Category Archives: Exam

USMLE Step 2 CK Exam – Four Ways to Score Above 220

Posted on by

While so much emphasis is put on the Step 1 exam, it is equally important to pay special attention to the USMLE CK exam and ensure that you don’t blow your chances of a great residency program by scoring poorly on the Step 2 CK exam. If you scored well on the Step 1 exam, you can hurt your chances of a great residency by doing poorly on the CK exam, whereas if you didn’t fare so well on the Step 1 exam, a solid Step 2 score can increase your odds of landing a great residency spot in the specialty of your choice.

In order to ensure a great score on the CK exam, you must pay attention to the details and stay focused on proper and adequate preparation. Here are four tips I found useful in my preparation, and I ensure you that they can be useful in helping you score well on the Step 2 exam as well.

Tip #1 – Get a good study guide

The CK exam, while more clinically oriented than the Step 1 exam, is still very voluminous in information. The information found on this exam may not be covered while you are doing your clinical rotations. In order to ensure you get to see and master everything on the CK exam, get yourself a study source that is above and beyond the “review” books. This means getting a comprehensive study/preparation guide designed to help you learn everything the CK will potentially throw at you.

Tip #2 – Quality over quantity in the question banks

Some people swear by doing thousands upon thousands of questions as practice for the USMLE examinations, but when it comes to doing questions, always think quality over quantity. There are a handful of important tidbits that can be learned from each question you encounter in the top question banks. Take your time and go through these questions thoroughly, and you will find that one question can supply you with a great deal of high-quality medical information.

Tip #3 – Start your CK preparation early

It’s important not to rush this exam and “just get by”. Grab a question bank subscription nice and early, even at the beginning of your third year, and go through these questions slowly and thoroughly, which will allow you to learn and master the information on the test as well as implement it with your clinically based education.

Tip #4 – Master the high-yield information

While this statement may seem obvious, there are so many things that you will see over and over in the wards that are so high-yield that you will probably be tested in some form or another on the CK exam, and even on the Step 3 exam. Learn and master the high-yield stuff so you can answer it in your sleep and this will go a long way in helping you get a great score. If you master the really high-yield information, you will have enough to come close to passing with this information alone. After this, the rest of the details will help you bring your score past the mean and into the 230’s and above.

How To Study For Exams – Be That Student Who Destroys The Curve And Other Students Hate

Posted on by

Want to know who is destroying everyone’s curve? It is those students who develop a study plan and follow it too a tee. Now I don’t care how bad a student you are because you can be that annoying student. It is easier than you think because in this article I will talk about a five step framework that will turn the average student into a class leader. Knowing how to study for exams is your key to being a top student.

Lets take a look at this 5 step process.

1. The proper study environment will make a huge impact.

It is necessary that the place where you study is void of any distractions. You have to find a quiet place where you are free from distractions so you can target your focus on studying.

2. Take a small break every hour.

Now I didn’t say take hour-long breaks but rather small breaks to absorb the material. It is important to put the time in and in doing so reward yourself for ten minuets if it has been a productive hour. This strategy can keep you fresh while studying for multiple hours allowing you to fully soak up the material. This will save you time in the long run because of not having to re-study material.

3. Prioritize your schedule and your assignments.

Prioritize your schedule with the harder material first and then save the easier stuff for later. Being organized and prepared is going to save you time when you are studying. Lets face it no one likes to study so being prepared and organized will save you time.

4. Evaluate and re-write your notes directly after each class.

Reviewing your notes at night while the material is still fresh in your head will cut down on study time. The fact is, when the time comes to begin studying for an exam you will ahead of the game. There will be no such thing as having to re-learn material because you have been reviewing material all semester long. How much time will that save?

5. Study when you perform best.

If you function best in the morning then use that time to study.On the other hand, if you are a night owl like I am then conduct your study sessions at night. Studying when you are at your best will make the most of your time and will cut down on the amount of distractions.