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When to Take Step 2 CK for the 2026 Residency Match

9 min

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

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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...

Matching Into Orthopedic Surgery Residency

14 min

21127 Views

Orthopaedic surgeons and residents in surgery.

21127 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 Orthopaedic Surgery.

US Doctor Specialties by USMLE Step 2 CK Scores

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

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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

33652 Views

A group of Anesthesia residents and their patient.

33652 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

928 Views

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

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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...

Acceptance Factors for Matching into Pediatrics Residency

11 min

17099 Views

A pediatric resident checking in on her patient with a stethoscope.

17099 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 Pediatrics.

How to Match into a Dermatology Residency Program in 2025

15 min

19850 Views

students in a lab after matching into dermatology residency program

19850 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.

17759 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

1371 Views

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

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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

2986 Views

A residency program applicant being reviewed by residency program leadership.

2986 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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