The United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step 1 is the first in a series of three USMLE exams that you need to pass in ordered to be a licensed physician in the USA. This one-day, eight-hour, computer-based exam thoroughly assesses students in concepts related to the basic sciences and the clinical practice of medicine. To ensure you are successful in your examination, it’s worth hiring a qualified USMLE tutor to help you prepare.  The level of tutoring offered can vary quite substantially, and it’s important that you’re working with only the best. Here’s what you need to consider when you’re hiring a USMLE tutor.

 

1. Experience

Just because someone has aced the USMLE exam, doesn’t mean they can ace tutoring. Having the technical expertise to share knowledge and insight on medical concepts takes time and experience to develop. It’s important that your tutor can provide you with evidence of their tutoring success beyond their impressive scores. Your tutor should have the ability to teach in a variety of different styles, suited to varying learning abilities. 

 

2. Flexibility

Your USMLE Step 1 tutoring service can’t be a one-size-fits-all approach. They should have flexibility in not only teaching style, as mention above but also in scheduling and budgets. This is a partnership that has to work for you and it’s important that your tutor can work with you on your pathway to success.

 

3. Comprehensive Service

Most USMLE tutoring services will also provide you with valuable USMLE resources that provide you with a comprehensive learning database. Leading organizations, like Medical School Companion (MSC), give students access to their entire online learning platform, including online courses, lectures, eBooks, question banks, interactive forums, webinars, blogs, and a Facebook-like global student community. Faculty are also available to email at any time you need.

 

4. Accountability and Professionalism

A USMLE Step 1 tutor must be professional at all times. This includes finding a way to work with your schedule and sticking to it. It is expected that all sessions are attended by your tutor or rescheduled in an agreeable manner. Additionally, your tutor should help you address your weaknesses and guide you on making a plan of action that is reasonable and manageable. They should be with you every step of the way, helping where they can and intermittently encouraging you to continue to be disciplined in your studies.

 

5. A Customized Approach

Your USMLE tutor should have the knowledge and expertise to analyze your educational requirements and tailor tutoring approaches to your unique learning style. The tutoring program should be focused on your learning strengths rather than old and outdated styles that just don’t work.

 

6. A Solid Reputation

Your tutor should come with an excellent medical school resume. Their performance on USMLE Step exams, teaching ability, and interpersonal skills should be second to none. Your tutoring organization should show positive testimonials, partnerships with renowned MDs, and have excellent referrals.  

 

Medical School Companion has highly-trained tutors who are able to determine exactly what aspects of learning are needed. They will address both learning content and study strategy while helping you build, test-taking strategies so you confidently tackle the board.  You can sign up for a free 30-minute consultation with MSC’s tutoring staff at any time! We’re excited and honored to be your guide and companion. Happy studying!