What specialty has the highest Step 2 score?

Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, and Otolaryngology (ENT) consistently have the highest average Step 2 CK scores, often tied at around 257, with Orthopedic Surgery and Neurosurgery also extremely high, reflecting their extreme competitiveness for residency matching, alongside Diagnostic Radiology, though rankings can shift slightly year to year based on the data source.

What is the highest Step 2 score by specialty?

Step Score: 257

Tied for the highest average Step 2 score of all categorical specialties is orthopedic surgery and dermatology with 257. The current highest average score of 257 falls somewhere between the 63rd and 76th percentile, which requires a score of 260.

What is the highest score ever achieved 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.

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 step 2 score for ortho?

Orthopaedic surgery—257. Diagnostic radiology—256. Plastic surgery—256.

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

What score is 50% on step 2?

What Qualifies as a “Good” Step 2 CK Score? Based on recent data, the 50th percentile corresponds to somewhere around a 245, and all but those trying to compete for very competitive specialties or very competitive locations can feel generally happy with a score around the top of the bell curve.

Is a high step 2 score worth the effort?

Of course, Step 2 CK is not the only factor that matters — clinical evaluations, letters of recommendation, research, and personal statements all remain highly important. But a strong Step 2 score can open doors, while a weaker score may make interviews harder to secure, especially in the most competitive specialties.

What is the 7 year rule for USMLE?

Time Limit for Completing Licensing Examination Sequence. Must pass all Steps of the USMLE within 7 years from the date of first passing any Step of the exam. Must pass Step 3 within 4 years of the first attempt at Step 3 or must complete 1 year of post-graduate training before making additional attempts at Step 3.

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 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.

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.

Does step 2 score matter for residency?

Yes, your USMLE Step 2 percentile does matter. It can influence your chances of matching with your preferred residency program.

What is an excellent Step 3 score?

What's a Good Step 3 Score? Any score above 230 is considered good. Mean scores usually rest slightly below 230. Scores above 240 are considered excellent because a score of 240 puts you in the 79th percentile of all test takers.

Is a 70% average on UWorld good?

Based on historical data, a student with an average points score of 70% and earned a “High” or “Very High” result on a Self-Assessment Test would have a 99% likelihood of passing the NCLEX-RN.

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 a 90th percentile on Step 2?

Understanding Step 2 Percentiles

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

Is ortho residency hard to get into?

Obtaining an orthopaedic residency is extremely competitive and is one of the most applied to surgical subspecialties. This has led to increasing competition for an orthopaedic residency position.

What step 2 score do I need for neurology?

Internal Medicine: ~245. Neurology: ~246. Pediatrics: ~245. Psychiatry: ~242.

What percentile is a 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.

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.

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.

Are UWorld self assessments accurate step 2?

Your score on UWorld questions may feel like a marker of your progress. However, your percentile on UWorld is not an accurate predictor of how you should expect to perform on Step 2 CK. As a reminder, UWorld is a learning resource, not a testing resource.