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How Many Times Can You Take the USMLE Step 1? Preparing for the Worst Case Scenario

24 min

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Medical student focused on studying for a USMLE Step 1 retake at a library desk with a laptop covered in sticky notes.

The USMLE Step exams are no joke. There are plenty of students who have struggled to pass their exam on the first, second, or even third try. If you find yourself in a position where you are asking, “How many times can I take USMLE Step 1?”, know that you...

USMLE Step 1 2025 Exam Dates and Costs

10 min

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Medical school students taking the USMLE Step 1 in a computer room in a Prometric testing center.

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The USMLE Step 1 exam is an important early step in the career of any aspiring US-licensed doctor. In this blog post we will review some frequently asked questions about the exam. This includes USMLE Step 1 2025 exam dates and costs, the scope and length of the exam and...

The USMLE Step 1 Content Outline: How to Make the Most of The Guide

12 min

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A medical student lying on a rug, studying the USMLE Step 1 Content Outline with a focused expression, surrounded by study materials, a laptop, and natural light from a nearby window.

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When preparing for the USMLE Step 1, students often find themselves wading through an ocean of resources, practice questions, and review books. Among the numerous tools available, one that is often overlooked but extremely useful is the USMLE Step 1 Content Outline, available here. Published by the USMLE itself, this...

A Step-by-Step Guide to Acquiring USMLE Test Accommodations

10 min

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Close-up of hands typing on a laptop, submitting a USMLE test accommodations request online.

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Navigating the USMLE is not an easy task in and of itself. Add on to that a need for testing accommodations, and it may well feel impossible. While the process can certainly be difficult, it’s not impossible. This blog offers a few simple steps to help you navigate the process...

Do Osteopathic DO Students Need to Take USMLE Step Exams?

9 min

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A stethoscope resting on a thick medical book, symbolizing the study and preparation required for medical exams like USMLE and COMLEX.

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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...

NBME 26-NBME 31: Which is the Best Predictor for Passing Step 1

9 min

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Medical students taking their USMLE Step 1 exam in a classroom.

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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...

Pros and Cons: Is the AMBOSS Step 1 Self Assessment Worth Your Time?

8 min

1056 Views

A smiling woman with curly hair and glasses, reviewing study materials at her desk, representing a medical student preparing for the USMLE Step 1 exam using various resources like the AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment.

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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...

Comparing Step 1 and Step 2 CK: What Changes to Expect

13 min

1144 Views

A young woman with curly hair and glasses studies for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 in a library, intently reading a textbook.

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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,...

8 Tips on How to Use Anki USMLE Flashcards

17 min

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Student on laptop using Anki USMLE Flashcards

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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..

What is Spaced Repetition and Why it’s SO Important for USMLE?

9 min

11995 Views

A medical school student studying for USMLE using spaced repetition techniques.

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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.

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