Shaun Kink, MD, Author at The Pass Machine

USMLE Step 3: What’s on It?

May 12, 2023 by Shaun Kink, MD Leave a Comment Categories: All Posts, Board Exam, USMLE Tags: passing the USMLE, Step 3 Content, USMLE Step 3, USMLE Step 3 examples

The USMLE Step 3 is the final examination first-year residents need to pass to practice medicine independently. Step 3 assesses a practitioner’s knowledge of advanced clinical medicine and is vastly different from the other two USMLE examinations, so interns should know what to expect and how to prepare to face examination committees. How Is USMLE Step 3 Different? The biggest difference between the Step 3 exam and the other two USMLE exams taken in medical school is that it is… READ MORE

The USMLE Step 2 CK Score

May 5, 2023 by Shaun Kink, MD Leave a Comment Categories: All Posts, Board Exam, USMLE Tags: understanding USMLE score, USMLE Score, USMLE Step 2 CK

Each United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step exam is scored differently. Understanding what your score means and how it is calculated can help you prepare in a more focused way. Understanding your USMLE Step 2 CK score Scores for the USMLE Step 2 exam range from 1 to 300. However, a 300 has never been achieved. Although scores across steps (such as between Step 1 and Step 2 CK) are not comparable, each step’s exam scores are statistically adjusted… READ MORE

How to Study for USMLE Step 2: 6 Tips for Success

April 13, 2023 by Shaun Kink, MD Leave a Comment Categories: All Posts, Board Exam, USMLE Tags: exam prep, study tips, USMLE Step 2, USMLE Step 2CK

Now that USMLE Step 1 is a pass/fail exam, many residency programs will put greater importance on your USMLE Step 2 CK score. Earning a high score on this national board exam will help set you apart from other students and applicants. This article will focus on six tips on how to study for Step 2. Tip #1: Start Your Study Preparations at the Start of Clinical Rotations Many medical students often wonder how to prepare for the Step 2… READ MORE

What you need to know about the November 2020 update to the Step 2 CK exam

April 6, 2023 by Shaun Kink, MD Leave a Comment Categories: All Posts, Board Exam, USMLE Tags: HIPAA, USMLE exam, USMLE Physician Tasks/Competencies outline, USMLE Step 2 CK, USMLE topics

As of November 11, 2020, the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 2 clinical knowledge (CK) exam will increase the percentage of questions assessing the social sciences of examinees. What questions are included in the social sciences? The social sciences, or “soft skills,” will test an applicant’s knowledge of legal and ethical issues, professionalism, systems-based practices, and patient safety. These questions will consist of a particular concept, such as professionalism, rooted in a clinical situation. Such questioning aims to… READ MORE