, it doesn’t quite hold up. Step 2 isn’t simply a longer...

This blog was originally published in October 2025 by Dylan Eiger and updated in April 2026 by Kala Frye Bourque.   NBME shelf exams have evolved. Today’s shelves are longer, more reasoning-focused, and often mirror Step 2 CK in style. They emphasize next-step management, guideline-based care, and outpatient medicine more...

Pharmacology is one of the most challenging topics of medical school, and many students struggle with it during their preparation for Step 2 CK. Unlike Step 1, where pharmacology is heavily mechanism-focused, Step 2 CK emphasizes on clinical implications. In general, it is critically important that you understand which medications...

If you’ve recently passed Step 1 or you’re preparing to take Step 1 and Step 2 close together, you’ve probably heard that Step 2 is just Step 1 with longer clinical vignettes. While this is a commonly shared idea, it doesn’t quite hold up. Step 2 isn’t simply a longer...

Preparing for Step 2 CK can feel like a fresh start, but in reality, many of the foundational topics from Step 1 resurface in a more clinical and applied context. Students often wonder which Step 1 topics they should review before diving into Step 2 CK prep. While Step 2...

Here’s Why That Should Make You Pause If you’re applying to residency soon, there’s a good chance AI will be involved in reviewing your application.   A recent JAMA viewpoint highlights how quickly AI has entered the residency selection process through its integration into ERAS. Programs are using AI tools...

For many medical students applying into specialties such as dermatology, radiology, anesthesiology, and PM&R, the question of where you’ll train is immediately followed by a second, often more confusing one: what kind of intern year do I need? If you’re applying into certain specialties, you may be asked to complete...

For many international medical graduates (IMGs), the dream of practicing medicine in the United States is both exciting and intimidating. Each year, thousands of IMGs apply to residency programs, and while the process is competitive, success is very possible with the right preparation, persistence, and strategy. Understanding the eligibility requirements,...

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.

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…