If you've been thinking about taking a USMLE class to improve your study skills, look no further than Varsity Tutors for professional help with your USMLE test preparation. Maybe you're a medical student in the United States or Canada and you're ready to begin studying for steps 1 or 2, or you've already graduated and are ready to begin your USMLE test prep for the third and final step to earning your medical license. Or maybe you're already a physician in a country outside of North America, you meet the criteria of the ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates), and you want to practice in the United States. Wherever you're coming from, it's important to be thorough in your USMLE prep, which is why Varsity Tutors offers USMLE courses for anyone preparing for any step of the licensing procedure.
The USMLE, or United States Medical Licensing Examination, is a three-step standardized exam sponsored by both the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) that provides one track for certifying allopathic medical professionals throughout the United States. It measures a prospective physician's ability to apply medical concepts and interpersonal skills to deliver effective patient care.
Can A USMLE Course Near Me Focus On The Exam I'm Preparing to Take?
If you are preparing for any USMLE exam, you probably already know that USMLE prep can be tough. When you obtain USMLE test prep assistance with the help of Varsity Tutors, you have access to a different kind of USMLE course because the USMLE classes we set you up with feature one-on-one USMLE prep with a knowledgeable instructor, or tutor, who can personalize your USMLE test prep experience based on your needs.
For instance, each "Step" of the USMLE contains plenty of material to sink your teeth into during your USMLE preparation. Here is a closer look at each of the tests you need to take en route to medical licensure:
Step 1
The Step 1 USMLE consists of seven 60-minute blocks of multiple-choice science questions. The total number of questions will not exceed 280, and the test is administered in one gigantic eight-hour testing session (including scheduled breaks). It is generally taken in the second year of med school, when your knowledge of foundational scientific concepts is at its peak. You will be expected to interpret graphical data, identify pathogenic specimens, and apply your academic knowledge in practical problem-solving situations.
Your USMLE tutoring can provide comprehensive coverage of the topics that may appear on the USMLE step you're preparing for. The following list of Step 1 topics should give you an idea how exhaustive that can be:
Topics on Step 1 Exam: *not all topics are included in every USMLE Exam
- anatomy
- behavioral sciences
- biochemistry
- biostatistics and epidemiology
- microbiology
- pathology
- pharmacology
- physiology
- genetics
- aging
- immunology
- nutrition
- molecular and cell biology
Your USMLE tutor can even provide you with an in-depth overview like the following:
Step 1 Exam Breakdown:
System |
Range |
|
15%-20% |
|
60%-70% |
|
15%-20% |
Process |
Range |
Normal Processes |
10%-15% |
Abnormal Processes |
55%-60% |
Principles of Therapeutics |
15%-20% |
Other |
10%-15% |
Step 1 Exam Physician Tasks/Competencies:
Competency |
Range |
Medical Knowledge/Scientific Concepts |
55% - 65% |
Patient Care: Diagnosis
|
20% - 30% |
Patient Care: Management
|
7%-12% |
Communication Professionalism |
2%-5% |
Practice-based Learning and Improvement |
4%-8% |
That is a lot of material, but a private tutor can help you break your USMLE prep into more digestible chunks. For example, if you are confident in your knowledge of the immune system but have a harder time with behavior science, your USMLE classes can concentrate on behavioral science to improve your study efficiency.
Since Step 1 is essentially a standard (albeit long) science exam, many of the study techniques you may have used in high school or college may be applicable in your USMLE test prep. For example, flashcards might prove useful in memorizing all of the medical terminology you need to know, while active reading skills could help you get more out of assigned readings. Your USMLE preparation revolves around you, so don't be afraid to speak up if you want to tackle something differently!
Step 2
Step 2 of the USMLE is separated into two different exams: Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) and Step 2 CS (Clinical Skills). Step 2 CK is very similar to the format of Step 1. It includes eight 60-minute blocks of multiple-choice questions for a testing session lasting nine hours including breaks. The total number of questions will not exceed 318.
Bodily systems comprise anywhere from 85-95 percent of the questions on the exam, so you should anticipate concentrating on them during your USMLE prep. All material is presented through the lenses of physician tasks and disease, and you start to see questions about potential medical specializations such as reproductive health and pharmaceuticals. Overall, your USMLE test prep for this section is likely to be comparable to that for Step 1.
In contrast, the Step 2 CS uses a completely different format. It is a practical exam where you will meet with 12 standardized patients to assess your ability to collect medical histories, perform physical examinations, and share your findings with both patients and colleagues. You will have 15 minutes with each patient, and 10 minutes more to type up a "patient note" including three likely diagnoses and recommended next steps.
If you aren't confident in your interpersonal communication skills, you might roleplay with your instructor during your USMLE test preparation in order to gain experience. For example, your instructor might take the role of an elderly patient with a history of cardiovascular problems and a stomach ache. You can introduce yourself, ask medical questions, and try to figure out what is wrong with the patient. When the exercise is over, your tutor can review what you did well and where you could improve to keep your USMLE prep on the right track.
Similarly, some of the test day patient interactions may take place by telephone. This makes it more challenging, as you cannot examine the patient or read their body language to help you reach a conclusion. Still, roleplaying with your instructor during a USMLE course may be the best way to prepare for this part of the test.
Step 3
Step 3 of the USMLE is divided into two different testing sessions. The first covers the Foundations of Independent Practice (FIP), including topics such as interpretation of medical literature, population health, medical ethics, and patient safety. There are six 60-minute blocks of multiple-choice questions, and the total number of questions will not exceed 232.
The second portion of Step 3 is more interesting. It covers Advanced Clinical Medicine (ACM), including topics such as patient management, ensuring optimal patient outcomes, and medical decision-making. The testing session lasts nine hours, including approximately 180 multiple-choice questions plus 13 "case simulations" that simulate working with patients in real time.
You're probably more familiar with multiple-choice questions than you ever wanted to be at this stage of your USMLE test prep journey, but the case simulations are new. It can be very stressful to place yourself into the role of practicing physician with minimal background, so your instructor might provide some sample problems during your USMLE preparation to increase your self-confidence heading into the exam.
How Else Can USMLE Classes Near Me Help Me Study?
Often, USMLE tutors will spend time during your first meeting to evaluate your current knowledge and skill level in each topic and skill necessary for the exam you're preparing for. The two of you can then schedule USMLE test prep sessions to focus on anything you're finding especially challenging. Your tutor can track your progress, and easily adjust each USMLE class in real time to reflect your needs. In other words, your USMLE tutor can spend the exact amount of USMLE prep time you need for each topic, making your study sessions far more efficient than they would be in larger USMLE courses.
Many students also take practice exams during their USMLE prep. All of these tests are long, assessing a candidate's mental stamina just as much as their medical knowledge. Completing practice tests under realistic test-taking conditions can give you a realistic sense of what the test is like, helping you plan accordingly.
Likewise, practice exams can help you develop a familiarity with the exam's electronic interface. If you aren't accustomed to computer-based testing, practicing with it may help ease any test anxiety you are experiencing. Furthermore, reviewing your answers during your USMLE test preparation may help you identify academic strengths and areas of opportunity you may not have realized you had.
There is no penalty for guessing on any USMLE test, so you should try to answer every question. That may seem easy considering how long each test lasts, but the fact that the questions are divided into separately-timed blocks means that you are always dealing with a time constraint. Your knowledgeable USMLE test prep instructor may teach you how to identify and eliminate obviously incorrect answer choices so that you can pick something and move on.
Finally, your instructor may demonstrate proven test-taking tips during private USMLE tutoring sessions. For example, some multiple-choice questions contain enough info to answer another question on the test. This is rarely the most important aspect of USMLE prep but could deliver a jolt of self-confidence if you can get one right you otherwise may have answered incorrectly.
Is There Anything Else I Should Know About USMLE Test Prep?
The USMLE has special rules that you should keep in mind as you take the exam. You are free to leave the test room during scheduled breaks to stretch your legs and use the restroom, but you are prohibited from bringing things back into the test room with you or referring to your notes during breaks. Likewise, any unplanned interruptions (such as an emergency bathroom break) will eat into your available time. These are the kinds of considerations you'll want to take into account before test day arrives.
Similarly, you are required to show up to the test on time. If you arrive after the initial orientation has been completed, you will not be permitted to sit for the test. Worse, you will be charged a rescheduling fee when you next book a testing date. It is advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes early so that you are able to take the test as scheduled.
If you have any further questions about USMLE test preparation, ask your instructor for a prompt response you can trust!
Why Should I Choose Varsity Tutors To Find USMLE Test Prep Near Me?
We try to match every student with USMLE prep that fits into their schedule. For instance, if you have a prior engagement on Wednesday evenings, we'll try to avoid scheduling any USMLE courses in that time frame. We understand that med students and medical residents don't have much free time and try to keep that in mind when designing our USMLE test prep services.
Likewise, every USMLE class we connect you with includes access to our exclusive Live Learning Platform. Our Live Learning Platform is an online classroom that harnesses features such as a virtual whiteboard to deliver quality USMLE prep anywhere with a solid internet connection. If you have been searching for a way to take the hassle out of private USMLE tutoring, you just found it!
You've worked hard to get where you are. You deserve the best help possible as you complete your long journey towards achieving your dream. That's why Varsity Tutors is excited to connect you with top-notch USMLE test prep assistance. Contact us today and we'll find you "USMLE prep near me" now!

Lindsay: Davie USMLE test prep instructor
...into the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine where I graduated in May of 2022. I will begin my residency in general surgery in June 2022. I have been tutoring in the math and sciences since high school, but am now most passionate about helping other medical students conquer the USMLE Step 1 and...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan-Dearborn - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Sciences
- University of Miami - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 1
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- High School Biology
- +6 subjects

Shan: Davie USMLE test prep instructor
...11.5 years of experience in Spanish. I worked as a Chemistry Teaching Assistant in college for three years for General Chemistry 1 and 2. I also have experience in teaching medical students. I am passionate about teaching and helping students understand difficult concepts. My goal is to create a friendly and comfortable atmosphere with my...
Education & Certification
- University of Miami - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
- Florida International University - Doctor of Medicine, Health and Wellness, General
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Languages
- Spanish 2
- Spanish 1
- +18 subjects

Aashish: Davie USMLE test prep instructor
...Geometry, Biostatistics, AP Human Geography, Anatomy, AP BC Calculus, AP US History, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and Physics, just to name a few. I have also tutored Biochemistry to a medical student and undergraduate students. I believe it is important to adapt my teaching style to the subject matter and to the student's learning style.
Education & Certification
- University of Maryland-College Park - Bachelor of Science, Biological and Physical Sciences
- University of Toledo - Doctor of Medicine, Biomedical Sciences
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- PSAT Writing Skills
- Statics and Dynamics
- Earth Science
- +135 subjects

Vanessa: Davie USMLE test prep instructor
...in education in many first-generation American students like myself. Therefore, I took it upon myself to create a mentoring program where I had my first tutoring experience. I had students from elementary to high school and was able to tutor them on various topics, especially science, which is my passion! I was able to discover...
Education & Certification
- Florida Atlantic University - Bachelor in Arts, Humanities
- Saint James School of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 1
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- COMLEX
- +64 subjects
Education & Certification
- Universidad Catolica de Santiago de Guayaquil - Bachelor of Science, Premedicine
- Universidad Catolica de Santiago de Guayaquil - Master of Arts, Health Services Administration
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Professional Certifications
- English
- Anatomy & Physiology
- +4 subjects

Alexander: Davie USMLE test prep instructor
...SUNY Upstate medical University. My academic background is strong in science math and psychology. I love to tutor as I enjoy seeing people learn and improve in different academic areas. My goal is to use my God given gifts and abilities to instruct leaders of tomorrow and preparing them for their future while helping them...
Education & Certification
- Syracuse University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Stonybrook University - Master of Science, Physiology
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 1
- MCAT
- AP Biology
- +87 subjects

Sugi: Davie USMLE test prep instructor
...Medicine and previously graduated from Rice University, Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science and Biochemistry & Cell Biology. I have served on admissions interview committees for Rice and Baylor College of Medicine, have mentored and edited essays for numerous college and graduate school applicants, and served as a private tutor and...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, Cognitive Science
- Baylor College of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Ophthalmic Technology
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 1
- NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners
- Graduate Test Prep
- +59 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Biology
- Chemistry
- MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- +11 subjects

Andrew : Davie USMLE test prep instructor
...physical and biological sciences can be at times. Using various analogies and examples, I find that I capture my students attention and bring the best out of them. Most importantly, I look forward to helping my students, allowing them to excel and achieve their goals. After being tutored by me, you will be believe me...
Education & Certification
- New York Institute of Technology - Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering
- Stony Brook University - Masters, Mechanical Engineering
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- CLEP Chemistry
- SAT Subject Test in Chemistry
- SAT Subject Tests
- +45 subjects

Justine: Davie USMLE test prep instructor
...getting ready to enter general surgery residency at NYU Brooklyn. I know how difficult medical school is and what it takes to make the grades. After years of my own academic pursuits, I have developed a passion for helping others, both in and outside of the classroom. Studying medicine takes a different set of skills...
Education & Certification
- Ursinus College - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus - Master of Science, Pharmacology and Toxicology
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- College Biology
- +6 subjects

Ambreen: Davie USMLE test prep instructor
...you. Let's work together to help you improve and if I don't know it I'll say it. Simple. I will do my best to help you. Of course, I am not perfect. I know that! It is just as important to know what you know as it is to know what you don't know. I'm...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Bachelor of Science, Biological and Physical Sciences
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science - Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- NCLEX
- English
- Medicine
- +18 subjects

Natalie: Davie USMLE test prep instructor
...the material and explain, in detail, each and every slide (including mnemonics, tricks, etc.). Every few slides, we will pause for a pop quiz. Finally, once the lesson is over, I will provide you with a quiz/mini-test to assure the both of us that you walk away feeling confident in the material we just covered
Education & Certification
- University of Nevada-Las Vegas - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Touro University Nevada - Master of Science, Medical Health Sciences
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 3
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- GRE Subject Tests
- +33 subjects

Fayez: Davie USMLE test prep instructor
...And Health Science with a BS In Health Science And Biology. Therefore, my passion and my focus is teaching Human Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Pharmacy, and Pathophysiology. Currently, I am teaching pre-med students, as well as LPN, RN, and MA Students. My teaching philosophy is the student is student center and all my efforts focus...
Education & Certification
- damascus university school of medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine
- Massachusetts College of Health Science Studies - Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences, General
- Corinthian College of Allied Health - Certificate, Medical Assisting
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- NCLEX
- Social Sciences
- Clinical Psychiatry
- +19 subjects

Ayesha : Davie USMLE test prep instructor
...them cell biology, creating my own lesson plans, DNA lab techniques, grading lab reports, and holding office hours to tutor them individually on topics they needed help with. While science /health care field entrance exams, USMLE step 1, NMBE, clinical psychology/medical fields, and medical school basic sciences prep encompass my areas of expertise to tutor,...
Education & Certification
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Premedicine
- Ross University School of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Community Health and Preventive Medicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- Psychology
- +44 subjects

Oygul: Davie USMLE test prep instructor
...regardless of where they started. One of the challenges of MCAT preparation is integrating the content from the science courses taken in college simply due to its overwhelming volume. I like to teach critical thinking skills that can be applied throughout all of the MCAT sections and beyond, including in medical school. Forgetting a name...
Education & Certification
- CUNY Bernard M Baruch College - Bachelors, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 1
- Electrical Engineering
- Middle School Science
- +86 subjects

Andrea: Davie USMLE test prep instructor
Hello! My name is Andrea and I am a fourth year medical student from Memphis, Tennessee! As a life-long student, I know that sometimes you just need a little push or a little help in particularly difficult classes. I'd be happy to help!
Education & Certification
- Rhodes College - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- New York Institute of Technology - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- COMLEX
- K-11th Grade Standardized Tests
- Biology
- +77 subjects

Alex: Davie USMLE test prep instructor
...Medicine with undergraduate degrees from Washington and Lee in chemical engineering and anthropology. I have extensive experience in tutoring and teaching since 2010, and am ready to help you with your learning needs! I focus on standardized testing (SAT/ACT) and also tutor in a wide range of math, English, and Spanish classes. In my free...
Education & Certification
- Washington and Lee University - Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering
- University of Arizona - Doctor of Medicine, Health and Wellness, General
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- High School English
- Spanish 4
- SAT Writing and Language
- +99 subjects

Deepa: Davie USMLE test prep instructor
...potential. I feel that building self-esteem and confidence in and out of the classroom can set the tone for future success. I have worked with students of all ages and have substituted taught middle school and high school science for about 5 years all in between completing medical school. I have a B.A. degree in...
Education & Certification
- SUNY at Albany - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- International American University College of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Community Health and Preventive Medicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 2 CS
- USMLE Step 1
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- +22 subjects

George: Davie USMLE test prep instructor
...Science in Biological Sciences. I have experience tutoring students from the elementary school level to young adults in high school. The subjects areas I have tutored range from Organic Chemistry and Cellular Biology to English and Mathematics. My goal in tutoring students is to specialize a learning method which not only aides the student in...
Education & Certification
- University of California, Merced - Bachelor of Science, Human Biology
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Microbiology
- Middle School Math
- College English
- +19 subjects

Ari: Davie USMLE test prep instructor
...tutored for Varsity since 2016, and have helped over 70 students succeed on the MCAT and USMLE Step 1! I have a passion for teaching and helping make science clear. I scored in the 97th percentile on both the MCAT and USMLE Step 1, and have an extensive understanding of how to excel at the...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee - Bachelor of Science, Cell and Molecular Biology
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- NCLEX
- IB Biology HL
- Molecular Biology
- +192 subjects