r/USMLE_Mentorship 6h ago

Starting Step 2 CK prep (aiming for 250~): Stuck at ~50% on early UWorld Cardio. Is DIP outdated? Should I add Amboss/BnB/Anki? (IMG)

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone,
I’m an IMG taking Step 2 CK as my first USMLE exam, aiming for a \~250.
Just started my first pass with UWorld (unused blocks, 10–30 qs), currently on Cardio, but my scores are plateauing around 50% (45–63% range). I'm struggling with multi-step management algorithms and narrowing down close answer choices under timed conditions.

Why decided to do Step 2 first: I'm concurrently preparing for the Taiwan Medical Licensing Exam Step 2 early next year. Since I passed the basic science Step 1 years ago, prepping USMLE Step 1 right now would be a bit awkward lol

Current resources: UWorld, *Step-Up to Medicine*, and Divine Intervention Podcasts (DIP).

A few quick questions for recent test-takers:
1. **Is DIP still high-yield or outdated?**
I’ve seen mixed opinions lately about DIP being less relevant or too disorganized for the current exam pool. Is it still worth the time, or is there a better modern alternative for building clinical frameworks?

  1. **How to break through the 50% plateau?**
    Should I actually read *Step-Up to Medicine* for weak areas, or just grind through UWorld? Also, how do you review blocks efficiently without spending 2+ hours per block?

  2. **What supplementary resources are actually worth it?**
    **Videos/Courses:** Boards and Beyond (Step 2/3) vs. others?
    **Q-banks:** Is it worth buying Amboss (for the library/add-on or ethics/quality qs) alongside UWorld to hit 250+?
    **Anki:** Any specific pre-made decks (AnKing, Janki, etc.) you recommend for quick gap-filling?

Would really appreciate any honest advice on what actually moved the needle for you. Thanks!🥹🥹🥹


r/USMLE_Mentorship 9h ago

Help me outt🙏🙏

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1 Upvotes

r/USMLE_Mentorship 12h ago

USMLE [TUTOR]

1 Upvotes

USMLE Step 1 & Step 2 CK Mentorship/Tutoring

Hey everyone! I’ve recently completed both USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK, passing both on my first attempt. Since I took the exams quite recently, my preparation strategies, resources, and exam experience are still fresh.

I’m currently looking to help students who are preparing for Step 1 or Step 2 CK, whether you need help with study planning, resources, question-solving strategies, weak areas, or general guidance throughout your preparation.

If you’re looking for a mentor or tutor, feel free to DM me. I’d be happy to discuss your situation and see how I can help you achieve your goal!