What percentage correct is 260 on step 2?

A score of 260 on USMLE Step 2 CK is very strong, typically placing you around the 80th to 82nd percentile, meaning you scored better than roughly 4 out of 5 test-takers, with figures varying slightly by year but generally putting it well above average (around 245) and into the excellent range for most specialties.

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.
 

What percent is correct to get a 250 on step 2?

Similarly, for Step 2 CK, a 250+ is above the 65%ile.

What percent correct do you need to pass step 2?

However, examinees typically must answer approximately 60% of questions correctly to achieve a passing score.

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. 

USMLE Test-Taking Tips: From “Stuck Between 2 Answers” to 260+

What's a good step 2 score in 2025?

What Is the Average USMLE Step 2 Score Range?

• 230 and below → Passing but below average; limits competitiveness in more selective specialties.
• 240–250 → Solidly within the average range; competitive for many core specialties.
• 255+ → Above average; strong candidate for competitive programs.

Is 267 a good 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.

How much percentile is 250?

Most students scoring 250 marks fall between 99.95 and 99.99 percentile.

What is a 90th percentile on Step 2?

Understanding Step 2 Percentiles

50th percentile: Around 245. 75th percentile: Around 255. 90th percentile: Around 265.

What resources help improve Step 2 scores?

12 Best USMLE Step 2 Resources for a 270+ Score in 2025

• Find Your USMLE Step 2 CK Tutor and Boost Your Score. ...
• UWorld – Step 2 CK QBank and Self-Assessments. ...
• NBME – Official Step 2 CK Self-Assessments (CCSSA) ...
• AMBOSS – Step 2 CK Qbank + Medical Library. ...
• OnlineMedEd – Clinical Video Curriculum + Notes + Questions.

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.

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.

Is 261 a good step 2 score on Reddit?

261 is a great score and I am happy for you. Aiming for 260+ and planning to apply into IM.

Does step 2 matter 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.

What is the average Usmle Step 2 score?

The Current Average Step 2 CK Score

Over the past three years, according to USMLE data, the average score for first-time takers from accredited US/Canadian medical schools has gradually increased from 248 to 250, well above the passing standard.

Is 260 a good step 2 score?

What is a good USMLE Step 2 CK score? 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 is the fail rate for Step 2?

Their failure rate on the Step 2 CS examination was 2.5%. The overall failure rate for students with three or fewer low ratings was 2.35%. However, for those with four or more low ratings the failure rate rose dramatically to 30%.

What percentile is 259 on step 2?

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.

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 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.

Is Step 2 CK percentile more important than score?

Unlike your three-digit Step 2 score, which is fixed, percentiles shift slightly over time as more students take the test and the performance distribution changes. In other words: your percentile is relative, not absolute. It tells residency programs not just what you scored, but how you stack up against your peers.