I studied for USMLE Step 2 (CK, written) primarily in Nov-Dec while I was interviewing, then took the exam on Dec 29. I agree with the common aphorism that one should generally take Step 2 early (Aug-Sept) in order to compensate for a sub-optimal Step 1 score, and one should generally take it later otherwise. But unlike Step 1, my opinion is that First Aid is NOT the book to use for Step 2; it’s more important to do questions and to just brush-up on weaker core clerkship areas.
It’s challenging to study while doing out-of-town interviews, so I reserved the final 2 weeks before the exam for full-time studying and building-up test question endurance/tolerance. My personal goal was to break at least the 90th percentile (by statistical distribution for my specific exam, not 2-digit score), which I was fortunate to attain. The strategy on test day is similar to that for Step 1, except that there are 8 sections (~46 Q's each) instead of 7. And as for Step 1, if you take the tutorial on the NBME Official Practice CD to refresh yourself regarding the computer navigation controls, you can add 15 min to your break by skipping the tutorial on test day. I took a brief break after every 2 sections, which worked out well.
As for the Clinical Skills (CS) exam, I would recommend NOT studying at all as it would be a further waste of time/money than it already is. Very few people fail the exam, and the internal exam at UIC is more challenging than the CS exam. Just register for the Chicago site early, and show-up on test day with your ID/papers plus a stethescope and otherwise empty white coat. The site provides a light lunch (soup, cold cuts, cookies, drinks), but you may also want to bring additional food/drinks.
Best of luck with Step 2 and the residency match!
David Jho
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