NBME Subject (Shelf) Examinations

The NBME provides subject examinations in various clinical science specialties for the purpose of assessing the student’s ability to provide medical care to specific patient scenarios and specialties.

How We Help

  • From question approach strategies, in-depth content review, study plan and resource guidance, our tutors are here to address every detail for the student’s clerkship and shelf exam preparation.

  • Our expert tutors will design every aspect of the student’s tutoring to suit the student’s personal way of learning. This will ensure progress for each clerkship the student completes.

  • Practice NBME subject exams will be used strategically to assess progress and ensure the student’s successful preparation.

  • Our tutors will help every student decide which resources are best for their specific clerkship and shelf exam.

  • Using the selected resources, our tutors will help devise an effective schedule within the constraints of each student’s personal situation.

  • Our students most benefit from meeting with our tutors 1-2 hours per week, depending on how much time remains before their exam.

Shelf Exams

  • Internal Medicine

  • Family Medicine

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

  • Pediatrics

  • Surgery

  • Psychiatry

  • Neurology

Testimonials

  • “I worked with MedBoardTutors throughout my third year of medical school. Before starting with them, my first few shelf scores were between 35th and 60th percentile. After starting with them, my remaining shelf scores were all above the 80th percentile. I then worked with MedBoardTutors during my dedicated Step 2 CK prep time, and well exceeded my goal Step 2 CK score. I have always worked hard, but have struggled with multiple choice and testing skills. Working on both material, as well as questions and testing strategies, MedBoardTutors helped me finally get to the next level of test performance. In terms of qualifications, they are probably the smartest individuals I have come across. Despite this, however, they are very down-to-earth, personable, and nonjudgmental, and I always really enjoyed our sessions. They are great at hitting all the high-yield topics/factoids the NBME loves to ask, and I scored a lot of points that way. Overall, my investments with MedBoardTutors has been worth every penny as it has greatly increased my competitiveness as a residency applicant.”

    —S.F., Saint Louis University School of Medicine

  • "I discovered MedBoardTutors when I realized that I had not been seeing score improvements in my individual studying despite my Step 1 test date being only 7 weeks away. My tutor was very open to taking in my input with regards to my study style and favorite resources when formulating a study plan for me, which provided some much-needed structure to my test prep schedule. During the study sessions, my tutor pointed out exactly what was high yield for each subject so that I could use my study time wisely, answered all of my questions thoroughly, and finished off the tutoring session by actively working through practice questions with me to solidify the knowledge learned earlier in the session. With MedBoardTutors, I not only learned the material for Step 1, but also felt significantly less anxious when approaching my studies, which was equally as important. I would highly recommend MedBoardTutors for anyone who is interested in improving their score—their knowledge and expertise in test preparation is unmatched!"

    —T.B., University of Texas Medical School at Houston

  • "I was fortunate to work with MedBoardTutors towards the end of my Step 2 CK preparation. They were instrumental in clarifying all of many concepts that I did not have command of. They were very patient. They were willing to explain concepts over and over until I understood it. They know the material inside out and are gifted in teaching that material. They also just exude goodness. I really believe that I was able to reach my goals with this exam because of working with MedBoardTutors. I highly recommend their tutoring services."

    —Anonymous

  • "I cannot stress enough how vital MedBoardTutors' advice and feedback has been during my exam preparation process. They are extremely knowledgeable about board relevant material and can present it in a way that makes complete sense and improves my confidence in my own test taking ability. They are also very patient and can phrase difficult concepts in a clear and concise manner which has helped me grasp the content. The one-on-one tutoring sessions have been far superior to any tutoring service my school has offered and I’m thankful that I have had them as an asset."

    —L.K.