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How Many Times Can You Take the USMLE Step 1? Preparing for the Worst Case Scenario

24 min

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

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

446 Views

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

446 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...

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

16 min

554 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)?

554 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

34774 Views

A group of Anesthesia residents and their patient.

34774 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.

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

18 min

811 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.

811 Views

Having scored above the 90th percentile on Step 2, students often ask “How do I get a high 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 knowing...

How to Match into a Dermatology Residency Program in 2025

15 min

20252 Views

students in a lab after matching into dermatology residency program

20252 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 Dermatology.

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

14 min

1961 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.

1961 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...

How Long to Study for Step 1: Road to USMLE Success

13 min

2116 Views

A medical student organizing their study schedule for Step 1 in front of a calendar, making notes with colorful sticky notes.

2116 Views

With the transition from a scored Step 1 to PASS/FAIL, many students are left asking themselves how long they should take to study for Step 1. Is 2 weeks enough? Should I plan for a full 6 weeks for Step 1?   And, like many things in life, the answer...

Addressing Burnout During Step 2 CK Preparation

16 min

1192 Views

Stressed medical student studying for USMLE Step 2 CK, surrounded by textbooks, notes, and a laptop in a cluttered study space.

1192 Views

Why Are Medical Students at Risk of Burnout?   Research indicates that up to half of medical students encounter burnout, as medicine is an intrinsically demanding profession. If you find yourself among these students, know that there is hope. You are not alone, and strategies are available to alleviate the...

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