subject: USMLE Step 2 CK Exam - Eight Steps To Scoring Above 220 [print this page] USMLE Step 2 CK Exam - Eight Steps To Scoring Above 220
Scoring well on the USMLE Step 2 CK exam is extremely important, as scoring poorly can really hurt your chances of getting a great residency position. If you did well on Step 1 but do poorly on Step 2, this significantly hurts your application, as it looks as though you were very careless in your preparation. On the opposite end of this concept, if you didn't fare too well on the Step 1 but scored well on the Step 2, it looks very good since a significant improvement is always looked favorably upon by residency programs. So no matter what your Step 1 score was, be sure to work hard for a great Step 2 score, as it can only improve your chances of attaining not only a competitive residency, but any residency with the increasing competition encountered these days.
In order to ensure you score well, the following eight steps should be a great starting point in helping you get started:
#1 - Study your least favorite subjects first
This is an ideal strategy since you do not want to put off your least favorite topics until the end, as this will result in cramming and can ultimately hurt your score.
#2 - Review your hated subject notes frequently
If you hit your least favorite subjects early and create good notes, take a look at them once or twice weekly in order to move tougher information into your long-term memory.
#3 - Create charts and tables for fact-based information
With all of the volume you have to know, one of the best ways to learn it is to put it into a chart or table format. This helps you organize well and will help lower the clutter.
#4 - Less study sources ultimately mean a better score
You don't have to have a stack of study guides in order to score well. Find something that works for you and is complete, and attack it along with your question bank for best results.
#5 - Start your question banks early
Questions can really take up a lot of your precious time, so by starting early and being consistent you can bang out 10-15 per day and build your notes slowly and consistently, which leads to better organization and ultimately a better score.
#6 - Develop a strategy plan
Planning out your studying time and leisure time will keep you on track and help you make the most of your time.
#7 - Take great notes while on the wards
The CK exam is built upon the knowledge you learn while on the wards, so pay very close attention and take great notes while in the hospital. Doing this daily will help you build a study guide full of the highest-yield information that can help you boost your score greatly.
#8 - Use NBME exams to gauge your preparedness
NBME exams are so accurate that failing to take one to see where you are at as far as preparation goes is simply irresponsible. Take at least one to ensure you are near your goal score and especially to make sure you are well above the passing cut-off score.
Do you want a study guide written by someone who has recently taken and aced the Step 2 CK exam?
Grab a copy of The USMLE Step 2 CK BIBLE by clicking HERE
