What resources are best for step 2?

The best Step 2 resources center around UWorld (the gold standard Qbank and self-assessments) and AMBOSS (supplementary Qbank/library), supplemented by NBME Practice Exams (CMS forms, Free 120) for gauging readiness, and tools like Anki or OnlineMedEd/Boards & Beyond for content review, plus free resources like Divine Intervention Podcasts, to cover high-yield topics and ethics. Focus on a strong UWorld pass, review mistakes thoroughly, and use official practice tests to pinpoint weaknesses, adapting to your learning style.

What resources to use to study for step 2?

We suggest you use resources like UWorld, OnlineMedEd, Anki, and Amboss. We encourage you to do questions throughout the year, and then take at 2-4 practice exams during your Step 2CK dedicated period.

What resources help with step 2?

1. UWorld USMLE Step 2 CK: The undisputed gold standard. UWorld remains absolutely essential, used by over 90% of medical students and universally considered the single most important Step 2 CK resource, if not for the whole USMLE prep.

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 are the best resources for Step 2 reddit?

The tried and true resources are UWorld (or Amboss) for your main qbank, the NBME forms to evaluate your performance as you get closer to your exam, CMS forms to supplement weak areas, Amboss for QI, ethics, and biostatistics, and Free120 in the days before your exam.

The BEST Way to Study for USMLE Step 2 CK in 2024

What percentile is 270 on Step2?

A USMLE Step 2 CK score of 270 is generally around the 95th to 99th percentile, placing you in the top tier of test-takers, considered exceptional and highly competitive for nearly all residency specialties, including the most demanding fields like Dermatology and Orthopedic Surgery, especially with Step 1 being pass/fail.
 

Is UWorld or Amboss better?

Neither AMBOSS nor UWorld is definitively "better"; they have different strengths, with many students using both, often starting with AMBOSS for foundational learning and moving to UWorld for focused, high-yield practice as they get closer to the exam, though the choice depends on personal learning style, with AMBOSS praised for its integrated library and question customization, and UWorld lauded for its high-yield explanations and exam-like feel. 

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.

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.

Which NBME is hardest step 2?

NBME 9 and 12 are known to be the hardest, maybe not because of true difficulty but , especially for 9, there are some poorly written questions. People tend to score slightly lower on these forms.

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.

Is 3 months enough for USMLE step 2?

For most medical students, 4-6 weeks of dedicated study time is sufficient to prepare for USMLE Step 2 CK. In fact, taking more than 8 weeks to study for a USMLE exam is generally not recommended.

What is the 7 year rule for USMLE?

The USMLE 7-year rule, primarily for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) seeking ECFMG Certification, mandates completing all required USMLE Steps (1, 2 CK/CS, and eventually 3) within seven years of passing the first exam; failure to do so invalidates earlier scores, requiring retakes, though waivers or extensions may be granted for documented issues like PhD programs, severe illness, or certain military service. Most U.S. medical licensing boards also enforce this timeframe for state licensure, starting from the first successful Step pass. 

Can I fail USMLE Step 2 CK?

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, 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. 

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 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. 

Is "free 120" enough to pass an exam?

Unlike the NBME Self-Assessments (NBME CSAs), the Free 120 does not provide a scaled score or likelihood to pass, so it shouldn't be used as the sole indicator of readiness for the USMLE.

Where to get free 120 for step 2?

You can download the Free 120 STEP 2 Sample Test Questions on the USMLE website here.

What is the best USMLE prep course?

6 Best USMLE Prep Courses & Classes (2025)

1. Kaplan. A veteran in the test prep world, Kaplan is a go-to for many medical students. ...
2. PASS Program. The PASS Program offers a unique, immersive approach to USMLE test prep. ...
3. Achievable USMLE. ...
4. Lecturio. ...
5. BoardVitals. ...
6. SmashUSMLE.

Is 70% on UWorld bad?

No, 70% on UWorld is generally considered good to excellent, especially on a first pass, indicating you're well-prepared for exams like the NCLEX or Step exams, though it's crucial to learn from incorrect answers to improve. Most students start lower (50s-60s), so consistently in the 70s means you're in great shape, with scores in the 80s suggesting you'll do very well. Focus on mastering weak areas identified by UWorld rather than just chasing scores. 

Can I do 100 UWorld questions a day?

If you're making/doing excellent Anki cards, you might top out at doing 80-120 questions/day. However, while you will find people who (productively) do more than 120 UWorld questions in a day, they are often not doing Anki.

Is AAMC or UWorld harder?

Because UWorld questions are significantly more difficult than the AAMC, you will likely score much worse on them. I've often seen differences of 10-20% among my students. So take your UWorld scores with a grain of salt.