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!
Sabrina: USMLE test prep instructor
...based instruction for the MCAT through Examkrackers and Varsity Tutors. Recently, I have private tutored students in USMLE Step 1 and Step 2. I scored in the 88th percentile on Step 1 and 99th percentile for Step 2. One of my favorite tutoring moments is when one of my students scored in the 99th percentile on their MCAT. I describe myself as resilient, patient and flexible. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelors, History of Science, Medicine and Public Health
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
- Pre-Calculus
- +32 subjects
Natalie: USMLE test prep instructor
...using visual aids, quizzes and unique and fun mnemonics/techniques that will make sure you never forget the information you learn. After I receive the class notes and requirements from the student, I prepare an outline and a powerpoint for our session. During our session, I will go through 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...
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
- AP Biology
- +33 subjects
Jarett: USMLE test prep instructor
...infection intensified in the tissues, with no proper cleaning or covering. Upon observing her condition, the doctor informed us that the wound was greatly infected, deep, and needed immediate attention. As the doctor informed her of his need to clean out her wound with tools, Elisa's face became blank with fear. Noting her anxiety, his assistant and I took her hands and reassured her that everything would be well. As the doctor treated the wound,...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Science, Biophysics
- Midwestern University-Glendale - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 1
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- COMLEX
- +27 subjects
Kunwal: USMLE test prep instructor
...Punjab, Pakistan and NYC. I graduated from the Macaulay Honors College with a BA in Biology and Boston University School of Medicine with my MD. I am passionate about empowering all students to feel confident in their ability to learn and conquer tests using test prep strategies and insights. I have years of experience teaching test prep (SHSAT, PSAT, SAT, MCAT, USMLEs) and specialize in learning disorders, ADHD, and graduate and medical prep.
Education & Certification
- CUNY Hunter College - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- Boston University School of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Community Health and Preventive Medicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- USMLE Step 1
- A Level
- +103 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Biochemistry
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Biology
- +11 subjects
Antonio: USMLE test prep instructor
I like to be creative and adapt to the learning style of a student. My goal is to make learning fun and never feel like a chore.... Adapt to what kind of learning the student best responds to; that way learning is fun and easy going, and never frustrating.... Get to know each other a bit, in order to know how to approach each topic the best way possible.... I think making different suggestions on how I taught myself, the material could bring some insight to someone in how to go about understanding the topic.
Education & Certification
- The Texas AM University - Bachelors, Biology, General
- UAG school of medicine - PHD, Medical doctor
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners
- Genetics
- College Biology
- +59 subjects
Nathan : USMLE test prep instructor
...4th year medical student who is working towards my MD degree and plans to practice in cardiology. Prior to medical school, I completed my bachelor's degree in Biochemistry at Bowling Green State University with a minor in biology. I also completed my MBA degree at Wright State University Raj Soin School of Medicine. I tutor in English, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and USMLE Step 1 and 2. I also participate in essay editing and academic coaching!
Education & Certification
- Bowling Green State University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Chemistry, Biochemistry
- Wright State University School of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Health/Medical Psychology
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Study Skills
- Academic Coaching
- Algebra 2
- +13 subjects
Justine: USMLE test prep instructor
...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 which I have developed, perfected and more than willing to teach others. With over 30 residency interviews and ranked #2 in my graduating class, my learning technique has proved successful. I am an avid learner and...
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
- Professional Certifications
- College Biology
- MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- +6 subjects
Tauqir: USMLE test prep instructor
...to those hard questions. Within weeks my grades improved and I started loving math and science. In high school I took AP level English, science and math classes which further lead me to major in Biology. I am a certified live and online tutor based in Houston, TX. I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor's degree in English/Biology/Pre-med after which I decided to pursue a career in medicine. I spent...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, English
- American University of Antigua - PHD, Doctor of Medicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Writing
- British Literature
- French
- +44 subjects
Justine: USMLE test prep instructor
...York Medical College and will be receiving my M.D. in May 2022. I have had tutoring experience prior to medical school as a piano teacher and physics tutor at my undergrad. Additionally, I have experience mentoring my peers and editing personal statements/activity descriptions for medical school applications as well as other graduate school applications (dental school, PA school). During medical school, I have mentored underclassmen on coursework as well as the USMLE Step 1 and...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- New York Medical College - Doctor of Medicine, Emergency Medical Technology
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 1
- NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- +68 subjects
Max: USMLE test prep instructor
...completing the pre-medicine science track and a minor in nutrition. I have extensive experience tutoring high school students as well as adult learners in math, science, and Spanish, having worked as a GED instructor at a local community center. Research areas include nutritional biochemistry and mechanical CPR. Spanish is a passion of mine, but I also love biochemistry, pharmacology, and anatomy/physiology. Working through question sets with explanations is, I think, the best way to approach...
Education & Certification
- University of Tennessee - Bachelor in Arts, Spanish Language and Hispanic Studies
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- 7th Grade Reading
- 8th Grade
- 9th Grade Math
- +111 subjects
Peter: USMLE test prep instructor
...all the way to medical school in a variety of subjects. I have worked as a special education paraprofessional and worked with students with Autism and other behavioral problems. I served as an English tutor for three years at the University of St. Thomas where I worked mostly with freshman level English Literature and writing courses. I also volunteered as an ESL tutor for refugee children in Minnesota at the elementary school that I worked...
Education & Certification
- University of Saint Thomas MN - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
- Saint Georges University School of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- NCLEX
- Social Sciences
- AP Statistics
- +55 subjects
Education & Certification
- Pacific Lutheran University - Bachelor in Arts, Communication, General
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- IB Biology
- ACT English
- Middle School Writing
- +173 subjects
Omer: USMLE test prep instructor
...rapidly pinpoint the issues learners are having, provide a succinct solution to solve the problem, and to always be prepared with multiple methods of presenting the same material (catered to different types of learners: auditory, visual etc). Over time I have also mastered the skill of making concepts and facts more easily comprehensible and guiding students to making crucial connections between concepts. If you are looking for any kind of learning or support with biochemistry,...
Education & Certification
- The Lyceum School - Bachelor of Science, Premedicine
- Liaquat National Medical College - Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Pathology
- Biology
- Nursing
- +18 subjects
Ayesha: USMLE test prep instructor
...struggles of being in school and studying. I encourage my students to ask a lot of questions and I try to approach a subject from many different angles including visual, interactive, hands-on, practice questions, and didactic teaching. I want to give my students the best chance to succeed, and to do that, I believe they need a strong foundation of basic principles. I want to give them as much knowledge as possible as they move...
Education & Certification
- University of Miami - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Academic Coaching
- Nursing
- Professional Certifications
- +86 subjects
Ekata Tracy: USMLE test prep instructor
...honor to be given an opportunity to do what I love and cherish To combine my desire for social service, knowledge and passion of teaching and applying it to the strata of society I love so very much. To be able to guide and prepare children, adolescents and adults for homework and exams is a privilege that is bestowed upon a select few. I feel my upbringing, background, beliefs and experience so far has equipped...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 1
- NCLEX
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- +76 subjects
Jordan: USMLE test prep instructor
...results you will achieve. Whether you are working through upper-level science courses to complete a pre-med degree, taking the MCAT before applying to medical school, or studying for the USMLE Step 1 or 2 exams to get into the residency of your dreams, I can help you achieve your goal. With whatever content we are mastering together, we will work to be as organized and planned as possible. "Those who fail to plan, plan to...
Education & Certification
- Rhodes College - Bachelors, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- The University of Tennessee - Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- ACT Math
- Professional Certifications
- Advanced Placement
- +25 subjects
Rajeev: USMLE test prep instructor
...Case Western Reserve University with masters in medical physiology. I received my Bachelor of science in biomedical science. Since graduation, I have traveled extensively, tutoring children of immigrants in Columbus, OH; adults in Columbus looking to improve their English; and private clients in the Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati region of Ohio. While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about Science, and test prep courses. In my experience helping struggling students prepare...
Education & Certification
- The Ohio State University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Case Western Reserve University - Master of Science, Medical Physiolgoy
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Statistics
- IB Social and Cultural Anthropology HL
- MCAT Verbal Reasoning
- +69 subjects
Tyler: USMLE test prep instructor
...University in 2012, and afterwards worked for a few years as an Advanced-EMT in a rural county in Georgia. I have worked throughout my educational endeavors since graduating High School. I have worked as a pharmacy technician, Emergency Department Tech, and EMT. I love to share stories about medicine and I love to relate what I am teaching to applicable real-world skills. I truly enjoy teaching others about biology and medical sciences. It is a...
Education & Certification
- Georgia Southern University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Washington University of Health and Science - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- CMA - Certified Management Accountant
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners
- +19 subjects
Oygul: USMLE test prep instructor
...experiences that can affect learning. This understanding allows me to help students manage their test-taking anxiety and challenge any negative beliefs that get in their way. I believe that intelligence is not fixed (and this idea is backed by neuroscience) and that anyone can improve by working smart, 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...
Education & Certification
- CUNY Bernard M Baruch College - Bachelors, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 1
- Astronomy
- AP Statistics
- +86 subjects