How Important Is Step 2 Score For Residency?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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For those who are dissatisfied with the results of their Step 1 score, improvement on Step 2 CK can be

very helpful

to their residency application. These students need to take Step 2 CK early enough to allow their results to be available for programs.

Does Step 2 matter?

Does your USMLE Step 2 percentile actually matter? This is the huge question that many students are asking. The fact is that Step 2 CK scores do have an impact on your probability of matching to your first-choice program.

Step 2 will only matter more after Step 1 transitions to a pass/fail system in 2022

.

How important is step 2?

Rising Step 2

scores place pressure on overall outcomes and increase the competition for residency placement

. According to the Tulane University residency director I spoke to, achieving a higher Step 2 than Step 1 score is just as important as scoring well on your Step 1.

How much does step 2 matter for residency?

Currently, USMLE Step 2 CK is the

fourth most deciding factor

in residency programs selecting applicants to interview, with 80% of directors stating that it was an important factor. Step 2 CS is a less influential factor, with only 56% citing that it was essential to their decision.

Should I take Step 2 as a do?

Most DO students do not take Step 2 CK as

it is not required

and rarely provides any advantage. With the change, DO students will now need to prepare for Step 2 CK, and this will need to be squeezed in with COMLEX Level 2 after clinical rotations are completed.

What is the hardest doctor to become?

  • General Surgery.
  • Neurosurgery.
  • Orthopedic Surgery.
  • Ophthalmology.
  • Otolaryngology.
  • Plastic Surgery.
  • Urology.
  • Radiation Oncology.

What is a bad step 2 score?

Scores in the range of

209-219

are considered low, and as a result, it may be more difficult to match. Match data suggests that scores below 219 on Step 2 CK will likely limit a student’s match possibilities.

Are shelf exams harder than Step 2?

They’re

essentially the same

. You won’t have any “matching” type questions on Step 2 though. There’s some correlation, but you can score well if you dedicate yourself towards Step 2 studying. I was an average student on my shelf exams but did very well on Step 2.

Is Step 2 pass fail?

Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS)

will continue to be reported as Pass/Fail

. This policy will take effect no earlier than January 1, 2022 with further details to follow later this year.

What is the highest step 2 score?

  • Dermatology – 256.
  • Otolaryngology – 256.
  • Plastic surgery – 256.
  • Interventional radiology – 255.
  • Orthopedic surgery – 255.

Is a 250 step score good?

250 – 260:

This is an

excellent score

that will single handedly improve your chances to match with a top program. This score is above the mean program score for all programs, so you know you’re scoring above average no matter where you’re applying to.

How does step 2 compare to Step 1?

How different is it to prepare for the USMLE

®

Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) exam from Step 1? The short answer: very. …

Step 1 tests your ability to recall important information related to the Basic Sciences

. Meanwhile, Step 2 CK tests your ability to apply that same information in the clinic.

What is the average Step 2 score?

The USMLE® Step 2 passing score is 209, with an average score

of 245

. The following summarizes the typical average score required to match in most specialties.

Is Step 1 or Step 2 harder?

The majority of people do

much better on Step 2 than on Step 1

even with less studying. This test focuses more on the next step in a patient presentation. Questions such as which lab or test to order next. There will also be plenty of diagnosis questions as well.

Will Class 1 2024 Pass Fail?

Rather than as early as January 2022, we propose the transition to pass/fail Step 1 should occur at a time that is dependent on

the residency

application cycle, beginning with the class of 2024. Special considerations, such as score conversions, may need to be discussed for dual-degree students.

Do you have to pass Step 1 to take step 2?

What is the new prerequisite policy? The USMLE program is implementing an examination prerequisite for Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS)—specifically,

all examinees will be required to pass Step 1

in order to take Step 2 CS.

Juan Martinez
Author
Juan Martinez
Juan Martinez is a journalism professor and experienced writer. With a passion for communication and education, Juan has taught students from all over the world. He is an expert in language and writing, and has written for various blogs and magazines.