COMLEX vs. USMLE: Which Exam Should You Prioritize?
For osteopathic (DO) medical students, one of the biggest decisions during preclinical and clinical training is not just what specialty to pursue or where to apply for residency - but now, it is whether to take the USMLE in addition to the COMLEX. While it was much more common...
How to Prep for USMLE Step 1: 5 Study Tips That Work
Deciding how to study for Step 1 can be a daunting task. There are so many educational resources to choose from, and so much conflicting advice on the internet and from other…
What Residency Programs Are Looking for During SOAP Week — and How to Set Yourself Up for Success
You’ve already done the hard emotional work of accepting that you’re entering SOAP Week. You’ve processed the shock, the disappointment, the uncertainty — all the feelings that come with not matching the first time around. So, let’s shift gears. This post isn’t about emotions; it’s about strategy. It’s about...
NBME Form 33 Review: Step 1’s New Emphasis on Experimental Thinking and Real-World Logic
TL;DR Form 33 feels less like a content exam and more like a reasoning challenge. Expect experiments, mechanisms, and figure interpretation woven into nearly every block. The question style now mirrors real-world medical reasoning - integrating physiology, pharmacology, and behavior rather than isolating them. Use Form 33 as your final...
Adapt Your Step 1 Prep: NBME New Form 32
TL;DR - My Quick Take Form 32 is longer and more figure-heavy than most prior recent forms, signaling Step 1’s continued tilt toward applied reasoning, multi-step interpretation, and research/biostats skills. Expect fewer “buzzword” giveaways and more integration across systems (e.g., pathophysiology → mechanism → data → best next step in...
Top Scoring Strategies for NBME Shelf Exams: High-Yield Tips by Rotation
The third year of medical school will be one of the most memorable years of your medical training: you are learning how to function on the wards, balancing call schedules, working with residents, fellows, and attendings, and somehow finding time to study for your very important shelf exams. Each shelf...
Which Countries Recognize USMLE Scores?
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is the required pathway for medical licensure in the U.S. But internationally, its recognition varies. Some countries treat it as evidence of medical knowledge; others only value it when paired with recognized postgraduate training. The key distinction: Pre-residency (graduates with USMLE but...
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.
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...
NBME 26-NBME 31: Which is the Best Predictor for Passing Step 1
This blog was originally published on March 21, 2023, and was updated in September 2025 with 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...