What is the average Step 2 score to match?

The USMLE Step 2 passing score is 209, with an average score of 245. These two exams are considered the most important exams a medical student will complete as they advance through their medical career. Among medical professionals in training, USMLE Step 1 used to be the most feared hurdle.

What is a good score on Step 2?

A good USMLE Step 2 CK score is between 240 and 260. However, what qualifies as a “good” score ultimately depends on the residency program you are applying to. If you want to match to your first-choice program, you should aim for a score at or above 256.

What is a good Step 2 score 2023?

As of 2023, a passing score on Step 2 CK is 214. This is much higher than the passing score for Step 1. That being said, the percentiles for failing Step 1 and 2 CK are about the same. The mean score for Step 2 CK was 247 with a standard deviation of 15.

How hard is it to score 240 on Step 2?

An examinee with a Step 2 CK score of 240 is at the 28th percentile. The 28th percentile means that 28% of the Step 2 CK first-takers from LCME-accredited US/Canadian medical schools in the three-year cohort described previously scored lower than 240.

Is 230 a good Step 2 score?

Scoring in the mid-230s or higher on USMLE Step 2 usually ensures you get residency interviews. Even with a lower score, you may still receive interview invitations. For internal medicine residency, some recommend a Step 2 score of 235 or higher, with 230 as the minimum.

USMLE Secrets: Scores you need to MATCH!

How do you get a 270 on Step 2?

Has anyone scored 300 on Step 2?

Understanding your USMLE Step 2 CK score

However, a 300 has never been achieved. Although scores across steps (such as between Step 1 and Step 2 CK) are not comparable, each step's exam scores are statistically adjusted so that they are comparable to scores on the same exam over a three- to four-year timeframe.

How many people fail Step 2?

‍Trends in Pass Rate

In 2020, for US and Canadian students, pass rate for Step 2 was a solid 98%. The current average Step 2 score is 246, with a standard deviation of 15. (Source: Performance Data | USMLE). This suggests that the pass rate should remain relatively high despite this five point change.

What is 50th percentile on Step 2?

The 50th percentile corresponds to around 248, and all but those trying to compete for very competitive specialities or very competitive locations can feel generally happy with a score around the top of the bell curve. The 75th percentile corresponds to around 258 and at this point, anything above that is gravy.

Is Step 2 graded on a curve?

USMLE Step 2 CK is graded on a distribution, meaning that your score is relative to other test-takers. Questions carry more weight for those in the 99th percentile than the 50th. Missing questions is acceptable for passing, but every question matters for acing the exam.

Is Step 1 harder than Step 2?

The majority of people do much better on Step 2 than on Step 1 even with less studying. This test focuses more on the next step in a patient presentation. Questions such as which lab or test to order next. There will also be plenty of diagnosis questions as well.

How long do I need to study for Step 2?

The amount of time recommended for USMLE Step 2 CK study typically ranges from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on individual learning pace and prior preparation.

What is a bad Step 2 score?

Scores in the range of 209-219 are considered low, and as a result, it may be more difficult to match. Match data suggests that scores below 219 on Step 2 CK will likely limit a student's match possibilities.

What is a failing score on Step 2?

In 2022, USMLE increased the passing score from 209 to 214. Many students like to aim above passing to get their preferred residency match. While the passing score is lower, the average national score for the Step 2 exam is around 242.

Is 220 a good Step 2 score?

- Some less competitive specialties may consider a Step 2 score of 220 as sufficient, especially when combined with strong clinical performance, letters of recommendation, and other application components. However, more competitive specialties may require higher scores to be competitive for residency positions.

Why is Step 2 average so high?

This fact could be a big reason why Step 2 CK scores are higher overall — medical students are better prepared for this exam simply because of the nature of medical school itself. Many students use this as an excuse not to bother studying for Step 2. They figure that third year will prepare them well.

Is it hard to pass Step 2?

So what now? Though many students tend to attain higher absolute scores on the USMLE Step 2CK (with a national average of 244 compared to 232 on the USMLE Step 1), it remains a difficult exam. Roughly 4% of first-time domestic test takers fail Step 2CK, with the failure rate for IMGs being even higher at up to 30%.

Can you match if you fail Step 2?

Your chances of matching to a residency reduce by 20 to 25% if you fail the USMLE Step 2 exam. However, it's not the end of the world – retakes are available. In the past, 6 retakes were available.

What is the average Step 2 score for anesthesiologist?

Report on Residents

For example, the average STEP 1 score for 2019-20 first-year residents entering Anesthesiology was 231.9, and the average Step 2 CK score was 242.6. Data are for graduates of MD-granting and DO-granting U.S. and Canadian schools and of graduates of international medical schools.

Which NBME is most predictive for Step 2?

For Step 2 CK, NBME 10 is currently considered the most predictive and so should be given closer to the exam.

How important is Step 2 for residency?

Transitioning USMLE Step 1 to pass/fail will make the initial screening and selection process of applications challenging for residency programs. In the short term, USMLE Step 2 scores, LOR, and AOA status are important as screening assessments.

Is 4 weeks enough for Step 2?

The schedule for Step II CK preparation varies significantly depending on how much time has passed since completion of the clerkships, and whether you are studying during vacation or during a 4^th year rotation. Overall, study time usually ranges from 1-4 weeks with most students taking 2-3 weeks.

Is 5 weeks enough for Step 2?

Your Step 2 CK study plan should include at least 10 hours per day for 4-6 (and up to 8) weeks. Remember, the harder you work, the higher your likelihood of a high score. Split up UWorld questions accordingly. You should allow yourself time to get through all of the questions at least once.

Is 240 a good step score?

USMLE Step 1 Percentiles To Aim For

For USMLE Step 1, a good score to aim for is 240. Yes, it's a little high, but that's exactly what you want. Being in the upper 15th percentile is a goal to focus on.