Nicole A. Colwell, MD, Author at The Pass Machine

How to Study for USMLE Step 3

June 2, 2023 by Nicole A. Colwell, MD Leave a Comment Categories: All Posts, Board Exam, USMLE Tags: How to prepare for USMLE step 3, How to study for USMLE Step 3, USMLE prep courses, USMLE Step 3, USMLE Step 3 prep course

If you are currently wondering how to prepare for USMLE Step 3, by now you have probably heard the adage in medical school: “Two months to study for Step 1; two weeks to study for Step 2; and for Step 3: all you need is a #2 pencil.” Clearly, the reality of studying for Step 3 is more complex (especially considering that pencils are now obsolete due to a fully computerized examination process!) While your overall preparation will (fortunately) be… READ MORE

USMLE Step 3 Exam: How to Optimize Your Performance on Test Day

May 19, 2023 by Nicole A. Colwell, MD Leave a Comment Categories: All Posts, Board Exam, USMLE Tags: USMLE, USMLE Step 3, USMLE Step 3 exam

USMLE Step 3 is the final assessment first-year residents take before they can practice medicine independently. The exam assesses a physician’s knowledge of advanced clinical medicine and is different from the other two USMLE examinations taken in medical school. The experience of sitting for Step 3 of the USMLE will be distinct from that of Steps 1 and 2. The most striking difference is that the exam is administered over the course of two separate days. Each day has its… READ MORE

USMLE vs. COMLEX: What’s the Difference?

April 27, 2023 by Nicole A. Colwell, MD Leave a Comment Categories: All Posts, Board Exam, USMLE Tags: complex, medical licensing exams, USMLE, usmle vs complex

USMLE vs COMLEX: Is one exam for MD students and the other for DO students? It’s not that simple. Traditionally speaking, osteopathic medical students have been required to take the COMLEX (Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination) to be eligible for licensure, whereas allopathic medical students are required to take the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Exam) in order to obtain their medical license. However, the situation is more complex. As a medical student, taking board examinations serves a dual purpose… READ MORE