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How to get a 90th percentile score in your Pediatrics shelf

How to get a 90th percentile score in your Pediatrics shelf

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The pediatrics shelf exam is one of the more challenging examinations given its breadth of topics, covering everything from neonatology to adolescent medicine. To achieve a 90th percentile score, you will need a targeted study strategy that leverages high-yield topics, effective study methods, and the best available resources. This guide...

What to Do If You Struggle with NBME Shelf Exams

13 min

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What to Do If You Struggle with NBME Shelf Exams

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NBME shelf exams can be a major source of stress during medical school. You’re trying to adjust to your 3rd year of medical school, which is basically working a full-time job, and you have to study for these exams in your nearly non-existent free time! If you’ve found yourself struggling...

Percentile Shelf Score 2025 and Your Medical Career

8 min

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Study essentials for shelf exams including an open notebook, headphones, pencils, and a cup of coffee on a desk.

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Many medical students take NBME Clinical Science Subject Exams, or “shelf” exams after completing core clinical rotations in Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Emergency Medicine, Surgery, OBGYN, Family Medicine, Neurology, and Pediatrics. While passing and honors scores for these exams differ between medical schools, it is important to do your best on...

Internal Medicine Shelf Exam: Study Plan & Tips to Succeed

8 min

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Someone using their laptop for studying the Internal Medicine Shelf Exam.

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So you’ve got the internal medicine shelf exam ahead of you huh? Well, don’t stress! While shelf exams may seem stressful or intimidating at first, with proper preparation and planning, you’ll do just fine. Here are our tips on how to study for the IM shelf exam.

Step 2 CK vs. Shelf Exams: What’s the Real Difference

12 min

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Medical student preparing for the USMLE Step 2 exam, taking notes at a desk with a laptop and study materials, representing focused study and exam preparation.

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If you’re a medical student deep in clinical rotations, you’ve probably heard the constant chatter about shelf exams and USMLE Step 2 CK. Maybe you’ve even asked yourself: Are shelf exams harder than Step 2 CK? Does Step 2 feel like a bunch of shelf exams stitched together? Can I...

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...

Clinical Rotations Study Plan by a Core Clerkship Lead

12 min

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Medical student wearing headphones, studying with a notebook and laptop, creating a study plan for clinical rotations.

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Clinical rotations are a very important part of your medical school experience; the hands-on learning that you are exposed to is pivotal to creating a well-rounded approach to your clinical practice. However, rotations bring a unique challenge: balancing shelf exam preparation with the long hours required at the hospital or...

How to Get a 90th Percentile Score in Your Psychiatry Shelf

7 min

4238 Views

A doctor in a white coat, holding a card with the word "psychiatry" written on it, symbolizing the focus of the blog on achieving a high score in the Psychiatry Shelf Exam.

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Most medical students will take NBME Clinical Science Subject Exams, or “shelf” exams at the end of a clinical rotation. Depending on your medical school, there may be different score or percentile cutoffs for passing and honors grading. While the grading system at each medical school is unique, a 90th...

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...

Scoring Over the 90th Percentile on Your Ob/Gyn Shelf Exam

Pregnant woman lying on an exam table while a healthcare provider uses a fetal doppler to listen to the baby's heartbeat.

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Scoring over the 90th percentile on your OBG/YN shelf exam can be a great way to let your residency application shine. This is especially true if you are applying to OBG/YN residency or a related specialty like family medicine, surgery etc.  With that said, your OB/GYN clerkship is arguably one...

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