What Happens if You Fail Step 1?
While some med students may feel relief from Step 1 going pass/fail, others may still be wondering, “What happens if I fail Step 1? Without a score, how will I know how to improve when I retake the exam?” Whether…
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Read MoreWhat Happens if You Fail Step 1?
The Step 1 Pass Rate Is Down Since Becoming Pass/Fail: How to Prep Smarter in 2026
In recent years, the role Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) plays in the residency application process has changed. When it transitioned from a scored assessment to a pass/fail test in January 2022, the change alleviated…
How to Use First Aid for the USMLE in 2026
Wondering how to use the First Aid USMLE 2026 updates to study for your Step exam? If so, your head is in the right place. Any seasoned medical student today, similar to students from a decade ago, will tell you:…
How to Approach Step 1 Dedicated in 2026
If your Step 1 exam is scheduled in 2026, you may be wondering whether you need to be following conventional advice about Step 1 dedicated periods. Should you follow the detailed study calendars that abound online? Should you use the…
The Step 2 Passing Score Just Increased. What Does This Mean for You?
You may have heard that the Step 2 passing score just increased from 214 to 218 starting July 1, 2025. So as a medical student preparing for the exam, what does this mean for you? With Step 1 changing to…
How Hard Is Step 1 Now That It’s Pass/Fail? (Plus How to Increase Your Chances of Passing)
In the new age of the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME)—we’re talking new logo and everything—the question on medical students’ minds is just how hard is Step 1 now? It’s still difficult, despite being pass And in fact, the…
How to Find (and Use) the Best USMLE Qbank For You
So, what should you look for in a high-quality USMLE Qbank for Step 1 or Step 2 CK? The moment you pull out your wallet to buy something at a store, you may feel overwhelmed with options, to the point…
How to Maximize Your USMLE Step 1 Exam Day Performance
Reaching the final stretch of your USMLE exam preparation is a big milestone, and understandably your emotions may range widely from nervousness to eagerness. You’ve worked really hard to get to this point and now, it’s time for that commitment…
Best USMLE Test Taking Strategies: A Tutor’s Guide
Success on your USMLE exams hinges on two things: having a solid foundation of medical knowledge, and developing strong USMLE test taking skills. The importance of a strong knowledge base is self-evident, and good execution on exam day allows you…
Everything to Know About NBME’s New Fee Assistance Program
Have you heard the news?! In an exciting move, the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) has introduced a Fee Assistance program to support med students’ fees for the United States Medical Licensing Examinations® (USMLE®) in 2024. This is a…