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Live 1:1 Online Tutoring · USMLE Step 1

Pass USMLE Step 1 on Your First Attempt

Personalized, expert-led tutoring built for the pass/fail era. Our tutors close your knowledge gaps, sharpen your reasoning, and build the confidence to walk in and pass — without wasting a single study hour.

20+   Years of proven results

4.8 ★   Average Google rating

500+   Students passed Step 1

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Pass/Fail

Scoring format since Jan 2022 — still in effect

target

196

Behind-the-scenes passing standard (≈60% correct)

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72%

First-attempt pass rate for IMGs — tutoring closes the gap

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New UI

New USMLE test software launched May 14

The Stakes Are Real

Pass/Fail Doesn't Mean Easy —
It Means Failing Is Not an Option

Since Step 1 moved to pass/fail in January 2022, many students mistakenly
believe the pressure is gone. It isn't. A failed Step 1 can derail your residency timeline, increase debt,
and close specialty doors. One pass is what you need — and it has to happen.

⚠️


Failure Has Real Consequences

A failed attempt adds 60+ days to your timeline, forces a retake fee, and appears permanently on your USMLE transcript — visible to every residency program you apply to.

📋


Step 2 CK Is Now Your Main Score

With Step 1 pass/fail, residency programs shifted their focus entirely to Step 2 CK scores. Building a rock-solid Step 1 foundation directly improves your Step 2 performance.

🌐


IMGs Face an Uphill Battle

International Medical Graduates pass Step 1 at a rate of just 72% on their first attempt — nearly 20 points below US MD students. Personalized tutoring dramatically improves those odds.

Know Your Exam

USMLE Step 1 — Fast Facts

Pass/Fail

Scoring format — no 3-digit score released to programs

280 Qs

Maximum questions across 7 blocks of up to 40 questions each

8 Hours

Total exam day duration (one day, computer-based)

4 Attempts

Lifetime attempt limit — 60-day mandatory wait after a fail

What Changed Recently

Stay Ahead of Every USMLE Update

The USMLE program rolled out meaningful operational and interface changes. Here's what every Step 1 candidate needs to know — and how MedSmarter has already adapted our tutoring to match.

NEW

New Test Delivery Interface (Effective May 14)

The USMLE program rolled out meaningful operational and interface changes. Here's what every Step 1 candidate needs to know — and how MedSmarter has already adapted our tutoring to match.

NEW

Centralized Registration Under FSMB & NBME

As of January, all USMLE registration, score delivery, and customer service functions are handled directly by FSMB and NBME. ECFMG still handles certification — but registration is now in one unified portal.

STABLE

Step 1 Remains Pass/Fail

The pass/fail format introduced in January 2022 is confirmed unchanged. The behind-the-scenes passing standard sits at 196, requiring approximately 60% correct answers.

CHANGED

Step 2 CK Passing Standard Raised to 218

Effective July 1, 2025, the Step 2 CK passing score rose from 214 to 218 — reinforcing why a strong Step 1 foundation that feeds into Step 2 prep is more important than ever.

What's Tested

Step 1 Exam Content — Every Subject We Cover

Step 1 tests your mastery of foundational basic sciences through integrated, clinically-oriented questions. MedSmarter tutors cover all 8 core subject domains plus interdisciplinary topics — with emphasis on how they connect to real clinical scenarios you'll encounter in Step 2 and beyond.

Anatomy
Physiology
Biochemistry
Pathology
Pharmacology
Microbiology
Behavioral Sciences
Genetics & Nutrition

📅

Best Time to Sit the Exam

US medical students typically test at the end of Year 2. IMGs apply after receiving their home country license and registering with ECFMG.

⏱️

Exam Format

280 multiple-choice questions across 7 one-hour blocks. New interface: 5-min optional tutorial (previously 15 min), with extra break time redistributed.

🌍

For International Medical Graduates

Register via the new USMLE.org portal (recently centralized). ECFMG Certification requires passing both Step 1 and Step 2 CK.

🔄

Retake Policy

Maximum 4 lifetime attempts. Mandatory 60-day wait after each failed attempt, with no more than 3 attempts in any 12-month period.

Tutoring Packages

Flexible Plans Built Around Your Timeline

Whether you're starting fresh or need an intensive final push before your
exam, there's a package sized for you. All sessions are live, 1-on-1, and
scheduled around your calendar.

2  Hours

$279/session

Trial Session — limited 1 per student

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2-hour initial tutoring session

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Diagnostic knowledge assessment

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1-month platform subscription

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Custom study plan preview

10  Hours

$199/hr

Starts at $1,990

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10 hours of 1:1 tutoring

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3-month platform subscription

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Personalized study plan

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NBME progress tracking

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Unlimited platform Q&A

Affirm   Monthly payments   available

Most Popular

20  Hours

$189/hr

Starts at $3,780

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20 hours of 1:1 tutoring

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6-month platform subscription

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Dedicated tutor + backup tutor

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Full study plan & weekly check-ins

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Biweekly NBME review sessions

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Priority scheduling

Affirm   Monthly payments   available

40  Hours

$179/hr

Starts at $7,160

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40 hours of 1:1 tutoring

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12-month platform subscription

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Comprehensive exam overhaul

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Multiple exam coverage allowed

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Monthly progress reports

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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.

Every Package Includes

Built for Pass — Not Just Prep

Everything you need to go from uncertain to confident in one integrated
tutoring system.

👤

Dedicated 1:1 Tutoring

Every session is live, private, and focused entirely on your needs — not a generic syllabus.
 

🧠

Clinical Case-Based Teaching

Learn to think like a clinician. Case-based sessions train the pattern recognition Step 1 vignettes demand.

🧘

Anxiety & Stress Management

Proven psychological techniques to manage exam-day anxiety and perform at your peak when it counts.
 

🗺️

Personalized Study Plan

Your tutor builds a customized roadmap based on your timeline, strengths, and high-yield gaps.
 

📈

Progress Tracking Dashboard

Monitor your performance in real-time. Your tutor adjusts the plan based on data, not guesswork.

👥

MedLOGs Group Study (Optional)

Join live online group sessions to review concepts, ask questions, and stay accountable with fellow students.

📄

MedSmarter PDF Notes

Concise, high-yield notes developed over 20+ years of teaching the content that actually shows up on exam day.

🎯

Test-Taking Strategy Coaching

Master elimination, time pacing, and question decoding skills that convert knowledge into correct answers.

🖥️

Productivity Platform Access

Your study planner, session notes, schedule, and resources — all in one place, accessible 24/7.
 

Getting Started

From Sign-Up to Step 1 Pass in 4 Steps

No complicated onboarding. You'll be working with your tutor within
days of enrolling.

01

Free Consultation

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

02

Tell Us About You

Complete a quick questionnaire on your background, weak subjects, and study style preferences.

03

Meet Your Tutor

We match you with an expert tutor in 2–3 business days based on your profile and goals.

04

Follow Your Plan

Launch into personalized sessions, track your progress, and walk into exam day ready to pass.

Think You're Ready for Step 1?

Take our free practice quiz and find out exactly where you stand — in under 10 minutes.

Untara Shaikh Headshot 2026

Dr. UNTARA SHAIKH
MD, MPhil, PhD

Expert Educators

Tutors Who Don't Just Teach Medicine — They Teach You

Every MedSmarter tutor goes through an extensive vetting and training process built on over 20 years of proven results. We don't hire instructors — we develop educators trained in our proprietary diagnostic methodology: identifying exactly where a student struggles, then engineering a precise, personalized path to success.

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Rigorously screened: clinical knowledge, teaching ability, and student outcome track record

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Trained in MedSmarter's proprietary gap-diagnosis framework

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Expert in the latest USMLE interface and content changes

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Experienced with both US medical students and International Medical Graduates

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Skilled in cognitive-behavioral techniques for exam anxiety management

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

    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

    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

    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

    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 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

    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

    Wonderful family environment with structured curriculum.

    IC Cowboy Avatar IC Cowboy
    April 2, 2021

    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
  • 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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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 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

    Great study experience. Very detail oriented

    sawrajpal singh Avatar sawrajpal singh
    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

    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

    “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

    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

    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 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

    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'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

    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

    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 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

    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 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

    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

    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

    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

For more visit our YouTube Channel

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS FROM STUDENTS

We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships by being transparent and following the Golden Rule. Read what some of our previous students are saying about their experiences with MedSmarter’s instructors and programs.

What’s the Golden Rule… “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” … with honesty, integrity, hard work, and dedication. These are the core values that help shape aspiring doctors with medical skills and a good bedside manner. We aim to instill those same values in all of our students.

FAQ

USMLE Step 1 FAQ

Everything you need to know before you start preparing — with the latest updates. 

What is on the USMLE Step 1 exam?

Step 1 tests foundational medical sciences through 280 MCQs across 7 blocks. Subjects include Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Behavioral Sciences, and interdisciplinary topics like genetics, nutrition, and aging — all integrated with clinical vignettes.

What changed with the recent USMLE software update?

On May 14, the USMLE launched a new test delivery interface for Step 1. Changes include shorter blocks, a new settings menu, per-image contrast adjustment tools, and a 5-minute tutorial (down from 15). Exam content, scoring, and total seat time are unchanged.

When should I take USMLE Step 1?

Most US MD students sit for Step 1 at the end of their second year. International Medical Graduates typically take it after completing their home country medical license and registering through the new centralized USMLE portal via FSMB & NBME.

How long does it take to prepare for Step 1?

Preparation time varies by student, but most dedicate 6–12 weeks of dedicated study time. Our Senior Advisors will recommend a specific number of tutoring hours based on your current baseline, available study time, and exam date.

Is Step 1 still pass/fail?

Yes. Step 1 has been reported as pass/fail since January 2022, and this format remains unchanged. The behind-the-scenes passing standard is 196, requiring approximately 60% of questions answered correctly.

How many times can I take Step 1?

You may attempt Step 1 up to 4 times total. A mandatory 60-day waiting period applies after each failed attempt, with a maximum of 3 attempts permitted within any 12-month period.

How do I register for Step 1?

All registration is now handled through the new centralized USMLE portal under FSMB and NBME. IMGs previously registered via ECFMG should check USMLE.org for the updated process — ECFMG still handles certification requirements but no longer manages registration.

Does MedSmarter tutoring work for IMGs?

Absolutely. A significant portion of our students are IMGs, and we have deep experience helping international graduates navigate both the content and logistical challenges of the USMLE. Our tutors are familiar with the ECFMG certification process and the latest requirements for IMGs.

Ready to Pass USMLE Step 1?
Let's Build Your Plan Today.

Book a free, no-obligation 15-minute consultation with a MedSmarter Senior Advisor. We'll review
your timeline, assess your preparation level, and match
you with the right tutor — at no cost to you.

No commitment required · Enrollments open year-round · 0% APR financing available via Affirm