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...
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.
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...
How to Tackle the Hardest USMLE Step 1 Topics: A Tutor’s Guide
As many have said before, preparing for the USMLE Step 1 can feel like trying to drink from a firehose. And while some topics may come easily, others feel like they were designed in a secret lab just to test your sanity. As a tutor, I’ve worked with dozens of...
You Just Found Out Your USMLE Step 1 Score! Now What?
Congratulations! You did it! You took USMLE Step 1, the test you spent months studying for, and now you’re anxiously awaiting that email notification telling you that your Step 1 score is available. So now what?
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...