Applying to residency and contemplating the likelihood of securing interviews can be stressful. You’ve dedicated your entire medical school career to studying, conducting research, taking exams, and presenting your best self on applications. With the transition of USMLE Step 1 to a pass/fail grading system, medical students now face heightened anxiety regarding the significance placed on Step 2 CK for securing a residency position.   Remember, applicants are more than just numbers; however, test scores offer residency programs an objective evaluation tool. There has been a shift away from ..read more

Are you gearing up to conquer the NBME CBSE exam? As you navigate the challenges of medical school, passing the CBSE is a crucial milestone required by many medical schools before being allowed to take USMLE Step 1. To aid you in this endeavor, we’ve compiled invaluable insights from a successful CBSE taker and provided our comprehensive CBSE study planner.   Preparing for the CBSE requires meticulous planning, dedicated study time, and effective review strategies. Whether you’re a seasoned medical student or just starting your journey, this blog post is designed to equip you with the too ..read more

With USMLE Step 1 now being scored as pass/fail, many medical students are wondering – how much time and effort should I put into this exam if I am no longer aiming to get the highest 3-digit score possible? While it may be tempting to put in less effort for USMLE Step 1 now that it is no longer scored, it is worth your time and effort to do your best on this exam.      Why the Switch to Pass/Fail?   In the years before Step 1 was pass/fail, many medical students used their score on this exam to determine their “competitiveness” for a given medical specialty or residency pr ..read more

Entering medical school is an exciting milestone in every aspiring physician’s journey. However, the transition from undergraduate studies to the rigorous demands of medical education can be daunting. In this comprehensive blog post, we will delve into the essential aspects of creating an effective study routine for medical school, also addressing how to optimize study hours, study methods, ways to maintain focus, and how to master the art of memorization.     The Importance of a Personalized Study Routine in Medical School   Medical school is a unique educational experience cha ..read more

The Surgery Shelf exam is a critical milestone for medical students pursuing a career in surgery or related specialties. Scoring well on this exam not only demonstrates your knowledge and competency but also plays a significant role in residency applications. Attaining a 90th percentile score requires strategic preparation, dedication, and a comprehensive approach. Here, we’ll explore proven strategies to help you excel in the Surgery Shelf exam and achieve that coveted top-tier percentile in 2024.     Understanding the Surgery Shelf Exam   Before diving into preparation strateg ..read more

I’m an SGU student, where passing the CBSE is a prerequisite for taking Step 1. I’m writing this blog to share insights that could help my fellow SGU classmates and other medical students navigating similar requirements due to recent changes.   Today, I’m opening up about my NBME practice exam scores, and my experience with the CBSE and Step 1. At first, I hesitated to share them. But as medical students, supporting each other is crucial, especially with the new CBSE requirement.   I believe sharing my journey can offer inspiration to others facing similar challenges. Despite startin ..read more

Are you preparing to tackle the USMLE Step 3 exam head-on? As you navigate the path toward medical licensure, mastering Step 3 is pivotal. This final frontier demands meticulous preparation and strategic planning. Here’s where our Step 3 study planner steps in. Designed to streamline your study efforts and maximize efficiency, our 6-Week Step 3 Study Planner is your roadmap to success.   In this post, we’ll cover Step 3 prep details, examine the exam’s structure, and reveal key insights in our study planner. Whether you’re a seasoned resident or a new grad, this promises to guide you thro ..read more

Beginning your journey of medical licensing exams can be a tough experience. As a recent DO graduate, I know the challenge of combining studying for the USMLE and COMLEX. For many, the dichotomy between the USMLE Step 2 and COMLEX Level 2 poses a unique set of hurdles—one that goes beyond the usual rigors of medical examination. In this blog post, we will uncover the intricacies of these two exams. We will explore the main disparities in question stems and shed light on the often mystifying world of scoring.   To explore question formulation, let’s compare USMLE Step 2 question stems with ..read more

What is Anki   If you are a new medical student, you have undoubtedly been bombarded with Anki since starting. Its application has spread like wildfire among medical students countrywide and with good reason. Anki is a spaced repetition flashcard program that works on both mobile devices and your computer. It gamifies learning and makes studying on the go a breeze. Some swear by it religiously while others are intimidated by the non-intuitive interface and obligation to keep up with reviews. While preparing for USMLE Step exams, time is one of your most valuable resources. Using Anki effi ..read more

Residency is a stage of medical training that, in the US, is completed after medical school. As post-graduate medical education, residency training ranges in length depending on what field you are training for. Additionally within each field, there are opportunities to specialize even further through an added few years of fellowship training.      Deciding Factors When Choosing a Specialty   Deciding on which specialty to pursue will depend on multiple factors. Some may be drawn to the operating room while others prefer working in an outpatient clinic setting. In contrast ..read more