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

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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? Preparing for the Worst Case Scenario

24 min

1023 Views

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

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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...

How to Honor Your Family Medicine Rotation: Advice From a Former Preceptor

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

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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...

Balancing Medical School and Life: Strategies for Maintaining a Social Life

13 min

662 Views

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

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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...

The Experts Weigh In: Survey Results on the Best Way to Study The Week Before Step 2

16 min

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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)?

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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

36303 Views

A group of Anesthesia residents and their patient.

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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.

How to Match into a Dermatology Residency Program in 2025

15 min

21067 Views

students in a lab after matching into dermatology residency program

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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 Dermatology.

What You Need to Match Into Urology for Residency – Step 2 Scores and Other Helpful Tips!

14 min

2761 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.

2761 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...

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