Home » Editor's Picks

Are NBME Practice Exams a True Reflection of Shelf Exam Difficulty?

Medical school students taking a practice NBME to prepare for their shelf exams.

6430 Views

In medical education, shelf exams evaluate students' knowledge and clinical reasoning during core clinical clerkships. Administered by medical schools, often written by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), these pivotal exams determine students' readiness for clinical rotations and overall performance. Questions often arise about the correlation between NBME practice...

How AI is Revolutionizing Medical Education

A person interacts with an AI-powered chat system on a laptop, using AI for personalized learning and medical training.

1173 Views

The Future of AI in Medical Education   Imagine practicing your diagnostic skills with a virtual patient in ‘critical condition’ whose symptoms evolve in real time. Picture being guided through your physical exam of a real patient by an AI that adapts to your learning curve. Imagine a virtual tutor...

Proven Strategies to Ace USMLE Step 2 CK with a 90th Percentile Score

18 min

2420 Views

A medical student studies intently in a library, reviewing notes and resources, symbolizing the dedication and focused preparation needed to achieve a high score on the USMLE Step 2 CK.

2420 Views

Having scored above the 90th percentile on Step 2, students often ask “How do I get a 90th percentile score on Step 2?”, “How long should I study for Step 2 CK?”, and “What’s the best study plan for Step 2 CK?”   Mastering this exam is a combination of...

How Many Times Can You Take the USMLE Step 1?

24 min

3195 Views

Medical student focused on studying for a USMLE Step 1 retake at a library desk with a laptop covered in sticky notes.

3195 Views

The USMLE Step exams are no joke. There are plenty of students who have struggled to pass their exam on the first, second, or even third try. If you find yourself in a position where you are asking, “How many times can I take USMLE Step 1?”, know that you...

Family Medicine Rotation: Advice From a Former Preceptor

Young doctor in a white coat with stethoscope, ready to excel in a family medicine rotation.

1037 Views

Your Family Medicine rotation is a fantastic opportunity to develop a broad set of clinical competencies that will benefit you in any field of medicine. In fact, honoring your Family Medicine rotation can prepare you for future rotations and board exams like Step 2 CK and Step 3 (as well...

How to Balance Med School and a Social Life

13 min

1114 Views

Group of medical students studying together and socializing, illustrating the balance between academic life and maintaining friendships.

1114 Views

The transition from undergraduate to medical school can be a difficult one! You may be accustomed to having lots of time on your hands to study, exercise, hang out with friends, and work. As you get used to your medical student life, you may have less personal time on your...

Week Before Step 2: Top Study Tips Revealed

16 min

2596 Views

Chart showing the results of question 1 of our Step 2 tutor survey: What is the general schedule do you recommend to students the week before the exam (excluding the day before)?

2596 Views

Step 2 Studying: The Week Before Test Day Advice   So you’ve been studying for weeks or even months for your Step 2 exam… you are SO close, yet so far away. With only a week left before the big day, you may be asking yourself, “How should I spend...

How to Match into Anesthesiology for Residency

18 min

38476 Views

A group of Anesthesia residents and their patient.

38476 Views

The NRMP Program directors survey “at a glance” tool is extremely helpful in gauging where your application packet stands compared to the applicant pool. Here are the major components to consider when applying into Anesthesia.

Urology Residency Step 2 Score Requirements

14 min

4124 Views

Medical tools and supplies arranged on a table with a paper labeled 'Urology,' including a stethoscope, syringes, a pill organizer, and a urine sample container.

4124 Views

What Step 2 score do I need to get into a urology residency?   With the new scoring system of Pass/Fail for Step 1, much of the focus has shifted to a Step 2 score. In competitive residencies like urology, a higher Step 2 score can help open the door...

Farewell to General Principles in Step 1: 2024 USMLE Update

5 min

2691 Views

A medical school student studying for her Step 1 exam in a library in front of a laptop.

2691 Views

What is the 2024 USMLE Step 1 Content Outline Update?   Exciting news has arrived for aspiring medical professionals! The USMLE recently revised its Step 1 content outline, a crucial step in the path to medical licensure. In this 2024 USMLE Step 1 Content Outline Update, the topics which were...

Need additional
help with an exam?

Elite tutors are qualified, professional, and 100% online.

Schedule a Consult