Student Reviews
& Testimonials

Dr. Untara has helped me pass my Step 1 after my second year and my Step 2 at the end of my third year of medical school . The testing... read more strategies and discipline I learned from her for my Step 1 studying carried through all my great scores in my NBMEs during my third year. I knew I needed to come back for my Step 2. For both exams, she made sure to do very focused and comprehensive high yield reviews which help me obtain my great score. I will now be a competitive applicant because of their help and that is something I will endlessly thank them for. She went above and beyond to make sure I was okay and boosted my confidence through my dedicated study time. I couldn't have done it without her!

Medsmarter was a phenomenal experience. Before starting the program, I was trying to juggle several different resources and unsure how to approach studying for Step 1. Once the program started... read more and Doctor Untara began teaching my sense of chaos and unease dissipated. She provided structure to my chaotic approach. From the initial pre-course assessment, Dr. Untara tailored individual post for all the class assignments for each student. I truly liked this personalization compared to other programs where the entire class does the same thing. Dr. Untara understood that each student is starting the program at different levels. While there were moments initially that I wanted to not listen to her instructions and do my own thing, I ended up following all of her directions and I’m glad I did. At the end of the course assessment I had a drastic improvement on my NBME. I was ecstatic to see the improvement. I didn’t realize how much I learned and improved with this program. I definitely recommend taking this course and I can’t wait to take Step 2 prep with Medsmarter!

Wonderful family environment with structured curriculum.

Trusting MedSmarter was the best investment I could have ever made for myself. I always struggled with testing and after sitting for Step 1 with no formal test prep and... read more barely passing, I needed help for Step 2. I failed Step 2 twice before coming to them, under immense pressure from my school to get it together or delay graduation. Working with Dr. Untara is such a joy. When they say they personalize your prep, they really mean it. She really pays attention to your individual needs to strengthen your strengths and attack your weaknesses. But, you MUST be ready to work. You must match the time and energy they give you. I studied for my third attempt at Step 2, but my heart and my head really weren’t in it and I ended up failing again. Faced with expulsion from school, I got myself together for my fourth and final attempt and worked hard with Dr. Untara throughout the day, doing everything she asked. She knows when you are ready to take the test and is always spot on. My confidence soared because of her. Without her and MedSmarter, I wouldn’t have boosted my score by 35 points and scored interviews for Residency. Best tutor ever!

Just finished my CK course with Medsmarter. Blessed to have met Dr.Untara Shaikh who guided me through out the course. The course here is completely focused on students. Tutor works... read more with you trying to identify your weakness and then help to overcome them. Everyday random quiz, Questions focused on complicated concepts after every topic. How to approach Questions and tips on what to focus in our question stem during those question sessions. How to gather important information during self-study more efficiently and work on Differentials while solving questions. Personalized study plan according to your satisfactory pace. These are my overall personal experience which I gained during my course. The best part is even though course is over Dr.Untara Shaikh will always be available to help with any doubts or concepts which you are having difficulty with. I did my course online, amazing job done by Don Mahmood, who organizes online session. No issues at all regarding online sessions during these 2 months. Thank you all, it was amazing 2 months and the journey continues .......

Thank you to the owner Don for his patience and efforts, by helping me out with Proctoring on my final exam. I will be returning to do a one... read more on one MCAT study session. Your staff was amazing.Thank you again Med Smarter. Sincerely Paula Coleman

Medsmarter is second to none for USMLE prep. Dr. Untara is passionate, student focused, and effective in her approach to helping students. My experience has been nothing but positive in... read more my USMLE prep. It will be hard, but Dr. Untara will help you along the way in the academic and the mental game. I cannot thank her enough for helping me throw a tough time in my exam prep and getting me to the finish line. I've been to a few prep courses in my time and I can tell you medicine is medicine, but it is the people who truly believe in you that will make a difference. That is Dr. Untara and the Medsmarter team. Many thanks and continued success.

I want to thank dr. Untara and dr Hema for the incredible support and guidance throughout my USMLE journey ; the program was very thorough and they are VERY committed... read more with the students success; i passed my step 2ck exam on my first try thanks to them , and when I was feeling extremely overwhelmed dr untara was kind enough to create a personalized study plan for me to follow until the very end. Not only did I learn a TON of information that I can apply in real life but I also feel like the Medsmarter team is so warm and welcoming and I have made friends for life. Thank you thank you thank you ❤️

I used MedSmarter for step 2 CK prep and also for my residency personal statement and interview prep. Not only did I score twelve points higher than my highest... read more practice exam, I also matched into my specialty of choice at my top ranked program! Multiple programs I interviewed with applauded my personal statement, which Dr. Sheikh and I spent significant time perfecting. I am convinced that it’s what got me in the door. When the MedSmarter team takes you on as a client, they truly invest in your success and take you all the way! I am so thankful to the whole team, and am currently using them again for step 3!

Great study experience. Very detail oriented

I was looking for an intensive program for CS Prep and found MedSmarter through Google. I read that they had individualized attention, and that is what I was looking... read more for. MedSmarter provided the guidance I needed to manage the limited CS test time. The immediate feedback I received was the most helpful. Dr. Shaikh teaches the required components about the encounter and patient note to be successful in the actual CS exam. I would recommend the MedSmarter CS Course to others. Also, if your school does not have a specific CS curriculum with individualized instruction...you need to take the CS class at MedSmarter to identify what you do wrong, what you do right and what you need to change for the better.

MedSmarter is such an amazing program. I am so thankful for Dr. Shaikh and her support throughout this entire program. Not only did she help clarify confusing concepts for me,... read more but she pushed me to be confident in my knowledge when answering questions. I struggle with test anxiety and she has helped me combat throughout the semester. I feel as though I am much better prepared for USMLE step 1 and will continue sticking to the schedule Dr. Shaikh prepared for me. I can’t recommend this program enough!

Medsmarter is a great prep program if your interested in a focused and more individualized approach to studying for your USMLE Step exams. I am a detail oriented individual... read more with a lot of knowledge however I did not know how to focus that knowledge on exams. I often have detailed answers when they are looking for commonly tested topics. Medsmarter reviews all the details neccessary to be successful on the exam. They tell you what you need to know, and for me helped with test taking skills!!! I improved my score from original assesment to actual test over 25 points. I am forever indebted to them for helping me be successful on my step 2ck as I have graduated Med school and well on my way to securing a residency position!! Thanks Dr. Untara Dr. Shoab for al you have done to get me there.

Excellent, well thought out and well designed. This is a MUST-HAVE review program for anyone aspiring for USMLE.  Being a part of this program was most definitely a breath of fresh... read more air.  It was not only the best prep program i have ever attended, but was also incredibly helpful in expanding my intellect.  What makes this program so unique and special is its personalized and structured approach, which let me explore my weaknesses and strengthen the same.  The instructors (Dr. Untara and Dr. Owen) were very patient and encouraging throughout, making it an incredible learning experience. Looking forward to come back for my Step 2 classes.

What a blessing MedSmarter has been! I cannot voice enough how thankful I am to them for all their help with my STEP 1 studying. I was not passing NBME... read more practice exams before I came to them. Now, after their wonderful and thorough 8 week review course, I am comfortably passing NBME practice exams. I am incredibly pleased with the progress I have made, not just in my medical knowledge, but in the studying habits and principles MedSmarter has equipped me with. Due to their one-on-one help in studying and test taking, I now have the confidence I lacked before. I expected to learn during their course, but I did not expect to make some true and lifelong friends and colleagues. Their staff genuinely cares and goes above and beyond to invest in every single student. I enthusiastically recommend MedSmarter to any and all who are studying for STEP 1 – they will enable you to reach your goals!

Medsmarter has truly been a blessing in disguise. I was completely lost in my step 1 prep, one of my friend recommended me to try Medsmarter and it was the... read more best decision that I ever made. After speak to Dr. Untara, I knew I was at the right place. She advised me to take schedule & test series which improved my scores. I was gaining confidence in myself everyday. She would check up on me and guided me in every step. I passed my step 1 exam and would definitely recommend anyone who needs guidance into the prep

The owner of Medsmarter brought it to my attention that someone had posted a disparaging review using my name. I used Medsmarter to prepare for USMLE Step 2 and... read more thought they did a fantastic job. Thanks to their help, I am now an MD studying for USMLE Step 3 and applying for residency this year.

MedSmarter is the best for preparing the USMLE Steps. It provides with live classes and personalized coaching, thus bringing in perfection in each and every student. I am deeply grateful... read more to MedSmarter and specially to Dr. Untara for bringing back my lost motivation and preparing me thoroughly so that I am able to give my best in the actual test.

Working with Dr. Untara for the preparation of my USMLE STEP 1 has been nothing but exceptional. Her commitment, professionalism and dedication were always outstanding, she guided me through the... read more process while I was in a very difficult time in my life as a working mother with other family situations and never gave up on me, helping me boost my confidence as well as my knowledge, I highly recommend her guidance and tutoring through the process.

I found the MedSmarter program extremely helpful. I not only attended the Step 1 Course, but I also did the one on one tutoring with Dr Untara. Dr... read more Untara is the best. She is very caring, compassionate as well as very smart and knowledgeable. All of the staff at MedSmarter are very professional and personable. Everyone makes you feel like part of the family. I really enjoyed MedSmarter and have passed Step 1. I will be attending for 2 CK in near future and would highly recommend to anyone looking to prep for their USMLE board reviews.

I'm so appreciative and grateful with Dr Untara and Med Smarter team for helping me with Step 1 prep. I was lost to prepare me for this test but they... read more helped me to identify things I need to improve. They were very patient with me and always they were here for me. I feel more comfortable with the real exam. They have good resources to learn about each topic. Definitely I would highly recommend Med Smarter to all who are planning to give USMLE steps.

Before I took my USMLE step 2 CS, I thought I was not ready for the exam and I needed help. I made the right decision to take a prep... read more course and a mock exam with MedSmarter. This practice course was a great experience . Dr Shoaib Shariff is an excellent instructor. He identified my weakness and evaluated my data-gathering skills, my data interpretation skills, my CIS, my SEP. Thank you very much Dr Shoaib Shariff. I think that MedSmarter is the best choice for all IMGs who prepare Cs. There is no difference between the mock exam at MedSmarter and the real exam. BELIEVE YOU CAN AND YOU WILL. Dr JOSEPH JIMMY

I did the Step 1 review program with MedSmarter Test Prep. That was the best decision I took. It was very thorough and well rounded. At the end of it... read more all, the difference was clear, and I am glad to announce that I am enjoying the reward of a competitive score.

Dr Untara Shaikh is one of the best mentors I have ever had. Over several months of hard work, she helped me achieve my dream Step 2 score. She is... read more extremely dedicated to her students and is an incredible educator. In addition to being a psychiatrist, she has a PhD in education and psychology. Due to her extensive research, she understands her students at a fundamental level and personalizes the program according to their personality, strengths, weaknesses and goals. Choosing her as my teacher was the best decision I ever made for my career, I owe it to her! Thank you Dr Untara

I've now gone to Medsmarter for help for Step 1& 2 (CS & Ck). Passed Step 1 & CS first attempt and taking CK in a few weeks. This program... read more is designed to give students a structured, organized plan. Everything cost money, but coming this far and dropping out was not an option. I spent the money because I felt I was not progressing by myself the way I should have. Medsmarter can not be used alone as a source to pass, and they will tell you this themselves. Along with Medsmarter, incorporate UWORLD, First Aid, and pathoma. It seems like a lot, and it is, but this is the life we chose! I truly am grateful for the Medsmarter team. Being a US- IMG student, my school did not fully prepare me for the challenges the USMLE require. I felt doing this course put me on the same playing field as US medical students. They saved my medical career, but I was also committed and spent a lot of hours outside the program doing UWORLD and first aid. If you want it bad enough, then you will make it happen! Goodluck to all my fellow colleagues. sincerely, Amartej Deol

The owner of Medsmarter brought it to my attention that someone had posted a disparaging review using my name. I used Medsmarter to prepare for USMLE Step 2 and... read more thought they did a fantastic job. Thanks to their help, I am now an MD studying for USMLE Step 3 and applying for residency this year.

MedSmarter is the best for preparing the USMLE Steps. It provides with live classes and personalized coaching, thus bringing in perfection in each and every student. I am deeply grateful... read more to MedSmarter and specially to Dr. Untara for bringing back my lost motivation and preparing me thoroughly so that I am able to give my best in the actual test.