subject: USMLE Step 2 CK Exam - 5 Steps For Success [print this page] USMLE Step 2 CK Exam - 5 Steps For Success
Are you getting close to beginning your USMLE Step 2 CK preparation, or are you simply trying to figure out how to best prepare when the times comes to write? Either way, you can learn how to make the most of your time and actually get more done without having to spend every spare minute cramming for the CK exam.
If you want to stuff more important Step 2 information into your head in the least amount of time, follow the following FIVE steps for CK success:
1. Start early
No matter what kind of study habits you had back in undergrad, there is simply too much information on the USMLE exams to cram into a week or two. Instead, make the process of preparation a continuous activity, as this will ensure the best results.
2. Pick a "review day" every week
It's important to keep learning new information as you go, as this is how you will move forward in medicine, but it is also important to go back and keep the new information fresh. Pick a couple hours every week to go back and re-read your notes, as this will make sure nothing important is forgotten.
3. Do questions slowly and with purpose
Some people suggest doing thousands upon thousands of questions, but there is a much smarter way to approach your questions. Start them early, take meticulous notes about the important points from each, and then simply use these as a study source when you are getting ready to prepare for the CK exam. This ensures that you are actually learning new information not just remembering answers to old questions.
4. Review question notes weekly
Just like you should review your notes on a weekly basis, be sure to go over all of your question-related notes as well. This will ensure that you don't lose any of the important question-related information that you learnt while preparing. Since you should have taken concise notes about each question encountered, doing a quick read-through once every week or two will be enough to keep all of the high-yield information fresh and help you score much higher on your exam
5. Rest adequately during study and before the exam
Resting adequately in between study sessions is a proven method of moving short-term information to your long-term memory. On top of this, resting for 2-3 days prior to your exam day will help refresh your brain and help you be as fresh as possible when the big exam day comes along.
Do you want a Step 2 CK study guide written by someone who has recently taken and aced the CK exam?
Grab a copy of The USMLE Step 2 CK BIBLE by clicking HERE
