Step 2 Score Release Thread (2024)

FAQs

What is the most predictive Step 2 CK score? ›

If time allows, you should complete both UWSAs, but UWSA2 seems to be the best predictor of your Step 2 CK score. When comparing NBMEs and UWSA, UWSA 2 seems to correlate most closely with test-day performance.

The 25th percentile is around 232, while the 75th percentile is near 256. These percentiles mean that if you score at or below 232, you're in the bottom 1/4 of test takers, while if you score at or above 256, you're in the top 1/4.

Hey Everyone. I finished my rounding today and saw that my STEP 2 CK was posted. I got a 265, which was in the 91rst percentile.

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.

To ensure you secure residency interviews, aim for a Step 2 CK score above 255. Similarly, for Step 3, target a score above 235. While Step 1 is now pass/fail, scoring in or above the 75th percentile on Step 2 CK and Step 3 can boost your chances of landing your preferred residency spot.

An examinee with a Step 2 CK score of 240 is at the 26th percentile. The 26th percentile means that 26% of the Step 2 CK first-takers from LCME-accredited US/Canadian medical schools in the three-year cohort described previously scored lower than 240.

In 2022, the top five specialties with the highest average Step 2 CK scores were plastic surgery, dermatology, and ENT all tied for first at 257, orthopedic surgery in fourth at 256, and diagnostic and interventional radiology tied for fifth at 253 just edging out neurosurgery with a score of 252.

Now that we have established why Step 2 matters, the question becomes, how long should you be studying for. Unfortunately, there is no uniform answer. Some students who work hard throughout the 3rd year are able to score upwards of 260 with only a 2-3 week dedicated studying period.

What is a good Step 2 score for anesthesia? ›

For example, the average STEP 1 score for 2019-20 first-year residents entering Anesthesiology was 231.9, and the average Step 2 CK score was 242.6. Data are for graduates of MD-granting and DO-granting U.S. and Canadian schools and of graduates of international medical schools.

Step 2 CK Performance Is More Variable Than Step 1

However, looking at the spread in prior years between expected performance and final score, we see that Step 2 CK NBMEs have (traditionally) much less predictive value. (Note: these data were available for CCSSA Forms 6-8; current CCSSAs do NOT provide this data).

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.

247 to 260 is like the centre of the distribution. so roughly 250 is the average now.

You cannot say, “I got a 265, therefore I got 90% of the questions correct.” Scores are graded on a normal distribution (though imperfectly), not linearly. Study strategically, be thorough, and, if necessary, get a USMLE Step 2 CK tutor, and you will set yourself up for success.

NBMEs should ideally be started at 70% of Uworld and given at appropriate intervals further. For Step 2 CK, NBME 10 is currently considered the most predictive and so should be given closer to the exam.

According to research, the predominant opinion is that the Step 1 score has a strong positive correlation with the Step 2 CK score [15, 16]. There was also a significant correlation (r = 0.684, p ≤ 0.0001) between scoring higher than 208 on Step 1 and passing Step 2 CK on the first attempt [15]. ... ...

As of 2024, a passing score on Step 2 CK is 214. This is much higher than the passing score for Step 1. That being said, the percentiles for failing Step 1 and 2 CK are about the same. The mean score for Step 2 CK was 247 with a standard deviation of 15.