USMLE Official 2018 Step 2 CK Experiences and Scores Thread

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Qester

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As 2018 approaches and people are starting to rev up for their CK studying I figured I would start the 2018 Step 2 CK Experiences and Scores Thread.

As always please follow all of the forum / NBME / USMLE etc.. rules and regulations when posting.


My dedicated starts tomorrow, have about 6 weeks to study over the holidays. Hoping for a 250 +, scored a 26x on step 1.

Good luck to everyone taking the exam in 2018!
 
Uworld 1st pass: 65%
2nd pass: 89%
UWSA1: 248 (10 days out)
UWSA2: 242 (3 days out)


Also, did anyone else feel that a good chunk of it was vague? I had quite a few questions where uworld covered that topic sure, but not the specific part the exam was asking me and i was just making educated guesses. Anyone else feel this way?

The vague questions really scare me. I feel like the Uworld questions that are somewhat vague are the ones I keep getting wrong. Any idea how to overcome this or prepare?
 
That may be the case, but they can be incorrect. Them perceiving improvement doesn't make it so. There's a lot of numerical illiteracy out there, but that doesn't change the actual facts. The scores are not comparable, and the distributions are shifted. It surprises me that it's perceived contrary to easily obtainable interpretations directly from people who make the test.

I agree that people may view it this way, but it is an incorrect interpretation.
I definitely agree with you. I used to be confused by how program directors were impressed by a 10 point jump from step 1 to step 2 (for mediocre scores). It actually made me wonder if the fact that the pass mark on step 2 is higher just slips their mind when looking at applications. Now I just see their incorrect interpretation as an advantage for us 🙂
 
The vague questions really scare me. I feel like the Uworld questions that are somewhat vague are the ones I keep getting wrong. Any idea how to overcome this or prepare?
I'm not sure I can necessarily give advice on how to overcome it, but definitely recommend taking notes from uworld on topics that you're getting wrong/don't know and reading them repeatedly. Try your best to use reasoning skills acquired from uworld coupled with process of elimination
 
2 weeks out! Took UW SA2 today

Only practice tests I've taken so far aside from UW Qbank:
UW SA1: 247
UW SA2: 255

Want to take an NBME next weekend (will be 1 week out). Any suggestions on which one I should take?
 
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Any who took step 2 or have use either Kaplan or qmax on top of Uworld, what do you think I should use to supplement Uworld?
What is your thought on either qmax or uworld or both? Which one should I use?

THANKS SO MUCH
 
Thought I would post my current stuff in case anyone is looking for correlations/predictors and what not, especially for fellow DO students looking to relate COMLEX stuff, but I'll try to keep it related to USMLE since it is a Step 2 thread. Keep note, I'm 3 weeks out from my test.

Step 1: 238 (Level 1 666)

Step 2 goal: 270 (but realistically will be very happy with anything around 260)

I'm nearly done with my first pass of UW and my %correct is 72% random/timed. Although, I started studying with random UW back in Nov so I think that's a little skewed b/c lately these past weeks I've been scoring high 70's and mid 80's. Not that it means a whole lot.

NBME 6 (6wks out for baseline): 235.
NBME 7 (4wks out): 250. I thought it was hard as hell.
NBME 8 (3wks out): 256.

For DO students I took COMSAE form D back in April and got a 620. Truth be told, I'm just going to focus on USMLE studying.

Study plan: onlinemeded and reading through step up to medicine as I go through the onlinemeded topics, and questions, many many questions.
 
Long time lurker looking for advice
Step 2CK in one week. I took UWSA 2 yesterday and I think it may have bee a fluke! Help should I take my exam or move back!

UWSA1: 213 4 weeks out
NBME 6: 200 2 weeks ago (it was a bad bad day)
UWSA2: 249 (one week till exam)
My goal is around > 240 I'm not looking for perfection here…
 
Hey y'all, first time poster. I think there is probably something unhealthy about my use of these forums, but people sharing their data has been beneficial to me, and since I'm closer to average than most posters here figure I may as well share. So far it looks like 11 posters on this thread did better on the real deal than NBME 8, compared to one who did a bit worse. Most of those also had UWSA's within about 10 points of NBME 8. That's a bit reassuring for me. A dean insisted that NBME is more predictive and UWSA tends to overestimate, but my classmates who have taken it recently mostly say UWSA was closer for them.

Step 1: 238

NBME 6 baseline : 203 (ouch...)
NBME 7 after a week of reading with some questions: 207 (lol still failing very shame wow self hatred)

mostly paused for a 4 week rotation...don't think I lost any momentum or knowledge in that time luckily.

UWSA1 after ~1 week of 120 questions/day: 247
NBME 8 with 5 more days of questions: 233

So, looks like questions get the goods. 1 week left, guess I'll keep doing my thing and take UWSA2, hopefully that will be a confidence booster.

Good luck to you folks.

NBME 7: 220 (1 month ago)
UWSA 2: 245 (15 days ago)
NBME 8: 232 (10 days ago)

Our recent scores are so similar and my exam is in a week as well!!!!
 
Long time lurker looking for advice
Step 2CK in one week. I took UWSA 2 yesterday and I think it may have bee a fluke! Help should I take my exam or move back!

UWSA1: 213 4 weeks out
NBME 6: 200 2 weeks ago (it was a bad bad day)
UWSA2: 249 (one week till exam)
My goal is around > 240 I'm not looking for perfection here…

Take NBME 8
 
Congratulations. Similar stats as you hitting the same percent on my first pass with about 6 weeks to go. Were you using anything else besides Uworld? Also how did you study Uworld in your last few weeks. Thanks

I pretty much only used UWorld and read all of Step Up To Medicine (SUTM) leading up to the exam. I realized before dedicated that I needed to work on my endurance, so I did about 4 sets a day. 2 and 2 back-to-back to simulate what I would do on test day. In the afternoon, I reviewed the questions and read SUTM. I did the bare minimum and if I had extra time and hadn’t procrastinated, I would have also reviewed topics not in SUTM in another review book of choice.
 
I'm not trying to rain on the parade, but the creators of these test explicitly say that scores from different Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3 are not comparable with one another. A 250 on Step 1 is not the same as a 250 on Step 2; the score distributions are also shifted about 10 points to the right. A 250 on Step 1 is about the 85th percentile but is about the 70-75th on Step 2.

Truth. Step 1 average is ~230. Step 2 average ~242.
 
Hey everyone, found this forum very useful as I was meticulously tracking my progress so thought I would share my experience. DO student here. Just took Step II, will update as the results come in.

Step I: 230

Step II prep:
OME sprinkled in
UW First pass (throughout third year): 67%
UW Second Pass: 83%
UWSA 1 after first pass, probably 6 weeks out: 249
UWSA 2 after 2nd pass, 2 weeks out: 245

Waiting on results of step II.
 
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Take NBME 8

I also just got 245 on UWSA 2, so yeah, twinning so hard rn 🙂 test in 2 days, literally nothing to do but chill and passively flip through flashcards now. That's all I can muster anyway, I think some amount of aloofness is an asset with these things...

Thanks I'm just not sure I can take the devastation so close to the exam. May take free 120.. not really sure it means anything.

Beesknees, I think that's a totally valid feeling. Like I said, I think confidence matters a ton. Take whatever I say with many grains of salt because I'm an internet stranger, but I guess one way to think about it is whether a poor score would change your plan. Would you delay if you did poorly? Is that viable for you emotionally/logistically? If it isn't, then maybe just keep your date and trust that one score (it does seem to be at least somewhat meaningful, few on this thread have done worse than their best UWSA, and when they have they've been people scoring around 250 and the difference isnt more than 10 points. Of course this is a small sample). But, your scores do look pretty similar to me and maryjane, so it might be nice to just take it for some peace of mind, and with an entire week left, any "devastation" from doing worse than you hoped on an NBME (esp if you take it in the next few days) would motivate you to review some weak areas a bit more, with time enough for that anxiety to resolve 🙂
 
I'm 1.5 weeks into dedicated studying. I took an NBME (I think NBME 8) about 4 weeks ago while I was still on rotations. I literally took the test the day after coming back from my COMLEX PE/USMLE CS board exam --- which was my first mistake. I was so burnt out when taking it.
My baseline score (NBME 8): 213.
NOT HAPPY but I'm hopeful I can pull it up.

First pass UW: 63% -- with rotations, really rushed, NOT TIMED (TUTOR MODE ONLY)
2nd pass UW (so far - only about 20% through): 78% -- TIMED, honestly I'm pretty happy with the improvement
NBME 8: 213
UW SA #1 (going to take today): 245

GOAL: 250+


* PLANNING ON DOING UW SA #2, but not any other NBMEs.

I am really proud of my STEP 1 score (245+) and I was able to achieve that with 4 weeks of studying and starting off at a 192 before dedicated.
Since i'm starting off at 213 this time (even though the passing score is shifted higher), but HOPING for a 250+.

The reason I'm posting is, 3 questions:
1. Should I prioritize my days around UWORLD questions or UW + book review (I'm using MTB)?
2. Is it normal to feel more terrified about STEP 2 than I did for STEP 1?
3. Has anyone been in a similar boat - starting off with a ~210 and pulling it up by 40 points?

I really appreciate any wisdom you guys have!
 
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I also just got 245 on UWSA 2, so yeah, twinning so hard rn 🙂 test in 2 days, literally nothing to do but chill and passively flip through flashcards now. That's all I can muster anyway, I think some amount of aloofness is an asset with these things...



Beesknees, I think that's a totally valid feeling. Like I said, I think confidence matters a ton. Take whatever I say with many grains of salt because I'm an internet stranger, but I guess one way to think about it is whether a poor score would change your plan. Would you delay if you did poorly? Is that viable for you emotionally/logistically? If it isn't, then maybe just keep your date and trust that one score (it does seem to be at least somewhat meaningful, few on this thread have done worse than their best UWSA, and when they have they've been people scoring around 250 and the difference isnt more than 10 points. Of course this is a small sample). But, your scores do look pretty similar to me and maryjane, so it might be nice to just take it for some peace of mind, and with an entire week left, any "devastation" from doing worse than you hoped on an NBME (esp if you take it in the next few days) would motivate you to review some weak areas a bit more, with time enough for that anxiety to resolve 🙂

Y'all are keeping me sane! thanks! <3
 
lurker here, found some solace in this thread so wanted to share (in order i took them)

UWSA1= 240
NBME 6= 247
NBME 7= 225
UWSA 2= 247
NBME 8= 250

Step 2: 260

I studied for 2.5 weeks, had recently finished internal and did well on shelf so felt confident going into step 2. used the time to mostly review stuff i didn't remember from neuro/psych/OB. i did pretty well on shelfs throughout the year, mostly 80s (low and high). did UW 1x throughout 3rd year. did 85% of UW 2x in those 2.5 weeks (in retrospect, quality > quantity would be my advice to others, but i had this anxiety of needing to finish it lol so whatever gets you through the day). Felt like poop after the test because 1- its 9 hours that is just rude, 2- i thought i bombed a couple blocks. but nothing a little rosé cant get you through.

For those of you who did not score anywhere near this on step 1, i want to show you that its possible. you cant compare a 260 on step 2 to step 1, but percentile wise, i improved from a bit above average on step 1 to this score which is the 86th percentile. Work hard throughout 3rd year, take every learning opportunity, learn how to think like a test maker, see as many patients as you can, do well on shelf exams.

don't let the haters bring you down hunnies.
 
lurker here, found some solace in this thread so wanted to share (in order i took them)

UWSA1= 240
NBME 6= 247
NBME 7= 225
UWSA 2= 247
NBME 8= 250

Step 2: 260

I studied for 2.5 weeks, had recently finished internal and did well on shelf so felt confident going into step 2. used the time to mostly review stuff i didn't remember from neuro/psych/OB. i did pretty well on shelfs throughout the year, mostly 80s (low and high). did UW 1x throughout 3rd year. did 85% of UW 2x in those 2.5 weeks (in retrospect, quality > quantity would be my advice to others, but i had this anxiety of needing to finish it lol so whatever gets you through the day). Felt like poop after the test because 1- its 9 hours that is just rude, 2- i thought i bombed a couple blocks. but nothing a little rosé cant get you through.

For those of you who did not score anywhere near this on step 1, i want to show you that its possible. you cant compare a 260 on step 2 to step 1, but percentile wise, i improved from a bit above average on step 1 to this score which is the 86th percentile. Work hard throughout 3rd year, take every learning opportunity, learn how to think like a test maker, see as many patients as you can, do well on shelf exams.

don't let the haters bring you down hunnies.
How did you feel about the test walking out?
 
How did you feel about the test walking out?
So I felt okay. I had figured I felt relatively confident on like 30 (give or take a few) questions per block so I reasoned I probably passed. I kind of felt like I probably performed pretty average or below. I didn’t think I failed (although the fleeting thought did cross my mind in times of what if). I didn’t study that hard because I was pretty burnt out from 3rd year, which may have been telling that I was prepared with a good foundation from the year. But I did have moments of regret like what if I just pushed myself just a little bit harder.
Ultimately, it turned out shockingly much better than I expected. I really was expecting at or below 245. Gestalt is a real thing!

Also unlike step 1, I feel like step 2 is really a test you can reason through even when you don’t know it off the top of your head, if that is comforting to anyone
 
lurker here, found some solace in this thread so wanted to share (in order i took them)

UWSA1= 240
NBME 6= 247
NBME 7= 225
UWSA 2= 247
NBME 8= 250

Step 2: 260

I studied for 2.5 weeks, had recently finished internal and did well on shelf so felt confident going into step 2. used the time to mostly review stuff i didn't remember from neuro/psych/OB. i did pretty well on shelfs throughout the year, mostly 80s (low and high). did UW 1x throughout 3rd year. did 85% of UW 2x in those 2.5 weeks (in retrospect, quality > quantity would be my advice to others, but i had this anxiety of needing to finish it lol so whatever gets you through the day). Felt like poop after the test because 1- its 9 hours that is just rude, 2- i thought i bombed a couple blocks. but nothing a little rosé cant get you through.

For those of you who did not score anywhere near this on step 1, i want to show you that its possible. you cant compare a 260 on step 2 to step 1, but percentile wise, i improved from a bit above average on step 1 to this score which is the 86th percentile. Work hard throughout 3rd year, take every learning opportunity, learn how to think like a test maker, see as many patients as you can, do well on shelf exams.

don't let the haters bring you down hunnies.

These scores are eerily similar to mine and that actual score would be amazing. Congrats.
 
lurker here, found some solace in this thread so wanted to share (in order i took them)

UWSA1= 240
NBME 6= 247
NBME 7= 225
UWSA 2= 247
NBME 8= 250

Step 2: 260

I studied for 2.5 weeks, had recently finished internal and did well on shelf so felt confident going into step 2. used the time to mostly review stuff i didn't remember from neuro/psych/OB. i did pretty well on shelfs throughout the year, mostly 80s (low and high). did UW 1x throughout 3rd year. did 85% of UW 2x in those 2.5 weeks (in retrospect, quality > quantity would be my advice to others, but i had this anxiety of needing to finish it lol so whatever gets you through the day). Felt like poop after the test because 1- its 9 hours that is just rude, 2- i thought i bombed a couple blocks. but nothing a little rosé cant get you through.

For those of you who did not score anywhere near this on step 1, i want to show you that its possible. you cant compare a 260 on step 2 to step 1, but percentile wise, i improved from a bit above average on step 1 to this score which is the 86th percentile. Work hard throughout 3rd year, take every learning opportunity, learn how to think like a test maker, see as many patients as you can, do well on shelf exams.

don't let the haters bring you down hunnies.

Congrats and thank you so much. Anything you did during dedicated. How many blocks of Uworld did you do per day and how did you retain all the info from Uworld. Did you write down everything or use a book?
 
quick question for yall. do you think the 4th will push receiving the scores back 1 week or will they still come back in 3 wks?
 
Hey everyone! I just got back my Step 2 CK score yesterday and just wanted to share my experience. I would rank myself just above average in my class and received just above average grades on my COMSAE exams (DO version of Shelf exams), too.

Step 1: 239
-- Scored consistently in the 200-215 range on my NBMEs, but UWSA 2 undershot my score by 7 points two weeks out. Since NBMEs were not predictive of my score at all, I decided not to purchase any of them for Step 2 studying.

Step 2 CK: 249
--Finished my 1st pass of UWorld just prior to the end of 3rd year. I used my 1.5 weeks of dedicated study time between 3rd-4th and tried to do as many questions as I could on my 2nd pass of UWorld prior to the real exam.

UWSA 1: 222 (61.3%, 6 weeks out)
UWorld 1st pass: 61%
UWorld 2nd pass: 75.6% (Finished ~60% of the questions)
UWSA 2: 240 (68%, 1 week out)

I am so happy that my score improved from Step 1. If you have read the other posts in this thread, you will most likely feel miserable coming out of the exam (as I did), but be confident in yourself and stay focused. I wanted to push my Step 2 to a later date after taking UWSA 2, but I knew myself and couldn't study in the same capacity any more.

Good luck to you all on your exams!
I just got a 222 on UWSA1. Averaging a 75% on my second pass. I guess I’m trying to emulate you. And I won’t be mad if I do. I’ve got 6 more weeks left. Great score!
 
hey guys just wanted to share to calm some nerves for those who are waiting!

Step 1: 255 (6 weeks dedicated)

Step 2 prep-
-Wrapped up IM, gave myself a week to finish 300 remaining UWorld medicine questions (had completed all q except peds), and then reset. Did 1800/2400 Q as a second pass, scoring ~85%.
-Watched all of OME
-Tried to read MTB and stopped after the peds/ob section
-Ultimately gave myself 5 weeks of dedicated with me doing research 2.5 days a week

NBME 7 (4 weeks to test day): 273
UWSA 1 (2 weeks to test day): 272

Real deal: 270

During exam: Hit a section that slaughtered me and had like 10 marked in a row. I mark ones where I'm less than 50% sure. Hit another section right after that which felt horrible too. Did feel a lot less anxious during test day as compared to step 1 but did have some moments (some guy typing like a madmen directly behind me). Finished a majority of sections with 5-15 minutes left but used up every last second on 2-3. Was able to read all questions and answers in entirety.

Post test feels: Felt really ambivalent initially. As I started to remember questions, I started to feel horrible. Counted at least 10 mistakes and could honestly remember maybe 40 questions max. Felt like I blocked out everything else. Really long 2.5 weeks. I historically do much better on practice tests than I do on the real deal, so I am so ridiculously happy and surprised with my score. Like everyone says, trust your practice test scores. You'll feel like crap but it'll be fine.
 
Congrats and thank you so much. Anything you did during dedicated. How many blocks of Uworld did you do per day and how did you retain all the info from Uworld. Did you write down everything or use a book?
i would do like 4ish (maybe more) blocks per day. some on random, some on the topic i wanted to focus on. like i barely remembered OB during dedicated so i focused on doing those first and learning it again. then i did the same with neuro, same with psych. UWorld is a learning tool in my opinion, essentially a textbook and thats the way i found it most effective.
i would then make flashcards of stuff i didnt know and would review them every day (i used quizlet instead of anki, because i wanted the repetition without the algorithm and im not smart enough to change the deafult settings hahahaah) i also would handwrite a things i had trouble remembering over and over until i thought i finally got it.
again, i had recently done internal so my main focus was relearning stuff i didnt remember and then reviewing some tough topics from internal that maybe i struggled with on the shelf. i liked doing multiple questions in a row so it hammers in the point which is why i didnt do much random.
sorry that was more like a stream of consciousness but hopefully it helps!
tried MTB also, was okay. wouldnt have bought it again in retrospect. OME notes and uptodate good for quick reference.
 
How do UWorld questions compare to the real thing stylistically, difficulty, and length of stem? What kind of % are people hitting to feel good about a 260+?
 
Should be 3-4 weeks after your test.

They just released a delay that affects test takers from July 1 - mid August. Those takers will have to wait until after August 29th.
Of course only Charlie could understand this half literate question.
 
what about for people who were expecting the release this coming Wed (7/4)? do you think they'll still release scores then or push it another week?
 
what about for people who were expecting the release this coming Wed (7/4)? do you think they'll still release scores then or push it another week?

They released an announcement that no scores will be released this week. Regular reporting will resume the following week, which sucks for me ugh
 
Hey just looking for any feedback.
This site really helped me when i was feeling down for Step 1 hoping for the same honesty and encouragement. lol

I'm planning to take step 2 early Aug just in time for the match.
I've been on and off studying for a few months but really dedicated studying for the past month or so.
I did Kaplan IM qbank a few months ago and finished all the subspecs questions on UW. Haven't touched UW IM yet.
I just finished NBME 6 and I got a 205. Its very disappointing. Any advice?
I'm planning to do IM UW and OME until my exam.
I scheduled my exam first week of Aug. Should I postpone it?

Thank in advance!
And good luck to us all!
 
Hey just looking for any feedback.
This site really helped me when i was feeling down for Step 1 hoping for the same honesty and encouragement. lol

I'm planning to take step 2 early Aug just in time for the match.
I've been on and off studying for a few months but really dedicated studying for the past month or so.
I did Kaplan IM qbank a few months ago and finished all the subspecs questions on UW. Haven't touched UW IM yet.
I just finished NBME 6 and I got a 205. Its very disappointing. Any advice?
I'm planning to do IM UW and OME until my exam.
I scheduled my exam first week of Aug. Should I postpone it?

Thank in advance!
And good luck to us all!

I say youre in a good spot right now so it is hard for us to judge before you take at least 3 practice exams. Keep going, knock out UW and take another practice exam. If its still a stagnant score, then do some OME and take another one, then come back! Good luck!
 
How predictive has NBME 6 been for those who took it this year? And how do NBME scores fare compared to UW usually for Step 2? Are they lower like they tended to be for Step 1?
 
NMBE 6 : 224 (1 month ago)
NBME 7 : 226 (Today)

Ive done UW once(65%). Currently half way through my second round of UW (78%) . I've done some of the CMS forms (80-85%).
Exam in 1 month! I know NBME 7 under predicts but I'm still freaking out. HELP!!!
 
NMBE 6 : 224 (1 month ago)
NBME 7 : 226 (Today)

Ive done UW once(65%). Currently half way through my second round of UW (78%) . I've done some of the CMS forms (80-85%).
Exam in 1 month! I know NBME 7 under predicts but I'm still freaking out. HELP!!!

I have similar stats as you and a month after NBME 7 I took 8 but my score increased by 21 points. So I would recommend taking that in a couple weeks or UW1 to see where you really stand.
 
Update: 242 on USWA1 this morning! It felt really difficult, so I'm thrilled I did so well. Any recommendations for USWA2 vs NBME 8 in my last week and a half, and what to do once I finish my remaining UWorld questions?
Good stuff on the score. I would take uwsa2 since it is very closely predictive. Once you finish go over weaknesses and may be weaknesses incorrect questions.
 
Did it today. Pretty tough tbh. It's basically uworld with qs shifted to being a bit harder. A few filthy blocks with some random.diseases I never even heard of. Ran out of time on a few blocks too, ended up missing qs. Some dirty step 1 QS in there too, last block was basically a re run of step 1 with a few Mx qs. Guessing ill end up with either a low 240 or a high 230

USWSA1 249
USWS2 244
NBME 8 250 NBME 7 237
 
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