How much does step 2 matter for residency?

USMLE Step 2 CK is extremely important for residency applications, serving as a key objective metric for programs to evaluate clinical knowledge, especially since Step 1 became pass/fail; a strong score helps secure interviews and is crucial for competitive specialties, while a weaker score can limit opportunities, though it's part of a holistic review including clinical performance, recommendations, and research.

What score is 75% correct on step 2?

Getting 75% correct on Step 2, especially on practice tests like NBMEs or UWorld, usually translates to a strong score in the mid-to-high 240s or even into the mid-250s, placing you well above average and competitive for many specialties, though top-tier competitive fields might require even higher scores (around 255-270+). A 75th percentile score means you scored better than 75% of test-takers, indicating solid performance and often helping balance a weaker Step 1 or improving residency options. 

Is 267 a good step 2 score?

While a score of 245 generally places you at the 37th percentile, and is enough for some specialties, aiming for a score closer to the 75th percentile (around 260) is recommended.

Does high Step 2 CK score matter in IMG Easy?

EVER SINCE STEP 1 BECAME PASS/FAIL, STEP 2 CK HAS BECOME THE MOST IMPORTANT EXAM IN RESIDENCY APPLICATIONS ESPECIALLY FOR IMGS. THE NEW MEAN SCORE IS 249 IF YOU ARE AN IMG AIMING FOR A COMPETITIVE SPECIALTY OR EVEN A STRONG MATCH, YOUR TARGET SHOULD BE 270 PLUS. THAT'S WHAT SEPARATES YOU FROM THE CROWD.

What score is 50% on step 2?

A 50% score on USMLE Step 2 (CK) usually translates to a score around 250, placing you at the 50th percentile, which is considered an average-to-good score but may be limiting for highly competitive specialties, though it's a passing score and often sufficient for many programs with strong applications. The actual percentile can vary slightly as more people take the test, but a score in the mid-240s to low-250s generally puts you around the 50th percentile. 

USMLE Step 2 CK Score Needed for Residency📊 (By Specialty)

Is a high step 2 score worth the effort?

Of course, Step 2 CK is not the only factor that matters — clinical evaluations, letters of recommendation, research, and personal statements all remain highly important. But a strong Step 2 score can open doors, while a weaker score may make interviews harder to secure, especially in the most competitive specialties.

What's a good step 2 score in 2025?

What Is the Average USMLE Step 2 Score Range?

• 230 and below → Passing but below average; limits competitiveness in more selective specialties.
• 240–250 → Solidly within the average range; competitive for many core specialties.
• 255+ → Above average; strong candidate for competitive programs.

What resources help improve Step 2 scores?

12 Best USMLE Step 2 Resources for a 270+ Score in 2025

• Find Your USMLE Step 2 CK Tutor and Boost Your Score. ...
• UWorld – Step 2 CK QBank and Self-Assessments. ...
• NBME – Official Step 2 CK Self-Assessments (CCSSA) ...
• AMBOSS – Step 2 CK Qbank + Medical Library. ...
• OnlineMedEd – Clinical Video Curriculum + Notes + Questions.

What is 60% on step 2?

To pass the Step 2 CK exam, you must answer at least 60% of the questions correctly, giving you a minimum score of 214. If you want a good chance of securing your desired residency placement, you should aim for a score of at least 245.

Which NBME is hardest step 2?

NBME 9 and 12 are known to be the hardest, maybe not because of true difficulty but , especially for 9, there are some poorly written questions. People tend to score slightly lower on these forms.

Are UWorld self assessments accurate step 2?

Your score on UWorld questions may feel like a marker of your progress. However, your percentile on UWorld is not an accurate predictor of how you should expect to perform on Step 2 CK. As a reminder, UWorld is a learning resource, not a testing resource.

What Step 2 score is needed for psychiatry?

Psychiatry is no longer "low barrier"—it requires competitive USMLE scores, research, and publications. For IMGs targeting Psychiatry: Aim for Step 1 ≥ 225, Step 2 CK ≥ 240. At least 3–5 research projects and.

Is Step 2 CK curved?

How Step 2 CK is Scored. Reported Step 2 CK scores range from 1–300. Examinees receive a three-digit score within this range on their score report, and their performance is equated rather than curved.

Is 239 a good step 2 score?

240+ (Top 20-25%) – Excellent score; can strengthen fellowship applications. 230-239 (50th-80th percentile) – Above average; helps differentiate you if applying for competitive programs.

What specialty has the lowest Step 2 score?

First up with the lowest average Step 2 score is family medicine at 244. Family medicine is a specialty that continuously has the lowest Step 2 score of all specialties. That said, note that the current 244, based on 2024 data, is an increase from 241 in 2022 and 238 in 2020.

How hard is it to match into surgery residency?

In 2022, the categorical general surgery match rate for US seniors (4th year medical students in the US applying to the match) was 72% (1059/1467), 53% for DO seniors (212/397), and 29% (348/1207) for other applicants (US IMGs, non-US IMGs, and MD grads (1).

What is 75% correct on step 2?

Getting 75% correct on Step 2, especially on practice tests like NBMEs or UWorld, usually translates to a strong score in the mid-to-high 240s or even into the mid-250s, placing you well above average and competitive for many specialties, though top-tier competitive fields might require even higher scores (around 255-270+). A 75th percentile score means you scored better than 75% of test-takers, indicating solid performance and often helping balance a weaker Step 1 or improving residency options. 

How many people fail USMLE Step 2?

With Step 1 being pass/fail, Step 2 CK has become the primary USMLE score that residency programs use to evaluate applicants. In 2023-2024, approximately 2,835 students failed Step 2 CK on their first attempt—2% of US MD students, 4% of DO students, and 11% of IMGs.

Which step is the hardest in USMLE?

Step 2 had the highest passing rates for both US/Canadian students (98%) and non-US/Canadian test takers (88%). This data suggests that Step 1 was the hardest exam to pass. No matter which step you are preparing for, the USMLE exams are challenging.