6 Best USMLE Prep Courses & Classes (2025)

So, you've made it through the rigorous demands of med school and have set your sights on the ultimate rite of passage for every aspiring medical practitioner: the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Welcome to the frontlines, the USMLE battlefield, where the challenges are tough, but the rewards can be monumental.

The USMLE is a comprehensive assessment of your medical knowledge, clinical skills, and, ultimately, your readiness to apply these tools in the field. A high score validates your years of hard work and sleepless nights and can be your ticket to top-tier residency programs, specialized medical careers, and the respect of your peers - if you pass.

But let's face it: Preparing for the USMLE is no easy feat. It demands dedication, perseverance, and, above all, the right resources. That's why selecting a top-notch USMLE prep course is key. 

Whether you're an International Medical Graduate (IMG) navigating the intricacies of a new system, a second-year student feeling the creeping dread of the USMLE Step 1, or an ambitious young professional juggling the complexities of clinical rotations with USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) prep, we've got your back. 

In this article, we'll guide you through the best USMLE prep courses and classes available in 2025 that prioritize high-yield content tailored to the exam. We'll give you the lowdown on what to expect from each course to help you choose the one that best aligns with your learning style, budget, and time constraints. 

1. Kaplan

A veteran in the test prep world, Kaplan is a go-to for many medical students. With options for in-person, live online, and on-demand courses, Kaplan allows you to customize your study plan based on your learning style and schedule. Each prep course comes with video lectures, Qbanks (question banks), and full-length practice tests. 

Get over 2,000 practice questions for USMLE Step 1, more than 2,500 for Step 2 CK, and over 900 for Step 3. Flashcards, quizzes, and on-demand video lectures offer detailed explanations to further solidify your knowledge. 

Prices vary depending on the course, and Kaplan provides a money-back guarantee if your score doesn't improve:

USMLE Step 1

• Qbank: $159
• On Demand: $1,999
• Live Online: $3,999
• New York In-Person: $9,999

USMLE Step 2 CK

• On Demand: $1,499
• Live Online: $1,999
• New York In-Person: $7,499

USMLE Step 3

• On Demand: $899
• Live Online: $1,199
• Qbank: $99

2. PASS Program

The PASS Program offers a unique, immersive approach to USMLE test prep. Choose between an in-person or live online course specifically designed to increase high-yield content retention. Its video lessons combine medical school subjects like biochemistry and microbiology in a clinically relevant context. 

The course includes a study plan, practice exams, NBME-style (National Board of Medical Examiners) quiz questions, and on-site instruction if you choose the live option. 

Prices vary based on which option you enroll in, and a pass guarantee provides peace of mind:

USMLE Step 1 and Step 2: $3,499.00 (onsite)/$2,499.00 (virtual)

USMLE OnDemand: $149/month

3. Achievable USMLE

A new entrant to the prep course scene, Achievable USMLE has made a name for itself for its unique learning approach. It uses algorithms to identify your weak areas and personalizes your study materials accordingly. 

Achievable USMLE is an online course complete with an online textbook, a massive question bank, and high-quality video lectures, complemented by multiple-choice quizzes and practice tests. 

The price is competitive at $179, and the platform offers a money-back guarantee if you don't pass your USMLE exam.

4. Lecturio

Lecturio offers an affordable yet comprehensive USMLE option for those on a tight budget. It provides learners with video lectures, a Qbank with thousands of practice questions, flashcards, and a study schedule. Its standout feature is the ability to link directly from a question to the corresponding lecture for quick revision. 

Although it doesn't offer a money-back guarantee based on passing the test, Lecturio offers an initial free trial period so you can see if their style matches your learning needs. You can also get your money back within 10 days of starting a paid subscription.

Lecturio's USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 course options are priced at:

• 3-month plan: $34.99/month
• 12-month plan: $24.99/month
• 24-month plan: $19.99/month

5. BoardVitals

BoardVitals has thousands of practice questions in their Qbank, video lectures, detailed explanations, and customizable practice exams, BoardVitals covers all the bases. It also has a unique feature where you can compare your performance to other users to gauge your standing. 

Pricing is affordable, and it offers a free trial and pass guarantee (allowing students to use the course up to four times if they fail the test), ensuring you get your money's worth:

USMLE Step 1 pricing

• Master (6 months): $449
• Prepare (3 months): $259
• Cram (1 month): $169

USMLE Step 2 CK pricing

• Master (6 months): $359
• Prepare (3 months): $219
• Cram (1 month): $159

USMLE Step 3 pricing

• Master (6 months): $249
• Prepare (3 months): $169
• Cram (1 month): $109

6. SmashUSMLE

SmashUSMLE is renowned for its engaging, high-quality video lectures and in-depth explanations. Courses are structured around a comprehensive study plan, with thousands of practice questions and full-length exams to prepare you for the test day. 

The course offers a risk-free trial and a pass or money-back guarantee, making SmashUSMLE a solid choice for USMLE prep. 

Their USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK self-paced courses are both priced as follows:

• 3-month plan: $287/month (3 payments)
• 6-month plan: $327/month (3 payments)
• 12-month plan: $357/month (3 payments)

USMLE & prep course FAQ

Below, we answer some common questions students have about the USMLE.

What's the difference between Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3 of the USMLE?

Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3  of the USMLE are rigorous exams designed to test different areas of your medical knowledge, clinical reasoning, and skills at various stages of your training.

Let's break down the differences:

Content: 

• Step 1 focuses on basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology. It tests your understanding of the scientific foundations of disease, ranging from the cellular to the systemic level. 
• Step 2 CK emphasizes clinical knowledge and assesses your understanding of diseases within the context of patient care, including diagnosis, treatment, and management. 
• Step 3 covers advanced clinical management and decision-making, testing your ability to apply medical knowledge to patient care in an unsupervised setting. This includes aspects such as public health, patient safety, and healthcare delivery.

Purpose: 

• Step 1 assesses your grasp of fundamental scientific concepts that form the basis of medical practice. 
• Step 2 CK tests your ability to apply clinical science in supervised patient care scenarios. 
• Step 3 evaluates your readiness to practice medicine independently and focuses on your ability to manage complex clinical cases and long-term patient care.

Format: 

• Step 1 and Step 2 CK are both computer-based exams consisting of multiple-choice questions. 
• Step 2 CK places a greater emphasis on clinical scenarios and diagnostic reasoning compared to Step 1. 
• Step 3 is a two-day exam. The first day consists of multiple-choice questions, and the second day includes both multiple-choice questions and interactive case simulations that require you to manage virtual patients in real time.

Scoring: 

Step 1 and Step 2 CK have historically been scored numerically, but Step 1 is now pass/fail, shifting the focus to Step 2 CK for residency applications. Step 3 remains numerically scored, but its significance lies more in meeting medical licensure requirements rather than determining residency placement.

Timing: 

• Step 1 is typically taken after the second year of medical school, following the completion of the basic science curriculum. 
• Step 2 CK is usually taken during the fourth year of medical school after completing core clinical clerkships. 
• Step 3 is taken during or after residency, often when you are preparing to apply for full medical licensure.

How long does it take to study for the USMLE?

Most students spend about six to eight months studying for each step, but this depends on your existing knowledge, study pace, and targeted score. It's not about how long you study, but how efficiently!

Is USMLE Step 1 the hardest exam in the world?

Step 1 is infamous among medical professionals worldwide. Many international medical graduates see it as one of the toughest hurdles in pursuing a U.S. residency. Here's why it's considered so challenging:

• Content volume. Step 1 requires mastery of an enormous amount of medical knowledge, including biochemistry, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and more. It's not just about knowing facts but applying them in complex scenarios.
• High stakes. This exam can determine residency placement, especially in competitive specialties. 
• Format. With seven grueling hours and 280 multiple-choice questions, stamina is as much a requirement as knowledge. Every question is crafted to make you think critically, not just regurgitate facts.

Let College Rover help you find the right medical degree for your career goals

Becoming a medical professional can be extremely challenging, but College Rover can make it easier. Whether you're researching med schools or finding the best USMLE prep courses, we're here to help.

The road to acing the USMLE exams isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. Success lies in picking the right prep course, adopting effective study strategies, and maintaining a steady study pace. With determination and the right tools, you're more than capable of smashing your USMLE exams. Best of luck, future doctor!

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