Is 240 on Step 3 good?

Yes, a 240 on USMLE Step 3 is a very good score, generally considered excellent and well above average (around the 79th percentile), indicating strong competency for licensure and potentially beneficial for competitive fellowship applications, though Step 2 scores are often more critical for fellowships.

Is 240 a good Step 3 score?

Yes, a 240 is an excellent USMLE Step 3 score, placing you well above the average (around 230) and in the top percentiles, making it a very strong result for fellowship applications and general licensure purposes, though most programs focus more on passing and Step 2 scores.
 

What is considered a high Step 3 score?

A good USMLE Step 3 score is any score above 230. While your score on Step 3 is less important than whether you pass or fail, a high score can compensate for a mediocre Step 2 CK performance and bolster your application for a fellowship.

Is 230 a good Step 3 score?

The step 3 passing score is 200. Any score above this is considered passing. Most first-time candidates score between 225 and 230, which represents the average range. Scores above 230 are considered above average and reflect strong performance.

What's the average score for Step 3?

The USMLE Step 3 is scored on a 3-digit scale ranging from 1 to 300, with most residents scoring between 196-256.

How I scored 240+ on USMLE Step 3 | Advice, Study strategies, Tips & Resources

Is USMLE Step 3 the hardest?

Whether Step 3 is the hardest USMLE exam is subjective, but it's generally considered less conceptually difficult than Step 1 or 2 CK but presents unique challenges like balancing it with residency, managing its two-day intensity (16 hours), and mastering the Computer-based Case Simulations (CCS) software, with some finding it harder due to time away from foundational medical knowledge. High pass rates (around 97% for US grads) suggest it's manageable, but its difficulty lies in clinical application and endurance as an intern. 

Is 60% enough to pass Step 3?

However, examinees typically must answer approximately 60% of questions correctly to achieve a passing score. For Step 3, your performance on the case simulations will affect your Step 3 score and could affect whether you pass or fail.

How hard is it to score 240 on Step 2?

According to the NBME's performance data, most students fall between 240–250 on Step 2 CK. While that's considered a strong performance, the average score depends on the year and the competitiveness of applicants.

Does Step 3 score matter for residency?

Residency programs typically require a passing Step 3 score during training (usually by PGY-2 year), but do not use scores for resident evaluation or advancement decisions.

Does Step 3 score matter for GI fellowship?

If you already matched into residency, your score doesn't matter, but it does matter that you pass the exam for both licensing and potentially fellowship applications. However, if you have only matched into a prelim or transitional year, Step 3 can help bolster your application for a categorical spot.

What is the passing score for Step 3 2025?

As of 2025, you'll need a minimum score of 200 to pass Step 3. Scores range from 1 to 300, and most candidates average around 227–230.

What percentile is 220 on Step 3?

220-229 (30th-50th percentile) – A solid score, usually sufficient for most purposes like obtaining a job and matching into fellowship. 210-219 (10th-30th percentile) – Passing but may not stand out if applying for fellowship.

What is a scaled score of 240?

The scaled total test score is based on the total number of selected-response questions answered correctly on the entire test. Results are reported as scaled scores in a range of 100 to 300. A scaled total test score of 240 represents the scaled minimum passing score for each test.

What is the highest USMLE Step 3 score?

Reported scores for Step 2 CK and Step 3 range from 1 to 300.

What are red flags for residency?

Residency red flags are issues in an applicant's record that can raise concerns for program directors, primarily falling into categories like academic performance (failed board exams, low scores, failed courses), gaps in education (unexplained time off, delays in graduating), and professionalism issues (disciplinary actions, legal problems, negative MSPE), along with weak application materials (generic statements, poor LORs) or limited clinical experience. These flags signal potential challenges, but can often be mitigated by explaining the context, demonstrating growth, and showing alignment with the program's values. 

Can you graduate residency without passing Step 3?

USMLE or COMLEX Step or Level 3 must be passed within 5 years of Step or Level 2 or before the end of residency training.

How hard is the USMLE Step 3?

No, Step 3 will probably not be the hardest exam you take on your medical career path. You've already passed so many other tests. Only 2% of first-time test takers fail the USMLE. Although it's not hard to pass, I would aim a little higher.

What's a good Step 3 score?

What's a Good Step 3 Score? Any score above 230 is considered good. Mean scores usually rest slightly below 230. Scores above 240 are considered excellent because a score of 240 puts you in the 79th percentile of all test takers.

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.

Is Step 3 similar to step 2?

While Step 2 CK focuses on clinical science principles and patient-centred skills in a supervised setting, Step 3 extends this assessment to applying knowledge in independent patient care situations. Multiple Choice Questions: Both exams include multiple-choice questions (MCQs) as part of their assessment.

What percent of residents fail Step 3?

The Step 3 pass rate varies from year to year and is influenced by several factors, including the preparation level of the candidates and changes in the exam format or content. However, historically, the pass rate has been relatively high compared to the earlier Step exams, often exceeding 95%.

Is 50% of UWorld enough for Step 3?

I recommend completing the entire QBank for better preparation, as UWorld questions closely mirror those on the actual exam. However, if time is limited, I suggest completing at least 50% of the QBank.

Is 70% on UWorld bad?

No, 70% on UWorld is generally not bad; it's considered a solid, above-average score, especially on a first pass, indicating you're in good shape for exams like the NCLEX, where averages around this mark often predict high pass rates, though the key is learning from mistakes, not just the score itself.