OMM for COMLEX Level 1 and Level 2-CE: Study Guide and Free Anki Deck
In my experience, studying the OMM portion for COMLEX Levels 1 and 2 works best when combined with your typical medical practice questions. It's important to learn the reasoning behind the findings, start early, and use tools like spaced repetition to master the material. As an osteopathic medical student,...
Free 120 Step 2 CK: How to Use the Official Sample Test
The Free 120 Step 2 is a set of official sample questions provided by the USMLE program. Its official name is the Step 2 CK Sample Test Questions, but students commonly refer to it as the “Free 120.” Unlike a commercial question bank, the Free 120 gives students direct...
Common Pitfalls in ABP Prep and How to Avoid Them
Preparing for the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) initial certifying exam is uniquely challenging. Unlike many high-stakes exams, you often won’t get a long, protected “study block” built into your schedule. Residents, incoming fellows, and clinical attendings alike frequently scramble to carve out time. But smart planning and awareness of...
Best Resources for ABSITE Studying and How to Use Them
This blog was updated in 2025 to reflect the latest ABSITE study strategies and resources. Preparing for the ABSITE in 2025 comes with new challenges and opportunities. Unlike for other standardized tests, it can be difficult to find comprehensive resources for ABSITE studying. Surgery requires a lot of knowledge,...
When to Take Step 2 CK for the 2026 Residency Match
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...
Pros and Cons: Is the AMBOSS Step 1 Self Assessment Worth Your Time?
When it comes to acing USMLE Step 1, practice exams are essential. You've likely heard of NBME and UWorld self-assessments, but have you considered Amboss Step 1 Self-Assessment? In this post, we'll put it to the test: how does it stack up against the competition, and is it worth your...
Master Your Step 3 Exam with EMP’s Comprehensive Study Planner
Are you preparing to tackle the USMLE Step 3 exam head-on? As you navigate the path toward medical licensure, mastering Step 3 is pivotal. This final frontier demands meticulous preparation and strategic planning. Here's where our Step 3 study planner steps in. Designed to streamline your study efforts and maximize...
Anki USMLE Step 1 & Step 2 – Tips for Effective Studying
What is Anki If you are a new medical student, you have undoubtedly been bombarded with Anki since starting. Its application has spread like wildfire among medical students countrywide and with good reason. Anki is a spaced repetition flashcard program that works on both mobile devices and your computer....
Tips for Studying – Shelf Exam During Your Pediatric Rotation
As you dive into the world of pediatric medicine, you'll encounter a whirlwind of learning opportunities, patient interactions, and, of course, the looming shelf exam at the end of your rotation. With so much to absorb in a limited time frame, efficiency is key, especially on a rotation that is...