I have heard that if you take Step 1 in May through July, you will get a lower score or fail because a lot of candidates test during this period and competition is high.
Reality Check: Fiction
Explanation:
The USMLE uses statistical techniques called equating to ensure that the 3-digit score is comparable regardless of what test form or what time of year a candidate tests. There are, however, natural ebbs and flows to the preparation, readiness, and demographic composition that may be associated with the success of candidates who take or retake Step 1 at particular times of the year, which can lead to modest variations in pass rates. For example, specific, highly selective US medical schools whose students typically have very high pass rates tend to test within specific time bands associated with their curriculum, resulting in somewhat higher pass rates during this period. In contrast, students who were unsuccessful on their first attempt tend to retake at other times of the year, resulting in somewhat higher fail rates at that time of year. The statistical techniques used ensure that the same standard is applied to all students regardless of what time of year they test or what test form they are administered.
