In the third year of your med school, you are likely to start preparing for the significant transition that may impact your USMLE Step 2 preparation.
There is a shift in the learning methods and differences in grading systems are applied.
The daily grind is exhaustive with clinical rotations that will expose the students to the real patient.
It is exciting and daunting at the same time.
Within the same settings, developing the psyche to study for the Step 2 exam is challenging not to mention the onset of confusion.
Preparation
Balancing the clinical rotation, and regular classes with an undivided attention for preparation purposes is crucial for the desired results.
As the shelf exams approach, finding time for regular studies for boards is an uphill task.
Early comprehension of the shift in grading patterns with emphasis on standardized exams will ease the tension to a certain extent.
Resource optimization with consistent quality efforts like active learning methods is the time tested hack used by successful aspirants in the past.
Hard work’s only efficient replacement is smart work.
Instead of trying to memorize everything verbally, making notes and applying them in possible case settings will help a person remember the information for the long term.
Such mind mapping techniques with critical thinking are known to have left an impression for future reference in all the competitive and difficult exams around the world.
4 Best Resources For USMLE:
1. NBME Practice Tests
The USMLE test authored by NBME outlines the curriculum broadly and stresses the high yield topics.
However, all the questions on each topic will definitely be tested.
Giving more time to the scoring topics is a strategic approach that is usually advised by past successful exam takers.
Practice exams conducted by NBME are useful resources in not just understanding the questioning pattern but also experiencing the closest simulation to the real exam day.
2. Lecturio
Lecturio is a high quality med tech platform that offers wide coverage of useful topics with animated videos that make the information interesting and easy to understand.
With question banks, quizzes, and a support system that is designed to help students, it is a relevant medium to stay at the top speed of learning.
The platform helps students organize their study schedules in a structured manner.
3. UWorld
Considered the bible for USMLE aspirants, this book covers all the high yield topics and comes with a performance tracking system that will help you improve your weak areas.
It helps students with detailed explanations leaving nothing to assume.
The detailing of the content is the reason it is considered a standard resource by everyone.
4. Flashcards By Anki
Flashcards help with spaced repetitions and quizzing in study groups.
Using the Anki app, you can either customize your own deck or use the existing flashcards that cover all the essential topics.
Conclusion:
As a student, it can be stressful to tackle all the challenges that come with claiming that diploma.
An emphasis on quality resources is as important as preparing for high yield topics.
The time, effort, and money can be wisely distributed to be successful in the board exam.
