FEATURES
Smarter Prep. Better Results.
MDSteps unites an adaptive 9,000+ QBank, a live CCS runner, and exam‑readiness analytics. Practice that teaches you how to think—not just what to memorize.
Why students choose MDSteps:
- Truly adaptive QBank with exhibits and labs.
- Premium CCS runner that feels like exam day.
- Automatic study plans with calendar sync.
- Clear next steps from analytics—not guesswork.
A QBank that adapts to your strengths and weaknesses
Adaptive USMLE® QBank
Our advnanced qbank engine calibrates difficulty in real time and resurfaces weak areas at spaced intervals. You get pattern recognition, not just recall. Complete, cited rationales explain the why‑right and why‑wrong for every option.
- Over 9,000 USMLE Practice Questions
- Personalized sequencing that targets growth edges.
- Vignette highlighter and choice strike-through.
- Clinicially Reviewed Vignettes
- Why‑right / why‑wrong rationales with pitfall flags.
- Block Builder for fast, mixed sessions.
How adaptation works
Master Clinical Reasoning
Computer Case Simulations (CCS)
Train the way you’ll test. Our simulations mirror real patient management with timed orders, evolving vitals, physiologically accurate responses, medication dosing and delivery, and outcome‑based scoring.
- Vitals and labs that respond in real time.
- Realistic imaging orders & consults.
- Critical alerts with safe‑order prompts.
- Post‑case scoring & review with key learning points.
See a physiology snapshot (Septic shock)
Analytics & Exam Readiness
Progress Dashboard
Turn practice into insight. With each QBank session or CCS case, your dashboard updates mastery by system and discipline, trend lines, pacing guidance, and time‑to‑readiness signals.
- Weakness detection with suggested next sessions.
- Session history with deltas and streaks.
- Exam‑style pacing feedback.
Know Where to Focus
Automatic Study Plans
Generate and save study plans automatically. Tutor Mode uses your past activity and results to create a tailored schedule that keeps you on track for exam readiness.
- Uses your past activity & results.
- Set days and hours per day.
- Sync to Google or iOS calendars.
USMLE® by step
A custom approach for each USMLE® Step
Whether you’re building Step 1 fundamentals or sharpening Step 3 clinical judgment, MDSteps keeps everything precisely relevant to your exam.
How we stack up
Compare MDSteps vs. leading USMLE® platforms
Make an informed decision. Here’s a concise feature view across core study workflows.
| Legend | Strong / Included Partial / Limited Not available General note | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feature | MDSteps | UWorld | AMBOSS | Lecturio |
| Core Practice | ||||
| Adaptive QBank | Item-level adaptivity | Not adaptive | Personalized recs | Personalized schedules |
| Full Rationales | With pitfalls & citations | |||
| Exhibits & Labs | Throughout items | |||
| CCS / Step 3 | ||||
| Interactive CCS Runner | Live vitals & timed orders | Present, limited feedback | ||
| Analytics & Planning | ||||
| Exam-Readiness Analytics | Trends, pacing, readiness | Self-assessments & stats | Score guidance & recs | Progress tracking |
| Automatic Study Plans | Tutor Mode + calendar sync | Schedules/assessments | Plans + guidance | Semi-personalized |
| Content & Tools | ||||
| Reference Library | Concise in-app | AMBOSS Library | Video + notes | |
| Dosage Calculators | Built-in | Clinical bundle | ||
| Missed-Item → Anki | Auto decks + export | Notes/flags | Limited cards | Secondary to videos |
| Pricing | ||||
| Price range (USD) | $99–$399 | $319–$719 | $19.99–$448 | $134.97–$599.76 |
| Prices vary by region, promotions, and bundles. | ||||
1 “Adaptive” means real‑time per‑item calibration and resurfacing. 2 CCS primarily applies to Step 3.
All Features
All the tools you need—without the clutter.
Common Questions
How is this different from a standard QBank?
Real‑time item‑level adaptation and resurfacing; the CCS runner and analytics complete a full exam rehearsal loop.
Do I need to pick a Step first?
Yes. Your prep is tailored to your current USMLE Step. When you advance, contact support to update your account.
Can I review missed questions as flashcards?
Yes. Missed items automatically populate a deck that you can tag, filter, export, and cram quickly.
What is the CCS runner and how does it work?
It simulates evolving vitals, timed orders, and outcomes. Practice ordering, monitoring, and disposition—then review annotated rationales.
How does the adaptive system choose my next questions?
We model item difficulty and your recent performance to serve questions that are “just hard enough,” while resurfacing weak areas at smart intervals.
Does every question include citations?
Yes. Each item includes concise references so you learn the why—not just the letter.
Do you integrate with flashcard apps?
You can export decks to CSV for import into popular tools like Anki. Tags and fields are preserved where supported.
Can I export my data?
Yes. Export performance data and decks (CSV/JSON) to save or share with mentors.
How often is content updated?
We release periodic updates aligned with guidelines and exam trends, and refine rationales based on feedback.
What about privacy?
We store only what’s needed to run your account and analytics. You control exports and can request deletion from support.
Master your USMLE prep with MDSteps.
Practice exactly how you’ll be tested—adaptive QBank, live CCS, and clarity from your data.
- Adaptive QBank with cited rationales
- 50+ CCS cases with live vitals & scoring
- Progress dashboard with readiness signals