Tuesday 29 May 2018

A Perfect Guide to USMLE Step 2 Preparation

The period of preparation for USMLE Step 2 can be mentally exhausting and frustrating, especially when there is the pressure of passing and acing the exam to get into your preferred residency program. You could study and prepare by yourself, but it might be better to sign up for a reputable USMLE Step 2 course that is being taught by seasoned medical doctors who have a good track record helping their students pass. Here are more things to consider when preparing for that test:

  • Study the right way – The key to having a passing score or acing the exam is proper USMLE Step 2 preparation. This means having the right notes and study materials and testing yourself to understand the subjects that are challenging to you. Consider the type of learning environment where you can thrive the most. Do you prefer one-on-one learning or being in a small class? Either way, a USMLE Step 2 course should have both options that will suit your learning needs.

  • Avoid reading too many books – Not only will the information overload be overwhelming, it may prevent you from learning more efficiently, too. A good USMLE Step 2 preparation tutor will give you high yield notes to cover almost everything you will need to know and understand for the exam. This way, learning is more organized, and it will be easier for you to absorb the knowledge and information.

  • Do not worry about getting into class – Traffic and time management could stress you out and affect your ability to learn in class. So consider a USMLE Step 2 course that lets you attend your classes wherever you are. This is possible through online classrooms, which feel like an actual classroom itself.

  • Participate in regular assessments – Answer practice questions and take mock exams to gain a feel of the actual USMLE Step 2 test, and to identify areas you are having difficulty with.


Friday 4 August 2017

How to Structure Your Thinking to Attain Success in USMLE Step 2 CK Exams

The US Medical Licensing Exam is arguably the most grueling set of exams anyone must pass. This particular set of highly structured tests are designed so as to qualify medical students to practice medicine professionally in the country. One of the main things you should remember when taking any of these exams is success lies in a thorough understanding of its content and structure. By knowing how to program your thinking according to how the USMLE exams are structured, you can approach each step of the process with confidence. 

Preparing for USMLE Step 2 CK shouldn’t be difficult if you know how to assess your own abilities. For many, the best time to take this next level assessment is when all your clinical science knowledge remains fresh in your mind. It is also important to allot enough time for study, even though it generally requires much less preparation than you’ve had to set aside for Step 1. Depending on your goals and your baseline, the length of time you will need to complete your preparation will vary. In any case, set aside enough time to study to make sure you are fully prepared for the exam.

Creating a schedule structure not only for study but also for the actual exam will also help you attain your desired score. You may use board books to help you get through important topics you may need to be refreshed about one by one. Create a schedule that takes into account breaks, eating schedule, as well as days for full practice tests, this way, you can keep track of your progress. It will also help you discover a much more efficient pace, should you find your first study schedule to be ineffective. Make sure that you make ample time and room for each activity on your schedule.


Thursday 3 August 2017

USMLE Step 2 CK Preparation - Online Courses Are Convenient and Affordable

Passing the US Medical Licensing Exam will get you further in your career, as it opens more doors for opportunities—like your residency. The USMLE Step 2 CK exam assesses your ability to use your knowledge in the clinical setting, covering areas like disease categories and physician tasks. Hence, it makes sense to take time and focus on studying for it. Preparation will require some effort on your behalf, like signing up for a class, which can help you study well. Some of the best courses are offered online. Here are some of the advantages you can experience from online USMLE Step 2 CK courses:

1. It is convenient – You do not have to worry about commuting or driving to and from an actual review centre. Some classes are held in groups while others offer one-on-one instruction. If you choose a group class, make sure it only has a small number of students (i.e. a maximum of 6). That way, the instructor can still provide enough time and attention to everyone.

2. Cost-effective – Online USMLE Step 2 CK preparation courses are typically cheaper as classes are held online. Hence, tutorial centers do not have to worry about paying for classroom and facility rentals, and they can pass the savings on to their students.

3. Saves time – Some students may struggle to balance career, studies, and attending exam preparation courses due to lack of time. By choosing online USMLE step 2 CK preparation courses, you can easily log-in at a convenient time no matter where you are.

4. 4.    Access to experts – Online courses provide more means to meet experts who can teach you and guide you through USMLE Step 2 CK preparation. These professionals include licensed and board-certified doctors themselves who take time to help aspiring physicians like yourself.

5. Improves your chances of passing and topping the exam – As online courses are convenient, affordable, and time-saving, you can feel more at ease and feel more confident to study and pass the exam.


Tuesday 6 June 2017

I Scored 240 in USMLE Step 2 CK

If you want to ace Step 2 CK, slacking off and winging it simply won’t get you your target score. You need to study up and be prepared. I joined Dr. Divesh’s group sessions in October, 2016 after contemplating whether I’d be able to benefit more from a learning group or if I will thrive more in a one-on-one setting. I ended up choosing a group class, thinking it would be much more stimulating. True enough, the sessions encouraged healthy interaction and opportunities to pick the brains of other reviewers. Dr. Divesh is someone who authentically cares about students. He always made sure that we all truly understood the lessons—a mark of a real mentor. More than the topnotch material used, this is what I liked about his course. What you need to score well in Step 2 CK is good guidance and support—and you will definitely get that from Dr. Divesh.

I scored a 205 in my NBME 3, which I took about a month from the exam and gave the UWSA, in which I scored 248. I relied mainly on UW for the questions along with those practiced by Dr. Divesh in our classes. I didn’t have much time to read up on theory, but Dr. Divesh’s notes sufficed and helped me through some of the most difficult parts of the exam.

If you are struggling with your Step 2 CK preparations, Dr. Divesh’s USMLE Global classes are highly recommended. It was because of his high yield notes, visually stimulating slides, regular assessments, and general tutoring that I got a 240 in my Step 2 CK exam. His notes cover almost everything, which is great for someone who doesn’t have much time to read all the books. Dr. Divesh’s notes + tutoring sessions + practice UW is a good formula for success in the USMLE Step 2 CK test.

Monday 8 May 2017

5 Tips to Find an Effective USMLE Step 2 Tutor

Getting help from a USMLE Step 2 tutor is a practical way to increase your chances of acing the examination. However, it is crucial to find a tutor who will be able to provide you with adequate guidance and knowledge. Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing a tutor:

1.  You must have the option to have either group or one-on-one sessions.
Different people have unique preferences when it comes to methods of learning. Some may learn best in a group setting, while some may find one-on-one sessions more beneficial. The best tutors should be able to accommodate you whether you want to study with a group or alone. There are tutors who offer a 30-day (60 hours) course consisting of one-on-one sessions, as well as 50-day (100 hours) course that involves teaching in a group. However, to make sure that every student in the group will be given due importance, look for a tutor who limits groups to 5-6 students. 

2.  Check if you will provided with high-yield notes.
Notes that cover almost everything you need to know will save you from having to read tons of books. You can expect the best tutors to provide you with high-yield notes that will help you review much more conveniently.  

3.  You may want to have the sessions online.
This will allow you to attend sessions no matter where you are in the world. The best online classes still make you feel as if you were sitting in a classroom.

4.  Look for a USMLE tutor who conducts regular assessments.
Periodical assessments and practice tests are important in helping you understand your strong and weak areas, as well as let you have an idea of how the actual test goes. 

5.  You must have access to a huge collection of high-yield slides
Easily understandable slides, CT scans, X-ray, and MRI will help make your concepts very clear. An effective tutor can make you understand the basics better and will provide you with each and every concept so that you can learn them by heart. 


Tuesday 2 May 2017

How to Find the Ideal USMLE Step 2 CK Tutor

Did you know that Step 2 CK ratings are becoming increasingly important in finalizing residency decisions? A high Step 2 CK score can make or break your chances of entering your dream hospital and it can effectively redeem your odds despite your average or below average score during the Step 1 test. Would you pass up an opportunity to pull your Step 2 CK exam score up, knowing that it can influence the future of your practice? This may well be your turning point-slash-saving grace! One of the major keys to doing well in your USMLE Step 2 CK tutor is good preparation. Depending on your learning style, you can easily determine what type of study program you should get into in the months and weeks leading up to the all-important exam. 

Theoretically, the highest score you can possibly get on Step 2 CK is 300. Scoring a 209 means passing the exam. The good news is that the average scores that takers get are significantly higher than Step 1 at 237. Looking at this mean score, it is safe that while Step 2 CK poses great challenge for aspiring doctors, it is not an impossible test to pass and even excel at—you only need to spend ample time preparing for what’s ahead. 

Enrolling yourself in a study program or hiring a tutor to help you with your preparations is the best way to arm yourself not only with the knowledge, but also importantly, with the habits that you need to develop in order to be able to endure the hours-long exam. Choose a USMLE Step 2 CK tutor that has an effective program that will give you not only the know-how, but the structure you need in order to ace your upcoming USMLE exam. Remember that a good Step 2 CK store can help you secure a competitive spot as you seek residency.