Application for Medical Program Admission
Overview
Programs
4-Year MD Program
4-Year MD Program
The 4-Year MD Degree is designed for applicants who have a Bachelor's degree in the sciences or have completed at least 2 years of post-secondary education.
5-Year MD Program
5-Year MD Program
For recent high school graduates interested in studying medicine, the 5-Year MD program is the ideal path for you.
Admission Process
Step-by-Step Application Guide
We warmly welcome all prospective students seeking admission. Our dedicated admissions team is committed to supporting you at every stage — from your initial application to successful enrollment. With personalized guidance and reliable assistance, we ensure a smooth and stress-free admission journey. Explore the steps below to begin your path toward a successful medical career.
Admission Process
Follow these simple steps to begin your journey in medicine
Entry Requirements
What You Need to Get In
Premedical Program Requirements
- Completion of secondary school or equivalent qualification
- English proficiency at B2 level or above
MD Program Requirements
- Minimum of three years undergraduate education with a GPA of 3.0+ (preferably a BSc degree)
- English proficiency at B2 level or higher
USMLE Support
Cracking the Code: Why USMLE Step 1 & 2 Are Game-Changers
The USMLE is a vital step for anyone pursuing a medical career in North America—especially for those aiming to practice in the United States. Whether you're a U.S. student or an international medical graduate (IMG), this exam is a required milestone on the path to becoming a licensed physician in the U.S.
Since the USMLE is essential for practicing medicine in the U.S., having a clear, comprehensive guide makes all the difference. That’s why New Anglia University offers tailored support to help you confidently prepare for every stage, including Step 1 and Step 2. With expert resources and proven strategies, NAU is here to help you succeed and reach your residency goals. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Step 1 vs Step 2: What Sets Them Apart
Each step plays a crucial role in assessing your medical foundation—Step 1 evaluates your theoretical knowledge, while Step 2 measures your clinical competence.
- Firstly, Step 1 is usually taken after completing the basic science portion of your medical program, typically at the end of the second year.
- Then, Step 2, which focuses on clinical knowledge and skills, is typically taken during the fourth year, once students have gained clinical experience.
Once you’ve completed the USMLE, your scores become a key part of your residency application. High performance on these exams can significantly boost your chances of securing a competitive residency position.
Exam Format:
While USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) differ in structure and scoring methods, both exams are ultimately scored based on the number of correct answers.
- Step 1 consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and is scored on a scale from 1 to 300, with a typical passing score around 194.
- Step 2 CK also features MCQs, but it focuses more on clinical scenarios.
Key USMLE Requirements:
Step 1
Must be passed before attempting Step 2 CK, though you can schedule Step 2 CK while awaiting Step 1 results.
Booking
Exams are scheduled via the official USMLE website and administered at certified Prometric centers.
Eligibility
You must be currently enrolled in or have graduated from a recognized medical school.
Residency Impact
Both Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores are critical for residency applications—higher scores are often required for competitive specialties.
Validity
Scores from both exams remain valid for up to seven years.
Retakes
You can retake either exam if necessary, but repeated failures may reduce your chances of matching into a residency.
Smart Strategies to Ace USMLE Step 1
Like any major exam, success in the USMLE depends on thorough and strategic preparation. Given the distinct challenges of Step 1 and Step 2, a focused and tactical study plan is essential.
Balancing USMLE preparation with your current studies is essential. By aligning your study sessions with your coursework, you can reinforce overlapping topics and make the most of your time. Smart time management is key—set a realistic schedule that supports steady progress without burnout.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare effectively:
Success in Step 1 requires a focused and strategic study approach—not last-minute cramming.
To boost your chances of earning a competitive score, you’ll need:
Create a Study Schedule
Dedicate 4–6 months for comprehensive preparation: This allows enough time to cover all key topics without rushing.
Break down subjects: Set realistic daily or weekly goals to track your progress steadily.
Balance your sessions: Tweak your schedule based on progress to stay aligned with your goals.
Focus on High-Yield Resources
Using the right study materials is crucial:
First Aid for the USMLE Step 1: Your ultimate guide, concise and comprehensive with diagrams.
UWorld Qbank: Practice with detailed explanations to enhance clinical reasoning.
Pathoma: Engaging resource to master pathology fundamentals.
Anki Flashcards: Reinforce memory through spaced repetition for lasting retention.
Take Regular Practice Exams
Use NBME practice tests: Simulate real exam conditions and identify improvement areas.
Start practice exams early: Begin 2–3 months into study and increase frequency as exam approaches.
Review results: Analyze mistakes and adapt your strategy to focus on weak topics.
Ensure Effective Time Management
Study 6–8 hours daily: Schedule breaks to maintain energy and focus.
Target weak areas in final weeks: Reinforce strengths using active recall techniques.
Structure your day smartly: Prioritize difficult subjects, practice questions, and review sessions.
For residents: Review high-yield topics during downtime without affecting clinical duties.
Mastering the USMLE CK Step 2 Exams
"Unlike Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK focuses more on clinical knowledge and real-world decision-making. Because of its emphasis on patient management, your study approach will need to shift accordingly.
Achieving success in Step 2 depends on focused, strategic preparation through the following key steps:
Applying Medical Knowledge to Clinical Scenarios
- (Prepare for real-world case challenges) – Step 2 requires showing that you can think like a clinician and make solid decisions during simulations.
Understanding the Exam Format
- (Clinical reasoning is key) – Questions are built around real-world cases where you diagnose and manage patients.
- (Management of real patients is the goal) – Invest at least 3–4 months to sharpen your judgment.
- (Know the format inside out) – Use Qbanks, mock scenarios, and review sessions to stay ready.
- (Time investment matters) – Consider 4+ months for optimal performance and confidence.
Using the Right Study Materials
Use resources tailored to case-based questions and core clinical principles:
- UWorld Step 2 CK – Excellent for mastering question logic and real-case breakdowns.
- AMBOSS – Insightful references and instant explanations for clinical applications.
- Master the Boards – High-yield info that sharpens focus on what really matters in Step 2.
Practicing Clinical Decision-Making
(Master practical judgment) – Gain experience with simulations that mirror real patients.
- (Interactive cases are vital) – Train your diagnostic thinking by solving complete clinical stories.
Practice with high-impact tools:
- (UWorld) – Realistic, reasoning-based Qbanks.
- (AMBOSS) – Deep explanations and clinical pearls.
- (NBME practice exams) – True-to-format exam simulations.
- (Kaplan) – Clinical logic-focused question banks.
- (Online MedEd) – Streamlined clinical training through visuals and cases.
Ensuring Effective Time Management
- (Dedicate 6–8 study hours per day) – Keep your energy high with planned breaks.
- (Use your final weeks wisely) – Hit weaker areas hard and repeat key facts.
- (Focus beats burnout) – Start tough, end strong, and stay rested.
- (Residents can maximize downtime) – Quick reviews during rotations = smarter multitasking.
Top Tips to Boost Your Step 1 & 2 Scores
Ultimately, taking the USMLE isn’t the goal— excelling at it is.
These four powerful tips are designed to help you optimize both your preparation and performance, setting you up for top scores in Step 1 and Step 2.
4 Tips for Scoring High on the USMLE
Consistency is Key
Success comes from showing up daily—not from last-minute cramming. Build a solid, structured study plan and follow it. Setting aside daily blocks for focused revision helps reinforce your learning gradually. (Repetition fuels long-term memory), making it easier to recall concepts during the exam and in your medical career beyond.
Master Weak Areas
Real growth happens when you tackle what’s difficult. Regularly assess your understanding to identify areas where you need improvement. Dedicating more time to your (knowledge gaps) builds confidence, clarity, and performance. By actively addressing weaknesses, you turn them into strengths and improve your readiness overall.
Stay Active and Rested
Don’t let studying derail your health. Maintaining a consistent routine allows you to weave in physical activity and healthy habits that boost your performance. (Regular movement = reduced stress, better focus, and improved memory).
Plan for 6–8 hours of study daily with breaks. Ideally, get 30–60 minutes of exercise—even split into quick sessions. (8–9 hours of sleep) is essential to process and retain everything you’ve studied.
Mock Exams
Simulating the real exam experience through full-length mock exams is your final prep weapon. These sessions help fine-tune your pacing, strengthen endurance, and pinpoint what to improve. (Build confidence before test day) and take control of your performance.
Tailor your practice by exam type:
Step 1: Covers basic science and factual recall. Focus on reviewing content thoroughly and repeatedly.
Step 2 CK: Tests clinical reasoning and real-time problem-solving. Practice with patient case scenarios and logic-based questions for deeper insight.
Best Online Tools for USMLE Success
For USMLE preparation, top-tier online resources are essential for deeply understanding the material and becoming familiar with the exam structure
These four resources are essential tools to power your USMLE exam prep:
UWorld
UWorld’s realistic question bank simulates the USMLE format with accuracy. Each item includes in-depth explanations that unpack the (why) behind every answer—ideal for mastering Step 1 & Step 2 clinical reasoning.
AMBOSS
AMBOSS offers clinical knowledge in a powerful interactive format. From Qbanks to (annotated visuals) and decision trees, it deepens your diagnostic understanding and boosts applied learning.
First Aid Express Videos
These concise videos support First Aid’s content, helping you review high-yield concepts visually. They’re an excellent resource for simplifying (complex) ideas while reinforcing memory through repetition.
MedSchoolAnki
Powered by (spaced repetition), MedSchoolAnki flashcards help you lock in essential details. This tool is especially effective for long-term retention across both basic sciences and clinical practice topics.
Avoid These Common Prep Pitfalls
Achieving success on the USMLE requires a smart, strategic approach to both your preparation and the final stretch before the exam.
Avoid these 4 common mistakes that can derail your USMLE preparation:
Piling up prep tools can feel helpful—but often it's just overwhelming. Pick a few top-quality ones and master them, instead of stretching yourself thin.
You might feel ready—but without real-time simulation, it’s just guesswork. Practice exams sharpen confidence and help track your actual progress.
- (Step 1): Every 2–3 weeks
- (Step 2): Weekly before exam
USMLE doesn’t test parrots—it tests thinkers. Blend your prep with case-based scenarios to truly build your clinical judgment and skills.
Study hard, but rest harder. Without breaks, your mind burns out. Stay sharp by mixing in relaxation, sleep, and movement.
Your USMLE Prep Questions-Answered
(For Step 1): Ideally, you should dedicate about 4 to 6 months of steady study time.
(For Step 2): A preparation window of 3 to 4 months is generally sufficient.
Your timeline should reflect your learning pace, current grasp of the material, and personal habits. On average, planning for 6–8 hours of daily focused study yields strong outcomes if maintained consistently.
While tools like UWorld, AMBOSS, and First Aid provide excellent practice and explanations, relying solely on them isn’t enough.
True readiness comes from blending those platforms with active recall, peer study, and plenty of mock tests.
This approach not only strengthens your understanding of Step (1) and Step (2) content—it helps build test endurance and decision-making under pressure.
The last few weeks are all about polishing what you already know. Focus on high-yield areas and topics that still feel shaky.
Use full-length timed practice tests to replicate the exam format of Step (1) or (2), and sharpen your pacing.
It’s best to avoid learning entirely new content—stick to strengthening your foundation. Stay well-rested, eat clean, and manage stress to stay mentally agile for test day.
It’s okay to fall behind—what matters is how you bounce back. Reassess your timeline, adjust daily goals, and focus on progress over perfection.
If you need to reschedule your exam, that’s better than walking in unprepared. Burnout isn’t worth it.
Remember, consistency beats intensity. Even 4 focused hours a day can go far if done regularly.
Final Thoughts: Your Ultimate Prep Guide
Preparing effectively for the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 exams requires more than just effort—it takes consistency, smart use of resources, a structured approach tailored to each exam’s format, and a strong focus on self-care. The key isn’t just to study hard, but to study smart. By building a personalized study plan that aligns with your strengths and targets your weak areas, you’ll set yourself up for success.
Actionable Tips for Success
Tap to reveal focused strategies to ace your USMLE journey.
(Create a study plan): Set aside 4–6 months for Step 1 and 3–4 months for Step 2 with 6–8 hours of daily prep.
(Focus on your weaknesses): Double down on subjects that need more attention.
(Take practice exams): Use them to monitor readiness and boost time skills.
(Prioritize rest and breaks): Burnout slows success—pace yourself with care.
Credible Study Resources
Tap to view powerful platforms to guide your exam prep.
(UWorld): Premium Q-bank with detailed explanations.
(AMBOSS): Interactive resources with smart study tools.
(First Aid Express Videos): Condensed, high-yield lectures for Step 1.
(MedSchoolAnki): Use spaced-repetition to retain tough topics long-term.