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USMLE Step 2 CK Clinical Knowledge Study Strategies

A medical instructor demonstrating a clinical procedure to two medical students on clinical rotations.

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Your journey through medical school is characterized by rigorous academic challenges coupled with hands-on learning. Arguably, one of the most significant hurdles for medical students to overcome is the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK). The USMLE Step 2 assesses students' ability to apply clinical...

Step 2 CK Breakdown by Subject for Better Results

17 min

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A medical school student studying for the USMLE Step 2 CK in front of a laptop at home.

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This blog was originally posted on November 22, 2022, and updated by Dr. Ria Patel in November 2024.   The USMLE Step 2 CK is a challenging exam that tests a wide range of clinical knowledge and skills across multiple subjects. Understanding the Step 2 CK breakdown by subject is...

When to Take Step 2 CK for the 2026 Residency Match

9 min

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A group of medical students studying for their Step 2 exam, sitting in front of a lap top.

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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...

How is Step 2 Scored and What You Need to Know

9 min

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A medical student taking the USMLE Step 2 CK exam.

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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.

USMLE Accommodations: A Complete Guide

10 min

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Close-up of hands typing on a laptop, submitting a USMLE test accommodations request online.

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Navigating the USMLE is not an easy task in and of itself. Add on to that a need for testing accommodations, and it may well feel impossible. While the process can certainly be difficult, it’s not impossible. This blog offers a few simple steps to help you navigate the process...

Osteopathic DO Students & USMLE Step Exams

9 min

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A stethoscope resting on a thick medical book, symbolizing the study and preparation required for medical exams like USMLE and COMLEX.

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Historically, DO students were recommended to take both the COMLEX and USMLE Step exams (specifically Step 1 and Step 2 CK) in order to be competitive for residency applications. However, now that both COMLEX Level 1 and Step 1 have become pass/fail, DO students wonder if they should still take...

Week Before Step 2: Top Study Tips Revealed

16 min

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Chart showing the results of question 1 of our Step 2 tutor survey: What is the general schedule do you recommend to students the week before the exam (excluding the day before)?

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Step 2 Studying: The Week Before Test Day Advice   So you’ve been studying for weeks or even months for your Step 2 exam… you are SO close, yet so far away. With only a week left before the big day, you may be asking yourself, “How should I spend...

US Doctor Specialties by USMLE Step 2 CK Scores

US-Doctor-Specialties-by-USMLE-Step-2-CK-Scores

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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.   While your Step 2 score is not the only factor that programs...

USMLE Step 2 CK: 8 Tips to Ace the Test

13 min

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A focused study desk setup with medical textbooks, flashcards, and a cup of coffee, ready for dedicated USMLE Step 2 CK preparation.

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What are Our Top Tips to Get a Good Score on Step 2 CK?   USMLE Step 2 CK is a difficult exam but manageable if you have the right resources and Step 2 study plan to utilize during your dedicated period. Getting a “good score” on Step 2 CK...

USMLE Step 2 Tutoring: How It Can Boost Your Score

16 min

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A tutor and a medical student studying together on a laptop in a library, illustrating the personalized guidance and support that tutoring can provide for USMLE Step 2 CK preparation.

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How Important is Step 2 CK Now and Why Should I Consider a Tutor?   The USMLE Step 2 CK exam is a critical milestone in a medical student's journey, with a high score crucial for securing a competitive residency position. Recent changes to the USMLE exams have elevated the...

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