I’m halfway through my 3rd year of medical school and soon I’m going to need to sit for Step 2 of the USMLE. While attending rigorous clinical rotations, and studying for shelf exams, I have to make time to get in some intensive USMLE studying. I’m going to include a few tips to make studying for Step 2 a manageable experience for anyone.
One big step is first choosing the right question bank. It’s really important to begin early on and just try to get through at least 10 to 20 questions a day during the week, and more on the weekend. One common mistake is finishing the questions and not really studying the answers. The explanations are extremely important, and will teach you so much, so spend the extra time really examining those answers.
Next, find a good review book. There are plenty of them out there, but stick to one. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is having too many resources, and feeling overwhelmed during this stressful time. Plan on reading this text a few times over, and add to it as you review the explanations from your question bank. When the time comes, you’ll be very prepared for this exam.
Also, a review course a few weeks before the exam is never a bad idea. If you feel like you need the extra push, invest in a good online course. It will be worth it in the end.
Good luck to anyone studying for their USMLE! They’re very doable if you put in the time and effort.
