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!

Sugi: USMLE test prep instructor
...Baylor College of 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 classroom instructor for Advanced Biology and Chemistry courses for 3+ years. I am passionate about creating custom,...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, Cognitive Science
- Baylor College of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Ophthalmic Technology
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Essay Editing
- Elementary School Science
- Physical Chemistry
- +59 subjects

Sabrina: USMLE test prep instructor
...it comes to tutoring as well as utilizing tutors myself. I spent two years teaching both private and class-room 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...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelors, History of Science, Medicine and Public Health
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Pre-Calculus
- Social Sciences
- Professional Certifications
- +32 subjects

Oygul: USMLE test prep instructor
I have taught biology, chemistry and physics laboratory for three years, and have tutored these subjects and MCAT for the same number of years as well. I encourage my students to take an active learning approach and set goals of mastering the material rather then memorizing it. In addition to building a knowledge base, I like to emphasize critical thinking and problem solving. ... My teaching approach is based on the premise that intelligence is malleable. During my undergraduate years and teaching, I met a lot of students with deterministic view about their learning abilities, and saw how this belief affected them in areas they thought they were "not good at."? Usually, these students were worried about the outcome (grades) more than their performance during the course. I help alleviate their anxiety about grades by redirecting their attention to their learning habits.
Education & Certification
- CUNY Bernard M Baruch College - Bachelors, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Study Skills
- Statistics Graduate Level
- Engineering
- +80 subjects

Vidhan: USMLE test prep instructor
...my current medical courses, they have provided me with a solid foundation in different subject areas. I tutor in math, biology, anatomy, and test preparation. My favorite areas to tutor are test preparation and math. I understand how important tests such as the ACT and SAT are to many students, and how confusing math can be at times. I want to help students to improve their performance in both these areas. When I teach, I...
Education & Certification
- University of Missouri-Kansas City - Current Undergrad, Six Year BA/MD Program
- University of Missouri-Kansas City - Current Grad Student, Medicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Professional Certifications
- ACT Math
- Elementary School Math
- +36 subjects

Keith: USMLE test prep instructor
...129, 131). I tutored my friends and class mates as an undergraduate, and continued that work by tutoring MCAT, ACT, and STEM fields for 3 years in New York City while I studied leukemia at Memorial Sloan Kettering. For each of my students, whether it is their first time taking it or they are hoping to increase their score, I am to develop a personalized study plan based on their time constraints, goals, and extracurricular...
Education & Certification
- Michigan State University - Bachelors, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Michigan State University - Masters, Pharmacology and Toxicology
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Organic Chemistry
- AP Calculus BC
- College Biology
- +63 subjects

Andrew: USMLE test prep instructor
...tailor my teaching to the entire audience, so as to ensure that everyone understood what was being discussed. This is both my teaching philosophy and tutoring style. No one teaching style works best for everyone, and I pride myself on ensuring that every tutoring session will be conducted in a manner which best helps each particular student grasp the topics being discussed. Outside of academia, I enjoy playing my guitar, listening to all types of...
Education & Certification
- University of South Florida-Main Campus - Bachelors, Biomedical Sciences
- New York Medical College - PHD, Doctor of Medicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Presentation Skills
- Science
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 1
- +169 subjects

Jarett: USMLE test prep instructor
...from sunup to sundown for most of her life. Upon conversing with her, I learned that weeks prior, Elisa had punctured the sole of her foot as she worked. Unable to afford time away from her duties, she endured the pain as she worked each day. Over time, the wound grew wider and deeper as infection intensified in the tissues, with no proper cleaning or covering. Upon observing her condition, the doctor informed us that...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Science, Biophysics
- Midwestern University-Glendale - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Science
- Professional Certifications
- College English
- +27 subjects

Abdullah: USMLE test prep instructor
...transplantation. I believe I have many qualities and the experience to be a great tutor, especially a great MCAT tutor. As someone who has successfully navigated from an undergraduate program to medical school, I understand and can relate to the struggles of a student that wishes to pursue the medical field. Therefore, my goal is to use my past experiences to tutor students efficiently and allow them to feel comfortable with the material. The MCAT...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelors, Economics
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- GRE
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Pathophysiology
- +21 subjects

Jordan: USMLE test prep instructor
...am currently taking some time off. My teaching approach centers around breaking down concepts into their most basic parts and applying those concepts to whatever area is of need. I believe in trying to integrate a student's current interests (be it sports, music, etc) into the subject material when possible to help "bring it to life". I also strongly value the role of trust between a tutor and student, and believe that optimal learning occurs...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston - Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- College Biology
- IB Psychology
- Psychology
- +64 subjects

Jordan: USMLE test prep instructor
...of the material placed before you. Together, we can learn to enjoy the process as well as enjoy the 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...
Education & Certification
- Rhodes College - Bachelors, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- The University of Tennessee - Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- ACT
- Graduate Test Prep
- Chemistry
- +25 subjects

Justine: USMLE test prep instructor
...year medical student 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 which I have developed, perfected and more than willing to teach others. With over 30 residency interviews...
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
- College Biology
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- +6 subjects

Ari: USMLE test prep instructor
...is individualized and student-oriented: I will tailor lectures to your specific learning methods. I'm a very visual learner myself, so I like to use images, real-world examples, and animations to ensure that you will truly UNDERSTAND the rationale for each step of the problem-solving method. MCAT sessions will emphasize practice with real AAMC passages as well as reviewing concepts. I will teach you tips, tricks, strategies, and patterns to watch out for that I have...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee - Bachelor of Science, Cell and Molecular Biology
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- 11th Grade Writing
- 12th Grade Reading
- ASVAB
- +192 subjects

Deepa: USMLE test prep instructor
...Medicine (M.D.). I tutor a wide range of subjects including the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2. I was born in Los Angeles and grew up in South Jersey, and a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan. I enjoy tennis, football, cooking, and a huge movie buff. My favorite subjects are Neurology, Psychology, and Psychiatry. I like to approach challenging concepts by using diagrams, charts, and visual pictures that can help students organize complex information in their...
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
- Psychologies
- Social Sciences
- USMLE Step 2 CS
- +22 subjects

Jeremy: USMLE test prep instructor
...in Biology. This pre-med course work allowed me to get into medical school at University of Medicine and Health Sciences located in St. Kitts and Nevis, an island nation of the British Virgin Islands. I have recently graduated from medical school and am awaiting the application process for residency. I consider myself an easy-going, fun loving person who is passionate for helping others. I work hard so I can enjoy spending time with my family....
Education & Certification
- Salve Regina University - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
- University of Medicine and Health Sciences - Doctor of Medicine, Homeopathic Medicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Middle School Math
- SAT Math
- High School Chemistry
- +32 subjects

Norma: USMLE test prep instructor
...knew no bounds. As I matured, I discovered how to channel this curiosity into more productive avenues by working in study groups, helping friends answer their own questions which were usually quite similar this mine, This helped develop my confidence in teaching others through college, summer camps and medical school. I love working with different age groups as they all bring unique learning opportunities. My degrees have given me the skills to cover a wide...
Education & Certification
- Sam Houston State University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- American University of AntiguaFlorida International University College of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Community Health and Preventive Medicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Graduate Test Prep
- MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Chemistry
- +24 subjects
Education & Certification
- Virginia Commonwealth University - Bachelor of Science, Clinical Laboratory Science
- Allied American University - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Algebra
- Other
- Math
- +16 subjects

Joyce : USMLE test prep instructor
...View A&M University, passed NCLEX on my 1st attempt, and worked as a Registered Nurse for 2.5 years as an OR nurse and a Med-Surg nurse. I recently graduated from medical school (MD) and currently applying to go into residency. I passed both USMLE STEP 1 and STEP 2 on 1st attempt. I've tutored multiple times with other companies while in undergrad and medical school. Effortlessly teaching complex subjects and navigating multiple-choice questions for students...
Education & Certification
- Prairie View A M University - Bachelor of Science, Nursing (RN)
- American university of antigua - Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- IB Psychology
- Professional Certifications
- Elementary School Science
- +14 subjects

Sadia: USMLE test prep instructor
...Over my years as a tutor, I have successfully tutored students from elementary through high school courses, college courses, medical school courses along with standardized tests including the SAT, ACT, MCAT, NBME, and USMLE. I currently work in drug development with a global team specializing in multi-regional clinical trials. When I am not working, I love learning and am now taking Chinese and Spanish classes. I devote my time to my friends, family, and three...
Education & Certification
- University of Miami - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Plymouth State University - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
- Walden University - Doctor of Business Adminstration, Health Services Administration
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- R Programming
- High School Biology
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- +131 subjects

Ileana: USMLE test prep instructor
...Georges University School of Medicine. My Alma mater is Barry University from which I received a Bachelors of Science with a major in Biology. I first began tutoring when I was in college and have tutored a wide array of topics including AP Spanish, High School Physics, Biology, and Chemistry. My teaching style is a more inclusive approach so that my students are exposed to auditory, visual and tactile learning as appropriate for the subject....
Education & Certification
- Barry University - Bachelors, Biology, General
- St. Georges University School of Medicine - PHD, Doctor of Medicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Elementary School Math
- College Chemistry
- Algebra
- +38 subjects
Education & Certification
- Pacific Lutheran University - Bachelor in Arts, Communication, General
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Statistics
- Biology
- AP Chemistry
- +173 subjects