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!

Jared: Bridgeport USMLE test prep instructor
...am from Rockland County, New York, and currently work as a Private Tutor and Research Assistant in Ithaca. This January, I graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Biological Sciences. I have tutored private clients since 2011 and have experience tutoring students in Biology, Chemistry and Math. I also enjoy helping students prepare for standardized exams for undergraduate and graduate school admission. In addition to my private tutoring activities, I was also a TA...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelors, Biological Sciences
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- COMLEX
- Public Speaking
- 2nd Grade Reading
- +157 subjects

Ayesha : Bridgeport USMLE test prep instructor
...reports, and holding office hours to tutor them individually on topics they needed help with. While science /health care field entrance exams, USMLE step 1, NMBE, clinical psychology/medical fields, and medical school basic sciences prep encompass my areas of expertise to tutor, I am also very passionate about and have experience with tutoring students from elementary school to high school across various subjects. I was a summer camp counselor the summer before medical school in...
Education & Certification
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Premedicine
- Ross University School of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Community Health and Preventive Medicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners
- MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Elementary School English
- +44 subjects

Vishaldeep: Bridgeport USMLE test prep instructor
I attended a Caribbean medical school with a lot of doubts and very little guidance. It was an uphill battle but I've now taken and passed the USMLEs and almost done with my core rotations. I just want to give students the help I wish I had. Currently preparing for the 2022-2023 residency match cycle!
Education & Certification
- Aureus University - Doctor of Medicine, Health Sciences, General
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- USMLE Step 1
- +11 subjects

Carlton: Bridgeport 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
- MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Cardiology
- Pathophysiology
- +22 subjects
Education & Certification
- Virginia Commonwealth University - Bachelor of Science, Clinical Laboratory Science
- Allied American University - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- CLS - Clinical Laboratory Science
- ACT
- Other
- +17 subjects

Justine: Bridgeport USMLE test prep instructor
...student at New York Medical College and will be receiving my M.D. in May 2022. I have had tutoring experience prior to medical school as a piano teacher and physics tutor at my undergrad. Additionally, I have experience mentoring my peers and editing personal statements/activity descriptions for medical school applications as well as other graduate school applications (dental school, PA school). During medical school, I have mentored underclassmen on coursework as well as the USMLE...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- New York Medical College - Doctor of Medicine, Emergency Medical Technology
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- USMLE Step 1
- NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners
- +68 subjects

Pooja: Bridgeport USMLE test prep instructor
...recently graduated Case Western Reserve University, a year early, with a bachelors degree in Biochemistry. My science background has taught me the value of good teaching, and has consequently impacted how I, myself tutor students. I tutor students in the SAT/ACT math and writing sections, biological sciences, and middle school level math/algebra. My goal in tutoring each student is to not only get the student to understand the material, but to also enjoy their process...
Education & Certification
- Case Western Reserve University - Bachelor in Arts, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Writing
- College English
- English
- +33 subjects

Gregory: Bridgeport USMLE test prep instructor
...goal is to do whatever is necessary and within my capabilities to ensure students' success including achievement of scholastic goals, increased confidence in one's abilities, and most importantly creating a social dynamic conducive to the learning process. My demeanor is calm and encouraging rather than intense or intimidating. I keep things light as I find that makes students comfortable, which in turn leads to a more relaxed and productive teaching session. Learning can be fun...
Education & Certification
- University of Miami - Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences, General
- Spartan Health Sciences University School of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems, General
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant
- Histology
- Medicine
- +90 subjects

Aaron: Bridgeport USMLE test prep instructor
...is real." As a student who has finished four years of medical school I can confirm that the struggle is in fact real. But there's tons of ways to make learning fun, quick and effective. Just like you, I like mixing up traditional strategies of mastering material with new tools the world has to offer. When I'm not memorizing endless lists of microbe or pharmacological interactions, I love spending time with my wife and dog,...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelor of Science, Premedicine
- American University of the Caribbean - Doctor of Medicine, Sports Medicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- NCLEX
- PANCE - Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination
- Biology
- +22 subjects

Natalie: Bridgeport USMLE test prep instructor
...will allow me to practice both. After graduating from UNLV with a Bachelor of Biology, I attended Touro University Nevada and earned a Master of Science in Medical Health Sciences. During the program, I took first year medical school courses including anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, immunology, histology and embryology. After completion of my degree, I continued to tutor master students in biochemistry and anatomy. I love to teach using visual aids, quizzes and unique and fun...
Education & Certification
- University of Nevada-Las Vegas - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Touro University Nevada - Master of Science, Medical Health Sciences
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 3
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- High School Biology
- +33 subjects

Oygul: Bridgeport USMLE test prep instructor
...I took a few years to conduct basic science research in mitochondrial physiology. At the same time, I became an instructor in college Biology laboratory and discovered I really enjoyed teaching. Since then, I have tutored college Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and helped students prepare for MCAT. In addition to building the knowledge base, I like to emphasize critical thinking and problem solving. After 7 years of tutoring, I became aware of many social and...
Education & Certification
- CUNY Bernard M Baruch College - Bachelors, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 1
- Calculus 2
- Biology
- +86 subjects

Jarett: Bridgeport USMLE test prep instructor
...her that everything would be well. As the doctor treated the wound, removing the infected tissue and fluid, Elisa grimaced with pain and clung tightly to our hands. After her wound had been dressed, she was given an antibiotic and invited to rest her foot before returning home. Before we could move to prepare a place for her to rest, she quickly embraced the volunteer and me who had "endured" with her, thanking us with...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Science, Biophysics
- Midwestern University-Glendale - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 1
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- +27 subjects

Nikolas: Bridgeport USMLE test prep instructor
...also was a Defensive Back on the football team, and have tutored many of my teammates. We accomplished much as a team, and became 2014-2015 College Football National Champions. Furthermore, I was named an OSU Scholar Athlete four times, and selected to the Academic All-Big Ten team two times. I will be beginning medical school in August of 2016. Before that begins, I am working as a personal trainer/performance coach, in addition to tutoring. While...
Education & Certification
- Ohio State University-Main Campus - Bachelors, Exercise Science Education
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- SAT Subject Tests
- GRE Subject Test in Chemistry
- Pre-Algebra
- +85 subjects

Paul: Bridgeport USMLE test prep instructor
...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 such as the SAT, ACT, MCAT, and USMLE examinations. I am a...
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
- GED Math
- Middle School Math
- +46 subjects

Gibran: Bridgeport USMLE test prep instructor
...exams. I qualified all my Steps and look forward to guiding others to do 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...
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

Frank: Bridgeport USMLE test prep instructor
I have a bachelors in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Doctorates of Medicine (MD). I enjoy working with students and helping them understand the complex world of science.I am comfortable with working with all types of learners. I believe that everyone has the ability to learn something no matter how difficult the topic is. My goal as a tutor/mentor is to find your way of learning.
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelor of Science, Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Loyola University-Chicago - Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- USMLE Step 3
- USMLE Step 1
- +23 subjects

Sanjul: Bridgeport USMLE test prep instructor
...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 read mystery fiction novels. I hope that I can assist you in...
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
- PCAT Biology
- Medicine
- Biochemistry
- +60 subjects

Peter: Bridgeport USMLE test prep instructor
...ESL tutor for refugee children in Minnesota at the elementary school that I worked at as a paraprofessional. I have tutored first year medical students in Biochemistry and Anatomy and Physiology. I tutor a wide range of subjects, but my favorites are: Psychology, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Literature, and Writing. I truly enjoy learning and love to help others succeed. Education and knowledge are some of the most powerful tools for liberation that anybody has to grow...
Education & Certification
- University of Saint Thomas MN - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
- Saint Georges University School of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- NCLEX
- Algebra
- GRE
- +55 subjects

Sugi: Bridgeport USMLE test prep instructor
...degree in Cognitive Science and Biochemistry & Cell Biology. I have served on admissions interview committees for Rice and Baylor College of Medicine, have mentored and edited essays for numerous college and graduate school applicants, and served as a private tutor and classroom instructor for Advanced Biology and Chemistry courses for 3+ years. I am passionate about creating custom, individualized teaching plans for each student. Feel free to reach out for any math, science, or...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, Cognitive Science
- Baylor College of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Ophthalmic Technology
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners
- USMLE Step 1
- Biology
- +59 subjects

Miguel: Bridgeport USMLE test prep instructor
...study in the Faculty of Medicine of Universidad Nacional de Colombia, where I graduated. Then, I was a practicing Doctor in rural and small hospitals of Colombia as General Practitioner. Ten years ago, I moved to New York City and I have been working as Research Coordinator for New York University. At the same time, I took 40 credits at Touro College of bachelor in Biology. I enjoy to motivate students to gain knowledge and...
Education & Certification
- Touro College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- USMLE
- Math
- Spanish 3
- Spanish
- +40 subjects