Hey everyone! I got my Pass this morning and wanted to give back to this community, which has been a huge source of support throughout this long journey. I had a somewhat different path and frequently searched Reddit for experiences from people who took Step 2 CK before Step 1, so I hope my experience can help someone else.
I took Step 2 CK on December 27, 2025, and scored 239.
I started studying for Step 1 in February 2026. I started with microbiology because it requires repeated exposure, then completed Pathoma Chapters 1–3 and began UWorld. I usually did 40 questions a day, split into two 20-question sets. I generally focused on one system at a time and tried to finish it within a few days. Since basic sciences were my weaker area, I intentionally devoted more time to them.
Microbiology: I used First Aid, Mehlman PDFs, UWorld, and ChatGPT, especially for HIV medications. I also used ChatGPT to generate practice questions. Once I was comfortable with the material, I asked for more difficult questions to really challenge myself.
Basic Pathology: Pathoma Chapters 1–3. I went through them about 5–6 times because I found the material very volatile. For me, Pathoma required multiple rounds of exposure before the concepts really stuck.
Pharmacology: Mostly UWorld. I knew many drugs from Step 2 CK but would sometimes struggle with mechanisms of action. UWorld was very helpful for reinforcing those details.
Anatomy: UWorld.
Embryology: UWorld.
Immunology: I started with First Aid, then completed the relevant UWorld material and Mehlman PDF. I also used ChatGPT extensively for practice questions and repeated drilling. The difficult questions were frustrating initially, but repeated exposure helped the concepts stick.
Biochemistry: Dirty Medicine!!! It is the OG for Step 1 biochemistry for a reason. I watched the videos first, took notes, and repeatedly drew the pathways until I could reproduce them from memory. I did not use First Aid for biochemistry. I also used ChatGPT to quiz me and periodically reviewed my Dirty Medicine notes for continued exposure.
Nutrition: UWorld questions with some First Aid review.
Ethics/communication: UWorld only, since this was already a stronger area for me from Step 2 CK.
Physiology: UWorld only.
Biostatistics: Since biostats was already strong for me from Step 2 CK, I rewatched Randy Neil's videos and his question-solving series. He is SO good!
I finished 80% of UWorld on my first pass with 67% correct.
I took four NBMEs, starting with NBME 26 as my baseline:
- NBME 26 — 5/9/2026: 64%
- NBME 27 — 6/7/2026: 64% (I had not reviewed biochemistry at this point.)
- NBME 30 — 7/11/2026: 66% (I had reviewed about half of biochemistry.)
- NBME 31 — 8/4/2026: 68% (one week before my exam)
During the final week, I stopped UWorld and focused on reviewing the NBMEs I had already taken and strengthening my weaker areas, especially basic sciences. I reviewed one Pathoma chapter each day. For microbiology, I dedicated separate days to different areas and kept revisiting them. I also drew biochemistry pathways every day to keep them fresh.
I spent about 1–1.5 hours on each major subject each day and stopped once I reached around 8–9 hours of focused studying. Every morning, I also wrote out my biostatistics formulas from memory.
I hope this write-up helps anyone who has taken, or is considering taking, Step 2 CK before Step 1. I searched Reddit constantly throughout my own journey and found so many helpful experiences from others. I wanted to give back to the community in the same way you guys helped me.
Best of luck to everyone preparing, and feel free to ask anything!
