🏆 #1 Rated Medical Board Tutoring

Pass Your Boards With Expert 1:1 Tutoring

Personalized USMLE, MCAT, COMLEX & Admissions coaching from MD/PhD educators who’ve been exactly where you are. Smarter prep. Better scores. Real results.

No contracts

0% APR via Affirm

7-day scheduling

MD/PhD tutors

90%+

Lifetime Pass Rate

5k+

Students Helped

15+

Avg NBME Score Bump

90+

Med Schools Served

dr untara
★★★★★
“I failed Step 2 twice before MedSmarter. Dr. Untara boosted my score by 35 points. I scored residency interviews I never thought possible.”
Jada B. — USMLE Step 2 CK · Google Review
Students from 90+ US & International Medical Schools 1,700+ Students Helped and Growing Average +170 Points on NBME Practice Exams 98%+ Lifetime Pass Rate Post-Review Tutors: MDs, PhDs & Top-Scoring Educators Scheduling Available 7 Days a Week 0% APR Financing Available via Affirm 4.8-Star Rated on Google Reviews Students from 90+ US & International Medical Schools 1,700+ Students Helped and Growing Average +170 Points on NBME Practice Exams 98%+ Lifetime Pass Rate Post-Review Tutors: MDs, PhDs & Top-Scoring Educators Scheduling Available 7 Days a Week 0% APR Financing Available via Affirm 4.9-Star Rated on Google Reviews

By the Numbers

Results You Can Measure

98%+

Lifetime Pass Rate After
Completing a MedSmarter
Program

170+

Average Point Bump on NBME
Scores for Students on Our
Programs

1,700+

Students Helped and Counting
Across All Exams

90+

Students from 90+ US & International
Medical Universities

10k+

Hours of Interactive 1:1
Coaching Delivered & Growing

Tutoring Programs

Expert Prep for Every Step of Your Medical Journey

Choose the program that fits your stage. All delivered as personalized
1:1 sessions with MD/PhD instructors.

Most Popular

USMLE

Step 1 Tutoring

Master the foundational sciences with targeted 1:1 prep. Our tutors focus on high-yield content, question strategy, and building real clinical understanding.

N

Personalized study timeline & daily plan

N

High-yield organ systems deep-dives

N

NBME practice question analysis

N

Test anxiety & strategy coaching

N

Free practice quiz to start

Learn More →

USMLE

Step 2 CK Tutoring

Clinical decision-making mastery. We bridge the gap between shelf exams and real patient care scenarios with proven question-based coaching.

N

Clinical reasoning frameworks

N

Shelf exam & CK crossover strategy

N

Diagnosis & management drills

N

EHR-style case walkthroughs

Learn More →

USMLE

Step 3 Tutoring

Conquer CCS cases and Day 2 questions. Ideal for residents who need focused, efficient prep alongside busy clinical schedules.

N

CCS computer case simulations

N

Biostatistics & epidemiology review

N

Outpatient & inpatient case strategy

N

Flexible evening / weekend sessions

Learn More →

PRE-MED

MCAT Tutoring

Expert instruction, targeted question practice, and test-taking strategy to maximize your score and strengthen your medical school application.

N

All 4 sections covered (B/B, C/P, CARS, P/S)

N

AAMC-style practice integration

N

Score improvement roadmap

N

Flexible scheduling around classes

Learn More →

Osteopathic

COMLEX 1 & 2 Tutoring

Osteopathic-specific prep designed to maximize your score on both COMLEX Level 1 and Level 2. Includes OPP content and test-taking frameworks.

N

OPP & OMM focused sessions

N

COMLEX-specific question strategy

N

Combined USMLE/COMLEX scheduling

N

Tutor match based on DO experience

Learn More →

Application

Admissions Coaching

From personal statement to interview day — insider-led coaching that makes your application stand out in a competitive pool.

N

Personal statement writing & editing

N

School list strategy & research

N

MMI & traditional interview prep

N

ERAS & residency app coaching

Learn More →

How It Works

From Consultation to Exam Day in 6 Steps

A proven system that removes the guesswork and keeps you on track from day one.

01

Free Consultation

A complimentary 15–20 min call where we learn your goals, timeline, and current level — no strings attached.

02

Tutor Matching

We pair you with an expert whose specialty, teaching style, and experience align exactly with what you need.

03

Personalized Assessment

Your first session maps your knowledge gaps, study habits, and test-taking weaknesses into a custom roadmap.

04

Focused Sessions

Each live 1:1 session is strategically prepared with targeted materials, questions, and real-time coaching.

05

Progress Tracking

Regular NBME reviews and score checks ensure measurable improvement. Your plan adjusts as you grow.

06

Test Day Confidence

By exam day you’ll have mastered high-yield content, refined your timing, and built unshakeable confidence.

1

Free Consultation

A complimentary 15–20 min call where we learn your goals, timeline, and current level — no strings attached.

2

Tutor Matching

We pair you with an expert whose specialty, teaching style, and experience align exactly with what you need.

3

Personalized Assessment

Your first session maps your knowledge gaps, study habits, and test-taking weaknesses into a custom roadmap.

4

Focused Sessions

Each live 1:1 session is strategically prepared with targeted materials, questions, and real-time coaching.

5

Progress Tracking

Regular NBME reviews and score checks ensure measurable improvement. Your plan adjusts as you grow.

6

Test Day Confidence

By exam day you’ll have mastered high-yield content, refined your timing, and built unshakeable confidence.

Pricing

Transparent Packages, Real Results

All packages include platform access, flexible scheduling, and a dedicated
tutor. Not sure which to pick? Start with a free consultation and
we’ll advise you.

2  Hours

$279 flat

Trial Session — limited 1 per student

N

2-hour initial tutoring session

N

Diagnostic knowledge assessment

N

1-month platform subscription

N

Custom study plan preview

10  Hours

$199/hr

Starts at $1,990

N

10 hours of 1:1 tutoring

N

3-month platform subscription

N

Personalized study plan

N

NBME progress tracking

N

Unlimited platform Q&A

Affirm   Monthly payments   available

Most Popular

20  Hours

$189/hr

Starts at $3,780

N

20 hours of 1:1 tutoring

N

6-month platform subscription

N

Dedicated tutor + backup tutor

N

Full study plan & weekly check-ins

N

Biweekly NBME review sessions

N

Priority scheduling

Affirm   Monthly payments   available

40  Hours

$179/hr

Starts at $7,160

N

40 hours of 1:1 tutoring

N

12-month platform subscription

N

Comprehensive exam overhaul

N

Multiple exam coverage allowed

N

Monthly progress reports

N

Residency interview coaching add-on

Affirm   Monthly payments   available

Not sure which package fits? Book a free 15-min call and we’ll recommend the right one for you.

Why MedSmarter

How We Compare to Other Prep Options

Feature MedSmarter 1:1 Group Courses Self-Study Other Tutors
Personalized study plan Sometimes
MD/PhD instructors Varies Varies
Flexible scheduling (7 days) Sometimes
Real-time progress tracking
Multi-exam coverage in one package Rarely
0% APR financing
90%+ verified pass rate Unverified Unknown

Meet Your Tutors

Learn From People Who’ve Aced the Same Exams

Every MedSmarter tutor is an MD, PhD, or top-scoring educator who has been
exactly where you are. They don’t just teach — they mentor.

Untara Shaikh Headshot 2026

MD, Mphil, PHD Director

Dr. Untara Shaikh

A health psychologist, medical educator, and mentor with more than two decades of experience preparing medical students and international medical graduates for success. She has helped thousands of students build the knowledge, confidence, and clinical reasoning needed to excel on the USMLE, COMLEX, and throughout their medical careers.
 

Phyl Igman Headshot 2026

MD, DVM, Instructor

Dr. Phyl Igman

An Assistant Professor of Preventive Medicine with a unique background in both human and veterinary medicine. He prepares students for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK by simplifying high-yield topics, including Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Behavioral Science/Psychiatry, and Medical Ethics. 

Hema Gujarathi Headshot 2026

MD, INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Hema Gujarathi

A retired anesthesiologist with decades of clinical experience and a passion for medical education. She prepares students for USMLE Step 2 CK and Step 3 by simplifying complex clinical concepts and strengthening diagnostic reasoning, patient management, and board-style clinical decision-making.

female headshot

Opportunity for Growth

Join Our Team

Committed to ensuring that our students receive the best educational leadership and support, we are always looking for the right people to be part of our team. If you share our energy, passion, and understanding of helping future physicians, we’d love to hear from you.

Student Stories

Real Students. Real Results.

Don’t take our word for it — here’s what students say after working
with MedSmarter.

  • Just finished my CK course with Medsmarter. Blessed to have met Dr.Untara Shaikh who guided me through out the course. The course here is completely focused on students. Tutor works… read more

    farhan anwar Avatar farhan anwar
    April 2, 2021

    I found the MedSmarter program extremely helpful. I not only attended the Step 1 Course, but I also did the one on one tutoring with Dr Untara. Dr… read more

    Barbara Bond Avatar Barbara Bond
    April 2, 2020

    Too keep this short, I would not reccomend this as a place to prepare for your Comlex or USMLE if your goal is to pass. They are completely out the… read more

    miles davis Avatar miles davis
    April 2, 2020

    Great study experience. Very detail oriented

    sawrajpal singh Avatar sawrajpal singh
    April 2, 2023

    I did the Step 1 review program with MedSmarter Test Prep. That was the best decision I took. It was very thorough and well rounded. At the end of it… read more

    SANKEY MUSIC Avatar SANKEY MUSIC
    April 2, 2020

    Medsmarter has truly been a blessing in disguise. I was completely lost in my step 1 prep, one of my friend recommended me to try Medsmarter and it was the… read more

    Priyanka Pradhan Avatar Priyanka Pradhan
    April 2, 2023

    I took the Step 1 review here. The facilities, staff, and curriculum are amazing, they keep class size small and gave me 1 on 1 attention to focus on where… read more

    Zuhair Hasan Avatar Zuhair Hasan
    April 2, 2020

    Wonderful family environment with structured curriculum.

    IC Cowboy Avatar IC Cowboy
    April 2, 2021

    I highly enjoyed my experience at Medmsarter. They had fast-paced reviews, and they made sure to only emphasize the high-yield material. I also really appreciated the personalized attention and camaraderie… read more

    Luvika Gupta Avatar Luvika Gupta
    April 2, 2021
  • Excellent, well thought out and well designed. This is a MUST-HAVE review program for anyone aspiring for USMLE.  Being a part of this program was most definitely a breath of fresh… read more

    Prashant Karkal Avatar Prashant Karkal
    April 2, 2017

    Put yourself in MedSmarter’s capable hands and never look back! I struggled with Step 1 prep for 2 years before discovering MedSmarter. Dr. Untara’s dedication and investment in each… read more

    Natasha Singh Avatar Natasha Singh
    April 2, 2021

    The owner of Medsmarter brought it to my attention that someone had posted a disparaging review using my name. I used Medsmarter to prepare for USMLE Step 2 and… read more

    Dr. A. Scott Parker IV Avatar Dr. A. Scott Parker IV
    April 2, 2017

    MedSmarter is the best for preparing the USMLE Steps. It provides with live classes and personalized coaching, thus bringing in perfection in each and every student. I am deeply grateful… read more

    Debasmita De Avatar Debasmita De
    April 2, 2022

    Thank you to the owner Don for his patience and efforts, by helping me out with Proctoring on my final exam. I will be returning to do a one… read more

    Paula Coleman Avatar Paula Coleman
    April 2, 2020

    “I started with Medsmarter last fall after 2 failed attempts to take Step 1 in the previous year. The atmosphere in the class was more family friendly so that everyone… read more

    Moh Shawkat Avatar Moh Shawkat
    April 2, 2021

    I’m so appreciative and grateful with Dr Untara and Med Smarter team for helping me with Step 1 prep. I was lost to prepare me for this test but they… read more

    Wendoly M Vazquez Oliveras Avatar Wendoly M Vazquez Oliveras
    April 2, 2022

    Before I took my USMLE step 2 CS, I thought I was not ready for the exam and I needed help. I made the right decision to take a prep… read more

    jimmy JOSEPH Avatar jimmy JOSEPH
    April 2, 2019

    Medsmarter is second to none for USMLE prep. Dr. Untara is passionate, student focused, and effective in her approach to helping students. My experience has been nothing but positive in… read more

    Hashem Rifai Avatar Hashem Rifai
    January 2, 2024
  • Dr Untara Shaikh is one of the best mentors I have ever had. Over several months of hard work, she helped me achieve my dream Step 2 score. She is… read more

    Rimsha Arshad Avatar Rimsha Arshad
    September 20, 2024

    I would strongly recommend this course to anyone who is studying for the usmle exams. I am an American born Indian trained img and I enrolled in the 1 week… read more

    Annamalai Nadarajan Jr Avatar Annamalai Nadarajan Jr
    April 2, 2017

    Medsmarter is a great prep program if your interested in a focused and more individualized approach to studying for your USMLE Step exams. I am a detail oriented individual… read more

    Melanie Rookwood Avatar Melanie Rookwood
    April 2, 2017

    I want to thank dr. Untara and dr Hema for the incredible support and guidance throughout my USMLE journey ; the program was very thorough and they are VERY committed… read more

    Ruxandra Rosca Avatar Ruxandra Rosca
    September 2, 2023

    What a blessing MedSmarter has been! I cannot voice enough how thankful I am to them for all their help with my STEP 1 studying. I was not passing NBME… read more

    Mandy Hammond Avatar Mandy Hammond
    April 2, 2020

    When I started the program I had been trying on my own and felt lost I didnt know where to start. Dr Untara Grounds you in a way that you… read more

    Aury Fernandez Avatar Aury Fernandez
    April 2, 2021

    Trusting MedSmarter was the best investment I could have ever made for myself. I always struggled with testing and after sitting for Step 1 with no formal test prep and… read more

    Jada Bedeau Avatar Jada Bedeau
    December 2, 2023

    Dr. Untara has helped me pass my Step 1 after my second year and my Step 2 at the end of my third year of medical school . The testing… read more

    Perla Jimenez Avatar Perla Jimenez
    September 2, 2023

    Passed step 1 and just found out I have also passed step 2, all on my first attempt thanks to Dr. Untara/MedSmarter!!! I literally couldn’t have done this without her.… read more

    catherine nguyen Avatar catherine nguyen
    April 2, 2023
  • I first found out about MedSmarter at an AMSA convention in Washington, DC. They had one of the most noticeable booths in the vendor’s exhibit hall. I had quickly… read more

    Dr. Naheed Mann Avatar Dr. Naheed Mann
    April 2, 2022

    I used MedSmarter for step 2 CK prep and also for my residency personal statement and interview prep. Not only did I score twelve points higher than my highest… read more

    Rameez Siddiqui Avatar Rameez Siddiqui
    April 2, 2023

    I was looking for an intensive program for CS Prep and found MedSmarter through Google. I read that they had individualized attention, and that is what I was looking… read more

    Lydia Anikin Avatar Lydia Anikin
    April 2, 2020

    Medsmarter was a phenomenal experience. Before starting the program, I was trying to juggle several different resources and unsure how to approach studying for Step 1. Once the program started… read more

    Jay Avatar Jay
    April 2, 2021

    MedSmarter is such an amazing program. I am so thankful for Dr. Shaikh and her support throughout this entire program. Not only did she help clarify confusing concepts for me,… read more

    Lacey Carper Avatar Lacey Carper
    April 2, 2021

    Working with Dr. Untara for the preparation of my USMLE STEP 1 has been nothing but exceptional. Her commitment, professionalism and dedication were always outstanding, she guided me through the… read more

    Catherine Ricart García Avatar Catherine Ricart García
    September 2, 2023

    I’ve now gone to Medsmarter for help for Step 1& 2 (CS & Ck). Passed Step 1 & CS first attempt and taking CK in a few weeks. This program… read more

    Amartej Deol Avatar Amartej Deol
    April 2, 2019

    Dr. Untara has helped me pass my Step 1 after my second year and my Step 2 at the end of my third year of medical school . The testing… read more

    Perla Jimenez Avatar Perla Jimenez
    September 2, 2023

    Passed step 1 and just found out I have also passed step 2, all on my first attempt thanks to Dr. Untara/MedSmarter!!! I literally couldn’t have done this without her.… read more

    catherine nguyen Avatar catherine nguyen
    April 2, 2023

Free Resources

Not Sure Where to Start? Take a Free Practice Quiz

Identify your knowledge gaps in minutes. Available for USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, Step 3, and MCAT — no sign-up required.

Pick your exam — Step 1, Step 2 CK, Step 3, or MCAT

Answer 10–15 high-yield questions in exam format

Get your personalized score report with topic breakdowns and study recommendations

Choose Your Exam

🩺

Step 1

Basic Sciences

⚕️

Step 3

Patient Management

🏥

Step 2 CK

Clinical Knowledge

🔬

MCAT

Pre-Med

🔓 100% Free · No account needed · Instant results

Expert Insights

Study Smarter: From Our Blog

MCAT Tutoring Tips

Top 6 MCAT Tutoring Tips for Busy Pre-Med Students

Are you a pre-med student juggling classes, labs, work, and still trying to prep for the MCAT? You are not alone. Thousands of students feel the same pressure every year. The good news? With the right MCAT tutoring , you can study smarter, not harder — and still crush…

read more…

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before getting started. Still
have questions? 
Talk to our team.

How do I know which package is right for me?

During your free consultation, we’ll discuss your timeline, current preparation level, and goals to recommend the most appropriate package. Most students preparing for a first attempt choose 10-20 hours, while those retaking or needing more comprehensive support opt for 40+ hours.

How quickly can I start?

Most students are matched with a tutor and have their first session scheduled within 3-5 business days of their consultation. If you have an urgent timeline, let us know and we’ll prioritize your scheduling.

Can I choose my tutor?

Yes! While we’ll recommend tutors based on your needs, you’re welcome to review tutor profiles and request specific instructors based on their expertise and teaching style.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule a session?

We require 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged to your package balance.

Can I use my tutoring hours for multiple exams?

Absolutely! If you purchase a larger package, you can split your hours between different exams (for example, some sessions for Step 1 and others for Step 2 CK) or work with different tutors based on subject expertise.

Do tutoring hours expire?

 Tutoring hours are valid for 12 months from purchase date, giving you flexibility to use them at your own pace. Extensions may be available in extenuating circumstances.

Is tutoring available on evenings and weekends?

Yes! We offer tutoring sessions 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate medical students’ demanding schedules.

Do you offer group tutoring rates?

Yes! If you have 2-3 study partners who want to learn together, contact us about small group tutoring rates for additional savings.

Your Education Shouldn’t Wait. Neither Should Your Budget.

MedSmarter offers 0% APR financing through Affirm — split your
tuition into manageable monthly payments with no hidden fees. Apply
in seconds at checkout.

0% APR

Financing Available

Affirm

Ready to Start?

Your Board Success Starts With One Call

Join 5,000+ students who studied smarter with MedSmarter. Book your free 15-minute consultation today.

No commitment required · Free 15-minute call · Start within 3–5 days