The Step 1 Diagnostic Framework uses your UWorld and NBME data to identify the real reasons you're losing points, then builds a personalized game plan that targets exactly what's holding you back.
If any of these describe you, you're in the right place.
Your NBME scores are stuck and you don't know why
You're studying 10+ hours a day but scores aren't moving
You failed Step 1 and need a completely different approach
Your study plan feels random and you're not sure what to prioritize
Test anxiety is costing you points you should be getting
Every student gets a different starting point based on their baseline.
First-time taker
Passed all courses, baseline NBME 65%+. You need a refined game plan and test-taking strategy, not more content.
6-8 weeks dedicated
First-time taker
Remediations or near-failures, NBME 60-65%. You need a foundation rebuild with targeted content review and daily accountability.
10-16 weeks dedicated
Failed Step 1 or Level 1
Prior failure, variable baseline. You need a diagnostic reset: a complete audit of what went wrong and a new system from scratch.
12-20 weeks dedicated
Curated from the latest USMLE research and refined across hundreds of student data points.
Every wrong answer is categorized into one of five failure modes: content gap, recall failure, misread, second-guessing, or reasoning error. This tells us what to actually fix.
A structured daily schedule built from your QBank data and NBME breakdown. System-by-system content review in a research-backed order optimized for retention.
Bi-weekly tutoring sessions plus 7-day-a-week Slack support. Weekly check-ins tracking questions completed, scores, failure modes, and readiness metrics.
5.0 stars across 22 ratings on Wyzant
“It is my absolute pleasure to recommend Dante to anyone looking for a USMLE tutor. Dante has been very accommodating, patient and helpful. I was struggling to pass my USMLE step 1. Being a mother of 2 kids I needed someone who could be flexible with the schedule. He made sure I was satisfied and provided me with skills to answer questions. I was able to do all questions in a timely manner. Before that I did have the knowledge but when it came to answering questions It was always out of time. I passed my step 1 2 months ago.”
Beenish, Step 1 Student (Wyzant Review)
“Dante was an excellent tutor who played a key role in helping me pass Step 1. He created a supportive environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and consistently taught effective test-taking strategies that made complex concepts much easier to understand. One thing I really appreciated was that he shared detailed notes after each session, allowing me to focus fully on learning instead of trying to write everything down.”
Aparna, Step 1 Student (Wyzant Review)
Choose the level of support that fits your situation.
Self-guided
One-time, instant access
1-on-1 with Dante
Pay per session
20 sessions, complete support
20 sessions (save 15%)
Most students work through 15-20 sessions over their dedicated period.
Good Fit Guarantee on your first lesson. Zero risk.
One failed Step 1 attempt costs $645 in exam fees alone, plus months of lost time, delayed graduation, and Match complications. The 5-Mode Failure Analysis identifies problems that more studying will never fix. Most students see measurable score improvement within the first two weeks.
Prep courses teach content to everyone the same way. The Step 1 Diagnostic Framework analyzes YOUR specific weaknesses using your QBank data and NBME scores, then builds a plan that targets exactly what you're missing. Plus you get weekly accountability and 7-day Slack support. No course does that.
Absolutely. The Step 1 exam is the same regardless of where you went to school, and the framework works the same way. A significant number of students in the program are IMGs.
Retakers are some of the most successful students in the program. The process starts with a full diagnostic reset: a failure audit that identifies exactly why the first attempt didn't work. Then we build a completely new system. About 50% of retakers fail again because they repeat the same study pattern. The retaker protocol is designed to break that cycle.
Sessions are 60 minutes via Zoom, typically bi-weekly. Between sessions, you have Slack access for questions. Weekly check-in data (QBank scores, NBME results, failure mode tracking) is reviewed to adjust your plan in real time.
Your first lesson is risk-free. If you don't feel it's a good fit after the first session, you don't pay. The goal is students who are committed and a match for this approach. The guarantee makes sure both sides feel good about working together.
Book a free consult session. Tell me your score, your goal, and what's not working. I'll give you a straight answer.
Book Your Free Consult