Blueprint Med School Blog (formerly Cram Fighter & Med School Tutors)

The blog for Blueprint Medical, supporting your MedEd journey with our exam study planner, tutoring, residency consulting, and advanced boards.

From Unmatched to Matched: My Success Story
From Unmatched to Matched: My Success Story

As medical students, we have years of hard work behind us. We’ve logged countless hours in libraries reading endlessly, volunteering, participating in clubs, and conducting research, all while trying to continue our favorite hobbies and maintain a modicum of sanity. And then, at the end of the journey, there is the Match. The most anxiety-provoking

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Top Step 2 FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before the Exam
Top Step 2 FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before the Exam

Congratulations, med students! You’ve completed and passed Step 1 and now get to prepare for the arguably more important (and graded) exam: USMLE Step 2. In this blog post, I detail a seven-point guide that will provide you with essential information about USMLE Step 2, including its purpose, eligibility requirements, and a guide on how

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How to Prepare for Step 2: A Few Questions to Ask Yourself So You Don’t Become Overwhelmed
How to Prepare for Step 2: A Few Questions to Ask Yourself So You Don’t Become Overwhelmed

Your road to Step 2 is full of challenges: first, you go through clinical rotations and take Shelf exams, and then you start the demanding process of preparing for USMLE Step 2 CK. You’ll be advancing in your medical career while growing into the role of a professional. You’ll also be wearing at least two

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Dual Applying for Residency: Is It Right For Me?
Dual Applying for Residency: Is It Right For Me?

In the journey of every medical student, the residency application process stands as a significant milestone. One approach to this rite of passage is the practice of dual applying, or applying to more than one specialty. While in theory this approach may seem appealing, it requires careful, strategic planning and is not without its drawbacks.

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How to Be Competitive as a Residency Reapplicant
How to Be Competitive as a Residency Reapplicant

Residency programs are competitive and require applicants to display excellence in academic performance, clinical know-how, and personal qualities such as communication, leadership, and professionalism. With an increasing number of qualified applicants each year, it’s difficult for program directors to select applicants for their incoming class. Despite their best efforts, some applicants may not match into

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ID the Dx: Can You Diagnose This Condition?
ID the Dx: Can You Diagnose This Condition?

Can You Diagnose This Condition? May A 25-year-old woman presents to your office because she noticed a nonpainful oral ulcer as shown in the photo above. The patient reports having unprotected vaginal and oral sex with multiple partners during the last 3 months. Based on your suspected diagnosis, which of the following diagnostic tests, if

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Transition from M2 to M3: Learning from Books to Learning from Patients
Transition from M2 to M3: Learning from Books to Learning from Patients

When I was preparing for USMLE Step 1, I distinctly remember my anxiety building as the exam approached. This anxiety, though unpleasant, was met and balanced by another powerful emotion: excitement. I was excited by the prospect of finally putting the exam in my rearview mirror, and by the idea that, once it was over

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The Future of Medicine: Meet The 2023 Grads
The Future of Medicine: Meet The 2023 Grads

As the medical school class of 2023 graduates, we celebrate their hard work, dedication, and commitment to becoming the next generation of healthcare providers. These individuals have undergone rigorous training, completed countless hours of clinical experience, and are ready to embark on their journey to improve patient care and advance medical knowledge. Hear from a

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