Official 2019 Step 2 CK Experiences and Scores Thread

[curiousmind8]

Please, limit your posts and questions to only CK exam experience related. It's hard for others to go through so many unrelated posts to finally a post about CK exam.

Thank you very much to all those who share their experience with everyone.

Best of luck!

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[Aripiprazole3]

It is a minor red flag for some elite programs. They want to see a STEP2CK score at least at the level of a STEP1 score because percentile wise, that is still giving leeway to drop.

For example, I scored a 247 on STEP1 and that is 82nd percentile. My 261 on STEP2CK is 85th percentile (just how the distribution skew is, insofar as it isn't entirely normal). That's barely a difference. So a drop of 9 points between STEP1 and STEP2CK means you dropped quite a few percentiles. Now, if you honored your rotations, they will assume you did well on shelves and that you just had a bad day, especially coupled with your strong STEP1. But it is still a minor red flag. Hope that helps.

Thank you so much for your detailed reply. I’m actually a Non-Us IMG(GC holder), so I don’t think my rotations matter a lot (although I honored almost all of them). I’m not planning to apply to very competitive programs, so I hope it won’t affect my overall application. But I’m aware of the percentile drop and it really sucks

 

[bds2011]

Hey all! I gave my Step 1 in late April (250+), CS in mid May (awaiting results) and am now studying for CK. Would I be able to apply for the match this year if I give CK mid August- like around the 15th/16th of August? I am an IMG with a GC. Graduated last year. I know it takes at least 3 weeks for the results to come out and at least 2 weeks for the ECFMG certification to come in so I probably won't be ECFMG certified after 15th September

 

[doctororsomething]

Hey everyone. I don't know what to make of my scores and I'm hoping for some advice. Currently on second pass of UW about 70% complete with an avg score of 83%. First pass was 60% (did question's without any content review).

Took the free120 at prometric at the beginning of my dedicated over three weeks ago and scored 79%. (95/120)
Took UWSA1 last week and scored a 224 (ran out of time on every block)
Took UWSA2 today and scored 215 (ran out of time again)

I've been doing 3-4 blocks of UW every day and going over them. I feel like I'm learning the material and my percentages have been going up. I don't know what to make of my scores. I thought the UWSA's were very difficult for some reason. I'm either regressing or the UWSA's were just too hard for me. My test is scheduled for next week and I'm concerned because I've seen many people score way below their UWSA's. Any thoughts?

People do typically have a lower score on UWorld assessment 2. Are you doing your blocks timed? Also how many questions were you unable to answer because you ran out of time?

 

[Appimg]

Fellowships depend on your base splty , for example radiation onco and radiology fellowships are easier to get and dont require us residency for intake

Thank you for your kind reply!!

 

[Appimg]

Hi
Does anybody can confirm if the FIRST AID CS 6th edition is the newest one or there is a newer one?
Thanks

 

[doctororsomething]

Thanks for the reply! Yup when I do UW blocks I always do them timed and finish them right on time or with maybe a minute at most to spare unfortunately. On UWSA2 which I took today, I was unable to answer 3-4 q's per block and had to guess "C" on those. I thought the UWSA's were hard and had questions/presentations that made me feel very uncomfortable which forced me to spend an excessive amount of time on those particular q's (big mistake on my part)

Yeah, when I was studying I gave myself a time limit. If I hit 90 seconds on a questions and felt like I wasn’t close to an answer I would make an educated guess and come back to it if I had time. You don’t want 1 hard question to cost you 4 easy questions. That adds up. Also take a look back and ask you if one topic is hurting you more than others. You may just have a few weak areas that are dragging down your whole score. The most important thing to figure out is if you score is suffering from poor test taking skills or if you have genuine weaknesses that need to be addressed.

 

[doctororsomething]

Hi
Does anybody can confirm if the FIRST AID CS 6th edition is the newest one or there is a newer one?
Thanks

That is the latest and greatest.

 

[Appimg]

That is the latest and greatest.

THANK YOU!!!

 

[deleted972898]

NBME 6-226 2 weeks ago
UWSA1-235 last week
UWSA2-238 Saturday
NBME 7-236 Yesterday
Exam is on the 29th and have about 40% of uworld left. Other than finish that, what can I possibly do to jump over the 240 hump I can't seem to cross? I'm purely doing uworld for studying with some OME biostats. Just need some anxiety destroying advice

 

[muhammadkhan]

UWORLD 77%
UWSA1-254
Actual score 245
hello everyone.i took my step 2 ck exam on 23rd may 2019.I am an old graduate and graduated 8 years back. i have yet to take usmle step 1.I am wondering what score i should aim for in usmle step 1 to have a good chance for getting a Match.My preferred specialities are medicine and Radiology.I have completed my radiology fellowship training in my home country.Any advice will be much appreciated.
thank you

 

[Ryan1892]

UWORLD 77%
UWSA1-254
Actual score 245
hello everyone.i took my step 2 ck exam on 23rd may 2019.I am an old graduate and graduated 8 years back. i have yet to take usmle step 1.I am wondering what score i should aim for in usmle step 1 to have a good chance for getting a Match.My preferred specialities are medicine and Radiology.I have completed my radiology fellowship training in my home country.Any advice will be much appreciated.
thank you

Apply for the alternate pathway instead of doing a radiology residency again , check out the link - ABR
University of washington, seattle , university of south florida and ohio state university as per my knowledge offer this pathway. You dont need high scores , just passing is sufficient. All the Best

 

[muhammadkhan]

Apply for the alternate pathway instead of doing a radiology residency again , check out the link - ABR
University of washington, seattle , university of south florida and ohio state university as per my knowledge offer this pathway. You dont need high scores , just passing is sufficient. All the Best

Thank you for the advice
i know about the alternate pathway for fellowship but i have heard it is difficult because of the limited vacancies and you need connections but i will surely try for this pathway
i want to learn is it possible for an old graduate to get into radiology residency ?
my score in step 2 ck is 245 and i have yet to take step 1

 

[Ryan1892]

Thank you for the advice
i know about the alternate pathway for fellowship but i have heard it is difficult because of the limited vacancies and you need connections but i will surely try for this pathway
i want to learn is it possible for an old graduate to get into radiology residency ?
my score in step 2 ck is 245 and i have yet to take step 1

You can contact the mentioned hospitals, its a single application for the 4 yr pathway atleast in U of W and USF. I know colleagues who are doing it in two of the three hospitals. I am sure other hospitals too will offer it if you take 2 yrs or more of nuclear medicine like UT Southwestern, Vanderbilt etc cuz many dont go for nm fellowships. Contact all the major hospitals who have multiple fellowships , some will ask you to apply for each individual year which you may in advance once you have your ECFMG certification. At the end of the day they will offer it because it is cheaper than hiring a consultant and usually the non accredited fellowships may go unfilled till the end.
Yes you can get radiology residency with the mentioned scores obv for next academic yr , radiology isn't the most in demand splty like a few yrs back, you can opt for a year or two in research if you don't get an offer immediately. I am confident the alternate pathway will work out.
Attend the major radiology conferences like RSNA, ARRS etc and meet ppl. The only caveat with the alternate pathway is they will offer a J1 visa. But you ll get a waiver job in most of the central states.
In the meanwhile make sure you get some Nuclear medicine experience or rotations this year or so , it will be helpful while applying for NM fellowships which is mandatory for the ABR.
DM me if you need any other help.

p.s I have an offer for the ABR pathway for next yr and I have done only cs and will be giving ck next month so its not that difficult or impossible. I am 8 yrs post graduation so similar to you.

 

[Appimg]

You can contact the mentioned hospitals, its a single application for the 4 yr pathway atleast in U of W and USF. I know colleagues who are doing it in two of the three hospitals. I am sure other hospitals too will offer it if you take 2 yrs or more of nuclear medicine like UT Southwestern, Vanderbilt etc cuz many dont go for nm fellowships. Contact all the major hospitals who have multiple fellowships , some will ask you to apply for each individual year which you may in advance once you have your ECFMG certification. At the end of the day they will offer it because it is cheaper than hiring a consultant and usually the non accredited fellowships may go unfilled till the end.
Yes you can get radiology residency with the mentioned scores obv for next academic yr , radiology isn't the most in demand splty like a few yrs back, you can opt for a year or two in research if you don't get an offer immediately. I am confident the alternate pathway will work out.
Attend the major radiology conferences like RSNA, ARRS etc and meet ppl. The only caveat with the alternate pathway is they will offer a J1 visa. But you ll get a waiver job in most of the central states.
In the meanwhile make sure you get some Nuclear medicine experience or rotations this year or so , it will be helpful while applying for NM fellowships which is mandatory for the ABR.
DM me if you need any other help.

p.s I have an offer for the ABR pathway for next yr and I have done only cs and will be giving ck next month so its not that difficult or impossible. I am 8 yrs post graduation so similar to you.

Do you have any idea about opportunities in Puerto Rico for IMG (latino) who is already a specialist and just passed the step 1 and step 2 ck with low scores (195 and 211, first time)? CS not yet
I mean option for a fellowship in some neurosurgery area?

 

[Ryan1892]

u

Do you have any idea about opportunities in Puerto Rico for IMG (latino) who is already a specialist and just passed the step 1 and step 2 ck with low scores (195 and 211, first time)? CS not yet
I mean option for a fellowship in some neurosurgery area?

unfortunately i dont as its more of a clinical branch with patient care interaction etc compared to rad.. The reason they have the alternate pathway for rad is cuz there is a shortage of rads in usa and its more of a non clinical branch. I would suggest you to contact various program directors , just email as many as you can with cv scores and what you are looking for. IR is now a separate residency maybe they will accept someone with prior surgical training. Though highly unlikely ( or a non radiologist) the IR fellowship program goes vacant at Boston childrens hospital almost all the time you can check with them.
the worst case scenario for an IMG of your specialty but commonly taken is doing research in the same splty you would like to apply in later , though a long process but may help in the end goal. Research may not be mandatory to publish 20 30 articles but it will help in getting the all important us lors and networking.

all the best.

 

[Appimg]

u

unfortunately i dont as its more of a clinical branch with patient care interaction etc compared to rad.. The reason they have the alternate pathway for rad is cuz there is a shortage of rads in usa and its more of a non clinical branch. I would suggest you to contact various program directors , just email as many as you can with cv scores and what you are looking for. IR is now a separate residency maybe they will accept someone with prior surgical training. Though highly unlikely ( or a non radiologist) the IR fellowship program goes vacant at Boston childrens hospital almost all the time you can check with them.
the worst case scenario for an IMG of your specialty but commonly taken is doing research in the same splty you would like to apply in later , though a long process but may help in the end goal. Research may not be mandatory to publish 20 30 articles but it will help in getting the all important us lors and networking.

all the best.

Thank you for your reply!! Just one more question: What do you mean with "IR"?

 

[doctororsomething]

Scores should be coming out tomorrow at 11 ET?

 

[doctororsomething]

Thank you for your reply!! Just one more question: What do you mean with "IR"?

Interventional radiology

 

[Appimg]

Interventional radiology

Great!
Thanks a lot!!

 

[wishfuldoctor]

I took step 2 CK on 6/11, taking Level 2 on 6/17. I wanted to post on my experience for the peeps out there that are not 260+ or 90% on-my-first-pass

Step 1: 218
Level 1: 616

Interest: EM residency

Did decent on comsaes (shelf exams) throughout the year, avg 110 ish
Started prep in beginning of April with a dedicated 3.5 weeks off, plus 2 weeks of studying and working during my third year EM elective rotation

Baseline NBME 6: 203
UWSA 1 (10 days later): 241
NBME 8 (7 days later): 224
NBME 7 (15 days later): 245
UWSA 2 (4 days later): 243
Practice Session @ Testing Center, 2 days before actual exam: 83%

The test day itself was as I expected, great energy in the morning and got through 2 blocks without a break, then slowly started to run out of energy. During the second half I took breaks between each block, mostly to grab a snack, stretch, and stop staring at the screen for a bit. I came out just like most of us do, remembering stupid questions that I should have gotten right. I feel I took a hit with how many step 1 questions I had on my test, because I am just not a rote memorizer. Also felt like I took a hit on statistics, forgot certain formulas, etc and it's just not my strength overall. I am hopeful that I at least got in the 230's but also reminding myself that this is a test score and that people have matched with non-250 scores in the past.

I will post my 2CK when it comes out. Just wanted to provide something relatable for all of you reading "only got a 250, disappointment" posts like myself and cringing, haha. No offense to you high scoring folks out there, I commend you, but I have trouble relating.

hey how was level 2 for you?

 

[Stephanopolous]

hey how was level 2 for you?

Felt easier than step 2 but my OMM q's were hard and there was a lot of stats

 

[whydididothistomyself]

So I took Step 2 yesterday...
The length of the test got to me. My endurance is definitely not as strong as it was for Step 1. I am almost certain I made many dumb mistakes because of "fog brain". I also overthought easy answers and am kicking myself for it now.. seriously cannot stop thinking about all the questions I got wrong.
Hopefully in the grand scheme of things it won't knock me down too much...
I'll let you guys know the verdict on that.

It felt a lot like UW. But I was really annoyed with how many Step 1 style questions I got because I DID NOT prepare for that at all. Like histology findings on lung biopsies... okay cool dude. But overall, I do have to say the exam was fair. I didn't walk out feeling like I was under-prepared for the exam in its entirety. All I did was UWorld questions and occasionally referred back to First Aid or Sketchy Micro for basics I had forgotten.

First round of UWorld my average was whatever the average is for it. I kinda half-assed that one tbh.
Second pass of UWorld I did all random, either tutor or timed, and ended up with 84%

NBME 8 (took a few months out just to see my base): 222
NBME 7 (1 month out): 245
UW1 (2 weeks out): 252
UW2 (5 days out): 257
Free 120 (2 days out): 88%

Step 1: 246
Step 2: ???

P.S. I didn't really study much more than the day before my shelf exams, so I am of no help there. But I can definitely say it would've helped me tremendously to have that base going into my whopping 9 days of dedicated. But I did my best to study as much as I could on my last rotation because I knew I had so little time for dedicated.

Praying for >250

 

[train2]

So I took Step 2 yesterday...
The length of the test got to me. My endurance is definitely not as strong as it was for Step 1. I am almost certain I made many dumb mistakes because of "fog brain". I also overthought easy answers and am kicking myself for it now.. seriously cannot stop thinking about all the questions I got wrong.
Hopefully in the grand scheme of things it won't knock me down too much...
I'll let you guys know the verdict on that.

It felt a lot like UW. But I was really annoyed with how many Step 1 style questions I got because I DID NOT prepare for that at all. Like histology findings on lung biopsies... okay cool dude. But overall, I do have to say the exam was fair. I didn't walk out feeling like I was under-prepared for the exam in its entirety. All I did was UWorld questions and occasionally referred back to First Aid or Sketchy Micro for basics I had forgotten.

First round of UWorld my average was whatever the average is for it. I kinda half-assed that one tbh.
Second pass of UWorld I did all random, either tutor or timed, and ended up with 84%

NBME 8 (took a few months out just to see my base): 222
NBME 7 (1 month out): 245
UW1 (2 weeks out): 252
UW2 (5 days out): 257
Free 120 (2 days out): 88%

Step 1: 246
Step 2: ???

P.S. I didn't really study much more than the day before my shelf exams, so I am of no help there. But I can definitely say it would've helped me tremendously to have that base going into my whopping 9 days of dedicated. But I did my best to study as much as I could on my last rotation because I knew I had so little time for dedicated.

Praying for >250

U got this my dude

 

[muhammadkhan]

You can contact the mentioned hospitals, its a single application for the 4 yr pathway atleast in U of W and USF. I know colleagues who are doing it in two of the three hospitals. I am sure other hospitals too will offer it if you take 2 yrs or more of nuclear medicine like UT Southwestern, Vanderbilt etc cuz many dont go for nm fellowships. Contact all the major hospitals who have multiple fellowships , some will ask you to apply for each individual year which you may in advance once you have your ECFMG certification. At the end of the day they will offer it because it is cheaper than hiring a consultant and usually the non accredited fellowships may go unfilled till the end.
Yes you can get radiology residency with the mentioned scores obv for next academic yr , radiology isn't the most in demand splty like a few yrs back, you can opt for a year or two in research if you don't get an offer immediately. I am confident the alternate pathway will work out.
Attend the major radiology conferences like RSNA, ARRS etc and meet ppl. The only caveat with the alternate pathway is they will offer a J1 visa. But you ll get a waiver job in most of the central states.
In the meanwhile make sure you get some Nuclear medicine experience or rotations this year or so , it will be helpful while applying for NM fellowships which is mandatory for the ABR.
DM me if you need any other help.

p.s I have an offer for the ABR pathway for next yr and I have done only cs and will be giving ck next month so its not that difficult or impossible. I am 8 yrs post graduation so similar to you.

I will surely stay in touch
i am really thankful for taking out the time for such a detailed and wonderful advice.

 

[ciestar]

Okay, my test was hard. The consensus it was most like shelf exam questions is pretty spot on with some major curveballs occasionally.

NBME 6 224 - 4 weeks out
UWSA1 247 - 1 week out
UWSA2 245 - 1 day out (this was dumb lol)
Shelf exams 70-90 range
UWorld average was around a 77%, but i am a lazy studier and i only finished 75% of UWorld first pass

Clerkships: 1 pass, 3 high pass, 2 honors

I felt awful before, during, and after the test. I always have test anxiety... barely slept the night before (maybe 4 hours). I got caught in some major traffic getting to the test center which stressed me out. So, I didn’t get a chance to stop at Wawa for a bagel. So there’s that component.

So after block 2, I left and drove to Wawa for a hoagie, water, and a couple protein bars. This helped my brain function a bit better. I took frequent breaks between sections because my bladder hates me.

The very last block I was running out of steam. I answered all questions I could rationalize quickly but I had to take complete guesses on a couple.

Anyway, I am happy to report it wasn’t the bad score I was expecting.

Real Deal: 245

To be honest, I am shocked. I am ecstatic. I couldn’t be more pleased.

...hindsight telling me if I would have slept and maybe not taken UWSA2 the day before AND finished UWorld it could have been higher. But I cannot change that.

I got a 211 on Step 1. Soo, that is what they call major improvement.

 

[vernhart]

Okay, my test was hard. The consensus it was most like shelf exam questions is pretty spot on with some major curveballs occasionally.

NBME 6 224 - 4 weeks out
UWSA1 247 - 1 week out
UWSA2 245 - 1 day out (this was dumb lol)
Shelf exams 70-90 range
UWorld average was around a 77%, but i am a lazy studier and i only finished 75% of UWorld first pass

Clerkships: 1 pass, 3 high pass, 2 honors

I felt awful before, during, and after the test. I always have test anxiety... barely slept the night before (maybe 4 hours). I got caught in some major traffic getting to the test center which stressed me out. So, I didn’t get a chance to stop at Wawa for a bagel. So there’s that component.

So after block 2, I left and drove to Wawa for a hoagie, water, and a couple protein bars. This helped my brain function a bit better. I took frequent breaks between sections because my bladder hates me.

The very last block I was running out of steam. I answered all questions I could rationalize quickly but I had to take complete guesses on a couple.

Anyway, I am happy to report it wasn’t the bad score I was expecting.

Real Deal: 245

To be honest, I am shocked. I am ecstatic. I couldn’t be more pleased.

...hindsight telling me if I would have slept and maybe not taken UWSA2 the day before AND finished UWorld it could have been higher. But I cannot change that.

I got a 211 on Step 1. Soo, that is what they call major improvement.

Dang dude/dudette. Tough to read bc sounds like my exact story except I scored 10 points lower on the real deal than on UWSA2 (taken the day before). Guess it wasn't in the cards for me, but I'm happy for you that it didn't turn out as bad as it felt!

 

[super_mom]

Okay, my test was hard. The consensus it was most like shelf exam questions is pretty spot on with some major curveballs occasionally.

NBME 6 224 - 4 weeks out
UWSA1 247 - 1 week out
UWSA2 245 - 1 day out (this was dumb lol)
Shelf exams 70-90 range
UWorld average was around a 77%, but i am a lazy studier and i only finished 75% of UWorld first pass

Clerkships: 1 pass, 3 high pass, 2 honors

I felt awful before, during, and after the test. I always have test anxiety... barely slept the night before (maybe 4 hours). I got caught in some major traffic getting to the test center which stressed me out. So, I didn’t get a chance to stop at Wawa for a bagel. So there’s that component.

So after block 2, I left and drove to Wawa for a hoagie, water, and a couple protein bars. This helped my brain function a bit better. I took frequent breaks between sections because my bladder hates me.

The very last block I was running out of steam. I answered all questions I could rationalize quickly but I had to take complete guesses on a couple.

Anyway, I am happy to report it wasn’t the bad score I was expecting.

Real Deal: 245

To be honest, I am shocked. I am ecstatic. I couldn’t be more pleased.

...hindsight telling me if I would have slept and maybe not taken UWSA2 the day before AND finished UWorld it could have been higher. But I cannot change that.

I got a 211 on Step 1. Soo, that is what they call major improvement.

Wow congratulations on your score you just motivated me. I have done 65 percent of uworld so far and majority of OME videos. I plan to take my first UW assessment next month. But I really have bad bad exam anxiety and always feel I don’t go great on standardized exams.

Pls can you tell me what resources you used in studying and how long you studied for. Did you take notes while studying because I tried taking notes but it was slowing me down too much so I stoped and just highlight and take pictures of algorithms.

Also how many times where able to go thru uworld questions.I have a low step 1 score like u a 209 and plan on taking the exam 1st week of August.

 

[doctororsomething]

NBME 8: Mid 250s (4 days out)
UWSA 1: Low 260s (3 days out)
UWSA 2: 252-254 (2 days out)
Real Deal Step 2 CK: Low 260s

Sorry. Cannot remember my practice scores exactly. The biggest thing for me was doing three practice test 3 days in a row to practice testing with significant mental fatigue. My last day I just reviewed biostats in FA Step 1 and took it easy.

For studying:

1. Watched OME videos for OB/Gyn and took some notes.
2. Reset UWorld at the beginning of dedicated and did all of the questions on random and timed
3. I did not redo missed questions
4. I did reread Pestana's surgery notes (Did not spend a ton of time reading or take any detailed notes)
5. Finished Zanki Step 2 and matured about 75-80 percent of the deck. I started Zanki about 6 weeks before dedicated and I really think this was the key to me doing well.

 

[ciestar]

Wow congratulations on your score you just motivated me. I have done 65 percent of uworld so far and majority of OME videos. I plan to take my first UW assessment next month. But I really have bad bad exam anxiety and always feel I don’t go great on standardized exams.

Pls can you tell me what resources you used in studying and how long you studied for. Did you take notes while studying because I tried taking notes but it was slowing me down too much so I stoped and just highlight and take pictures of algorithms.

Also how many times where able to go thru uworld questions.I have a low step 1 score like u a 209 and plan on taking the exam 1st week of August.

I was only able to get through 75% of my first pass of UWorld, unfortunately. I had been using Zanki all along which I feel helps. I also tank on standardized exams, as I get major anxiety too.

But how I studied:
UWorld was my foundation. I also used Zanki through almost all of my rotations. I also used OME and targeted the subject videos that my score report on NBME 6 said I was weakest in. (So, mostly endocrine, neuro, and cardio). I used Step Up to Medicine and Master the Boards CK for supplement on things I really wasn't sure of.
I studied for about 3.5 weeks.
I do not take notes while studying because I get too caught up in the details and feel the need to write down EVERYTHING.

I also have to say don't underestimate the value of your shelf exams. I did pretty well on all my shelfs and I found the exam to be more similar to the shelf exams in style.

I also took half an Ativan during my exam because I needed to tone down my anxiety.

 

[super_mom]

I was only able to get through 75% of my first pass of UWorld, unfortunately. I had been using Zanki all along which I feel helps. I also tank on standardized exams, as I get major anxiety too.

But how I studied:
UWorld was my foundation. I also used Zanki through almost all of my rotations. I also used OME and targeted the subject videos that my score report on NBME 6 said I was weakest in. (So, mostly endocrine, neuro, and cardio). I used Step Up to Medicine and Master the Boards CK for supplement on things I really wasn't sure of.
I studied for about 3.5 weeks.
I do not take notes while studying because I get too caught up in the details and feel the need to write down EVERYTHING.

I also have to say don't underestimate the value of your shelf exams. I did pretty well on all my shelfs and I found the exam to be more similar to the shelf exams in style.

I also took half an Ativan during my exam because I needed to tone down my anxiety.

Thank you so much

 

[Mkandil]

Salam everyone
I got my score a while ago and I decided to do a little write up to give back to this forum
MY NUMBERS:

• Step 1: 236 (3 years ago)
• Step2: 248
• UWorld overall % 2nd run: 94% (the first run was offline)
• AMBOSS overall %: 84%
• UWSA2: 253 (5 months prior to the test)
• UWSA1: I decided not to take it
• NBME 8 (offline 20 mistakes - 6 months prior to the test)
• NBME 7 (offline 25 mistakes - 7 months prior to the test)
• NBME 6, 4 (offline 11-12 mistakes each - 9 months prior to the test)
• • CMS (got 5-7 mistakes per block - 8-9 months prior to the test)

EXAM EXPERIENCE:

• Didn't sleep for 48 hours before the test. Popped 0.25 mg Alprazolam at 2 am, but it didn't help or harm me. Did the entire test while fasting during the month of Ramadan (no food or water). The last meal/sip of water I had before the test was 9 hours prior.
• I usually get VERY ANXIOUS before test, but I thought I can handle it this time, little did I know. I couldn't control my anxiety and that was my biggest mistake I guess. I kept studying until 1 am and spent the rest of the night worried in bed.
• In the morning I decided I'm gonna push the test back. I packed my stuff, left the hotel, and when I'm about to get in my Uber I said **** IT. I'm gonna take this test no matter what.
• Going into the test room, I felt my head is heavy. My mind was clouded and foggy and I didn't feel I was in my normal state of mind. There were a lot of questions that I got wrong because I knew the answer but couldn't get access to it during the test.
• The first block was not that hard which motivated me a lot. The second one however was very confusing.
• Since I was fasting I wasn't gonna eat or drink or probably need the bathroom I didn't feel I'm gonna need my break time that much. This is how I organized my breaks: first 2 blocks then break for 3 minutes. Afterwards I took few minutes after each block except for the one I needed to pray Zuhur. I found myself left with 20 minutes before the last block which I used to relax and curse the NBME for doing this to us.
• I got some tough blocks and some easy ones. I finished every block just on time despite training myself to finish with at least 5 minutes left. I marked at least 15/block except the second block where I marked around 30 questions. I didn't have time to review the marked questions so the hell with that. Blindly checked the abstract questions out of frustration (not due to time constraints.) Actually the blocks with abstracts were slightly easier than the rest. The Last block felt like swimming in sand, but managed to finish on time with the help of God.
• I felt the exam is 30% knowledge and 70% thinking/test-taking skills. The questions were either short and vague or weird and long with clues strategically buried like a needle in a haystack. The answer choices were also weird (like the NBMEs). There were some super easy questions as well which make think like where's the catch? how are they tricking me in this question?
• Felt like garbage going out, but I was relieved that the hell is over. I counted at least 50 questions that I got wrong without even checking my notes. I made some really dumb mistakes that I think I would not have done if I were more relaxed.
• I felt kinda blunt and stoic afterwords and I was expecting a score in the 230's or even 220's.

RESOURCES:

• I did UWorld x2.5 times. The last time I had access to UWorld was October 2018. So I didn't have access to the new questions and I depended on my friends to provide me with the tough ones among them.
• I supplemented with Kaplan qbank, UWorld 3, and AMBOSS which I believe were a waste of time. I got like 2 questions from each qbank which I could have gotten right anyway. Don't feel pressured to do these qbanks at all.
• You can do kaplan and amboss if you have time and want to see more questions, but I don't recommend doing UWorld 3. UWorld 3 is actually easier than 2. The questions are shorter and more straightforward the step 2 ck.
• I did kaplan pediatrics, surgery, and Ob/Gyn waaaaay back in time, like 2-3 years ago. I think kaplan Ob/Gyn is extremely helpful; surgery is not bad; pediatrics is a waste of time. I didn't read any books for internal medicine. I read few scattered topics form MTB and SUTM only in areas where I felt I needed more info.
• I used UpToDate a lot. I used it selectively though. only in areas where I wasn't not sure about something or whenever I face discrepant statements from UWorld or other question banks.
• I discovered anki at the end of my prep. I wish I did that earlier as they were so helpful. I recommend Zanki and Wiwa decks. They help A LOT especially when you have some down time and want to do quick review. I used to go for a 30-minute walk everyday and do anki on the go.
• I made my own notes which I shared with you a couple of days ago and I got some awesome feedback on. My biggest accomplishment and frustration was creating these notes. I felt lost without a book like FA for step 1. So I decided to create these notes from UWorld to help myself and others following me.
• Here's a link for the notes if you want to take a look. I will be releasing a book soon insha'a Allah and it will be for free MEGA

At the end I wanna tell that you're awesome. YES YOU! You chose to improve your education and you're trying very hard. Numbers don't define you. The only thing I learned during my prep for this test is to be humble. Getting low scores doesn't mean you're dumb and getting high scores doesn't mean you're a genius. I believe there's a huge amount of luck in this test and it's in no way reflective of who you are as a doctor. Aim high, and do your best, but stay relaxed.
All the best guys. Good luck studying. See you on the other side!!
Fee free to ask any questions.
Peace out!!

 

[Ryan1892]

Would appreciate any advice.
Did one pass of Uworld and OME , now currently half way thru uworld again - avg is 61 %.
NBME 6 4 weeks back - score was 1 , I dont know how that was possible , contacted nbme for recheck but they said thats the score lol
USWA2 tod - 196.
Any thoughts on how to get it upto 209 , this will do for me and how long it would take so that i can book my tentative exam date.
I am thinking another 3 - 4 weeks would do , with another review of OME and Uworld.
Do I need to read any other sources or is it not advisable.

Thanks

 

[bondbond]

Hi everybody.

I took my exam 6/17/19. I found my first three blocks super tough because they had a lot of questions with long, confusing stems. I was pinched for time on each of them and ended up having to randomly guess on about 20 in total I'd say. The rest of the exam met my expectations and felt pretty similar to Uworld. Something that has been bothering me, though, is the difference between my NBME scores and Uworld percentage/UWSA scores.
NBME 6 (two weeks before real deal): 220
NBME 7 & 8 (taken back to back one week before real deal) 222 and 224, respectively.
UWSA 1 (two days before real deal): 257
Uworld first pass: 62%
Uworld 2nd pass: 79% (got about 63% of the way through)
I've heard that the NBMEs for this exam are kind of garbage and have really strict curves but it made me a little nervous that their scores were all so close to each other and that the gap between them and my UWSA score was so significant. I've also heard that the UWSAs can overpredict pretty heavily in some cases. Has anyone else had a similar experience?
P.S. I'll update when I get my score back.

 

[super_mom]

Hi everybody.

I took my exam 6/17/19. I found my first three blocks super tough because they had a lot of questions with long, confusing stems. I was pinched for time on each of them and ended up having to randomly guess on about 20 in total I'd say. The rest of the exam met my expectations and felt pretty similar to Uworld. Something that has been bothering me, though, is the difference between my NBME scores and Uworld percentage/UWSA scores.
NBME 6 (two weeks before real deal): 220
NBME 7 & 8 (taken back to back one week before real deal) 222 and 224, respectively.
UWSA 1 (two days before real deal): 257
Uworld first pass: 62%
Uworld 2nd pass: 79% (got about 63% of the way through)
I've heard that the NBMEs for this exam are kind of garbage and have really strict curves but it made me a little nervous that their scores were all so close to each other and that the gap between them and my UWSA score was so significant. I've also heard that the UWSAs can overpredict pretty heavily in some cases. Has anyone else had a similar experience?
P.S. I'll update when I get my score back.

Can you tell me what sources you used to prep and how long did you study for?
I am aiming for 240s will take UWSA next month

 

[deleted972898]

Hi everybody.

I took my exam 6/17/19. I found my first three blocks super tough because they had a lot of questions with long, confusing stems. I was pinched for time on each of them and ended up having to randomly guess on about 20 in total I'd say. The rest of the exam met my expectations and felt pretty similar to Uworld. Something that has been bothering me, though, is the difference between my NBME scores and Uworld percentage/UWSA scores.
NBME 6 (two weeks before real deal): 220
NBME 7 & 8 (taken back to back one week before real deal) 222 and 224, respectively.
UWSA 1 (two days before real deal): 257
Uworld first pass: 62%
Uworld 2nd pass: 79% (got about 63% of the way through)
I've heard that the NBMEs for this exam are kind of garbage and have really strict curves but it made me a little nervous that their scores were all so close to each other and that the gap between them and my UWSA score was so significant. I've also heard that the UWSAs can overpredict pretty heavily in some cases. Has anyone else had a similar experience?
P.S. I'll update when I get my score back.

Hard to tell with only UWSA 1. It's only one number. Would've been easier to deduce if you would've taken UWSA2 as well. Since your NBME are all in the same range, that makes more sense. The UWSA seems like an outlier at the moment but nothing you can change now! Relax and move on

 

[bondbond]

Can you tell me what sources you used to prep and how long did you study for?
I am aiming for 240s will take UWSA next month

I took 5 weeks for dedicated and used Step 1 FA (I rarely used it-mainly just to reference some charts), UW, Anki (also rarely used), and the NBMEs. I did my first pass of UW untimed tutor throughout third year and my second pass timed random during dedicated (there were exceptions when I wanted to focus on some of weaker areas like surgery or peds). I felt like it was enough time. The NBME scores made me feel like I was doing something wrong but hopefully what people say about them not being great predictors holds true. Hope this helps!

 

[super_mom]

I took 5 weeks for dedicated and used Step 1 FA (I rarely used it-mainly just to reference some charts), UW, Anki (also rarely used), and the NBMEs. I did my first pass of UW untimed tutor throughout third year and my second pass timed random during dedicated (there were exceptions when I wanted to focus on some of weaker areas like surgery or peds). I felt like it was enough time. The NBME scores made me feel like I was doing something wrong but hopefully what people say about them not being great predictors holds true. Hope this helps!

Thank you I am trying to start anki but it’s so much and am not sure how it’s used. I don’t know if they have a phone app I can use on the go.

I don’t know which exact deck to focus on with anki they are so many decks and I am new to it.

 

[bondbond]

Thank you I am trying to start anki but it’s so much and am not sure how it’s used. I don’t know if they have a phone app I can use on the go.

I don’t know which exact deck to focus on with anki they are so many decks and I am new to it.

MedSchool + Anki

I downloaded my deck from this website and I believe that they also have tutorials for how to use Anki!

 

[doctororsomething]

Thank you I am trying to start anki but it’s so much and am not sure how it’s used. I don’t know if they have a phone app I can use on the go.

I don’t know which exact deck to focus on with anki they are so many decks and I am new to it.

Zanki Step 2 is a very good deck. I think it was a large reason I did well on Step 2. You can find it on reddit.

 

[super_mom]

Zanki Step 2 is a very good deck. I think it was a large reason I did well on Step 2. You can find it on reddit.

Thank you very much can you or anyone post a link to the deck from reddit I can’t seem to find it there.

Also is it a deck that can work on my iPhone? Or it can be only done on the computer. It will be great if I can have it on my phone to take around.

 

[doctororsomething]

Thank you very much can you or anyone post a link to the deck from reddit I can’t seem to find it there.

Also is it a deck that can work on my iPhone? Or it can be only done on the computer. It will be great if I can have it on my phone to take around.

You can download the anki app on your phone.

 

[Saratorius]

Hey Everyone!
I thought I should post my experience.
I would be lying to say I am not extremely disappointed.
Its been a very terrible year for me. I am starting to think whether I am extremely unlucky or just plain stupid. Confidence shattered to pieces.
So I started in November through to March. I used UWorld 2x - did it twice and wrote it out and learned it word for word . 3 weeks prior I took UWSA 1 - scored 247. My goal score was 250+ as I had scored 240 on step 1. Decided to book the exam center. Made Anki flashcards of mistakes and went over that for 3 weeks. I had started MTB at the start but found it contradicting and unhelpful so I only got through half of it.
2 days prior I took UWSA 2 - I got a 252
Exam went a lot like Uworld- didn't do well on the drug monographs
exam result -230
and I have a CS attempt ( Patient note) - I was planning to improve upon that. Worst time of my life. Just finished CS having not closed 2 cases. I hope I can finally leave this nightmare of waiting for test results. - I am an IMG (YOG 2 years and a US citizen)

 

[Saratorius]

my friend had a similar experience his scores were uswa1 254 uswa2 252 real deal 220 , exam day performance matters too !

Hey there I got UWSA 1 (247) and UWSA 2 (252) - came out thinking it was alright - ended up with a 230. shocked to say the least. Its very unsettling - I was confident if things went wrong it would be high 30s/low 40s.

 

[SandP]

Hi all. Scores for me, to add my data point:

UWSA 1 262
UWSA 2 265
Nbme 247-258
Step 2: 263

Felt crappy after exam counting 8 wrong for sure. Trust your UWSA people!

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

Taking exam on Monday. Looks like I won’t be able to get through all of UW:

Got about 70% through UW with around 80% correct: tutor, random

UWSA1: 244 (ran out of time on first two blocks and had to guess on 10+ questions

UWSA2 today: 262

Goal is 250+ for Step 2CK

Step 1: 250s

 

[Medit8A]

Well, just took Step 2 CK yesterday. That was probably one of the hardest if not hardest exams I’ve ever taken. I thought about it and what made it hard for me was that there was almost never an obvious answer choice. I would know what was going on in the stem most of the time but then the first line treatment or labs/study I’d order in real life or from OME was almost never an answer choice. Made me end up thinking “well I guess this would be a kind of logical thing to do?” Ended up guessing on farrrrrrr more than I’d like to admit. I honestly don’t even know how I’d prepare better if I were to take it again. Didn’t feel like UWorld or NBMEs to me.

UW first pass through third year 64.6%
Free 120 81%
UWSA1 244
UWSA2 252
NBME 7 - 235

Step 1 233
Level 1 599

Just hoping I didn’t bomb it at this point, I’ve seen a few others score a lot lower than they hoped given their UW scores. Definitely feeling far from confident and trying to keep the doubt from seeping in. Curious if other have had similar experiences.

 

[Toxin066]

Well, just took Step 2 CK yesterday. That was probably one of the hardest if not hardest exams I’ve ever taken. I thought about it and what made it hard for me was that there was almost never an obvious answer choice. I would know what was going on in the stem most of the time but then the first line treatment or labs/study I’d order in real life or from OME was almost never an answer choice. Made me end up thinking “well I guess this would be a kind of logical thing to do?” Ended up guessing on farrrrrrr more than I’d like to admit. I honestly don’t even know how I’d prepare better if I were to take it again. Didn’t feel like UWorld or NBMEs to me.

Similar thoughts. I took it yesterday too. Felt pretty comfortable based on UWORLD and clinical experience, but MAN. That was rough.

Long and hard (that's what she said). Felt like I had an idea of what the question was getting at but when I got to the answer choices I got bopped. Guessed on a metric ton. Left the exam feeling really uneasy about it.


Step 1: 206
Level 1: 545
UW 1st pass: 63.9%


Fingers crossed.

 

[train2]

Similar thoughts. I took it yesterday too. Felt pretty comfortable based on UWORLD and clinical experience, but MAN. That was rough.

Long and hard (that's what she said). Felt like I had an idea of what the question was getting at but when I got to the answer choices I got bopped. Guessed on a metric ton. Left the exam feeling really uneasy about it.


Step 1: 206
Level 1: 545
UW 1st pass: 63.9%


Fingers crossed.

is there any way you would study differently/use other sources after taking the exam?

 

[Toxin066]

@train2 To be honest, I don't think I would have prepped differently. The knowledge base was there, based on qbank stuff I felt like my ability to apply the knowledge was there. Might just be step 2 is made to challenge you.

 

[train2]

@train2 To be honest, I don't think I would have prepped differently. The knowledge base was there, based on qbank stuff I felt like my ability to apply the knowledge was there. Might just be step 2 is made to challenge you.

My step 1 score is very similar to ur score. Really trying to kill CK to improve my chances