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...
Step 2 CK Form 16: What’s New, Why It Matters, and How to Adapt
“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...
Step 2 Prep: Tips, Resources, and Common Mistakes
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...
SOAP: How to Optimize Your Application and Match Strategically
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:...
How to Prepare for USMLE Step 2 CK: A Complete Guide (2025)
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...
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...
Step 2 Scores by Specialty: What You Need to Know
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. ...
When to Take Step 2 CK for the 2026 Residency Match
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...
The Absolute Best Predictor of Step 2 CK Scores
The blog was originally published in March 2024, and updated in July 2025 by Dr. Bijoya Basu Big Take Away For Step 2: The best predictor of your Step 2 success is not a single practice exam or resource, but a combination of consistent performance and dedication throughout medical school,...
US Doctor Specialties by USMLE Step 2 CK Scores
With the change of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 transitioning to an entirely pass-fail examination, more emphasis has been placed on the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (Step 2 CK) score in the residency selection process. [blurred_unlock] KeyPoint Details Importance Step 2 CK is one of the most important...