Start Early to Study for the USMLE Step 2 CK

USMLE Step 1 studying was simple, after you are done with videos you just rely on First Aid and USMLE World QBank (UW for short). It's not the same for the USMLE Step 2 CK.  Step 2 CK has no one source in order to fully understand the material.  Unfortunately you have to make your notes your primary source. It's unfortunate that even to this day there is no one source that is a full comprehensible source.

USMLE World QBank for the Step 2 CK is NOT enough, especially if you have a big gap since you took Step 1. UW has all the main things you need to do well but unfortunately, it's just one piece of the puzzle to crack the Step 2 CK. When it comes to books, I strongly suggest you stick with your First Aid for the USMLE Step 1, and add notes to it. You need your Step 1 notes for Step 2 CK. Unfortunately MTB doesn't have the pathophysiology explanations that you need in order to understand why you conduct the proper management.

I noticed you get the hang of things when you do as many questions as possible. As in, do as many Qbanks as possible.  Do not jump to UW without some background reading, otherwise you'll be lost. If you are into question based studying like me, then start off with Kaplan QBank. Go through Kaplan Qbank first with a a book. MTB 2 and 3 is goes hand in hand with Kaplan QBank. 

Additional sections you should add to your First Aid are Surgery, OB/GYN, and Pediatrics. Other than the sections mentioned, and additional diseases, the only other thing you basically need to add to your First Aid for the USMLE Step 1, are diagnosis and treatment info. Don't waste your money or time on too many sources. I admit, some treatments change every year, which you should update your self on it, and for the USMLE World updates it constantly.

NOTE: Basic Science concepts will be re-tested on USMLE Step 3.  So save your Step 1 Notes.