Official 2020 Step 2 CK Experiences With Scores Thread

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Frogger27 said:
Mine was the opposite.. I got wrecked the first two blocks. Felt like I settled in but still missed some that are crushing my soul. Flagged 10-12 a block.
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I think I averaged about 12 per block...I think my worse was up to 16. I don't remember too much, but from what I do remember, I think my guessing game was a bit off today too, lol.

Here's to hoping the adage holds true: "People only remember the hard/crazy questions and not the many more they got through just fine"

ritts said:
People have been getting their score 2 weeks after. We gotta trust our practice scores. Until then, try to enjoy the time away from studying. Unless of course you have Comlex coming up (like me). I needed a day or 2 to regroup after
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That sucker is done. Did that two days ago. Questions on that were either stupid easy or stupid WTF level. Preventative medicine and vaccines were heavy on mine.

For future Step 2 takers:
I'd suggest review pediatric immunodeficiencies. I went in a bit unprepared for that and got hit with about 3-4 of those bad boys. If I could change a few things I would probably have spent more time going through the 'ol First Aid for Step 1 (skipping biochem, embryo, genetics, and that nonsense). I really only referred back to it for some areas of weakness and regret I didn't do a more thorough review. Some stuff, inevitably there's no way to prepare for: "Here's 3-4 risk factors for disease X....now pick which one is the strongest". Devine intervention podcast (especially ep. 184 and the Military (ep 204, 231) did help me get a couple of questions.

The new Free 120 is definitely more reflective of the real thing, so if you can, make sure you do that before game day.
 
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wannabedrz said:


I watched this --didn't really help me unfortunately but could have depending on the nature of the questions you get. There is also an Anki deck here (which I only found after I took the test and was looking for resources for my friends):

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Thank you for posting it. I downloaded the reddit - Turn up to law file, but how do I open it?
 
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Frogger27 said:
My test was all preventative medicine.. better know the indications for mammography for BRCA patients, when to colonoscopy a tubular adenoma, what vaccines to give a help C + person, etc. unfortunately military and immunodeficiency were lacking on mine
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I took it yesterday as well. Overall I did not think it felt close to the practice exams or the old free 120 in my opinion. I would say I did have similar concepts or similar questions that were worded differently than the free 120 but that was only a couple. I think I had at least 6-8 immunodeficiency questions but I thought they were fair questions (just look at those 2 pages in first aid for step 1). So many questions where I was like 3 of these answers make sense for this question, its just a matter of picking the one they want. I did not think the Divine military podcast helped me personally. There were questions about people in the military but were unrelated to aiding you in the diagnosis. If you think you need a quick refresher then I don't think it would hurt to listen to and just familiarize yourself with some of that stuff. I think I maybe had one micro question that he mentioned but if you're familiar with the sketchy's then you don't need it.

I think the best way to put it was, about 20 questions per block felt like your classic Uworld type of board questions you would expect. 10 questions I was down between 2 answers but was leaning towards one a little bit more so I went with that one. About 6-7 where I was like honestly, it could be any of these 2 or 3 answers. Then the last 3 questions at some points were just a shot in the dark. At this point really just hoping for what everyone says and they're surprised by there grades
 
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UWSA1: 255 (11 days out)
New free 120: 79% (11 days out)
UWSA2: 249 (4 days out)
Old free 120: 82% (4 days out)
Uworld: 77% (inflated b/c over half the questions were done by subject)
Real deal: ~265

So I am obviously thrilled since I outperformed my practice scores. I think I benefited from the exam difficulty because the curve was more lenient and I seem to do better on harder questions. I think I was unlucky on step 1 and underperformed a little because I got an easier version. I also would recommend doing 7-8 block exams to simulate the real thing because it really is an exhausting test. I combined UWSAs w/ free 120 so my practice tests were 7 blocks and wore a mask the last couple weeks of studying so I was used to it. As far as studying I didn't do anything crazy. Uworld throughout 3rd year and even with 3 months of dedicated only managed one pass and redid incorrects. I didn't feel very motivated during dedicated and did one block per day. I also always took both weekend days off. In hindsight this schedule may have been beneficial because although I did not do a ton of practice questions I was able to review them thoroughly and didn't burn out. I kept a log of things I wanted to remember and reviewed that in the week leading up to the test. As far as the test I thought the first block was pretty easy but it got progressively more difficult after that and peaked around block 4. Felt like a mix of UW and the new free 120. Lots of 50/50 questions that I had to just go with my gut on. I'm a pretty slow test taker so I always finished blocks right as time expired. I felt about as rushed as I was with uworld blocks. Feel free to ask any questions and good luck!

I forgot to add that I listened to OME on my commute throughout the year and got through it 1.5x.
 
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Is NBME 6 completely dated? I took it yesterday and it seemed way too straightforward to be any sort of accurate. Very buzzwordy
 
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AnatomyGrey12 said:
Is NBME 6 completely dated? I took it yesterday and it seemed way too straightforward to be any sort of accurate. Very buzzwordy
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Was not very similar to my exam maybe for a couple of the freebies, but overall pretty dated. I still think there is utility in doing as many NBME questions as possible though
 
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ritts said:
I honestly think the only test that was remotely similar to the real thing was the new free 120. I feel like the actual test (for me at least) was even more difficult than that tbh
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I felt mine was very similar to UWSA2 like literally had so many repeat concepts from that exact test except real deal had a lot more step 1 level details than I anticipated.
 
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Took the exam recently.

Step 1: 260

UW% First Pass: 83.4%
NBME 7: 250 (4 weeks out, pre-dedicated)
NBME 8: 248 (3 weeks out)
UWSA 1: 260 (2 weeks out)
UWSA 2: 270 (5 days out)
UW% Second Pass (40% completed): 91.4%

Step 2: TBD

That was the hardest test I've ever taken. I marked 80% of the exam. Very few obvious questions. Very vague overall. I can't tell if I was just burnt out from trying to cram so much studying in 3 weeks or the exam really was that vague. I've counted about 10 mistakes on the questions that should have been obvious. There's no telling how many of the more challenging questions I missed. I just pray I somehow match my Step 1 score.
 
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Hello! Popping in to see what decks you all used for Step 2 (if you did). I loaded Cheesy Dorian, but most of my rotations are 4 weeks and it seems it might be tough to go through all of the cards in that time span? I really don't want to relive Step 1 mania of pounding through 1,000 reviews a day. Some people have suggested only doing certain sub-decks of Dorian....curious on anyone's thoughts!
 
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fldoctorgirl said:
Hello! Popping in to see what decks you all used for Step 2 (if you did). I loaded Cheesy Dorian, but most of my rotations are 4 weeks and it seems it might be tough to go through all of the cards in that time span? I really don't want to relive Step 1 mania of pounding through 1,000 reviews a day. Some people have suggested only doing certain sub-decks of Dorian....curious on anyone's thoughts!
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Dorian just the OME decks at first, then search and unsuspend the Uworld cards as part of your review for those given blocks. Dorian is such a solid way to chip through OME and retain the high yield. Since just the OME is so few cards you have plenty of time to read the OME packets or even spruce up the cards with your own med bullets / AMBOSS snaps, whatever helps you. As those reviews get stupid low I’d chip through the Emma Holliday cards, watch her vids 1 time slowly during potty breaks or whatever and then the cards are quite good.

It’s truly nothing like zanki was for Step 1. Dorian caters very well to your needs.
 
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Step 1 - 244
Comlex 1 - 629
UWorld 1st pass - 73% correct (254)
UWSA1 (3 weeks out) - 253 (255)
NBME 7 (2 weeks out) - 230 (252)
NBME 8 (1 weeks out) - 241 (255)
UWSA2 (3 days out) - 251 (252)
Free 120 (2 days out) - 84% (253)
UWorld 2nd pass - 50% done at 82% correct
Step 2 - 257
COMLEX 2 - TBD

I will include my shelf scores in case that helps anyone. My school did COMATs.
Family Med - 121
Internal Med - 117
OBGYN - 110
OPP - 120
Peds - 120
Psychiatry - 117
Surgery - 106

Prior to Third year
I did Zanki for Step 1 and got a 244. The only reason I bring that up is that I find that having a solid foundation in the basic sciences helps tremendously throughout third year and when it comes time for Step 2/Level 2. Sketchy Micro, Pharm, and Path were so ingrained in my head that I found myself nailing pimp questions throughout the year just by remembering the pictures.

During Third year
Throughout third year I did Tzanki, UWorld, and COMQUEST. Throughout the workday and after work I would study a random assortment of cards for the clerkship that I was currently on. I did a mix of UWorld and COMQUEST throughout each clerkship. The only rotation I didn't finish all of the UWorld questions during the rotation was IM. I did not keep up with past material when I started a new clerkship. I finished my first pass of UWorld 4 weeks before my test.

Dedicated
Around 4 weeks. I reset UWorld and did 40-180 questions and between 500-1500 Anki cards a day. It all depended on my mood. I only did 50% of UWorld on that second pass. I studied between 6 and 10 hours a day. The longer study days were more within the last 2 weeks when anxiety kicked in. Overall, I took this test a lot less seriously than Step 1. That was a combo of a change in priorities and burnout. I also did the Step up to Law and Ethics Anki deck during this time.

My approach to UWorld
I am only putting this in its own section because I think I do it differently than a lot of people. I rarely ever read the explanations for UWorld questions. I just made any question I got wrong into an Anki card. I also memorize first and then it all congeals into a bigger picture later, through practice questions. For me, when doing questions, it's quantity over quality I guess.

Test Day
I thought the test was really difficult. I marked over half of each block but when I finished the block I would go back and check them to realize that, for the most part, I would be sticking with the answer I chose first. The majority of questions on the test were able to be narrowed down to 2 answer choices and I just had to chose between them. Ethics and biostats weren't bad at all. I walked out of the test feeling horrible. I thought I failed it so hard. I wasn't tired when I got out of the test, I just felt defeated. I hardly remember anything from that day cuz I tend to block that stuff out. I ruminated over a couple of questions I knew I got wrong for the entire time between test day and getting my score.

Between Step and COMLEX
I had 2 days between these tests. I did COMBANK OMM questions, some of the Step up to OMM Anki deck, and I memorized the viscerosomatic and chapman points drawings. My OPP COMAT was just a few months prior in which I prepared for 2 weeks for and I felt that a lot of the information was still in my head. I studied maybe 4-6 hours a day during this time.

COMLEX
I felt that the test was very straightforward. I feel pretty good about it. We'll see how that goes when I get my score in a few weeks. The timing was fine.

I'm sure I missed something but I hope that helps someone out there! Ask any questions you'd like.
 
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fldoctorgirl said:
What are your thoughts on Tzanki? It's much shorter than Dorian and is really tempting lol.
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I chose tzanki primarily because it was shorter than Dorian. I did not want to feel like I had to table an insurmountable amount of cards like I did with Zanki. Tzanki covers UWorld and that seems to be all one needs. Overall I enjoyed it.
 
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Score Received today, Step 2-CK taken 6/22/20
Score: 231 (No where close to my Practice Scores)
Exam felt quite difficult as compared to NBMEs and UWSAs.
Step 1 was 246

My Practice Scores:
UW First and only Pass (81%)
NBME 6 (239)- 6 weeks out
NBME 7 (252)- 3.5 weeks out
UWSA 1 (256)- 2.5 weeks out
NBME 8 (267)- 11 days out
UWSA 2 (253)- 8 days out
Old Free 120 (87%) - 4 days out
 
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Dr.Bruh said:
Step 2CK = 238
Step 1 = 228

Pretty bummed bc my practice scores were all 240+. But oh well, still good enough for EM i guess. Test felt very hard which is why i expected to underperform. Step 1 felt about what i expected, but i walked out of Step2 feeling terrible.
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Got a 238 as well. Honestly the way I felt after that I’ll take it. Is this even a bad score? I really don’t think so if we improved on our step 1s.
 
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JibsGuy52 said:
Got a 238 as well. Honestly the way I felt after that I’ll take it. Is this even a bad score? I really don’t think so if we improved on our step 1s.
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Nah not a bad score I just personally underperformed compared to my practice exams. At the end of the day most PD will probably just look down at the scores and look for an increase lol.
 
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Step 1= 246
Step 2= 231

Feeling very sad about this huge 15 point drop from Step 1 when I was scoring well on all practice exams. The real exam was hard but I still wanted to trust my practice scores and was hoping to score at least 250. I want to do Psychiatry. Do you think I will be okay? How damaging is 15 point drop?


1594261451799.png
 
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js007 said:
Step 1= 246
Step 2= 231

Feeling very sad about this huge 15 point drop from Step 1 when I was scoring well on all practice exams. The real exam was hard but I still wanted to trust my practice scores and was hoping to score at least 250. I want to do Psychiatry. Do you think I will be okay? How damaging is 15 point drop?


View attachment 312280
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100% still perfectly fine for psych.
 
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js007 said:
Step 1= 246
Step 2= 231

Feeling very sad about this huge 15 point drop from Step 1 when I was scoring well on all practice exams. The real exam was hard but I still wanted to trust my practice scores and was hoping to score at least 250. I want to do Psychiatry. Do you think I will be okay? How damaging is 15 point drop?


View attachment 312280
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Psych is one of the fields most likely to forgive a low board score, especially considering how well you did on step 1. I think your chances of matching will come down to demonstrated commitment to the field and applying strategically. If you're a USMD that will help too.
 
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MavFab said:
Psych is one of the fields most likely to forgive a low board score, especially considering how well you did on step 1. I think your chances of matching will come down to demonstrated commitment to the field and applying strategically. If you're a USMD that will help too.
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Thank you for your reply. I am a DO student.
 
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js007 said:
Thank you for your reply. I am a DO student.
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Make sure you research which programs have taken DOs in the past. No reason to throw your money away at places that won't consider your app. I would also recommend applying to some safety programs. Have you done anything to show commitment to the specialty? Psych seems to really care about that.
 
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Just got another curve ball scheduling my Sub-Is.

Was originally planning on taking Step 2/ Level 2 Early august.
Obtained a Sub-I that I can't pass up so now rescheduled to early September.

At this rate I may never take this exam haha.
 
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Huggy said:
Yesterday, I feel like so many people got screwed over with their scores. Whereas the week prior, I feel like everyone over performed by an impressive degree?

Although I only have a small sample size, is there really this much variability in scores based on which week you take your exam? Kinda like how there is extreme variability in score depending on which NBME practice test that you take?
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I also took my step 2 on 6/22 and got my score back yesterday. Scored 10pts below my lowest practice exam. Super frustrated and disappointed. There is an element of luck and variability in forms. They do average things out though, and in theory the scores should have the same spread I would think. But there’s the element of just testing stuff you happen to be strong with and in that sense there is certainly a luck of the draw.
 
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Huggy said:
Yesterday, I feel like so many people got screwed over with their scores. Whereas the week prior, I feel like everyone over performed by an impressive degree?

Although I only have a small sample size, is there really this much variability in scores based on which week you take your exam? Kinda like how there is extreme variability in score depending on which NBME practice test that you take?
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I noticed this as well what the hell this is so aggravating.
 
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Dr.Bruh said:
Step 2CK = 238
Step 1 = 228

Pretty bummed bc my practice scores were all 240+. But oh well, still good enough for EM i guess. Test felt very hard which is why i expected to underperform. Step 1 felt about what i expected, but i walked out of Step2 feeling terrible.
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Would you mind saying what date you took the test?
 
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Spectreman said:
My classmate who is not on SDN had a 232 UW2 a couple days before and got back a 217 yesterday. So far in my circle those of us who got scores yesterday all got rocked.

I mean of course trust your scores, but this has been ugly for us.
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Do you know if your classmate took it on 06/22 as well?
 
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ishiningstar said:
Ok thanks. Any idea if the same test is given to everyone on a given day or week? Is that possible across all the different centers?
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Pretty sure they vary. We had different 2 parters and stuff. It most likely is just a fluke that several of us are here complaining about low scores from 6/22. There is certainly no trick to this or way to predict a form that benefits you. My score genuinely doesn’t reflect my prep, but I came up from Step 1 numerically at least. Just have to stay positive and stay motivated.
 
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Spectreman said:
Pretty sure they vary. We had different 2 parters and stuff. It most likely is just a fluke that several of us are here complaining about low scores from 6/22. There is certainly no trick to this or way to predict a form that benefits you. My score genuinely doesn’t reflect my prep, but I came up from Step 1 numerically at least. Just have to stay positive and stay motivated.
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Very true, good you improved on your Step 1 score, wish you all the best going forward!
 
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Spectreman said:
Pretty sure they vary. We had different 2 parters and stuff. It most likely is just a fluke that several of us are here complaining about low scores from 6/22. There is certainly no trick to this or way to predict a form that benefits you. My score genuinely doesn’t reflect my prep, but I came up from Step 1 numerically at least. Just have to stay positive and stay motivated.
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Also how did you feel about the test itself did you think it was hard ?
 
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yikes, this weeks score release is an interesting one, to say the least.....so DO gang how important is it to have step 2 in by apps? 😳 happy with how my prep is going so far, but now I don't trust anything

Also where are you guys getting Divine Interventions stuff pre episode 95? (Gonna throw in a plug these lectures are solid driving material for anyone that hasn't checked him out yet)
 
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Scrubs101 said:
yikes, this weeks score release is an interesting one, to say the least.....so DO gang how important is it to have step 2 in by apps? 😳 happy with how my prep is going so far, but now I don't trust anything

Also where are you guys getting Divine Interventions stuff pre episode 95? (Gonna throw in a plug these lectures are solid driving material for anyone that hasn't checked him out yet)
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go to his website. His old stuff is on there.
 
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Scrubs101 said:
Also where are you guys getting Divine Interventions stuff pre episode 95? (Gonna throw in a plug these lectures are solid driving material for anyone that hasn't checked him out yet)
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He's the next Goljan. He literally said stuff that was word for word on both of the NBME forms I've taken so far, and my buddy who has already taken both Level/Step 2 said between the two tests he easily had 30-40 questions that came straight out of his podcasts.
 
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