Historically, DO students were recommended to take both the COMLEX and USMLE Step exams (specifically Step 1 and Step 2 CK) in order to be competitive for residency applications. However, now that both COMLEX Level 1 and Step 1 have become pass/fail, DO students wonder if they should still take...

This blog was originally published on March 21, 2023, and was updated in August 2024 for new information.   There are innumerable resources available for Step 1 preparation. No one study approach will work for everyone or guarantee success. Whatever plan or resources you decide to use, everyone will need to...

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...

What is the Difference Between USMLE Step 1 and Step 2?   USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 are compulsory licensure exams for medical students before residency in the US. Scores on these exams are also used by residency programs to evaluate each individual student’s didactic knowledge and capabilities. However,...

When it comes to studying for the USMLE, it’s worth learning how to make proper flashcards up front. While there are many different USMLE..

On its most basic level, spaced repetition is spacing out new concepts that we are learning over time to more efficiently remember various things. Furthermore, it involves progressively spacing out concepts that we are relatively strong in further and further into time while re-introducing topics that we are relatively weaker in a shorter interval in between.

With the transition from a scored Step 1 to PASS/FAIL, many students are left asking themselves how long they should take to study for Step 1. Is 2 weeks enough? Should I plan for a full 6 weeks for Step 1?   And, like many things in life, the answer...

The USMLE, encompassing Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3, serves as an important milestone in the journey toward medical licensure. Despite the transition of Step 1 to a pass/fail grading system in February 2022, effective preparation remains paramount. That is why we created the 6-week Step 1 study schedule!...

What is the 2024 USMLE Step 1 Content Outline Update?   Exciting news has arrived for aspiring medical professionals! The USMLE recently revised its Step 1 content outline, a crucial step in the path to medical licensure. In this 2024 USMLE Step 1 Content Outline Update, the topics which were...

Navigating the USMLE Step 1 to Step 2 CK transition is a pivotal moment for many medical students, demanding a thorough grasp of the similarities and differences between these two exams. In this blog, we'll explore essential facets of each exam, from their structure and content to strategic insights for...