First Aid for 4th Year

Career Goal Advisor Helpful Links

Exam Information
USMLE Step II Official Website
Kaplan Step II CK
Kaplan Step II CS
USMLE World

Residency Information
UNC's Residency/Match Website
ERAS
San Francisco Match
National Residency Matching Program
FREIDA



Study Guide Suggestions for Step II
  • Boards and Wards
  • First Aid (reportedly not as great as it was for Step I)
  • USMLE Secrets
  • Crush Step II
  • Of course, Q Bank and USMLE World (both rated highly) - You need to do LOTS of practice questions!


FAQ
How much time should I study for Step 2?
 2 weeks is suggested; some students study in the evenings of an ambulatory care month or light rotation instead of taking 2 weeks off.
When should I take Step 2?
 You have to take it by Nov 15th so you can post a passing score by December 31st. Many students and advisors have suggested taking it soon after your last clerkship while you still remember stuff. If you take it in time for the score to return by Nov 1, it will be part of your application. FYI: the score is reported electronically and the residency programs might get the score before you do.
Where should I take the Step 2 CS exam?
 Atlanta is the closest and is near the airport. The test center in Houston is close to the airport and reportedly well-organized. Dr. Dent says to register early because the sites fill up (i.e. if you put it off too long the dates might fill up at the end of the year and you might not graduate and that would suck).  (Got more info about other sites? email Bev Gray)
How do students study for the CS portion of the exam?
 Many use the 1st Aid for CS exam and study for several days (people say 2 is enough). It is very similar to the UNC CPX exam and has 10-12 pretend patients. It is all AMBULATORY care! People say to take it during the fall and get it over with.
How do UNC students usually do on Step II?
 We're in the process of getting last year's average, mean, etc...
What is the UNC-CPX all about?
 Think Kramer. Reportedly harder than the Step II-CS, so if you pass this one the other will be cake.