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.