When did the new free 120 come out?

The "new" NBME Free 120 for USMLE Step 1 was updated around February 2024, with a new version released that year, though the NBME often subtly updates content, making older versions (like 2021, 2022) still relevant for practice, with explanations available from various sources. For Step 2 CK, a newer set of explanations was available as of August 2023, with updates occurring periodically.

Is there a new free 120?

The NBME updated the Free 120 Step 1 questions in February 2024. Below are explanations for every question in Blocks 1-3. If you're studying for USMLE Step 1, check out Med School Bootcamp.

Does the free 120 change every year?

The actual length of the test varies from year to year between 115 and 120 questions, but because we like round numbers 'Free 120' has stuck. Each time that the new Free 120 question set is released, a small portion of the questions are changed from the prior year.

Is Free120 enough to pass Step 1?

It seems the typical score to pass requires at least 60% of the questions answered correctly. Anecdotally, I can say that if a student gets a 70% or higher on the NBME Free 120 Step 1, they generally pass Step 1. That's from a small sample size of about 25-30 students/friends.

Is free 120 harder than NBME reddit?

I finally sat down and did the updated free 120 and it honestly felt tougher than most of my recent nbmes. the stems were longer, the answer choices felt closer together, and there were a few questions where i had no idea what they were even trying to test until i looked at explanations afterward.

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What is the hardest Step 1 in NBME?

While it varies, NBME 30, 32, and older forms like 28 are frequently cited as the hardest Step 1 NBMEs due to challenging questions, longer stems, increased detail (especially anatomy), and demanding integration of concepts, often feeling longer or more difficult to finish on time, with NBME 30 especially noted for difficulty in converting to Step 1 scores. 

Is a 240 a good Step 1 score?

To achieve a score around the 75th percentile for Step 1, you would generally need a score above 245.

What is the 7 year rule for USMLE?

The USMLE 7-Year Rule mandates that most applicants must pass USMLE Steps 1, 2 CK, and Step 3 within seven years of passing their first step, starting from the date of that initial pass, for ECFMG Certification and medical licensure. Failure to meet this deadline invalidates earlier scores, requiring retesting, though waivers or extensions may be possible for documented extenuating circumstances like MD/PhD programs or severe illness, requiring contact with the specific state medical board or ECFMG. 

Is 60% enough to pass Step 1?

Yes, around 60% correct is generally considered the approximate pass mark for USMLE Step 1, though the exact percentage varies with each exam form, and the score is reported as Pass/Fail, not a number, so consistently scoring higher (like 65-70%) on practice exams (NBMEs) is recommended for a comfortable pass. The official passing score (around 196 before 2022, now just "Pass") isn't a fixed number of questions, as some are experimental, but aiming for about 60% on practice tests is a good benchmark, with 70%+ being a safer target for a strong pass. 

Is the free 120 curved?

Just took the new free 120 and the questions were very straightforward, high-yield for the most part, without any of the curveballs I've seen in UWORLD and the niche details of NBMEs.

Does a 1600 SAT mean you got every question right?

Taken by upwards of 2 million students nationwide every year, the SAT is a standardized test consulted by many colleges as part of their admissions process. A score of 1600 indicates that you answered every question correctly.

Is it worth doing old free 120s?

The old free 120 was easier for me than the new one, and I think that's generally the trend (higher scores on the old one than the new one). So for practice sake, as someone else mentioned, both are great. But if you only have time for one, most definitely do the new one.

Does USMLE expire after 7 years?

Any failure to complete all required steps in the 7-year window may have severe USMLE 7 Year Rule implications, like expired scores are no longer valid for ECFMG certification or state licensure, you have to reapply for the exam and retake the expired exams, or restate fees, paying more exam fees, preparing again, and ...

Is there a 2025 free 120?

You can download the Free 120 STEP 1 Sample Test Questions on the USMLE website here. The order of answers and explanations here is based on the online NBME platform (not the pdf) as of February 2025.

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 a 75% on Step 1?

A 75% on USMLE Step 1 usually refers to a high performance level, often meaning you scored better than 75% of other test-takers (75th percentile) or got around 75% of questions correct on practice exams, indicating a very high chance of passing, as a ~65% correct on NBMEs often predicts passing. While Step 1 is now pass/fail, historically, a score in the 75th percentile (around 240-250+ on the old scale) was considered strong for residency applications, and 70-75% on practice NBMEs suggests near-certain success on the actual exam.
 

How common is failing Step 1?

While most people pass USMLE Step 1, failure rates have risen, with around 10-20% of first-time takers failing, depending on the year and their medical school (MD, DO, or International Medical Graduate - IMG), with IMGs often facing higher rates. For example, in 2022, over 7,800 students failed, and in 2023, the failure rate for first-time MD takers was about 10%, while for IMGs it was around 28%, with higher rates for repeat test-takers.
 

What is a 90% chance of passing Step 1?

A 90% chance of passing USMLE Step 1, often from an NBME practice exam, means you're very likely to pass but still have a 1 in 10 chance of failing, as it's a prediction not a guarantee, and validity depends on taking the real test soon after; it's calculated by the NBME, reflects statistical models, and isn't the same as mastering 90% of content, though strong practice scores usually indicate good readiness.
 

Has anyone gotten a 300 on USMLE?

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 happens if you fail USMLE Step 1-4 times?

If you have attempted a Step four or more times, including incomplete attempts, and have not passed, you are ineligible to apply for any Step in the USMLE sequence.

What is the shortest residency to become a doctor?

The shortest MD residencies in the U.S. are typically 3 years, offered in primary care fields like Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Preventive Medicine, with some Emergency Medicine programs also being 3 years. These generalist specialties provide broad medical foundations, allowing physicians to enter practice quickly, though many pursue further fellowship training for subspecialization.
 

Do residencies see your Step 1 score?

Let's get straight to it. There's no longer a specific numeric USMLE Step 1 passing score that you or residency programs will ever see. Since January 26, 2022, the exam has been graded on a simple pass/fail basis. Your transcript will show one of those two outcomes, and that's it.

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 is a failing score on Step 1?

All USMLE Step 1 scores are reported as either a Pass or Fail result for tests administered after January 26, 2022. This scoring system was reviewed in late 2024, and it was decided that no changes were to be made in 2025. Students must achieve a score of 196 on the 3-digit score system to pass the exam.