How I Scored 265 on the USMLE Step 2 CK: Study Plan, Resources, and Why Recalls/Past Papers Matter in 2025–2026

How I Scored 265 on the USMLE Step 2 CK: Study Plan, Resources, and Why Recalls/Past Papers Matter in 2025–2026

Keywords: USMLE Step 2 CK, UWorld, Anki flashcards, study schedule, medical student, how to score 265+, USMLE Step 2 CK study plan, recalls, past papers, Step 2 CK 2025–2026

If you're a medical student preparing for the USMLE Step 2 CK in 2025 or 2026, the road ahead may seem overwhelming. You’re likely juggling UWorld, Anki flashcards, a tight study schedule, and conflicting advice about resources. I’ve been there—and I want to share how I managed to score 265 on my Step 2 CK, along with the most overlooked but powerful study strategy: using recalls and past paper patterns.


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These recalls mirror real exam questions. You’ll thank yourself on test day.


Meet Dr. MD Recharles: International Medical Graduate from Mumbai

I took the USMLE Step 2 CK in December 2018 during my internship year in India. Balancing clinical work with exam prep was tough, but proper planning, targeted resources, and spaced repetition made all the difference.


📚 My Top Resources for Step 2 CK Success

Here’s what worked for me:

  • Review Books:

    • MTB 2 (Master the Boards Step 2 CK) – For core topics

    • MTB 3 – For Pediatrics and OB/GYN (more in-depth)

  • Question Bank:

    • UWorld – This is non-negotiable. I did it twice in timed mode, with full note-taking and flashcard review.

  • Flashcards:

    • UWorld’s built-in flashcards

    • Anki – Used for reinforcing weak points using spaced repetition

  • Most Crucial Add-On?
    👉 Premium Recalls & Past Papers 2025–2026 – Not just practice, these mimic the exact format and style of what you’ll face.


🧠 The Power of Recalls & Past Papers

If you’re skipping past paper-style content, you're leaving points on the table. These questions don’t just test knowledge—they build recognition reflexes that matter on a 9-hour exam.

✅ They reflect real exam trends
✅ Improve speed under pressure
✅ Train your brain to recognize distractors and patterns

I saw direct repeats and similarly structured questions from my recall bank. It’s the closest you’ll get to seeing the real exam beforehand.


🗓️ My Study Timeline (March to December)

  • March–August: MTB + UWorld 1st pass

  • August–October: 2nd pass UWorld + Recalls + Anki

  • November: Practice tests (NBME 6, 7, 8 + UWSA 1 & 2)

  • December: Final review + confidence boost from past paper familiarity


✅ Practice Makes Perfect: Full-Length Tests I Used

I highly recommend doing:

  • NBME 6, 7, 8

  • UWSA 1 & 2

These gave me reliable predictions. My real score matched the range I scored on these tests: 250–260+.


🧩 Spaced Repetition & Note Strategy

This is where many students fall short. Here’s what worked:

  • Take detailed notes by subject from UWorld

  • Use Anki daily

  • Create a flashcard deck for tables and images

  • Review past paper-style questions weekly

Use the spaced repetition method to cycle through topics—again and again—until mastery.


⚠️ Burnout is Real – Here’s How I Avoided It

  • Fixed test date (Dec 6) kept me accountable

  • Planned light review the week before the exam

  • No practice tests 5–7 days before to reduce anxiety

  • Scheduled breaks + coffee during the 9-hour test to maintain energy


Final Thoughts: You CAN Do This

Scoring 265+ is possible, even while managing internship or rotations. The key is:

🔑 Consistency
🔑 UWorld mastery
🔑 Spaced repetition
🔑 Strategic use of recalls and past papers


📦 Ready to Supercharge Your Score?

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  • 🔄 Automatic updates each year

  • 📈 High-yield review at your fingertips


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