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!
Education & Certification
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
- AP Chemistry
- Biology
- +11 subjects

Andrew : USMLE test prep instructor
...semester or ace the regents, let's start the year off on the right foot. My teaching methods are excellent, and unlike most tutors, I bring fun and excitement to the subject, because we all know how boring the physical and biological sciences can be at times. Using various analogies and examples, I find that I capture my students attention and bring the best out of them. Most importantly, I look forward to helping my students,...
Education & Certification
- New York Institute of Technology - Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering
- Stony Brook University - Masters, Mechanical Engineering
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- REGENTS
- Anatomy
- Algebra
- +45 subjects

Yalitza: USMLE test prep instructor
...I have worked extensively as a tutor. Doing mentorship in multiple subjects from Spanish to biology. Since 2012 I have been a full-time private tutor helping students succeed in their goals, and board exams. I focus in teaching medical students how to Pass the USMLE Step 1 board exam. My self- motivation persona keeps students encourage, while maintaining an excellent work ethic and discipline. Achieving a 100 percent Pass rate. I would love to help...
Education & Certification
- University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
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Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 1
- Spanish 4
- Conversational Spanish
- +36 subjects

Kim: USMLE test prep instructor
...differently and it is important to tailor each tutoring session to each individual student. I have several years of experience in teaching music and violin, am fluent in Spanish and also tutor medical students for the USMLE Step 1 and all subjects related to biology, physiology, anatomy and medicine. I am a 4th year medical student, and scored at the top of my class during preclinical years, therefore I feel very comfortable for these subjects...
Education & Certification
- University of Southern California - Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience
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Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Medical Terminology
- Professional Certifications
- Test Prep
- +15 subjects

Ayesha : USMLE test prep instructor
...a medical sciences tutor for the Academy of Teaching and Learning in my medical school. I was also a molecular biology teaching assistant in Penn State during my undergraduate years and led a class of students in teaching them cell biology, creating my own lesson plans, DNA lab techniques, grading lab reports, and holding office hours to tutor them individually on topics they needed help with. While science /health care field entrance exams, USMLE step...
Education & Certification
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Premedicine
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Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners
- Medical Ethics
- Nutrition
- +44 subjects

Gibran: USMLE test prep instructor
...the same. Working for Kaplan for 2yrs I enjoyed all aspects of my work and had the opportunity to work with multiple students facing different issues. From teaching classes with multiple students to one-on-one tutoring and also academic advising/creating study plans I helped students in all aspects of their preparation. The satisfaction of helping someone achieve their goals and being able to empower them to take charge of their future is what motivates me to...
Education & Certification
- Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, India - Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 3
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- USMLE Step 1
- +20 subjects

Jung: USMLE test prep instructor
...majored in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and Psychology and minored in Chemistry. He graduated from the School of Arts and Sciences Honors Program with the distinction of Summa Cum Laude. After graduation, he worked at the Colgate-Palmolive Global Technology Center for their Research & Development Department to provide a better understanding of skin irritation pathways and ways to mitigate irritation. Outside of tutoring, he enjoys walking his dog, volunteering for his volunteer EMS squad, hiking...
Education & Certification
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick - Bachelors, Molecular Biology & Biochemistry and Psychology
- New Jersey Medical School - Current Grad Student, Doctor of Medicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- PRAXIS
- Algebra
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- +45 subjects

Sanjul: USMLE test prep instructor
...school and have an interest in specializing in Oncology. I did my undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and a concentration in Pre-Professional Healthcare. I love to teach Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Microbiology, Pharmacology and Pathology. My teaching style relies heavily on the use of visual aids to help my students understand concepts in a 3D plane! In my free time I like to partake in boxing, play tennis, basketball and...
Education & Certification
- Cleveland State University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- University of Medicine and Health Sciences - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Microbiology
- PCAT Biology
- Pharmacology
- +60 subjects

Mariya: USMLE test prep instructor
...others to gain knowledge. In my opinion, a key to success is not only a hard work, but understanding also. When we understand the material, we have all the chances to learn something. Being an honored student myself, I know how to break down and teach the hardest topics. My teaching style will help students to memorize the material quickly and effectively with the help of mnemonics, visualization and spaced repetition. I look forward to...
Education & Certification
- Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University - Doctor of Medicine, Biomedical Sciences
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- NCLEX
- Certified Medical Assistant Exam
- High School Biology
- +82 subjects
Education & Certification
- CUNY Hunter College - Bachelors, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- College Algebra
- Elementary Math
- Pre-Algebra
- +20 subjects

Kara: USMLE test prep instructor
...Doctor). I recently passed my NPLEX examinations (similar to medical boards exams to be able to obtain a physician's license), and I am looking to tutor students looking for help in high school sciences, pre-med, and graduate level medical and holistic health subjects. Being a naturopathic doctor, I am not only proficient in basic sciences and medical diagnostic and reasoning, but also in subjects such as botanical medicine, homeopathy, nutrition, physical medicine, and other similar...
Education & Certification
- Central Connecticut State University - Bachelor in Arts, International and Intercultural Communication
- University of Bridgeport - Doctor of Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Biochemistry
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Biology
- +10 subjects

Andrew: USMLE test prep instructor
...math and science, as it relates to standardized test preparation (USMLE, MCAT, ACT, and SAT). Throughout my own academic career, I have found that I am particularly adept at teaching others of all ages and educational levels. For example, as a medical student, I was often required to educate fellow medical students, pre-medical students, resident and attending physicians, nurses, and the remainder of the healthcare team about patients, medical conditions, journal articles, etc. Teaching and...
Education & Certification
- University of South Florida-Main Campus - Bachelors, Biomedical Sciences
- New York Medical College - PHD, Doctor of Medicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 3
- NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners
- USMLE Step 1
- +180 subjects

Nessim: USMLE test prep instructor
...school in the US and medical school in the West Indies, I have have been fortunate to interact and tutor students throughout every phase of my education. Tutoring students with different cultural and academic backgrounds has taught me to implement an individualistic approach of teaching This method would help enable each of them to learn and understand the concepts rather than just memorize. While attending undergraduate and graduate school at the University of Missouri, I...
Education & Certification
- University of Missouri-Columbia - Bachelors, Biological Sciences
- University of Missouri-Columbia - Masters, Public Health
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- COMLEX
- NCLEX
- IB Biology SL
- +76 subjects

Krystyn: USMLE test prep instructor
...fell in love with a few things when I was young: math and medicine. I was the top in my class for math scores, but I knew that could not take me into a career I would love. For that reason, I majored in chemistry and minored in mathematics at Villanova University before starting medical school. I can help you get through your big exam, your semester, or maybe even the homework you have to...
Education & Certification
- Villanova University - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
- American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine - Current Grad Student, Sports Medicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- NCLEX
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- USMLE Step 3
- +69 subjects

Randall: USMLE test prep instructor
...Biology with Magna Cum Laude Honors, maintaining Dean's List status between Spring 2005 to Fall 2008. During my undergraduate training, I focused on biomedical and ecological sciences, completing courses in Anatomy & Physiology, Histology, Ecology, & Wildlife Management. In 2008, I published a peer-reviewed research article in the Triple Helix titled The Economic & Biological Facets of Mammalian Predator Control (Vol. 4 No. 2, pg. 19-21). This publication gave me the opportunity to learn how...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor of Science, Conservation Biology
- Ross University School of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- MCAT
- Genetics
- MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- +13 subjects

Paul: USMLE test prep instructor
...Engineering. While at Temple I was Captain of the lacrosse team and graduated Summa Cum Laude before applying to medical school. I am currently a fourth-year medical student at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. My academic interests span the gambit ranging from engineering concepts to medical innovation, in particular those with an orthopedic focus. I have an extensive history of tutoring students at the middle/high school, college, and graduate school levels, including entrance/board exams...
Education & Certification
- Temple University - Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering
- Rutger's Robert Wood Johnson Medical School - Doctor of Medicine, Biomedical Sciences
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 1
- College Biology
- Anatomy & Physiology
- +46 subjects

Dakota: USMLE test prep instructor
...while maintaining my core values. I even discovered how to gain an acceptance off of the waitlist. While I learned a tremendous about what medical schools are looking for in a student, the most important lesson I learned over the course of 67 rejections is in regard to my own personal resilience and grit. A career in medicine is by no means an easy journey to undertake. Making it through an application cycle to medical...
Education & Certification
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
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Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- PE Exam - Professional Licensed Engineer Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- GED Math
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- +85 subjects

Carlton: USMLE test prep instructor
Hello, my name is Carlton. I am a first-year Emergency Medicine resident physician with several years of teaching and tutoring experience in various subject matters. I look forward to meeting you and helping you take the next step in your bright future.
Education & Certification
- Virginia Commonwealth University - Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science
- Drexel University - Master of Science, Biomedical Sciences
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
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- Pathophysiology
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- +22 subjects

Daniel: USMLE test prep instructor
...learns in unique ways. As a student myself, I approach my tutoring sessions as both a helper and as a peer, but never as a superior. As evidenced by my schooling, I have been trained at two top scientific institutions, currently at University of Pennsylvania. This extensive science and clinical background lays the foundation for my ability to help others in the scientific field. I am truly passionate about biology and clinical science and have...
Education & Certification
- Wheaton College (Illinois) - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania - Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Endocrinology
- Graduate Level Biology
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- +58 subjects

Ileana: USMLE test prep instructor
...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. Tutoring has been an extremely rewarding experience and my goal for every student is that they feel confident, learn key organizational skills necessary for success, and excel in every...
Education & Certification
- Barry University - Bachelors, Biology, General
- St. Georges University School of Medicine - PHD, Doctor of Medicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Languages
- College Chemistry
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- +38 subjects