What step 2 score for general surgery?

For General Surgery, a strong USMLE Step 2 CK score is crucial, with averages for matched U.S. MD seniors hovering around 253-259 in recent years, though scores in the 240s can still be competitive, especially with strong research, honors, and away rotations, as scores vary by program and applicant profile.

Is a 257 a good step 2 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 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 the USMLE score for surgery?

Qualifications. To be eligible for the General Surgery Residency, you should have a minimum score of 220-230 on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), passing on the first attempt. There is a five-year cutoff from medical school graduation.

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

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.

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. 

Is general surgery less competitive?

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 an impressive step 2 score?

A good USMLE Step 2 CK score is between 240-260, with 256 or higher being competitive for first-choice residency programs.

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. 

What step 2 score do I need for orthopedic surgery?

Orthopedic Surgery: ~256. Diagnostic/Interventional Radiology: ~253. Neurosurgery: ~252. General Surgery: ~247.

What is the average Step 2 score for matched applicants?

Breaking down MD Step 2 scores

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 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.
 

What pays more, a doctor or a surgeon?

— Surgeons rank at the top of the pay scale —

If you're working as a specialist medical doctor in the UK, you earn a basic salary of between £40,037 and £74,661. Salaried GPs get between £58,808 and £88,744. And as a consultant, your basic pay is between £79,860 and £107,668.

Which type of doctor is most in demand?

Strong demand in all specialties

• Family medicine.
• Anesthesiology.
• Internal medicine.
• Radiology.
• Gastroenterology.
• Cardiology.
• Obstetrics and gynecology.
• Hematology/oncology.

What are the three rules of general surgery?

Rule 1: Verify everything and do not rely on the information provided by others. Rule 2: Once you agree to accept the patient, take total control of the patient's care. Rule 3: Never make promises you can't keep.

What's the hardest residency to match into?

The hardest medical residencies to match into consistently include Dermatology, Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, and Otolaryngology (ENT), due to high demand, limited spots, excellent lifestyle, and high earning potential, often requiring exceptional scores, research, and connections, with fields like Interventional Radiology, Radiation Oncology, and Vascular Surgery also being extremely competitive.
 

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 is a good surgery shelf score?

A percentile score of 70th or higher is generally considered good for shelf exams. However, to be competitive for honors or stand out to residency programs, many students aim for the 90th percentile or above, especially in core rotations like internal medicine and surgery.