Step 2 CK Percentiles: What You Need to Know
The USMLE Step 2 CK percentiles provide a benchmark to evaluate your performance compared to other test-takers. With Step 1 now pass/fail, Step 2 CK scores play an increasingly important role in residency applications, making a high percentile score critical for competitive specialties. This guide breaks down the latest percentile...
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...
How Long Is USMLE Step 2 and What to Expect
USMLE Step 2 is often compared to running a marathon. While I would argue that one could run two marathons (and perhaps even start a third) in the time it takes to sit for Step 2, the analogy nonetheless starts to capture the endurance required to sit for such an...
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?
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...
Step 2 Practice Exam Guide: Where UWSA3 Fits In
As Step 2 season comes around, many students already know that practice exams are key to success on test day. After hours and hours and never ending days of practice questions and videos and anki, the NBME and UWorld practice exams are your chance to prove that the work you...
Getting the Most Out of AMBOSS for Step 2 CK Prep
For medical students preparing for Step 2 CK, choosing the right study resources is crucial. AMBOSS has gained popularity as a powerful question bank (QBank) and medical knowledge resource, but many students wonder: Is AMBOSS worth it for Step 2 CK? How many Step 2 CK questions does AMBOSS have?...
Step 2 CK Timing: Should You Flag Questions?
Step 2 CK is an entirely different examination compared to Step 1. While Step 1 is now pass/fail, Step 2 CK is scored, making time management even more critical for those aiming for competitive specialties as this score is extremely important in selecting who are the top residency candidates. One...
How to Approach ‘Most Likely Diagnosis’ Questions on USMLE Exams
8 Steps for Mastering ‘Most Likely Diagnosis’ Questions on the USMLE The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is filled with clinical vignette-style questions designed to assess your ability to apply medical knowledge in real-world scenarios. One of the most common question types you’ll encounter is the "Most Likely...
2025 Top 5 Study Resources for USMLE Step 2 CK
To save other students from stressing over which Step 2 CK study resources to use as I did, here are my five most trusted resources for studying for Step 2 CK. These resources may not work for everyone, but these are the resources that helped me score in the 99th percentile on Step 2 CK!