For many medical students, choosing a specialty feels like one of the biggest decisions they will ever make. It is the question that follows students throughout preclinical lectures, clinical rotations, residency applications, and countless conversations with mentors. Some students know exactly what they want from the moment they enter medical...

Failing the USMLE Step 1 can be one of the most discouraging moments in medical school. It's natural to feel disappointed, frustrated, or even question whether you're capable of becoming a physician. But while failing Step 1 is undoubtedly a setback, it does not define your future career.   Every...

Knowing the Medicine vs. Understanding the Test One of the most frustrating parts of preparing for the USMLE as an international medical graduate (IMG) is realizing that sometimes you actually do know the medicine, but still miss the question.   Many IMGs walk away from practice blocks thinking: “I knew...

For many medical students, the transition from Step 1 to Step 2 feels surprisingly difficult, and not always for the reasons they expect.   After spending months or even years learning basic science concepts, memorizing pathways, and mastering Step 1-style thinking, students often assume Step 2 will feel easier because...

This blog was updated in October 2026 by Rebecca Lapides.   The USMLE Step 1 exam is an important early step in the career of any aspiring US-licensed doctor. In this blog post we will review some frequently asked questions about the exam. This includes USMLE Step 1 2026 exam...

When starting your medical school application, you will find that there are multiple paths you can choose, namely, MD vs DO. Should you apply to an Allopathic or an Osteopathic medical school? What’s the difference between them, and which path is right for you?

This blog was originally published in 2023 by Dr. Alina Khil and updated for accuracy in February 2025 by Dr. Coco Stewart.   The Hardest Medical Specialties to Match Into Choosing a medical specialty is a challenging task, especially when it comes to many of the more competitive specialties. Is...

This article was updated by Rebecca Lapides in September 2026.   Grant yourself a moment to take a nice deep congratulatory breath! You’ve survived undergrad, the MCAT, medical school, Step 1 and 2, and the match. That’s something to be incredibly proud of! What better way to celebrate than another...

This article was updated by Rebecca Lapides in September 2026.   “Tell me about yourself.” This is probably the first question you’ll be asked in any residency interview. Certainly makes you wonder why you spent countless hours writing and rewriting that blasted personal statement.   The truth is that the...

The NRMP Program directors survey “at a glance” tool is extremely helpful in gauging where your application packet stands compared to the applicant pool. Here are the major components to consider when applying into Psychiatry.