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...

Clinical reasoning is the skill that connects your clerkship experiences with Step 2 CK performance. Whether you are interpreting a long exam vignette or assessing a new patient on rounds, you must be able to identify what matters, filter out noise, and make safe, efficient decisions.   We have worked...

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...

“The Gist” Summary: Step 2 CK Form 16 introduces a new question format that changes how students process information. Learn what makes this form different from earlier NBMEs, what trends it reveals, and how to adapt your strategy to stay ahead.   Introduction Each time the NBME releases a new...

For today’s medical student, preparing for USMLE Step 2 CK feels bigger than ever. With Step 1 now pass/fail, Step 2 CK has become the centerpiece of many residency applications. A strong score can open doors, while a weak one can limit interview offers in competitive specialties.   But here’s...

Introduction: Why SOAP Matters Match Week is one of the most exciting (and nerve-wracking) times in a medical student’s journey. By Monday of match week, you’ll find out whether you matched. For many students, this brings relief and celebration. But for some, it’s the start of an incredibly stressful process:...

When Step 1 officially shifted to pass/fail, Step 2 CK became the numerical score that residency programs rely on to compare applicants. For many students, this exam feels like the make-or-break milestone in the application process. That can sound intimidating, but the good news is that you have already built...

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...

The U.S. residency application landscape has shifted dramatically since USMLE Step 1 became pass/fail. For today’s applicants, the Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) exam is often the only numerical score available to program directors when comparing candidates. This change has made Step 2 CK more influential than ever before.  ...

The Step 2 CK exam score is one of the top factors residency programs use when selecting candidates to interview. Most students in the United States take the USMLE Step 2 CK after their third-year clinical rotations—typically between May and July—to align with residency application timelines. This schedule ensures you...