Step 1 Mnemonics: Master Your Study Techniques
From the perspective of a med student-turned-tutor who has used them in the trenches. Want the Science Behind It? If you’ve ever found yourself reciting “Some Say Marry Money, But My Brother Says Big Brains Matter More” while trying to remember the cranial nerves, you already know the quiet...
Active Recall and Spaced Repetition for Step 1
Active Recall and Spaced Repetition for Step 1: Why They Work (and How to Start) If you’re in medical school, you’ve probably heard people talk about active recall and spaced repetition like they’re some kind of magical learning tools. And honestly? They kind of are - if you use them...
AMBOSS vs. UWorld: Which is a Better USMLE Resource?
This blog was originally written by Dr. Chris Bassil in May 2022, and was updated for accuracy by Dr. Ria Patel on August 7, 2025. As a board exam tutor, the first meeting I have with almost any new student involves a discussion of their study schedule and resources. During...
USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 Score Percentiles
How to calculate your USMLE Step 1 or USMLE Step 2CK score percentile is a common question many medical students ask. Here are the 2020 USMLE Step 1 and Step 2CK percentile charts to see how you compare to other students.
How to Approach ‘Most Likely Diagnosis’ Questions on USMLE Exams
8 Steps for Mastering ‘Most Likely Diagnosis’ Questions on the USMLE The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is filled with clinical vignette-style questions designed to assess your ability to apply medical knowledge in real-world scenarios. One of the most common question types you’ll encounter is the "Most Likely...
Making the Most of UWorld’s 30 Day Subscription
Is it worth it to get UWorld’s most basic 30 day subscription? While we certainly don’t advise waiting until a month before your test date to start going through UWorld, it is actually possible to get through one full pass in only 30 days.
When Should You Start Studying for USMLE Step 1? A Longitudinal Approach That Works
Preparing for the USMLE Step 1 can feel like an enormous task. With so much content to cover and the stakes so high, it’s no wonder students are constantly asking: How early should I start studying for Step 1? What’s the ideal Step 1 study timeline? What month do...
Guide to USMLE Permits: Everything You Need to Know
If you’re a medical student or an International Medical Graduate (IMG) preparing for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), one of the first steps is obtaining a USMLE scheduling permit. This document allows you to book your exam date and is essential for progressing in the licensure process. ...
The Power of Microlearning for USMLE Step 1 Prep
The USMLE Step 1 is one of the most challenging milestones for medical students. With high stakes and a grueling preparation process, it often feels like an overwhelming task. Many students rely on traditional study methods such as long lectures, hours of reading dense textbooks, and marathon review sessions, but...
2025 Guide to Interpreting NBME Practice Exams for Step 1 and Step 2
Almost all students preparing for the USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 will take at least one (hopefully more!) practice test leading up to test day. While various practice tests are available to assess your performance, many students will turn directly to the NBME practice tests to estimate their chances...