Sketchy vs UWorld:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, Sketchy and UWorld were level in searches among USMLE prep courses in the United States, with an estimated 3.6K versus 3.4K branded searches, at 3.6% and 3.4% of the total. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about USMLE prep courses, UWorld appeared in four of the five answers and Sketchy in two. UWorld was mentioned before Sketchy in every answer.
Who do people search for more?
Sketchy, about 7% more searches than UWorld
Who does AI mention more?
UWorld, mentioned in 4 of 5 answers, Sketchy in 2
Who does AI recommend more?
UWorld, named ahead of Sketchy in every answer
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Top USMLE prep courses in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, UWorld was mentioned in four out of five: in all three ChatGPT answers and in one of the two Google AI Overviews. Sketchy was mentioned in two out of five: in one of the three ChatGPT answers and in one of the two Google AI Overviews. UWorld was listed before Sketchy in every answer.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
- UWorld4 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
AMBOSS3 of 5Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
Pathoma2 of 5Named in 1 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers- Sketchy2 of 5Named in 1 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
Boards and Beyond1 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
Kaplan1 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
Lecturio0 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
See every answer about USMLE prep courses
5 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best resources for USMLE Step 1?”
Asked ChatGPT
“Which question bank should I use for Step 2 CK?”
Asked ChatGPT
“How should I plan my dedicated study period for Step 1?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“usmle prep”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“usmle step 1 prep”
Not named in any answer:
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in United States on October 28, 2026.
Share of searches by month for Sketchy, UWorld. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | AMBOSS | Boards and Beyond | Pathoma | Sketchy | UWorld | Lecturio | Kaplan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 57.3% | 21% | 7.7% | 4.2% | 4.9% | 4.2% | 0.7% |
| Nov 2025 | 53.4% | 23.9% | 8.7% | 3.9% | 5.3% | 3.9% | 0.92% |
| Dec 2025 | 55.9% | 20.4% | 9.1% | 4.1% | 6.4% | 3.3% | 0.73% |
| Jan 2026 | 55.2% | 20.3% | 9% | 4% | 6.6% | 4% | 0.89% |
| Feb 2026 | 59% | 17.7% | 7.9% | 3.5% | 7.7% | 3.5% | 0.67% |
| Mar 2026 | 55.3% | 20.3% | 7.4% | 3.3% | 10.6% | 2.6% | 0.51% |
| Apr 2026 | 56.4% | 20.7% | 7.5% | 2.7% | 9.4% | 2.7% | 0.61% |
| May 2026 | 58.3% | 17.4% | 7.8% | 2.8% | 10.3% | 2.8% | 0.63% |
| Jun 2026 | 60.4% | 18.1% | 6.6% | 2.9% | 8.7% | 2.9% | 0.43% |
| Jul 2026 | 59.4% | 17.8% | 6.5% | 2.9% | 10.7% | 2.3% | 0.45% |
| Aug 2026 | 58.8% | 21.5% | 7.9% | 3.5% | 5.5% | 2.3% | 0.45% |
| Sep 2026 | 60.5% | 22.2% | 6.6% | 3.6% | 3.4% | 2.9% | 0.74% |
How has the Sketchy and UWorld comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- The lead changed hands once in the 12 months ending September 2026: Sketchy took it in September 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Sketchy’s share of searches among USMLE prep courses in the United States moved from 4.2% to 3.6%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 4.4K to 3.6K.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, UWorld’s share of searches among USMLE prep courses in the United States moved from 4.9% to 3.4%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 5.2K to 3.4K.
How did search popularity change for United States USMLE prep courses in September 2026?
2 changes
In September 2026, UWorld lost share of searches among USMLE prep courses in the United States, from 5.5% to 3.4%.
In September 2026, Sketchy rose from 5th to 4th among USMLE prep courses in the United States.
How are branded searches counted?
4 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Sketchy’s and UWorld’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
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