Here’s what to expect during each year of medical school.
Year one is all about adjusting to the rigors of medical school. You will
hone your study strategies, establish your routines, and optimize your time.
In year two, the stakes get higher and your primary focus will be preparing to take Step 1.
This exam will test your knowledge of how the body works and how diseases develop.
Completing Step 1 marks the beginning of year three and the transition out of the
classroom and into the clinical setting. You will complete a series of core rotations culminating
with Step 2CK which will test the clinical knowledge you’ve been developing on rotation.
Step 2CK will also largely dictate your competitiveness for residency.
And that brings us to year four. The first half will be spent preparing your
residency application and completing month-long audition rotations. After that, you will submit
your application, complete your residency interviews, and await Match Day in March.
Once you match into a residency program, the remainder of year four
is smooth sailing. Most students use this time to travel or spend time with loved
ones because residency is coming - and it’s going to be a rough ride.