Preparing for USMLE during Medical School – by Dr. Vartika Kesarwani
Dr. Vartika Kesarwani who wrote this article, is a former USMLESarthi student currently working as an Internal Medicine Resident at a University Program.
Preparing for the USMLE Examinations:
Applicants must pass USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS to apply for residency in the USA. USMLE Step 1 tests Basic Sciences, and Step 2 CK tests Clinical Subjects. Preparing for these examinations alongside your medical education will undoubtedly boost your test scores. Here are some tips to follow for adequate preparation:
Research is an integral part of residency training in the United States and therefore is extremely valuable to match in a competitive program/specialty. Research is listed under three sub-headings in your ERAS CV: (a) Research experience (b) Publications (published/submitted) (c) Oral/Poster Presentations. Below are a few tips for IMGs to ace each of these components:
Academic Performance:
Most residency programs in the United States require that the applicants have clinical experience in the United States. USCE can be in the form of Student Electives, Observerships, and Externships. Among these, a Hands-on elective is highly valued and can be done only as a medical student. Hence, planning your rotations during medical school is of paramount importance. Here are a few tips to help you plan your electives:
Volunteer Work:
Volunteer experience is one of the two sections of the ERAS application, where you can include your non-academic achievements. Use this opportunity wisely to demonstrate proactiveness and a well-rounded personality. In my opinion, it should consist of experiences, both from and outside of medical school, that involves taking the initiative, demonstrating leadership, or teamwork. Based on individual interests, there can be innumerable activities that fall in this section, but I will try to list a few examples to give you a general idea:
Extracurricular activities:
Extracurricular activities are another area that allows you to stand out from the crowd. You will mention these under two sections in your curriculum vitae: (a) Hobbies and Interest and (b) Other awards and achievements. These sections are valuable during residency interviews as they can serve as icebreakers. It is common to find interviewers who share the same interests as you. In such cases, it can initiate a stimulating conversation.
Based on your interests, make this section as unique as possible. Here are a few examples of activities that you can include: interests related to music, sports, movies, reading, quizzes, elocutions, debates, dance, art & craft, traveling, photography, blogging, or yoga.
Having recognition and awards in your areas of interest demonstrates genuine interest and looks impressive on your CV. Grab every opportunity you find within or outside your medical school to work on this section.
USMLESarthi – your guide to a successful match provides services such as clinical rotations, research courses, Personal Statement (PS) & ERAS CV editing, and a Mentorship program to help you through the daunting process of securing a Match in a Residency Program. Visit our website us to know more so you may join our family to help ensure your dream Residency spot.
Preparing for the USMLE Examinations:
Applicants must pass USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS to apply for residency in the USA. USMLE Step 1 tests Basic Sciences, and Step 2 CK tests Clinical Subjects. Preparing for these examinations alongside your medical education will undoubtedly boost your test scores. Here are some tips to follow for adequate preparation:
- Start using USMLE study resources early: Use First Aid, Kaplan, or any resource of your choice, besides the usual textbooks. Doing this will help you identify and master the high-yield concepts tested on the USMLE exams. Check out our web-based Study Planner to stay on top of your study schedule and ace your Step 1 exam on the first attempt.
- Start solving UWorld early: USMLE is an MCQ based exam that tests both facts and application of medical concepts. To ace the exam, it is crucial to master test-taking skills and have command of medical knowledge. By solving UWorld, you will understand the application of medical concepts and develop test-taking skills.
- Identify students preparing for the same exam and study in groups. USMLE preparation is an exhaustive process, and it is easy to burnout. Having a support system will keep you motivated throughout the journey. Join our Facebook and Telegram group to receive up-to-date information and guidance on how to stay focused during your preparation.
- Take USMLE Step 1 any time before starting the internship to have your scores ready for elective application.
- Schedule USMLE Step 2 CS during your electives in the US to save travel expenses. Utilize your electives to prepare for the exam. Please note: due to COVID Step 2 CS exam has been canceled and is currently replaced with the OET Medicine exam. Please visit the ECFMG website for the latest information on the status of the Step 2 CS exam.
- Take Step 2 CK during the internship to minimize the gap between graduation and application.
- Ideal timeline would be: Step 1 after 2nd year MBBS > Step 2 CK in internship > Electives in the US > Step 2 CS > Application
Research is an integral part of residency training in the United States and therefore is extremely valuable to match in a competitive program/specialty. Research is listed under three sub-headings in your ERAS CV: (a) Research experience (b) Publications (published/submitted) (c) Oral/Poster Presentations. Below are a few tips for IMGs to ace each of these components:
- Identify a research mentor early: A faculty member experienced in research, who shares the same interest, and belongs to the desired medical specialty will be an ideal mentor. If you cannot find one in your medical school, try to collaborate with students in other medical colleges, your seniors in the United States on their research projects.
- Make interest groups: Identify students in your medical college applying for residency in the United States and work collectively on various research projects. You can also find such groups on social media platforms like Facebook groups/LinkedIn. This approach will save time and maximize output.
- Get published: Submit your manuscript to relevant national and international journals. It is not uncommon for the manuscript to get rejected. Do not worry! Make changes according to the editor's remark and submit it to another/same journal. PubMed indexed journals with a high impact factor are highly valuable, but regardless, getting your manuscript published should be a priority.
- Present in national/international conferences: Submit your manuscript for oral/poster presentation at relevant national/international conferences. Utilize this opportunity to network with people who share similar interests. These contacts will help during application in arranging electives, getting interviews, or writing letters of recommendation. A useful website where you can look for such conferences is https://www.emedevents.com/india-medical-conferences, https://www.medindia.net/medical-conference/schedule_new.asp
- It is ideal to have research in the desired medical specialty, but any experience, regardless of the specialty, will be a valuable addition to your application.
Academic Performance:
- Good scores in MBBS professional examinations, especially in the desired medical specialty, will add value to your MSPE (Medical School Performance Evaluation). Try to be among the top 10% of students in your class, especially in the desired medical specialty.
- Earn honors and awards and certificates, especially in the desired specialty. These awards and certificates will also add to your Curriculum Vitae in addition to being mentioned in MSPE.
Most residency programs in the United States require that the applicants have clinical experience in the United States. USCE can be in the form of Student Electives, Observerships, and Externships. Among these, a Hands-on elective is highly valued and can be done only as a medical student. Hence, planning your rotations during medical school is of paramount importance. Here are a few tips to help you plan your electives:
- A minimum of 3 months of clinical experience in the US is a requirement for residency application.
- Take USMLE Step1/TOEFL early: Some of the reputed programs offering electives require USMLE Step1/TOEFL score as a part of the application. Hence it is advisable to have your scores ready 4-6 months before your desired start date. Not having these scores may limit the number and quality of programs. Check out Planner on how to ace your Step 1 exam.
- Keep documents ready: Although application requirements vary among institutes, 2-3 letters of recommendation from medical school faculty, medical school transcript, proof of vaccination/immunity, and tuberculosis test are some of the standard documents requested. Keep these documents ready to avoid unnecessary delays.
- Make a timeline: It is preferable to have recent clinical experience (within one year of application), and hence applicants must plan out their electives according to the match timeline.
- Apply for electives early: Most places offer limited spots for international medical graduates (IMGs), and hence, it is advisable to apply 4-6 months before the start date. June to August are busier than the other months, so students should plan accordingly.
- Searching for electives: You can find a list of electives for international medical graduates on
- If applicants have a geographical preference for residency training, they should schedule their electives in the preferred region. Most of your residency interviews will be from the state where you do your electives. Keep this in mind while applying to programs.
- Whenever possible, try to schedule your electives together. Doing this will save travel expenses. Make the most of your electives.
Volunteer Work:
Volunteer experience is one of the two sections of the ERAS application, where you can include your non-academic achievements. Use this opportunity wisely to demonstrate proactiveness and a well-rounded personality. In my opinion, it should consist of experiences, both from and outside of medical school, that involves taking the initiative, demonstrating leadership, or teamwork. Based on individual interests, there can be innumerable activities that fall in this section, but I will try to list a few examples to give you a general idea:
- Be a part of the organizing committee for conferences, workshops, annual sports, or cultural festivals in your medical school.
- Find volunteering opportunities with local NGOs based on your interests like free health camps, cleanliness drives, environmental protection, food drives, education for the underserved, or animal rights.
- Actively participate in health education activities organized by your institution. These can be poster presentations, role plays, health talks, or educational videos.
- Write blogs, start a YouTube channel based on your interests.
Extracurricular activities:
Extracurricular activities are another area that allows you to stand out from the crowd. You will mention these under two sections in your curriculum vitae: (a) Hobbies and Interest and (b) Other awards and achievements. These sections are valuable during residency interviews as they can serve as icebreakers. It is common to find interviewers who share the same interests as you. In such cases, it can initiate a stimulating conversation.
Based on your interests, make this section as unique as possible. Here are a few examples of activities that you can include: interests related to music, sports, movies, reading, quizzes, elocutions, debates, dance, art & craft, traveling, photography, blogging, or yoga.
Having recognition and awards in your areas of interest demonstrates genuine interest and looks impressive on your CV. Grab every opportunity you find within or outside your medical school to work on this section.
USMLESarthi – your guide to a successful match provides services such as clinical rotations, research courses, Personal Statement (PS) & ERAS CV editing, and a Mentorship program to help you through the daunting process of securing a Match in a Residency Program. Visit our website us to know more so you may join our family to help ensure your dream Residency spot.