Is 249 on Step 2 good?

Yes, a 249 is a very good USMLE Step 2 score, placing you above the national average (around 245-249) and making you a strong, competitive candidate for most core and many highly competitive residency specialties. While scores above 255 are generally considered excellent for top programs, a 249 signals competence and helps you stand out, especially now that Step 1 is pass/fail.

Is 249 a good step 2 score on Reddit?

Nothing is "off limits." A score of 249 isn't going to get you in anywhere on its own, but isn't going to be a red flag and prevent you from matching at a good program if you otherwise have a great application.

Is 240 a good step 2 score?

Passing the three-step USMLE is required for medical licensure in the United States. USMLE Step 1 is reported as pass/fail, but you will receive numerical scores for Step 2 CK and Step 3. A good USMLE Step 2 CK score is between 240-260, with 256 or higher being competitive for first-choice residency programs.

Is 243 a good step 2 score?

Data provided by the National Board of Medical Examiners, which administers the USMLE, indicate that the average score for Step 2 CK for U.S. medical graduates hovers just above 240. Generally, it's been 242 to 243 over the past few years. The 25th percentile is around 232, while the 75th percentile is near 256.

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. 

My Intense USMLE Step 2CK Dedicated Routine That Helped me Score a 270

What is an average step 2 score?

What Is the Average USMLE Step 2 Score Range? According to the NBME's performance data, most students fall between 240–250 on Step 2 CK.

What is an elite 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.

Is 240 on step 3 good?

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.
 

Is 270 a good step 2 score?

A score above 270 places a student in the top 6% of test takers nationwide (>94th percentile). That's impressive, but it's essential to recognize that a 270 is not required for residency success. For most specialties, a score in the 250s is already highly competitive.

Is 70% on UWorld bad?

No, 70% on UWorld is generally considered good to excellent, especially on a first pass, indicating you're well-prepared for exams like the NCLEX or Step exams, though it's crucial to learn from incorrect answers to improve. Most students start lower (50s-60s), so consistently in the 70s means you're in great shape, with scores in the 80s suggesting you'll do very well. Focus on mastering weak areas identified by UWorld rather than just chasing scores. 

What is the average step 2 score in 2025?

In the 2024-2025 academic year, the mean Step 2 CK score was 250. (And oh yeah, the passing standard was increased in July from 214–>218.)

Which NBME is most predictive for Step 2 2025?

Among the most trusted Step 2 resources are the NBME practice tests, with forms 11 and 13 being perceived by students as the most predictive NBME for Step 2 CK.

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.

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. 

What percentile is a 259 step 2 score?

250-259 (50th-75th percentile) – Solid score, but you may need other strong application components for highly competitive specialties. 240-249 (25th-50th percentile) – Still a comfortably passing score but could limit options for competitive programs.

How important is Step 2 for IMGs?

IMGs can and do match with strong Step 2 scores.

A standout Step 2 CK score can be particularly important for international graduates, as it helps demonstrate readiness for U.S. clinical practice.

How much harder is Step 3 than step 2?

Step 3 had a slightly better pass rate, with 97% of US/Canadian examinees and 87% of non-US/Canadian examinees passing. 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.

What score is 60% correct on step 2?

A 60% correct on USMLE Step 2 CK, which equals a score of around 218 (the new passing score as of July 2025), means you've met the minimum competency requirement, but to be competitive for residency, you generally need a much higher score, with averages often in the mid-240s to 250s, depending on the specialty, with higher scores like 245 (around 37th percentile) or 255 (around 60th percentile) being good targets for competitiveness, as residency programs look for scores well above the passing threshold.
 

Is Step 2 important for residency?

In a 2024 survey of residency program directors conducted by the National Resident Matching Program, a medical student's Step 2 score—which has taken on increased importance since the Step 1 exam went pass-fail in 2022—was the fourth most frequently considered factor in determining which applicants to interview.

Is 248 a good step 2 score on Reddit?

It is a good score. But it is one of the factors out there. I have a similar score for peds. You still need to be super careful with your application and your CV.

What are common Step 2 mistakes?

In this guide, I will discuss common mistakes students make while studying for Step 2 CK and how to avoid them.

• Using too many resources. ...
• Not approaching questions systematically. ...
• Not trusting your gut. ...
• Not preparing for test day conditions. ...
• Not taking care of yourself.