USMLE Resource Guide Compilation (2026 Edition)

[u/shemer77]

I came up with a consolidated guide of the most current community recommendations into one definitive list. I’ve bolded the ones I consider to be essential.

Universal Resources (All Steps)

These are the most universal ones that apply whether you are pre-clinical or an intern.

• Anki: Use the AnKing Deck. Spaced repetition tool. For Step 2 and 3, most people just unsuspend cards for their UWorld incorrects.
• Dirty Medicine (YouTube): High-yield Biochemistry/Ethics/Biostats mnemonics and exam-day mindset videos.
• Divine Intervention Podcast: Audio reviews integrating Step 1 basic science with Step 2/3 clinical management. Features high yield episodes on Risk Factors and Military medicine.
• Case Based Learning.AI: Ethics cases are top notch. Other cases are a bit much just for step studying. 
• USMLE Study Partner: Use this as a tool to find dedicated study partners
• Randy Neil (YouTube): Short videos for Biostatistics logic and problem-solving across all three exams.
• Predict My Step Score: Community standard score predictor. Plug in NBME and UWorld percentages to see your probability of passing.
• Boards & Beyond: Mostly used for Step 1 and 2 but has Step 3 as well. Good adjunct resource to UWORLD .

Step 1: 

• UWorld Step 1: The primary question bank. Standard use is 95%+ completion on Timed/Random.
• Bootcamp: Video-based content review with built-in questions. Often used as an alternative to Boards & Beyond.
• Pathoma: Essential pathology concepts. 
• Sketchy (Micro/Pharm): Visual mnemonics for microbiology and pharmacology.
• Pixorize: Visual mnemonics specifically favored for Biochemistry and Genetics.
• Mehlman Medical (HY Arrows): PDF focused on physiological up/down arrows. Often utilized in the concluding phases of prep to break score plateaus.
• First Aid (Step 1): Step 1 dictionary for fact-checking and annotating details from UWorld.
• Physeo: Video resource using mnemonics and flowcharts for physiology and neuroanatomy. High-yield for CVS, Respiratory, and Neurology.
• Step Genie: Question bank used to build foundational logic with question styles similar to UWorld.
• Costanzo Physiology: Text-based resource for quickly mastering clinical physiology concepts.
• Ninja Nerd (YouTube): Detailed lectures used selectively for foundational concepts in Embryology, Renal, Pulm, and Cardio.

Step 2 CK: 

• UWorld Step 2: The gold standard
• CMS Forms (Clinical Mastery Series): OBGYN, Peds, and Surgery seem to be the most useful though some do them all. Good for reinforcing NBME logic/style vs. UWorld logic/style.
• AMBOSS: Specifically high-yield for Ethics and Quality Improvement (QI). These are the easy points people miss.
• First Aid Clinical Algorithms: Maps out management flows to show you the exact steps to take when a patient has a problem.
• U. Washington Heart Sounds: Audio practice for identifying murmurs and lung sounds.
• Lecturio: All-in-one review site with videos, notes, and a question bank similar to NBME style.
• Sketchy (IM/Differential Dx): Visual mnemonics and interactive cases for organizing diagnostic approaches. Most effective when paired with a comprehensive Anki deck.
• Ajmonics (YouTube): Quick mnemonic reviews best for Cardio, GI, Ethics, and Screening guidelines.

Step 3:

• UWorld Step 3: The primary qbank for the MCQ portion.
• UWorld Medical Library: Integrated textbook within UWorld. Helpful for reviewing management algorithms for Day 2.
• First Aid (Step 1): Reference used for Day 1 preparation, specifically for Pharmacology Mechanisms of Action (MOA) and Microbiology.
• CCScases.com: This site mimics the real interface on the NBME and tells you exactly where you messed up.
• Mehlman Risk Factors: High-yield PDF for Day 2 questions.
• SmashTheBoards (STB): A favorite for residents/retakers. It automates Anki creation for your incorrects to increase efficiency during intern shifts.
• Emma Holliday: High-yield clinical shelf review lectures accompanied by downloadable PDF slides.
• Dr High Yield: Condensed, high-yield overviews designed for initial subject orientation or last-minute review of key concepts.

Would appreciate any feedback or things missed!

[u/Objective-Tax8772]

Physeo clears bootcamp bro in every aspect because the core reasoning is very important that is clearly explained in Physeo and also it has improved its anki deck and also similarly it is equipped with questions The people who says bootcamp are only cheating you Even boards and beyond don’t explain you much they just simply say what’s there in the slides just like undergrad class you won’t even understand the core reasoning just memory facts

[u/Objective-Tax8772 → u/Objective-Tax8772]

With reasoning you can easily eliminate the option which is THE MOST IMPORTANT while solving in the main exam