USMLE Step 1 examination is being changed to pass/fail during the past few years. Your Step 2 score now matters significantly more than it used to. The Step 2 score always mattered but now it is the only value that is objectively measured by residency programs.
Similarities between USMLE Step 1 and 2:
However, with that being said studying for USMLE Step 2 is very similar to studying for Step 1 in my experience. Besides the difference of study subjects the same resources are still used as USMLE Step 1. I would highly recommend using UWorld and Amboss for your question banks. There are approximately 4000 questions in UWorld’s bank and approximately 2,000 questions in Amboss’ bank. I ended up starting out with doing approximately 10-20 questions a day in UWorld on tutor mode. Eventually I worked my way up to 40 questions a day.
Once I was comfortable and had more of a grasp with the concepts I switched to non-tutor mode. I then kept increasing the number of questions by approximately 10 extra questions each week. Eventually I was doing two blocks (40 questions) on UWorld every day. I still did not do questions on time mode until a few months into studying. The reason: I wanted to get the technique right when it came to reading and interpreting questions.
Understanding USMLE Step 2 Questions:
I would say learning how to get the question analysis just right is critical. USMLE Step 2 questions rely on your skills of logically interpreting and coming up with the next best step in management compared to USMLE Step 1. This approach relies more on memorization to get the questions right. That still does not mean that there are no straight up memorization answers for USMLE Step 2.
When I would review questions for UWorld for USMLE Step 2, it would take approximately 8-10 hours a day. This can be brutal but keeping at it and building up the stamina is definitely worth it in the long run. This method is beneficial given that the real exam is approximately 9 hours.
Approach to assessing USMLE Step 2 Answers:
When reviewing the Qbank answers in the initial round I would review all of the questions including the mistakes and the correct answers. Also take into account the wrong answers that you picked in order to see why you picked the wrong answer. I did not write down that many notes when it came to the Qbank answers, as that would have taken forever and is not how I usually learn but to each his or her own.
Divine Intervention Podcast:
Besides reviewing answer choices whatever issues I was having with certain topics or subjects I would end up using Divine Intervention Podcasts. Their reviews clarified any concepts that I was missing. I highly recommend Divine Intervention Podcasts, especially the rapid review series. Dr. Divine’s specific Subject Shelf video podcasts can be found on YouTube with downloadable slides.
Important to review USMLE Step 2 material twice
After the first pass of UWorld for USMLE Step 2, I decided to do a second pass with the questions on timed mode. The reason: I would get used to the time constraint for test day. I strongly recommend this approach! As even if you know all the answers if you are too slow you will not be able to answer the 40 questions in each block.
The final question bank I used was Amboss (for USMLE Step 2). My reasoning: face a set of new and differently worded questions to concepts I have seen before in UWorld. Amboss is a good source especially in terms of customizing your question sessions. It would allow you to deal with subjects and concepts you still are having trouble with after two passes of UWorld. After doing both these Qbanks you should be ready for taking the practice exams available before you take your final exam.