Step 2 CS Prep - may 2019 to June 2019
Resources Used
• First Aid USMLE Step 2 CS - Student to Student Guide : This is the most major source for this exam!
Most all cases seen on the exam will be similar to the cases in this book!
• Sherazi Notes - used as a reference for additional questions and counseling
• YouTube Videos for Examinations - some of these are obviously long so just did the main points in the
actual exam
• Neuro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UuQV-0o4CE&t=279s
• Abdomen
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkiekzdEtu4
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5b2RaoB5Zk
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_zDaCzW08k
• Cardiovascular
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XU_xeUMJ3Zc
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6beOTEKx1ek
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxqK5MgVBmc
• HEENT
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHWw8opmQdg
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwBEjEbU-Yw
Studying
• I studied for this exam in 3.5 weeks.
• I studied online (skype) with a classmate who was taking this exam around the same period I was.
• We each went through the cases in the First Aid twice. I would take the evens one week and he would
take the odds and then we switched. We initially practiced by talking and then we added in the “typing
up notes” later (used shared Google Docs for this but USMLE.org also has a format if you’re studying
by yourself). Once we started typing notes, we had a better concept of time. Because of this, I would
suggest typing up notes as soon as you begin studying. We would also grade our notes based on the
notes written in first aid and make adjustments from that. Also, since we couldn’t do examinations
online, we would cut the time out we’d need for examinations and practice with the time left.
• For examination practice, I used my parents. I would have my parents act as the SP (standardized
patient) and try to replicate what I saw on the videos on the USMLE.org website. I would also have
them time me. I did exactly what I would do during the actual exam.
The Exam
• You will have 25 mins (15 with the SP and 10 to type notes) with 12 patients. 3 patients - break - 3
patients - lunch - 3 patients - break - 3 patients - done!
• You will be nervous during your first patient encounter but remember these patients are actors and they
understand that this can be an anxious time. If you get stuck, just take a deep breath and carry on.
• I felt like doing First Aid was enough and cases were similar to the cases in the book.
Advice
• Please apply for this exam 8-12 months ahead through ECFMG. It takes time to get your scheduling
permit and spots are very easily filled between April-August. Your scheduling permit for CS is valid for
12 months. Plan accordingly!
• I took my exam in Philly. PLEASE DO NOT freak out if you don’t get a spot in Houston as an IMG.
This is a standardized exam and it is pretty much the same all over the country.
• Get your normal sleep in the night before! It’s important.
• Practice typing out patient notes. I cannot stress how vital and essential this is. Practicing this will
really, really help you during the exam when you’re nervous.
• Practice timed examinations on anyone you can and try to keep your examinations organized in your
head. This way, on exam day, you’re ready to go!
• The USMLE.org website had information regarding what to bring and wear on exam day. Read up. Also
read what can be counted as a violation on exam day.