Throughout your medical career journey, you may find yourself asking what sort of questions you can expect to see on the USMLE Step 1, Step 2CK, and Step 3. A relatively new pair of similar question styles on the USMLE Step exams have increasingly become among the series’ most feared...

As of July 1, 2022 the minimum score required to pass the USMLE Step 2 CK exam has increased by 5 points from 209 to 214. Anytime a USMLE exam, including USMLE Step 2 CK, receives a minimum score increase it sends a wave of anxiety out into the medical...

It used to be that USMLE Step 1 was “the big one”, but with it becoming pass/fail, attention has shifted to Step 2. The first thing my brain went to was: “Step 2 scores will be lower in the coming years”. I say this because Step 1 and Step 2...

Although the recent USMLE switch to pass/fail scoring for Step 1 has been regarded as a largely positive change for most students, some of you may be wondering how this change will affect the overall appearance of your residency application. There are several key components to building a stand-out application...

If you are about to start your dedicated study period for the USMLE Step 2CK, you may be asking yourself, “what are the best study books I should use to prepare for this test?” Well, look no further! Here at EMP, we provide a comprehensive review of the best study books for Step 2CK!

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 those sessions, I always ask students which resources they’re planning to use to study for their specific board exam. Most of the time, my students...

At most medical schools, your grades during your first clinical year of training are primarily determined by evaluations from your preceptors, and your performance on a shelf examination. These grades will be a significant component of your residency application, in addition to letters of recommendation, co-curricular activities, research, and your...

The NBME, or National Board of Medical Examiners, writes practice exams for Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3. The NBME exams contain questions similar to those found on your step exams and are one of the best ways to practice your test-taking skills for Step 1, 2, or 3. But what is the best way to use the NBME practice exams?

Scoring high on these exams will open doors for applicants. Scoring high on an exam means understanding what’s being tested and how you’ll be scored.

Did you know that if you are an IMG applying for residency in the United States, you still have to satisfy a clinical and communications skills (CCS) requirement through the ECFMG? This may come as surprise considering the USMLE broadcasted suspension of the CCS during the COVID-19 pandemic.