Hi everyone, I’m Assem, a medical doctor from the University of Jordan, currently working as an intern. Like many of you, I’ve been through the intense ride of preparing for the USMLE Step 2. After months of focused effort, I scored 283 on the exam. But this blog isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the process and mindset that helped me get there. My goal is to share actionable strategies that might help you achieve your goals on this journey too. If you’d prefer a recorded video of these tips and resources, you can watch my YouTube video where I break it all down.
General Advice
1. Find Your Own Pace and Time Schedule
One of the most important lessons I learned was that everyone studies differently. For example, I started with two blocks (80 questions), but I know people who started with much less—even fewer than one block per day—and gradually increased their workload as they built confidence. The key is to trust your pace. Don’t get caught up in how fast others are moving. What matters is consistent progress. Whether you move fast or slow, just keep moving forward and improving every day.
2. Set Realistic Goals
Instead of locking yourself into a single score goal, set a range that allows for flexibility. Aiming for a baseline between 230-240 can be a good target. If your practice scores fall below that, consider giving yourself more time before you take the exam. The real focus should be on mastering the material, not obsessing over specific numbers. When you focus on learning and retention, the score will take care of itself.
3. Improve Your Fundamentals
For international medical graduates (IMGs), if language barriers are an issue, it’s important to strengthen your English reading and comprehension skills before diving into USMLE materials. Understanding the questions clearly will make it easier to break down the options and explanations. This small but crucial step can save you time and frustration, ultimately making your study sessions much more effective.
4. Avoid Burnout During Preparation
Burnout is a real challenge when preparing for the USMLE, so pacing yourself is key. I found that spreading out my study blocks over time helped me maintain focus and stay energized. Trying to push through marathon study sessions without breaks may seem productive, but it often leads to exhaustion and lower performance. Make sure you give yourself time to recharge—it will help you maintain mental clarity and keep you sharp throughout the entire preparation period.
5. Keep Your Resources Simple
One common mistake is getting overwhelmed by too many study resources. My advice? Less is more. Stick with two or three reliable resources and dig deep into them. You’ll absorb far more by mastering a few resources than by spreading yourself too thin across too many. This approach not only saves time but helps the material stick much better.
Resource Recommendations
1. UWorld
UWorld was my go-to resource throughout my USMLE Step 2 prep. I started with two blocks of 80 questions per day and completed my first pass in about three months. Afterward, I circled back for a second round, worked on assessments, and kept reviewing consistently. The repetition was key to recognizing patterns and building confidence for the actual exam. By the time I sat for Step 2, I had gone through UWorld several times. Familiarity with the questions made all the difference in my preparation. For more on how to learn efficiently from UWorld questions, be sure to check out my YouTube video where I share detailed strategies for maximizing your study sessions with UWorld.
2. Anki
Anki was my secret weapon for reinforcing weak areas. When I missed a question, I turned it into a flashcard and reviewed it until I had it mastered. Anki was especially helpful in transforming my weak points into strengths, but I recommend using it as a supplementary resource, not your main tool. Let UWorld be your foundation and use Anki to solidify what you’re learning. For a deeper dive into how I use Anki, check out my YouTube video where I explain the full strategy.
3. Assessments
Assessments are crucial for gauging where you stand. I relied on NBME assessments and UWorld self-assessments to track my progress and adjust my strategies as needed. These tools provide valuable insight into your strengths and weaknesses, helping you focus on areas that need improvement. While CMS forms can be useful, I would prioritize NBME and UWorld assessments unless you have extra time.
Resources to Avoid
Although AMBOSS can be helpful for some, I found it to be overly complex and not as aligned with the USMLE Step 2 exam style as UWorld. If efficiency is your goal, I’d recommend focusing on UWorld and other straightforward resources that mirror the exam format closely. Stick with what works best and don’t overload yourself with too many tools.
Preparing for the USMLE Step 2 is about balance, resilience, and trusting your own pace. Focus on mastering the material, not just hitting a number. Keep your resources simple, take breaks to avoid burnout, and stay consistent. With the right mindset and strategy, success will follow. I hope my insights help guide you through your journey—stay focused, celebrate your progress, and let’s continue to support each other in reaching our goals. You’ve got this!
