What is the USMLE score for surgery?

For USMLE, a strong score for matching into General Surgery is typically above 230-240 for Step 1, with competitive averages often in the mid-to-high 240s and 250s for Step 2 CK, but scores vary, and programs look for strong performance (often 250+) in recent years, especially for top programs, with Step 2 CK becoming increasingly crucial for interviews.

What is the average step 2 score for anesthesia?

The highest average Step 2 CK score among those specialties was 246, in both general surgery and anesthesiology. Across the five qualifying specialties, the range of average Step 2 scores for applicants who matched was 231–246.

What is the match rate for general surgery?

In 2022, 3071 medical students/graduates applied to categorical general surgery residency and 1619 matched successfully for an overall 52.7% match rate (1).

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. 

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 is the Average USMLE Score for General Surgery Residents? (IMGs, MD vs. DO, # of Pubs, etc.)

Has anyone ever gotten a 300 on Step 2?

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.

Do surgeons make 1 million a year?

Yes, many surgeons, especially in high-demand specialties like neurosurgery, orthopedics, and cardiovascular surgery, can earn over $1 million annually, though it often requires long hours, high patient volume, or private practice ownership. While general surgeon averages are lower, top earners in specialties or those in lucrative private/elective practices frequently exceed the seven-figure mark, sometimes through business models focused on high-value packages rather than just volume, as noted in discussions by AMN Healthcare, The White Coat Investor, and Protouch Staffing. 

How many people drop out of general surgery residency?

General surgery residency attrition rates are relatively high, with studies showing overall rates from 12% to 20% over five years, or around 3.3% annually, significantly higher than many other surgical specialties, often occurring after the first year due to lifestyle factors, and disproportionately affecting women and minorities. Most who leave either switch to other specialties or transfer to different general surgery programs, highlighting significant training challenges.
 

Can I match general surgery with a 240 step 2?

Historically and currently, general surgery programs often prefer: Step 2 CK: commonly 240+ at academic and university programs.

How important is step 2 for anesthesia?

The Step 2 score was the top factor with a mean importance rating of 4.2 on a scale of 1 (not important) to 5 (very important). 6. Many programs will not consider your application unless you have a Step 2 score available at the time of application submission.

What is the average USMLE 2 score 2025?

Another year, another increase USMLE Step 2 CK performance. Check out how much the score distribution has shifted over time. 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.)

What is the match rate for anesthesiology in 2025?

According to @asa_hq, this year's 99.74% match rate highlights the specialty's continued growth and importance. Mentorship plays a key role in shaping future anesthesiologists, and we're proud of the incredible work being done nationwide—including right here at USAP!

Can you match general surgery if you fail Step 1?

When general surgery residency program directors. Only 1% of programs often consider applicants who have failed. As you can see, the road to match success is difficult for those who have failed the Step 1 exam.

What specialty has the lowest Step 2 score?

First up with the lowest average Step 2 score is family medicine at 244. Family medicine is a specialty that continuously has the lowest Step 2 score of all specialties. That said, note that the current 244, based on 2024 data, is an increase from 241 in 2022 and 238 in 2020.

Is surgery a competitive residency?

General surgery is one of the more competitive specialties. In the 2024 NRMP Match, over 17% of US MD seniors failed to match. Matching with a highly coveted program can be very challenging.

What is the hardest surgery residency?

What are some of the Hardest Residency Specialties to Match?

• Neurosurgery.
• Orthopedic Surgery.
• Ophthalmology.
• Otolaryngology (ENT)
• Plastic Surgery.
• Urology.
• Radiation Oncology.
• Interventional Radiology.

Is there a shortage of general surgeons?

The national supply of general surgeons was projected to decrease by 2.8% while national demand was projected to increase by 7.2% increase over the study period. As a result, general surgeon workforce adequacy was projected to decrease from 95.0% to 86.1% (P<0.001).

Do you get paid for general surgery residency?

Orthopedic surgery residents average $60,700 a year, general surgery residents make $61,000 a year, residents in plastic surgery and aesthetic medicine make $65,600, and specialized surgery residents have an average annual salary of $65,700.

What doctor makes $500,000 a year?

Doctors in surgical and high-demand procedural specialties frequently earn over $500,000 annually, with top earners often being Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Cardiology, and Thoracic Surgery, driven by complex skills, high demand (especially with aging populations), and lucrative elective procedures or emergency needs. Other fields like Radiology, Gastroenterology, Urology, and Anesthesiology also see average incomes exceeding this threshold.
 

Do doctors work 7 days on 7 days off?

Yes, many hospital-based doctors, especially hospitalists, work a common "7 days on, 7 days off" schedule, working long shifts (often 12 hours) for a week, including weekends, then having a full week off, which allows for long periods of rest but can lead to burnout during work weeks. This schedule ensures continuity of care for patients but is just one model, with other specialties like emergency medicine or surgery having different patterns, and some doctors even prefer more frequent, shorter shifts.
 

What is the most difficult surgery to perform?

The hardest surgeries are often considered to be in neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and complex transplant procedures, especially those involving delicate structures like the brain, major blood vessels, or separating conjoined twins, with procedures like clipping aneurysms, complex spinal reconstructions, and liver transplants frequently cited for their extreme technical difficulty and lengthy duration. 

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.

What 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. 

How long should I study for Step 1?

Study timelines vary, but most students dedicate 6 to 12 weeks of focused preparation time for Step 1. The length depends on prior knowledge, study habits, and available time during dedicated study periods.