INVISTA NO SEU SUCESSO:
The Step 2 CK preparation process often begins with UWorld as the primary resource for practice questions, supported by NBME forms for assessment and CMS forms for targeted practice. Resources like Amboss are recommended for building foundational knowledge in ethics, biostatistics, and high-yield points, while tools like Predict My Step Score help track progress. Strategies such as reading the question first and reviewing incorrect answers in-depth play a critical role in mastering NBME exams. Candidates also leverage resources like Discord servers and YouTube videos to enhance their preparation and emotional resilience.
Managing time effectively during both preparation and the exam is a common challenge. Tips such as completing a block of 40 questions within an hour and taking a strategic approach to NBMEs—reviewing over 1–2 or 4–5 days—help optimize performance. Coping with negative emotions during practice, such as frustration with UWorld, involves breaking down topics or alternating resources like Amboss. Consistency, rest, and recognizing the cumulative nature of preparation are vital to sustaining momentum, especially for those with fluctuating scores.
Despite differences in study plans, successful preparation centers on adapting resources to individual timelines and goals. Candidates striving for scores in the 250–260+ range focus on their weakest areas, repeat critical forms like CMS or Amboss ethics, and practice time-bound testing to build confidence. Collaborative tools such as online forums and peer feedback further enhance preparation, reflecting a community-driven approach to Step 2 CK success.
Resources:
UWorld (UW) - Primary QBank for Step 2 CK.
NBME forms - Used for predictive assessments (forms 9–13 mentioned).
CMS forms - Topic-specific practice (last 3 forms emphasized).
Amboss - High-Yield points, ethics, biostatistics, and question bank.
Old Free 120 - Useful for reviewing high-yield questions.
Divine Intervention - Suggested as an additional resource.
Discord Server - Provides moral support, study guidance, and resources.
Predict My Step Score tool - Online tool for score prediction.
YouTube study tips - Linked videos for preparation.
User Scores:
UWSA 3: 224 (aligned with NBME 13 at 224 and NBME 10 at 236).
NBME Progression:
NBME 9: 262
NBME 10: 267
NBME 11: 272
NBME 12: 254
NBME 13: 253
CMS Forms Average: 75%.
UWorld First Pass: 57%–70%.
Methods & Tips:
Time Management:
Read the question first, then skim the stem for context.
Complete blocks of 40 questions in 60 minutes for practice.
NBME Review:
Allocate 1–2 days for a review or up to 4–5 days for thorough analysis.
Focus on incorrect answers and concepts tested.
Study Strategy:
Use UWorld first, followed by CMS and Amboss for targeted improvement.
Prioritize weak areas and ethics/social sciences.
Take multiple passes for comprehensive coverage (e.g., CMS).
Emotional Coping:
Address frustration with UWorld by breaking topics into smaller chunks.
Rest and consistency are vital to avoid burnout.
Preparation Timeline:
Start with Amboss for foundational knowledge if exam date is distant.
Shift to UWorld closer to the test date for fine-tuning.
Post 1: 11.14.2024 Test Takers
The post does not contain any content, but the comments reveal test-takers’ reactions to the Step 2 CK exam on November 14, 2024. Many participants expressed mixed emotions, from feeling numb or unsure about performance to anxiously awaiting results on November 27. Discussions included reflections on tools like UWorld and NBME practice exams, with some struggling to recall or stop overthinking questions post-exam.
The comments highlight a shared experience of post-exam anxiety and camaraderie, as users encouraged one another to remain hopeful. Many expressed doubts about their preparation or performance but sought comfort in community discussions, showing the stress this exam generates for candidates.
Post 2: NBME Review
This post seeks a study partner for reviewing NBME exams 11, 12, and beyond, preferably a female in the Pakistan time zone.
Comments show a positive tone, with one user asking about the exam date (in two months) and another offering wishes for success. This indicates that the post successfully connected peers with shared goals, emphasizing the supportive nature of the Step 2 subreddit for international and local candidates alike.
Post 3: Tips for Time Management
The post details struggles with completing 40 questions in 60 minutes and shares concerns about balancing accuracy with speed, especially after practicing in untimed modes.
Commenters offered specific strategies, such as reading the question first and then skimming the passage for relevant information, a method for avoiding misreading errors. However, the original poster revealed their difficulty lies in reasoning through answers, not just reading speed. This discussion highlights the common time management challenge and the nuanced solutions different learners employ.
Post 4: Aiming for 250+ on Step 2 CK – Let’s Share Strategies and Insights!
This post invites peers to share high-yield strategies for scoring 250+ on Step 2 CK. Suggestions ranged from UWorld (UW), CMS forms, and Amboss to focusing on ethics, biostats, and high-yield points.
The thread offers a mix of personal preferences and general advice. Many recommended prioritizing UWorld and addressing weaknesses with supplementary resources like Amboss for ethics/biostats. Some users suggested tackling the last 3 CMS forms for all subjects, while others debated the usefulness of Amboss subscriptions versus UWorld. This thread is a treasure trove of preparation strategies and highlights the diverse approaches candidates take based on their unique needs.
Post 5: Need Link for Old Free 120 with Answers for CK
The post lacks content, but a commenter shared a Google Drive link with the requested resources. The straightforward interaction underscores how the community effectively provides resource-sharing support for exam preparation.
Post 6: NBME Review Strategy - How Long Should One Take to Review?
The post seeks advice on how to review NBME exams and take notes effectively.
Comments offered diverse strategies, from dedicating 1–2 days for efficient review to spending 4–5 days for in-depth analysis, focusing on errors and understanding patterns. Users debated balancing thorough reviews with time efficiency, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing explanations for incorrect answers. This discussion reveals varied perspectives on optimizing NBME reviews to enhance learning outcomes.
Post 7: Scoring on CMS Forms and Exam Predictions
The poster shared CMS scores (70% OBGYN/Peds, 80% Surgery) and sought insights on predicting Step 2 CK outcomes.
Comments advised the poster to take an NBME test for better predictability, as CMS forms are not reliable indicators of performance. This thread highlights candidates’ reliance on NBMEs for gauging readiness and the need for more statistical resources linking CMS performance to actual Step 2 CK scores.
Post 8: Strategies for UWorld QBank
The poster described struggles with low UWorld percentages (51%) and frustration with misleading options and overwhelming question stems.
A commenter suggested topic-based approaches, such as focusing on related concepts across specialties (e.g., esophageal disorders in medicine, pediatrics, and surgery). The conversation reflects the emotional challenges of UWorld preparation and offers solutions to build conceptual understanding and confidence.
Post 9: Time Management
The post asks for study-time insights, particularly for those juggling Step 2 preparation with clerkships.
Comments included practical advice emphasizing consistency over duration, with some suggesting 4+ hours daily depending on schedules. One user shared a Discord server link for additional resources and peer support, showcasing the community's collective effort to provide morale and structure.
Post 10: First NBME After UW 1st Pass and CMS Forms
The poster scored 240 on NBME 10 after finishing the first UWorld pass (57% average) and 13 CMS forms (75% average). Despite their solid start, they expressed concerns about sustaining momentum.
Comments praised the strong initial score and encouraged the poster to build on their foundation. The discussion included questions about preparation details (e.g., CMS and UWorld averages) and advice on maintaining stamina for Step 2 CK. This thread demonstrates realistic benchmarking for candidates at similar stages.
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Post 11: Uwsa 3
The post seeks opinions on UWSA 3 (UWorld Self-Assessment 3), asking about its predictive accuracy and difficulty compared to UWSA 1.
Commenters shared personal experiences, with one user noting a score of 224 on UWSA 3, aligning with their previous NBME scores (224 on NBME 13 and 236 on NBME 10). Another mentioned plans to take UWSA 2 next week before entering dedicated preparation. The discussion reflects the ongoing debate on predictive tools for Step 2 CK and the individual variability in performance across assessments.
Post 12: Amboss or UWorld to Start?
The poster seeks advice on whether to start with Amboss or UWorld for Step 2 CK preparation, expressing uncertainty despite an active Amboss subscription.
Comments emphasize a timeline-dependent approach, suggesting Amboss for those with more time and UWorld as the primary tool for closer exam preparation. Users highlighted Amboss as a solid resource for concept building, while UWorld remains the gold standard for exam-focused practice. A Discord server link was shared for further discussion and support, demonstrating the community's collaborative spirit.
Post 13: What Do You Think of These Endocrinology Questions?
The post presents three endocrinology case questions, asking for feedback on their difficulty and relevance to Step 2 CK.
Commenters critiqued the questions as too straightforward, labeling them as "first-order" and overly simplified. One detailed response suggested improvements, such as adding lab thresholds for clarity, eliminating ambiguities in answer choices, and considering clinical nuances like optic chiasm compression for pituitary adenomas. This thread underscores the high standards candidates have for realistic, exam-style questions and the importance of nuanced question design.
Post 14: How to Start Prep for Step 2
The poster, newly done with Step 1, seeks advice on starting Step 2 CK preparation with a target exam date of October 2025.
A single comment recommended joining a Discord server for study resources and support, reflecting the community-driven assistance commonly seen in Step 2 preparation discussions.
Post 15: Question for Step 2 Real Interface
The post asks about the interface for long abstracts or tables during the Step 2 CK exam, particularly whether they require scrolling or display side-by-side.
Comments confirmed that the interface matches UWorld’s layout, with abstracts and tables on the left and questions on the right. The clarity provided by responders reflects how practical concerns about exam logistics are a frequent topic among candidates.
Post 16: Score Drop from 260s to 250s
The poster shares a drop in NBME scores, with recent results in the low 250s compared to earlier scores in the 260s–270s. They seek advice on how to regain momentum, particularly as a visa-requiring IMG aiming for high scores to enhance residency matching chances.
Comments were encouraging, with suggestions to focus on UWorld incorrects and targeted Amboss practice for weak areas. One commenter recommended using a score predictor tool like "Predict My Step Score" to gauge readiness. The thread reveals the emotional toll of fluctuating scores but also the community’s readiness to offer constructive advice and reassurance.
Post 17: Anyone Else Has Submitted Their ERAS This Cycle?
The post seeks experiences from others who have submitted ERAS applications while waiting for Step 2 CK scores.
Comments noted delays in score releases, with one user attributing it to a question pool change. This thread highlights the uncertainties surrounding score reporting and the stress it adds for candidates during the residency application process.