INVISTA NO SEU SUCESSO:
The posts overwhelmingly recommend UWorld as the cornerstone of Step 2 CK preparation, often paired with AMBOSS for mastering ethics, quality improvement (QI), and biostatistics. Divine Intervention podcasts are a popular audio resource for high-yield content, especially for internal medicine and pediatrics, while Anki flashcards—particularly those crafted from UWorld and NBME incorrects—aid in retention. NBME practice exams (forms 9-15) and CMS forms (covering IM, Surgery, Peds, etc.) are critical for gauging readiness and mimicking exam conditions. A common method involves completing UWorld first, reviewing incorrects thoroughly, and then tackling practice exams 4-6 weeks before the test date, with some users advocating for 120 questions daily to build stamina.
Effective study plans emphasize consistency and dedication, with users like those in Post 2 suggesting a rigorous schedule of daily UWorld questions supplemented by weekend NBME exams. For time-crunched students, focusing on high-yield resources like Divine Intervention podcasts and AMBOSS ethics articles is key. The final week before the exam often shifts to reviewing CMS forms and NBMEs, as seen in Posts 3 and 138, to fine-tune knowledge and test-taking skills. Posts like 10 highlight systematic approaches to questions—reading the last line first and sticking to first instincts—to boost efficiency and confidence, especially under timed conditions.
To combat overthinking, Posts 8 and 10 recommend trusting initial answers and using a structured method to dissect questions, focusing on key clues like patient age and symptoms. For specific weaknesses, such as OBGYN in Post 75, redoing UWorld questions and leveraging resources like BnB videos can lift scores. Networking and making connections are vital for IMGs with gaps, as noted in Post 9, while maintaining a positive mindset—supported by sleep and nutrition (Post 124)—enhances performance. The real exam’s mix of Step 1 content (e.g., microbiology, rare pediatric diseases) with clinical reasoning, per Post 1, underscores the need for a broad yet focused prep strategy.
Resources
UWorld: The primary question bank recommended across multiple posts for Step 2 CK preparation. Post 1 (272 Writeup) mentions using it for shelf exams and making Anki cards from incorrects, while Post 2 (How to get 260+ in 3 months?) suggests 120 questions daily.
AMBOSS: Frequently cited for ethics, quality improvement (QI), and biostatistics. Post 1 notes its usefulness for ethics and QI, and Post 4 (For those who did amboss) discusses its role in solidifying knowledge.
Divine Intervention Podcasts: A high-yield audio resource. Post 1 specifies using the internal medicine and pediatrics review series, and Post 16 (Should I Really Use Only Uworld) recommends it alongside UWorld.
Anki Flashcards: Used for retention, especially from UWorld and NBME incorrects. Post 1 describes making personal decks, and Post 14 (Finished UWorld + AMBOSS) implies its use in prep.
NBME Practice Exams: Essential for assessing readiness (forms 9-15 mentioned). Post 1 lists scores from forms 10-14, and Post 7 (SCORE RELEASE THREAD) includes various NBME scores.
CMS Forms: Subject-specific practice exams (e.g., IM, Surgery, Peds). Post 1 credits them for improvement, and Post 3 (My exam is tomorrow) plans to review them the day before the exam.
First Aid (FA) Step 2 CK: Supplementary text for medicine subspecialties. Post 16 suggests it alongside UWorld.
Boards and Beyond (BnB): Videos recommended for OBGYN in Post 75 (How to improve my OBG scores).
OnlineMedEd: Videos suggested for foundational review in Post 98 (Exam step 2).
White Coat Companion: Used for OBGYN basics in Post 75.
Pathoma: Basics revision resource in Post 75.
Sketchy Medical: Visual aid for OBGYN in Post 75, though time-intensive.
Step Up to Medicine: Text resource in Post 98.
Mehlman PDFs: Mentioned in Post 1 as a potential resource, though not used by the poster.
Inner Circle Notes: Referenced in Post 117 (Dedicated period) as part of prep materials.
Scores
272 (Post 1): Achieved with UWorld, NBMEs (10-14: 247-265), UWSA (254, 253), and Free 120 (84%).
260+ Target (Post 2): Suggested with 120 UWorld questions daily over 3 months.
260+ Potential (Post 3): Practice scores include NBME 15 (217-256), UWSA (230-248), Free 120 (90%), aiming for 260+.
251 (Post 7): Actual score with NBME 12-15 (224-254), UWSA (234-251), Free 120 (81%).
266 (Post 7): IMG score with NBME 10-15 (247-265), UWSA (245-263), Free 120 (82%).
248 (Post 7): US IMG score with NBME 11-15 (231-243), UWSA (244), Free 120 (76-86%).
274 (Post 7): Non-US IMG score with NBME 10-15 (265-274), UWSA (276), Free 120 (89%).
264 (Post 8): Correlated with NBME 15 (264) and prior scores (234-264).
213 (Post 71): NBME 12 score after UWorld first pass, aiming for 240+.
235-250 (Post 72): Practice range before failing Step 2.
264 (Post 149): Achieved and offered as tutoring benchmark.
Methods
Daily UWorld Questions: 120 questions/day in Post 2 for 3 months; 100/day in Post 14 over 6 months.
Reviewing Incorrects: Post 1 details making 10-11 Anki cards per NBME incorrect, and Post 3 reviews CMS forms and NBMEs.
Practice Exam Schedule: Post 1 suggests NBMEs 4-6 weeks out (2/week), and Post 111 (Practice Exam Approach) asks about frequency.
Subject-Specific Focus: Post 75 uses BnB and Sketchy for OBGYN improvement.
Audio Learning: Divine Intervention podcasts during commutes/gym in Post 2.
Simulated Exam Conditions: Post 10 (Advice on how to stop overthinking) recommends full focus practice.
Opportunities
YouTube Shorts Content Creation: Post 5 (STEP 2 YouTube content) proposes creating Step 2 question videos, with supportive comments.
Study Partners: Posts 83, 85, 106 (Sp for step2ck, Study partener, Need sp) seek partners for motivation.
Tutoring: Post 149 offers tutoring with a 264 score, and Post 147 (Struggling with USMLE Step 2 CK) provides structured sessions.
Research: Post 9 (Long gap) suggests research to boost CV during gaps.
OSCE in Michigan: Post 139 (Urgently Need Help with OSCE) seeks direct contacts for clinical experience.
Tips
Consistency: Post 2 emphasizes a strict schedule, and Post 14 stresses daily study.
Trust First Instinct: Post 10 advises sticking to initial answers to avoid overthinking.
Focus on Weak Areas: Post 75 suggests redoing UWorld OBGYN questions, and Post 72 recommends First Aid for weak points.
Last Week Review: Post 3 and Post 138 (ADVICE NEEDED FOR LAST WEEK) prioritize CMS forms and NBMEs.
Networking: Post 9 advises connections for IMGs with gaps.
Tricks
Systematic Question Approach: Post 10 suggests reading the last line first and focusing on key clues (age, symptoms).
Time Management: 90 seconds/question in Post 10; 50-60 seconds in Post 8.
Anki Card Creation: Post 1 makes cards from question stems and explanations for deep learning.
Avoid Overthinking: Post 10 warns against "what if" scenarios, sticking to given info.
Key Information
Step 1 Content on Step 2: Post 1 notes microbiology, pathology, and obscure pediatric diseases appearing on the exam.
Ethics/QI Prep: Post 1 and Post 70 (QI and Ethics Resources) highlight AMBOSS for these topics.
Exam Similarity: Post 4 states the real exam mixes UWorld, NBME, and AMBOSS styles.
Score Improvement: Post 8 jumps from 234 to 264 by refining test-taking skills.
Application Deadline: Post 15 (Step 2 deadline) suggests taking Step 2 by early August for the 2026 cycle.
Divine Intervention Podcasts: Audio resource from Post 73 comments.
AMBOSS: Question bank and articles from multiple posts (e.g., Post 1).
UWorld: Primary question bank from numerous posts (e.g., Post 1).
NBME: Practice exams from Posts 1, 7, etc.
First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CK: Text resource from Post 16.
Sketchy Medical: Visual aid from Post 75.
OnlineMedEd: Videos from Post 98.
Boards and Beyond: Videos from Post 75.
White Coat Companion: Text from Post 75.
Pathoma: Basics revision from Post 75.
YouTube (Divine Intervention): Potential podcast link from query.
YouTube (Step 2 Content): Possible content creation example from query.
Google Docs (DI Episode List): Episode guide from Post 73.
USMLE BRAZIL BRASIL