USMLE Official 2018 Step 2 CK Experiences and Scores Thread

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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!
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Long-time lurker here but figured I'd post my step experience to give others hope that you can beat a mediocre step.

UWSA1: 238
UWSA2: 239
Level 1: 695
Step 1: 225

For step 1 I used sketchy, FA, combank & uworld (x1 both) and made notes on every question I missed. I did blocks in random tutor (time is not an issue for me). I was happy with my comlex but was really disappointed with my USMLE, felt like I underperformed compared to my prep. Needless to say I was super nervous going into step 2. I did change a few things. I didn't use a single book or take a single practice test except the free 120. I listened to every audio on OME and watched most of the videos. I did blocks by subject this time (still tutor) and still took notes on things I missed plus my own outlines of OME topics I was weak on. And I took comlex first this time to get any test nerves out of the way. I thought USMLE was very vague and I felt like I was guessing on the majority of questions - maybe taking comlex helped me with that...ha! Per block: 25% gimmes, 50% toss up between 2 answers, 25% complete wild guess.

Free 120: 85%
Level 2: 702
Step 2: 261

I absolutely could not believe it when I saw it, never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would get that score. I'm still kind of in shock. I almost didn't take step 2 because I was almost convinced I would under perform again. Thankfully I was talked into it and took. Super happy since I'm going into EM and step 2 >> step 1. Trust yourself. A clear mind and even faked confidence can go a long way on test day.
 
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NBME 7: 220 (4 weeks out)
UWSA 2: 245 (2 weeks out)
NBME 8: 232 (10 days out)

Free 120: 89% (2 days out)
Step 2 CK: 244

Trust your knowledge, trust your UWSA's. Felt like absolute crap post-exam, long vignettes, 3 drug ads that I barely had enough time to navigate through, ton of ambulatory medicine. I used MTB (made my own binder with notes and supplemented with MTB 3), UWORLD (1st pass 67%) and OME esp for surgery. Best of luck!
 
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narcan't said:
Long-time lurker here but figured I'd post my step experience to give others hope that you can beat a mediocre step.

UWSA1: 238
UWSA2: 239
Level 1: 695
Step 1: 225

For step 1 I used sketchy, FA, combank & uworld (x1 both) and made notes on every question I missed. I did blocks in random tutor (time is not an issue for me). I was happy with my comlex but was really disappointed with my USMLE, felt like I underperformed compared to my prep. Needless to say I was super nervous going into step 2. I did change a few things. I didn't use a single book or take a single practice test except the free 120. I listened to every audio on OME and watched most of the videos. I did blocks by subject this time (still tutor) and still took notes on things I missed plus my own outlines of OME topics I was weak on. And I took comlex first this time to get any test nerves out of the way. I thought USMLE was very vague and I felt like I was guessing on the majority of questions - maybe taking comlex helped me with that...ha! Per block: 25% gimmes, 50% toss up between 2 answers, 25% complete wild guess.

Free 120: 85%
Level 2: 702
Step 2: 261

I absolutely could not believe it when I saw it, never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would get that score. I'm still kind of in shock. I almost didn't take step 2 because I was almost convinced I would under perform again. Thankfully I was talked into it and took. Super happy since I'm going into EM and step 2 >> step 1. Trust yourself. A clear mind and even faked confidence can go a long way on test day.
Click to expand...

Congratulations on making that jump from step 1 to step 2!
 
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FutureMD399 said:
Step 1: 222

UWSA 1 (28 days out): 224
NBME 7 (3 weeks out): 209
NBME 6 (2 weeks out): 204
NBME 8 (10 days out, taking the blocks over a span of 3 days): 230
UWSA 2 (4 days out): 232
Free 120 (2 days out): 77%
UW average before reset: 58% with ~90% complete
UW average after reset: 65% with ~60% completed in 4 weeks (towards the end was getting ~80% correct on timed random blocks)

Step 2: 245 (look at God).


I’ve never been great at the NBMEs, and taking the last one over the span of 3 days was a last ditch attempt at keeping my sanity after failing NBME 6. That being said, with everyone saying “Trust your UWSAs” I was hoping for atleast a 230 but praying for more. Never been so ecstatic and relieved to be average! I think the key (for me) was trusting my preparation, knowing that I was putting in 8-12hr days, and staying calm no matter what the practice tests were showing. The same day I got a 204 I picked back up and kept studying— I hope someone needing encouragement sees this and doesn’t give up. Keep calm on test day no matter what!! Enjoy life after, nothing you do can change the outcome. The only thing I did different between Step 1 & 2 is start UWORLD earlier and have fewer panics during dedicated time. Study hard, pray harder.
Click to expand...

God, I hope this is me in 2 weeks! We have similar UWSA scores, and I also find myself hoping for at least 230 but praying for 240+. Thanks so much for sharing! Good luck to you.
 
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Step 1: 215
Step 2: 245
UWSA1: 250s
UWSA2: 240s

I studied for 4 weeks dedicated - completed UW with ~60% 10 days out and repeated all my incorrects. (Second pass because I completed all of UW throughout the yr while studying for shelf exams but honestly barely remembered the questions on the second pass). I also did NBME offline leading up to the exam and was feeling pretty miserable getting only about 65-70% correct. On top of that I honestly did not feel any better leaving step 2 than I did step 1 and felt it was a hell of an exam. I thought for sure I was a barely pass but my prayers and studying payed off! Hang in there everyone.
 
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MCAT Avg 28-ish
STEP 1: 221
70-79 for all shelf exams except IM-2 which was 65
UWSA1: 242 (2 weeks out I think)
UWSA2: 249 (3 days out)
STEP 2: 234 (8/03)

Didn't take any NBMEs for CK; forever below average checking in. I assume I got hit with the new Qbank because my exam felt like I was playing a guessing game on all but the first block. Just happy that I didn't fail.

I did Uworld throughout MS3, about 62% correct. Finished with ample time to redo my incorrects (~900). I average about 84% on second pass. Total 5wks of dedicated. I forgot to take the free 120 questions before my exam. I used anki occasionally, and made my own notes from incorrect questions into anki cards that I didn't review.
 
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quincyfuturemd said:
I took It aug 8 and got a score back today and from previous experience I think the wed thurs fri of a given week are reported at the same time 3 weeks later. So I think reporting up until the 10th makes sense. Any date after that would be sooner than 3 weeks and I can't imagine usmle giving a score before the usual 3 week wait. Hang in there guys!
Click to expand...

Okayyy yeah that makes more sense.
Thank you!!!

Best of luck to you!
 
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quincyfuturemd said:
I took It aug 8 and got a score back today and from previous experience I think the wed thurs fri of a given week are reported at the same time 3 weeks later. So I think reporting up until the 10th makes sense. Any date after that would be sooner than 3 weeks and I can't imagine usmle giving a score before the usual 3 week wait. Hang in there guys!
Click to expand...

That makes sense. So ppl who had the exam between 8/13~8/17 will expect their results to arrive on 9/5 😀
 
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Non US IMG

Step 1- 241

UWSA 1- 254 (1 week out)
UWSA2- 254 (3 days out)
No NBME
Step 2 CK - 250 (late July)

Dedicated study approx 4 weeks. Did UWorld x 1.5 together with first aid as my only resources.
Test day- couldn't sleep at ALL the night before (same for step 1). The exam felt like a dream / nightmare , 70% guessing. I remember thinking "what have i been studying???", apart from that I can't remember one single topic. In terms of timing I had no problem.. After leaving the exam I couldn't cry because I was too tired but I certainly wanted to. I just thought "well all this money for nothing", I was completely hopeless!!
Of course the big lesson is , trust your practice tests!!!! Even though they feel muuch easier than the real deal.
I'm applying to IM.. I just hope these are enough.
 
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Feeling like absolute dogsh*t right now so posting this to lament and to give those who were disappointed a chance to commiserate. I'm obviously happy for those who did better than their practice tests but there is also a lot of people who did worse for some reason.

Step 1: 232
Average of NBMEs and UW: 255 with last practice exam days before 260+
Step 2: 248

Practice tests can over-predict and under-predict. Be prepared for both.



Sent from my iPad using SDN mobile
 
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FutureMD399 said:
Step 1: 222

UWSA 1 (28 days out): 224
NBME 7 (3 weeks out): 209
NBME 6 (2 weeks out): 204
NBME 8 (10 days out, taking the blocks over a span of 3 days): 230
UWSA 2 (4 days out): 232
Free 120 (2 days out): 77%
UW average before reset: 58% with ~90% complete
UW average after reset: 65% with ~60% completed in 4 weeks (towards the end was getting ~80% correct on timed random blocks)

Step 2: 245 (look at God).


I’ve never been great at the NBMEs, and taking the last one over the span of 3 days was a last ditch attempt at keeping my sanity after failing NBME 6. That being said, with everyone saying “Trust your UWSAs” I was hoping for atleast a 230 but praying for more. Never been so ecstatic and relieved to be average! I think the key (for me) was trusting my preparation, knowing that I was putting in 8-12hr days, and staying calm no matter what the practice tests were showing. The same day I got a 204 I picked back up and kept studying— I hope someone needing encouragement sees this and doesn’t give up. Keep calm on test day no matter what!! Enjoy life after, nothing you do can change the outcome. The only thing I did different between Step 1 & 2 is start UWORLD earlier and have fewer panics during dedicated time. Study hard, pray harder.
Click to expand...
Have had a similar run as you.
Nbme 6 was a 196 (2.5 months ago)
Uwsa1 was a 222( 1 week after nbme6)

Taking uwsa2 4 days before the exam. Hoping to score 240+
 
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Patient has perforated ulcer, BP 90/60... Which answer should I be choosing?
IV fuilds or emergency laparotomy

IV fluids right?
 
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Some of you may remember me...
UWSA1: 209
UWSA2: 213
NBME 8: 213

Step 2: 243

Still can’t believe it! Everyone rightfully told me to delay but I had to just take it and hope for the best! Majority of shelfs were also well below average. Never ever thought I would or could get this score.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
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itmeusmle said:
Patient has perforated ulcer, BP 90/60... Which answer should I be choosing?
IV fuilds or emergency laparotomy

IV fluids right?
Click to expand...
It depends on the question:
- best next step might be IVF
- management is regarding EMG lap b/c even with IVF patient will be bleeding inside peritoneum....
 
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mymembernames said:
Some of you may remember me...
UWSA1: 209
UWSA2: 213
NBME 8: 213

Step 2: 243

Still can’t believe it! Everyone rightfully told me to delay but I had to just take it and hope for the best! Majority of shelfs were also well below average. Never ever thought I would or could get this score.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...

Congrats score twin!
 
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mymembernames said:
Some of you may remember me...
UWSA1: 209
UWSA2: 213
NBME 8: 213

Step 2: 243

Still can’t believe it! Everyone rightfully told me to delay but I had to just take it and hope for the best! Majority of shelfs were also well below average. Never ever thought I would or could get this score.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...
Wow congrats!!! How? How did the exam feel to get this surprise. How far out did you take UWSA 1, 2 and NBME 8 ?
 
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Step 1: 222
Level 1: 634

NBME 8 (4 weeks out): 215 (shookith)
UWSA 1 (3 weeks out): 257 (was unshookith)
UWSA 2 (2 weeks out): 244

Step 2: 247 (goal was 245)
Level 2: 728

Can't complain! Happy with my step 2/level 2 results, stoked about the score jump for USMLE. Cheers all.
 
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sss2g2 said:
Wow congrats!!! How? How did the exam feel to get this surprise. How far out did you take UWSA 1, 2 and NBME 8 ?
Click to expand...

Thank you so much! I’m shocked and never expected this score. I felt horrible during and after the test. Barely finished each section and guessed on many and even remember changing a couple from correct to incorrect. I’ve never been good at these exams and did horrible on step 1. Coming out and for the past month I kept telling myself I should have delayed and still can’t believe the score I got.
UWSA2 was taken like 3-4 days before the real deal and NBME 8 like a week before. Free 120 score was 80%. I really wish I could say how I got this score, but don’t know. Perhaps, the questions asked things that I was more familiar with but it didn’t feel that way during the test at all!


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
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IMG.
Step1: 210
NBME 6 (baseline): 238
UWSA1: 262
UWSA2: 260
Step 2ck: 238
Devastated.
Hope can still make IM (i dont think so)

Best of luck everyone. I guess I'm the odd one out, as always...
 
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PhantomA said:
IMG.
Step1: 210
NBME 6 (baseline): 238
UWSA1: 262
UWSA2: 260
Step 2ck: 238
Devastated.
Hope can still make IM (i dont think so)

Best of luck everyone. I guess I'm the odd one out, as always...
Click to expand...

That's still a decent score.
Maybe you were just having an off day or you let the nerves get the best of you.

I'm an IMG too and we obviously have a much higher hurdle to jump. Best thing to do is stay positive!
Apply all over and to as many programs as you can especially look into major cities and those areas AMG stay away from (Bronx, Harlem, Baltimore, etc). Also add as much as you can to your CV. Make sure to have USCE and great LORs!
 
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PhantomA said:
IMG.
Step1: 210
NBME 6 (baseline): 238
UWSA1: 262
UWSA2: 260
Step 2ck: 238
Devastated.
Hope can still make IM (i dont think so)

Best of luck everyone. I guess I'm the odd one out, as always...
Click to expand...

That’s a big jump from your step 1. You helped your application a lot with ck imo.
 
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eslimedina87 said:
It depends on the question:
- best next step might be IVF
- management is regarding EMG lap b/c even with IVF patient will be bleeding inside peritoneum....
Click to expand...

Yep. Be careful on what theyre asking. Answer could change depending on if they ask “next best step”or “management”
 
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Non-US IMG
Step 1: 239
USWA 1: 254
USWA 2: 244
Step 2 CK: 243

Mixed feelings towards my score. I felt the exam was horrible much like everyone here and I had no idea if I would even get a 220. On the other hand, I had a goal of 245+. But I won't complain. Hoping to match into IM this year with 4 US LoRs.
 
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Hi there. Long time lurker here:

Step 1: 260
Step 2 study time 5 months, dedicated: 8 wks
Baseline NBME 6 : 236
UW mixed-timed 1st and only pass : 77%
UWSA1:271
UWSA2:258
STEP 2 CK :272

I had a super difficult step 1 exam so I was mentally prepared for this exam. Just clicked the answers and never looked back. I had only 1-2 minutes at the end of each block. Only used UW and omeded at thebeginning,, not in dedicated time.Best of luck to all of you and a big thank you to the guys posting their experience in this thread.
 
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Ok guys, scheduling permit just disappeared! I don’t have the option to click on the permit anymore. Anyone else had the same thing happen? Literally just disappeared now, I have been checking all day...
 
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Army guy said:
Well guys, got my score back today as well. Waited till I finished floors before checking. Relieved that I didn't fail that thing and won't have the take it again.
Drop in terms of percentile from step 1 to 2, but hopefully it wont affect me. Planning to do IM.
Step 1: 250-255. Step 2: 250-255.
Level 1: 700-720. Level 2: 750-800
Shelves were in the 95-99th percentiles (minus Ob; which coincidentally was my lowest on step lol), wish I could've translated that into step, but oh welllllllll.
Just did OME and Uworld. UWSAs mostly in the 260s. And I did dabble into 800 questions of Amboss in the 5 days leading to step; which I kind of regret because it killed my confidence.
Click to expand...
Well done. Would recommend OME then? Thanks.
 
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MigAl said:
Ok guys, scheduling permit just disappeared! I don’t have the option to click on the permit anymore. Anyone else had the same thing happen? Literally just disappeared now, I have been checking all day...
Click to expand...

Happened to me last Saturday! Should get your score this Wednesday!
 
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NBME 7: 220
Free 120: 75%
UWSA-1: 230 (2 weeks before exam)
UWSA-2: 240 (4 days before exam)
STEP 2 CK: ?

Took it Saturday and felt like complete shyt after leaving. Most of the questions appeared to have 2-3 CORRECT answer choices. I looked up the answer to questions as I remember them and its been a hit or miss so far. Many questions I've had to read in peer-reviewed journals regarding that topic because I have NEVER seen it in practice questions; nothing remotely close. I really don't understand why they feel these are fair questions to ask at this point in our studies.
 
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bluemagik5 said:
NBME 7: 220
Free 120: 75%
UWSA-1: 230 (2 weeks before exam)
UWSA-2: 240 (4 days before exam)
STEP 2 CK: ?

Took it Saturday and felt like complete shyt after leaving. Most of the questions appeared to have 2-3 CORRECT answer choices. I looked up the answer to questions as I remember them and its been a hit or miss so far. Many questions I've had to read in peer-reviewed journals regarding that topic because I have NEVER seen it in practice questions; nothing remotely close. I really don't understand why they feel these are fair questions to ask at this point in our studies.
Click to expand...
I felt the same way! Waiting on results this week...
 
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