What is the highest score you can get on USMLE Step 2?

There's no officially recorded "highest" Step 2 CK score, as the USMLE score range goes up to 300, but perfect scores aren't public; however, scores in the high 270s and 280s (like 281, 288, 299) are reported as exceptional on forums, with 280+ considered a truly elite score, far above typical top scores for competitive residencies, which often fall in the mid-260s.

What is the highest USMLE step 2 score achieved?

If you want to match to your first-choice program, you should aim for a score at or above 260. The highest possible score for the USMLE Step 2 CK is 300, but no one has ever achieved a “perfect” score. A score around 280 would be considered a top Step 2 CK score.

What is a good score on the USMLE step 2?

Across all physician specialties, the average Step 2 score for matched applicants from U.S. MD-granting medical schools was 250, according to a 2024 report on characteristics of matched applicants.

What score is 75% correct on step 2?

Getting 75% correct on Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) is generally considered a very strong performance, often placing you well above the average (around the 75th percentile or higher), translating to a strong 3-digit score (likely in the mid-250s or higher), making you a competitive applicant for most specialties, though top-tier programs in highly competitive fields might look for even higher scores.
 

Is 273 a good step 2 score?

The average score hovers around 245, with the standard deviation around 15 points. That means most students fall between 230 and 260 — but what matters most is how that score translates into a percentile compared to other examinees.

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

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.

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.

What's a good step 2 score in 2025?

A "good" Step 2 CK score percentile depends entirely on your specialty goals and career objectives. For most medical students, a score above the national median of 250 is considered good, while scores above 260 (75th USMLE percentile) are considered very good to excellent.

What score is 50% on step 2?

A 50% Step 2 score (USMLE) typically means scoring around 250, placing you at the median (average) for matched U.S. MD seniors, which is solid but may require strong application components for highly competitive specialties; it's a passing score, but scores vary by specialty, with some (like Family Med/Psychiatry) having lower averages and others (Surgery/Derm) much higher.
 

What Step 2 score do you need for residency?

To ensure you secure residency interviews, aim for a Step 2 CK score above 255. Similarly, for Step 3, target a score above 235. While Step 1 is now pass/fail, scoring in or above the 75th percentile on Step 2 CK and Step 3 can boost your chances of landing your preferred residency spot.

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.

What Step 2 score is needed for emergency medicine?

Emergency Medicine: ~246. OB/GYN: ~245. Internal Medicine: ~245.

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. 

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.

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.

What is 75% correct on step 2?

Getting 75% correct on Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) is generally considered a very strong performance, often placing you well above the average (around the 75th percentile or higher), translating to a strong 3-digit score (likely in the mid-250s or higher), making you a competitive applicant for most specialties, though top-tier programs in highly competitive fields might look for even higher scores.
 

Is a 60% good on UWorld?

A 60% on UWorld is generally considered okay or borderline on a first pass, especially since UWorld is known for being difficult and is a learning tool, not just an assessment; focus on consistently reviewing incorrect answers and improving, as scores often rise significantly on a second pass, with many successful test-takers achieving 70%+ later, while scores in the 50s might be more concerning, but the ultimate gauge of readiness comes from NBME assessments after finishing the question bank.
 

Is 240 a bad step 2 score?

To pass the Step 2 CK exam, you have to score 218 out of 300. What qualifies as a “good” score depends on many factors: what specialty you're applying for, what program you're applying to, if you're applying to a community or an academic institution, etc. Generally, a “good” Step 2 CK score is between 240 and 260.

What Step 2 score do you need to match anesthesia?

Step 2 Score – While passing Step 1 is important, Step 2 scores rank is the most important factor, now that Step 1 isn't scored. According to the 2024 NRMP Charting Outcomes in the Match, the average Step 2 score for a candidate matching into Anesthesia is about 252.

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.

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 is a 60% correct Step 2 score?

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.
 

What is the average score on the USMLE 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.