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When to Take Step 2 CK for the 2026 Residency Match

9 min

8990 Views

A group of medical students studying for their Step 2 exam, sitting in front of a lap top.

8990 Views

The Step 2 CK exam score is one of the top factors residency programs use when selecting candidates to interview. Most students in the United States take the USMLE Step 2 CK after their third-year clinical rotations—typically between May and July—to align with residency application timelines. This schedule ensures you...

US Doctor Specialties by USMLE Step 2 CK Scores

US-Doctor-Specialties-by-USMLE-Step-2-CK-Scores

41836 Views

With the change of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 transitioning to an entirely pass-fail examination, more emphasis has been placed on the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (Step 2 CK) score in the residency selection process.   While your Step 2 score is not the only factor that programs...

How to Match into Anesthesiology for Residency

18 min

34243 Views

A group of Anesthesia residents and their patient.

34243 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.

The Benefits of Mentorship: Building a Support Network in Medical School

20 min

1014 Views

Medical professionals in discussion: a mentor in a white coat providing guidance to two medical students in scrubs.

1014 Views

Mentorship is a vital part of medical education, shaping the future of medicine. Aspiring physicians have the drive and intelligence to succeed, but they need guidance from experienced professionals to excel in education, clinical practice, and research. A strong mentor provides crucial support and inspiration to medical students, residents, and...

What to Look For in a Residency Program

16 min

8217 Views

Medical residents in a hospital.

8217 Views

Residency application is fast approaching and students need to decide which programs they want to apply to and ultimately interview at. When compiling a list of these programs, there are several key factors that ought to be kept in mind.

Post Interview Communication: The Residency Thank You Letter or Email

9 min

23735 Views

A person sitting at a desk writing a Residency Thank You Letter

23735 Views

Feeling the silence and uncertainty between your last interview and Match day? If you’re wondering if you should or shouldn’t reach out to send a quick residency thank you letter to the program for their time during interview day, here’s what you need to know. 

How to Match into a Dermatology Residency Program in 2025

15 min

20053 Views

students in a lab after matching into dermatology residency program

20053 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.

2024-2025 Match Cycle Residency Application Timeline

A preview of Elite Medical Prep's 2023-2024 residency application timeline.

18217 Views

The final year of medical school marks the start of your residency application journey. To succeed, you need a clear understanding of the application process and its key milestones. For this purpose, we've created a detailed timeline to help you navigate the application process! This valuable resource includes: Key deadlines...

Everything You Need to Know About the Transitional (TY)/Preliminary (PY) Residency Programs

16 min

1568 Views

A med school student sitting in front of a laptop in a living room, filling out a transitional residency year application.

1568 Views

After a long road, you are finally embarking on the residency application process! When planning your application and future training goals, information, and new “lingo” on the different types of residency positions out there can be overwhelming. It may be hard to know where to begin. From categorical versus advanced...

The Impact of Step 2 CK Scores on Residency Interviews

9 min

3193 Views

A residency program applicant being reviewed by residency program leadership.

3193 Views

Applying to residency and contemplating the likelihood of securing interviews can be stressful. You've dedicated your entire medical school career to studying, conducting research, taking exams, and presenting your best self on applications. With the transition of USMLE Step 1 to a pass/fail grading system, medical students now face heightened...

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