3 Tips for a Top Score in USMLE Step 2 CK Test

Posted by USMLEGLOBAL.COM on May 3rd, 2017

All med students wishing to crossover as practicing doctors have to endure the Step 2 CK test—and many doctors agree that taking the test was among the most grueling 9 hours of their lives. The test, consisting of different sets of incredibly challenging examinations, is something that anyone wanting to professionally practice medicine in the US must pass. Step 2 CK is especially designed to help assess a med student’s capability to apply all scientific principles they have learned in practical clinical setting. The computer-based multiple choice examination lasts 9 hours and is taken over the course of a day.

Going into the Step 2 CK battlefield unarmed is the last thing you want if you aspire to practice professionally in the US. Knowing when the best time for you to take the examination is an important key to acing this assessment. Experts agree that the most ideal time for a medical student to tackle Step 2 CK is when you still have your clinical science principles fresh in the mind. They also recommend setting aside ample time to study properly. While Step 2 CK doesn’t require as much preparation as Step 1, it doesn’t mean you should forgo studying for the test altogether. The amount of time you may require to prepare usually varies depending on your testing goals, such as improving on your rather low USMLE Step 1 rating or applying for competitive specialties. In either case, you may need at least 2 to 3 months of study to increase your chances.

To help you prepare yourself for one of the biggest tests of your life, here are useful tips to consider:

• Take prep courses. There numerous options for test prep courses available, ranging from med school-offered courses to private and even live online courses, all of which can help you do well in the exam. Prep courses and programs are specifically designed to help you work through the entire exam and provide you with useful advice on how to go about with studying.

• Scout question banks. There are literally hundreds of practice questions and tests you will find online and you can take them in either a timed or untimed manner. These practice tests will help you gauge how well you’ll do during your actual exam.

• Find a study guide that works. There are also general prep books that you can turn to, to help you achieve your study goals as the time for your USMLE Step 2 CK test nears.

About the Author:

Dr. Divesh Wadhera is a doctor of Medicine from India who is offering Online Step 2 CK teaching in his institute USMLE GLOBAL. He is passionate for teaching and helping students excel in the licensing exam of USMLE Step 2.