What if I can't afford USMLE Step 1?

If you can't afford USMLE Step 1, focus on the USMLE Fee Assistance Program (FAP) for a significant fee reduction, seek scholarships/grants, explore reimbursement from institutions (like research programs), consider personal loans, or save money by borrowing study materials. There's no entirely "free" way, but these strategies drastically cut costs, with FAP being the primary resource for financial hardship.

What if I can't afford USMLE Step 1?

USMLE Fee Assistance Program

Financial barriers shouldn't stand in the way of your journey to becoming a licensed physician. That's why USMLE co-sponsor NBME is supporting medical students and residents with demonstrated financial need through a program to help cover the cost of Step exam fees.

Can I get financial aid for USMLE Step 1?

Yes, the Fee Assistance program is open to anyone who is taking the USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 CK in 2025. Review the cycle dates above to ensure you submit your application in the appropriate cycle.

Do you get a refund if you cancel Step 1?

Cancellation Policies

If you cancel, you may receive a partial refund, depending on how early you withdraw. However, failing to schedule or take the exam within your eligibility period may result in forfeited fees and require reapplication.

What is the 7 year rule for USMLE?

The USMLE 7-Year Rule mandates that most applicants must pass USMLE Steps 1, 2 CK, and Step 3 within seven years of passing their first step, starting from the date of that initial pass, for ECFMG Certification and medical licensure. Failure to meet this deadline invalidates earlier scores, requiring retesting, though waivers or extensions may be possible for documented extenuating circumstances like MD/PhD programs or severe illness, requiring contact with the specific state medical board or ECFMG. 

USMLE - "I know zero. Haven't studied in ages. Step 1 in 6 months. What do I do?"

Is 60% enough to pass Step 1?

Yes, around 60% correct is generally considered the approximate pass mark for USMLE Step 1, though the exact percentage varies with each exam form, and the score is reported as Pass/Fail, not a number, so consistently scoring higher (like 65-70%) on practice exams (NBMEs) is recommended for a comfortable pass. The official passing score (around 196 before 2022, now just "Pass") isn't a fixed number of questions, as some are experimental, but aiming for about 60% on practice tests is a good benchmark, with 70%+ being a safer target for a strong pass. 

What is the shortest residency to become a doctor?

The shortest MD residencies in the U.S. are typically 3 years, offered in primary care fields like Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Preventive Medicine, with some Emergency Medicine programs also being 3 years. These generalist specialties provide broad medical foundations, allowing physicians to enter practice quickly, though many pursue further fellowship training for subspecialization.
 

How common is it to fail Step 1?

While most people pass USMLE Step 1, failure rates have risen, with around 10-20% of first-time takers failing, depending on the year and their medical school (MD, DO, or International Medical Graduate - IMG), with IMGs often facing higher rates. For example, in 2022, over 7,800 students failed, and in 2023, the failure rate for first-time MD takers was about 10%, while for IMGs it was around 28%, with higher rates for repeat test-takers.
 

Is 4 months enough for USMLE Step 1?

FAQs About USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 Preparation

You need enough time to thoroughly review all the material, take practice exams for each Step, and address weaker areas: For Step 1: at least 4-6 months. For Step 2: at least 3-4 months.

Do parents who make $120000 still qualify for FAFSA?

Yes, parents making $120,000 can still qualify for some federal student aid through the FAFSA, as there's no strict income cut-off, but eligibility for need-based grants like the Pell Grant decreases with higher income, though they might still get federal loans or access to merit-based aid/work-study. Eligibility depends on the Student Aid Index (SAI), considering family size, assets, and the college's Cost of Attendance (COA), so always fill out the FAFSA to see what your specific situation qualifies for. 

How do people survive financially in med school?

If your expenses are more than your income, consider reducing your spending on personal expenses, or look for ways to increase your income, like utilizing financial aid or finding flexible employment. If you need a little help setting up a budget, check out your school's financial wellness resources.

Do residencies see if you failed Step 1?

Residencies have full access to how many times you've taken your Step exams, and admissions committees consider failing Step 1 to be a major red flag. Residency programs want to see if you can put your nose to the grindstone for an allotted amount of time to get a specific outcome.

Why do people fail USMLE Step 1?

Commonly, students who fail Step 1 have tried to use all the Step 1 resources available, but haven't used the 2 primary resources thoroughly (namely, First Aid and UWorld). An additional primary resource should also be flash cards to help with that spaced repetition learning.

How far in advance should I schedule Step 1?

You can schedule your Step 1 exam through the Prometric website as far as six months in advance. When applying for the exam, you must select an "eligibility period".

How many times can you retake USMLE Step 1?

Attempt Limit

What is the USMLE policy on attempt limits? The total number of attempts allowed per Step is four (4). Examinees who have attempted any USMLE Step (including Step 2 CS) four or more times and have not passed are ineligible to apply for USMLE Steps.

What are common mistakes at Prometric?

Common mistakes at Prometric exams include logistical errors like arriving late or bringing the wrong ID, technical blunders such as timing out on intro screens or software freezing, and test-taking flaws like poor time management, misinterpreting questions, or getting stuck on hard questions, often stemming from inadequate preparation like rote memorization or skipping instructions. 

Is USMLE Step 1 the hardest exam?

Yes, USMLE Step 1 is widely considered the hardest exam in the USMLE series due to its vast, knowledge-based content from the first two years of med school, high-stakes nature (historically), and marathon-like 8-hour format, though some find Step 2 or 3 challenging for different reasons, and the recent shift to Pass/Fail changes the psychological pressure but not the content difficulty.
 

Can you still be a doctor if you fail Step 1?

Know this: One failing score on a Step exam doesn't preclude you from being a physician. “Someone who failed Step 1 and went on to successfully pass it and do well—one of the things we look for in resident candidates is resilience and that's pretty good evidence of resilience,” Dr. Marzano said.

What is a 90% chance of passing Step 1?

A 90% chance of passing USMLE Step 1, often from an NBME practice exam, means you're very likely to pass but still have a 1 in 10 chance of failing, as it's a prediction not a guarantee, and validity depends on taking the real test soon after; it's calculated by the NBME, reflects statistical models, and isn't the same as mastering 90% of content, though strong practice scores usually indicate good readiness.
 

Do schools see if you failed Step 1?

You cannot retake a Step if you have passed — unless your scores are out of date for your residency application. If you have to take the USMLE more than once, your chances of matching into a competitive specialty drop dramatically. Every Fail is reported on your residency application.

What doctor makes $500,000 a year?

Doctors in high-demand surgical and specialized fields like Orthopedics, Plastic Surgery, Radiology, Cardiology, and Gastroenterology often earn over $500,000 annually, with some top earners in Thoracic Surgery or Neurosurgery making significantly more, while even family doctors can reach this level through practice ownership or specialized services.
 

At what age do most doctors start residency?

Most individuals graduate from medical school around the age of 26, and can complete their residencies and begin practicing independently in their early to mid-thirties, depending on their chosen specialty.

What doctor has the easiest residency?

Some medical specialties, like family medicine, psychiatry, and pediatrics are less competitive, with more residency slots available, making them easier to get into. Specialties like orthopedics and plastic surgery are very competitive because of the rigorous requirements and limited number of residency spots.