USMLE World Scores and Step II Scores

[lmh14]

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Probably been discussed before, but can't find a recent thread....

I'm just curious about what scores people were getting on USMLE World, and then how you ended up doing on Step 2.

All you have to do is post two numbers...... 🙂

Thanks folks, and good luck with everything!!

 

[Deferoxamine]

What's with the trend this year, everybody taking CK so early?

Yes, can we please address this question?

The tired old line of "more and more programs want to see strong Step 2 CK scores" doesn't explain me seeing so many surely top-scoring students in my class frantically studying for Step 2 CK right now. Is this a myth that has snowballed out of control with the surge in nothing-but-UWorld usage x 4 weeks where people realize there might be a shortcut to kicking ass on this test, especially if taken right after 3rd year?

Why aren't people realizing that you don't need a Step 1 >260 and AOA status to consider yourself successful in medical school?

Yeah, I contemplated taking Step 2 CK in July, because yes, the knowledge will be extremely fresh from 3rd year and indeed I have plenty of room for improvement on Step 1. I did good on Step 1, but nothing crazy to write home about (you can look up my score on my older posts if you care). Decided I deserved a break from the pressures of standardized testing and I'll be taking Step 2 CK in late October.

I mean really... are places not going to offer you an interview or something if your Step 2 CK score isn't visible? Having no Step 2 CK score to report before the programs rank you... well that's an entirely different story...

Thoughts?

 

[humabot]

Yes, can we please address this question?

The tired old line of "more and more programs want to see strong Step 2 CK scores" doesn't explain me seeing so many surely top-scoring students in my class frantically studying for Step 2 CK right now. Is this a myth that has snowballed out of control with the surge in nothing-but-UWorld usage x 4 weeks where people realize there might be a shortcut to kicking ass on this test, especially if taken right after 3rd year?

Why aren't people realizing that you don't need a Step 1 >260 and AOA status to consider yourself successful in medical school?

Yeah, I contemplated taking Step 2 CK in July, because yes, the knowledge will be extremely fresh from 3rd year and indeed I have plenty of room for improvement on Step 1. I did good on Step 1, but nothing crazy to write home about (you can look up my score on my older posts if you care). Decided I deserved a break from the pressures of standardized testing and I'll be taking Step 2 CK in late October.

I mean really... are places not going to offer you an interview or something if your Step 2 CK score isn't visible? Having no Step 2 CK score to report before the programs rank you... well that's an entirely different story...

Thoughts?

HaaHaa. I am taking ck in a few days, don't know why. My girlfriend is also taking, but in a couple of months, but she knows why. I totally forgot my step 1 score. I believe there are a few schools out there that use it for ranking, but who knows.

Maybe they will make us take step 3 right before residency so we can discuss it during our retreats. Maybe we should also have a step 4 that we take in groups.😱

 

[THE armada]

I have a good step 1 score and strongly considered putting it off till February or so. But I would much rather take it now and get it out the way.

I haven't heard anyone at my school talking about any trend in programs looking at step 2 ck in any different way as compared to years past.

 

[Blunt Trauma]

I have a good step 1 score and strongly considered putting it off till February or so. But I would much rather take it now and get it out the way.

I haven't heard anyone at my school talking about any trend in programs looking at step 2 ck in any different way as compared to years past.

Its IMGs like myself who are to blame for the trend. Most have Step1, Step 2 CK, Step 2 CS and at times even Step 3 scores ready before September 1st.

 

[Depakote]

I wanted to get it over-with.

I'm fresh off 3rd year, where I had to take a bunch of shelf exams... which was the best form of studying. No reason not to take a relaxing month to relax and study for it now.

 

[Punkn]

I wanted to get it over-with.

I'm fresh off 3rd year, where I had to take a bunch of shelf exams... which was the best form of studying. No reason not to take a relaxing month to relax and study for it now.

Same here. I also thought that both knowledge base and motivation may slip as fourth years goes on, and it'll be one less thing to worry about once the application season really gets going.

 

[albaniandoc]

My reason for taking it last month was that I wanted to get it out of the way so I can relax for the rest of the year. I finish pretty much everything in December and then I have things like "independent studies"

I took a sample test and did about where I was hoping to do so I didn't put it off.

Furthermore, the trend at our school (from statistics of past years) is that the best scores are when Step 2 was taken within 90 days from the end of the third year.

And finally, why put it off? All the info is fresh in your head when you finish third year. You're only going to forget most of the minutia that is worthless trash clinically but the boards love to test on the exam.

I say get it out of the way.

 

[hothause]

Same here. I also thought that both knowledge base and motivation may slip as fourth years goes on, and it'll be one less thing to worry about once the application season really gets going.

Exact same reasoning here.

Anyone heard anything today???

 

[albaniandoc]

Anyone heard anything today???

Nah, still holding my breath.

Update: Just got an email saying my score will be up around 11.

 

[hothause]

Nah, still holding my breath.

Update: Just got an email saying my score will be up around 11.

When did you take the test?

 

[rachmoninov3]

When did you take the test?

I'm willing to guess the week before we did Hothause. It's after 11am EDT, and no emails, and no scores despite any amount of refreshing...but there are worse fates in life 🙄

 

[hothause]

I'm willing to guess the week before we did Hothause. It's after 11am EDT, and no emails, and no scores despite any amount of refreshing...but there are worse fates in life 🙄

Yeah, true...I'm just in denial. Oh well. Hopefully we just have one more week to wait!

 

[ClusterC]

USMLE world: 73% cumulative, timed, random. 80% complete

Glanced through a section of first aid once or twice, but pretty much only used USMLE world. I found that it was eerily similar to the real test. Less than 1 week devoted study time, with occasional question blocks in the 3 weeks prior to that during a rotation.

Step 1: 268
Shelf exams: mid 80s to high 90s

Step II: 273

 

[jv00927]

Step 1: 249
Step 2: 247
Honors in all of 3rd year core clerkship

I went down 2 points, as you can see. Is this really bad? Will this hurt my residency application? I'm planning in going into radiology.

 

[Depakote]

Step 1: 249
Step 2: 247
Honors in all of 3rd year core clerkship

I went down 2 points, as you can see. Is this really bad? Will this hurt my residency application? I'm planning in going into radiology.

 

[mie820]

USMLE world: 73% cumulative, timed, random. 80% complete

Glanced through a section of first aid once or twice, but pretty much only used USMLE world. I found that it was eerily similar to the real test. Less than 1 week devoted study time, with occasional question blocks in the 3 weeks prior to that during a rotation.

Step 1: 268
Shelf exams: mid 80s to high 90s

Step II: 273

Impressive. If I were you, I'd apply for ophthalmology or neurosurgery. GL anyhow, and wish you residency in mind.

 

[alEXatosu]

Step 1: 220, only did 25% of usmleworld with an avg of 61%

Step II: 245, wised up and completed usmleworld, with an avg of 69%

all i did really was usmle world and secrets, with random excerpts from other stuff

 

[Slide]

Scores in today.
Step 1: 258
UWorld: 72% first time through
Step 2: 246

Blah figured this would happen. My "testing anomaly" really did hurt me, but whatever, it's still in ballpark range of my step1 score. As long as it wasn't a drastic drop, I really had little motivation to do well other than to get it out of the way. G'luck guys!

 

[Punkn]

Took step 2: June 25 (4 week wait)
Step 1: 233
Step 2: 227

Yay I don't have to take this again!!

 

[albaniandoc]

80% usmle world
Step 2 - 272
Took it on June 22

 

[Sublimelvc]

🤣

 

[Doctor4Life1769]

I was wondering ... is Kaplan pretty worthless for this exam? I'm going thru it some, lots of minutae I've not heard of, but wasn't sure if USMLE also tests that way too ... I have a 3 month subscription to it and don't wanna just not use it ... I have about a week left of UW, may renew it ... 😕

 

[jv00927]

I guess it shouldn't be a problem then. Thanks!

 

[Deferoxamine]

Looking for a definitive list of resources to use intermittently between now and when I take Step 2 CK in October.

My current plan:
-- UWorld
-- Step-Up to Medicine

I will be many months removed from the non-Medicine rotations, and I think I will be needing a bit more. Only wondering what others are using besides UWorld, as I have some books to sell, but may wait to see if I need them.

Currently, I plan to supplement with what I found helpful during the clerkship:
-- Pediatrics: Blueprints Peds
-- Psychiatry: First Aid for Psych Clerkship
-- Ob/Gyn: Blueprints Ob/Gyn
-- Surgery: NMS Surgery Cases 😕

Thoughts? Other approaches? Don't tell me "Just go with UWorld" - that's just not going to happen.

 

[jackieMD2007]

Looking for a definitive list of resources to use intermittently between now and when I take Step 2 CK in October.

My current plan:
-- UWorld
-- Step-Up to Medicine

I will be many months removed from the non-Medicine rotations, and I think I will be needing a bit more. Only wondering what others are using besides UWorld, as I have some books to sell, but may wait to see if I need them.

Currently, I plan to supplement with what I found helpful during the clerkship:
-- Pediatrics: Blueprints Peds
-- Psychiatry: First Aid for Psych Clerkship
-- Ob/Gyn: Blueprints Ob/Gyn
-- Surgery: NMS Surgery Cases 😕

Thoughts? Other approaches? Don't tell me "Just go with UWorld" - that's just not going to happen.

I've been annotating little notes (from when I take UWorld Q) in "USMLE Secrets" to beef it up a little bit. I like the question-answer format in there!
I have been using First Aid as well which is fine (there are some good charts in this edition) for quick reference.

As for reference: FA for Psych has been helpful, and I like the Blueprints books too. I have been using the reference books pretty sparingly but I have been glad to have them a few times. NMS surgery has been good but maybe only because that is where I took notes during the clerkship.

 

[jackieMD2007]

And finally, why put it off? All the info is fresh in your head when you finish third year. You're only going to forget most of the minutia that is worthless trash clinically but the boards love to test on the exam.

I say get it out of the way.

I am with you on this one! I also am getting married in September so needed the month to finish wedding planning, etc. 😍

 

[fergustsi]

I took my step 2 wed, july 21st. so about when should i expect my scores? something like 4 wednesdays? does the day i took it count as 1 or what?

 

[kdburton]

I started my neurology rotation today which I'm probably not really going to study much for specifically (we don't have a national shelf, just some in-house exam). I have 4 weeks until the rotation ends and then I have a few weeks off until I take CK on Sept 15th. I'm planning to go through UW 2x in addition to reading some review books. Right now I'm deciding between (1) just reading First Aid or (2) Reading Step-Up to Medicine plus all the non-medicine chapters out of First Aid like Peds, OB, etc. I have the time to do either, so I'm just curious if anyone else has done this or what everyone's opinion is on the difference between the IM material presented in Step-Up vs. First Aid? I read Step-Up 2x during my IM rotation, so thats currently one reason I'm thinking about reading it again (even tho it was ~1yr ago). Anyone care to comment on either strategy?

 

[albaniandoc]

I am with you on this one! I also am getting married in September so needed the month to finish wedding planning, etc. 😍

Hi Jackie,
Congrats on your wedding. It will be a great day for you.

 

[albaniandoc]

Looking for a definitive list of resources to use intermittently between now and when I take Step 2 CK in October.

My current plan:
-- UWorld
-- Step-Up to Medicine

I will be many months removed from the non-Medicine rotations, and I think I will be needing a bit more. Only wondering what others are using besides UWorld, as I have some books to sell, but may wait to see if I need them.

Currently, I plan to supplement with what I found helpful during the clerkship:
-- Pediatrics: Blueprints Peds
-- Psychiatry: First Aid for Psych Clerkship
-- Ob/Gyn: Blueprints Ob/Gyn
-- Surgery: NMS Surgery Cases 😕

Thoughts? Other approaches? Don't tell me "Just go with UWorld" - that's just not going to happen.

This is what I found extremely useful, for what is worth:
1. U world - definitely your bread and butter for this exam
2. Step Up to Medicine
3. Boards and Wards
4. Step II Secrets
5. Peds - Kaplan Highlights, print it out and annotate on the margins. I used it and honestly all the questions came straight from U world and this
6. Psych - Kaplan Highlights, same as above
7. Surgery - Kaplan's Pestana's notes
8. Ob/Gyn - A combo of Boards and Wards and Step II secrets

You will not have time to read through Blueprints and First Aid, there is just too much info. Kaplan Highlights is the perfect, concise review that you need for Step II. Good luck

 

[kdburton]

This is what I found extremely useful, for what is worth:
1. U world - definitely your bread and butter for this exam
2. Step Up to Medicine
3. Boards and Wards
4. Step II Secrets
5. Peds - Kaplan Highlights, print it out and annotate on the margins. I used it and honestly all the questions came straight from U world and this
6. Psych - Kaplan Highlights, same as above
7. Surgery - Kaplan's Pestana's notes
8. Ob/Gyn - A combo of Boards and Wards and Step II secrets

You will not have time to read through Blueprints and First Aid, there is just too much info. Kaplan Highlights is the perfect, concise review that you need for Step II. Good luck

This might be a stupid question, but what is Kaplan Highlights?

 

[albaniandoc]

This might be a stupid question, but what is Kaplan Highlights?

It's an outline of the most high yield points in that topic. It's a grand review. Entire Peds review is 27 pages with plenty of space to write on. I prefer this over the 300 page First Aid.

Here is an example from Peds highlights.

NEWBORN-SKIN
• Subcutaneous fat necrosis
• Erythema toxicum
• Acne neonatorum
• Milia
• Hemangiomas
• Mongolian spots
• Nevus sebaceous

NEWBORN-HEAD
• Caput-scalp swelling, crosses suture lines, resolves in days
• Cephalhematoma - subperiosteal bleed, DOES NOT CROSS SUTURES, longer
resolution
• Fontanels-large, suspect hydrocephalus, hypothyroid
o Closure-anterior, 9-18 months
o Posterior, birth, 4-5 months

NEWBORN-EYES,NOSE
• Eyes
o Red reflex=lens clear
o White reflex=retinoblastoma
o Lens opacity=cataract
o Aniridia+hemihypertrophy=Wilms
• Nose
o Choanal atresia-blue baby pinks up on crying, catheter doesn’t pass nose

NEWBORN-ABDOMEN, GU
• Abdomen
o Masses-polycystic kidney most common
o Umbilical hernia-most close by 5 years
o Omphalocele-sac
o Gastroschisis-no sac

• GU
o Epispadias, hypospadias-don’t circumcise
o Undescended testes-bring down after 1 year
o Ambiguous genitalia-congenital adrenal hyperplasia (21 hydroxylase most
common)

 

[ckliethe]

Anyone for June 30th, July 1st or 2nd get their scores yet?????

I'm at the edge of my seat waiting for my score from July 2nd to come in...

 

[rachmoninov3]

7/2 scores:
scores are usually released at 11 am EDT...so about two more hours. Last week they sent out an email stating such, so hopefully we'll get one today...

 

[hothause]

7/2 scores:
scores are usually released at 11 am EDT...so about two more hours. Last week they sent out an email stating such, so hopefully we'll get one today...

Email went out today confirming above for 6/28-7/2 test takers. Still waiting on score to come out though...

 

[DancingQueen]

Took CK on July 3rd and just received my score -264 (up ~ 25 points from my Step 1 score)

I thought Step UP to Medicine was the most high yield book I came across, but I also used a bunch of the books from the Case Files series. I also read First Aid twice and took notes on it, but overall I didn't find it particularly high yield.

For my Qbank, I used USMLERx instead of UWorld to save a couple of bucks and regretted it-UWorld is definitely better. The content of USMLERx is fine and it's helpful simply because you can a bunch of questions (super impt!) but the format kind of sucked and there were a lot of technical glitches. For anyone who is wondering, I averaged about 82-83% cumulative percentage on Rx

 

[Berg]

Took step 2ck on July 9 and surprisingly got my score today.
To prepare, I read First Aid twice and read selected chapters from Step Up to Medicine based on my UWorld results.
UWorld: completed 90% at 72% correct.
UWSA 4 days before exam: 259
Step 2: 268

I am trilled right now. It is a 36 point increase over Step 1.

 

[rachmoninov3]

as I am always looking out for SDN members 🙄 you guys will be happy to know that the lowest score 3 digit score required to get the coveted "99" 2 digit score, is 226...or so it has to be cause that was me. My USMLE world was like 55-60 (60 during 30 year, 55 first real run through prior to exam, NBME's ranging 220s/230s)

Congrats to all those with uber up there scores!

 

[DrAwsome]

Does anyone know this? I read on the USMLe website that there will be delays in score reporting starting Aug 12. For someone taking step 2CK the previous week (Aug 6-8), will those scores also be delayed or will they be released during the normal 3-4week time frame? Thanks!

 

[pohma]

as I am always looking out for SDN members 🙄 you guys will be happy to know that the lowest score 3 digit score required to get the coveted "99" 2 digit score, is 226...or so it has to be cause that was me. My USMLE world was like 55-60 (60 during 30 year, 55 first real run through prior to exam, NBME's ranging 220s/230s)

Congrats to all those with uber up there scores!

congratulations, rachmoninov!

I was actually about to post because I got 227/99. I thought it must have been an error so I was going to get in touch with the NBME, but I guess not now. what is going on? I thought 99 was high 230s for Step 2??

 

[dln72183]

Great job to those who got there scores back! I saw that someone who it on July 9th got their score back today. I took it on the 15th so I'm hoping that means I'll get the score back next wednesday.

Once again, congrats everyone. Looks like you all did well!

 

[DukeNukem]

.

 

[DrAwsome]

Hi,

Where did you get this material? Thanks!

It's an outline of the most high yield points in that topic. It's a grand review. Entire Peds review is 27 pages with plenty of space to write on. I prefer this over the 300 page First Aid.

Here is an example from Peds highlights.

NEWBORN-SKIN
• Subcutaneous fat necrosis
• Erythema toxicum
• Acne neonatorum
• Milia
• Hemangiomas
• Mongolian spots
• Nevus sebaceous

NEWBORN-HEAD
• Caput-scalp swelling, crosses suture lines, resolves in days
• Cephalhematoma - subperiosteal bleed, DOES NOT CROSS SUTURES, longer
resolution
• Fontanels-large, suspect hydrocephalus, hypothyroid
o Closure-anterior, 9-18 months
o Posterior, birth, 4-5 months

NEWBORN-EYES,NOSE
• Eyes
o Red reflex=lens clear
o White reflex=retinoblastoma
o Lens opacity=cataract
o Aniridia+hemihypertrophy=Wilms
• Nose
o Choanal atresia-blue baby pinks up on crying, catheter doesn’t pass nose

NEWBORN-ABDOMEN, GU
• Abdomen
o Masses-polycystic kidney most common
o Umbilical hernia-most close by 5 years
o Omphalocele-sac
o Gastroschisis-no sac

• GU
o Epispadias, hypospadias-don’t circumcise
o Undescended testes-bring down after 1 year
o Ambiguous genitalia-congenital adrenal hyperplasia (21 hydroxylase most
common)

 

[hothause]

Used USMLE World throughout 3rd year to study for shelf exams (high 70s-low 80s). First time through 61%.

Spent three weeks studying for exam. Prior to studying, NBME 4 showed a 224 with weaknesses in ObGyn and psych. Used FA Step2CK, Case Files ObGyn and Case Files Psych as resources. Got through FA twice plus review again of weak areas.

Second time through World, 68% all timed 44 question sets. Finished 100%.
UWSA after a week of studying: 217
NBME Form 2 on the same day (after world scare): 248 although had taken it six months earlier and gotten a 220.
NBME Form 1 one week before exam: 237

Step2 CK Score: 254!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My Step1 score was a meager 216 so I couldn't be happier.

 

[RisingSun]

Took the test today. Thought it was ridiculously hard. USMLE World was my only preparation, and I don't think it was enough.

So much derm on my test ..... 😕😱

 

[kdburton]

Took CK on July 3rd and just received my score -264 (up ~ 25 points from my Step 1 score)

I thought Step UP to Medicine was the most high yield book I came across, but I also used a bunch of the books from the Case Files series. I also read First Aid twice and took notes on it, but overall I didn't find it particularly high yield.

For my Qbank, I used USMLERx instead of UWorld to save a couple of bucks and regretted it-UWorld is definitely better. The content of USMLERx is fine and it's helpful simply because you can a bunch of questions (super impt!) but the format kind of sucked and there were a lot of technical glitches. For anyone who is wondering, I averaged about 82-83% cumulative percentage on Rx

So Step-Up to Medicine was the MOST high yield book you came across yet you still read First Aid two times?? Did you read Step-Up multiple times as well? I'm trying to decide between reading all of Step-Up and select parts of FA or just FA by itself which is why I'm asking. How many/which Case Files books did you read and how much time did you actually use to study?

 

[iwumd07]

Step 1: 216/89 (Kaplan Qbank suggested I would get a 239. USMLEWorld suggested a 236. NBME practice exams suggested a 236. Idk what happened.)

Step 2: 241/99!! 🙂

How I studied:
2.5 weeks of USMLEWorld (75% completed, 64% correct, timed, unused)
First Aid--Read all of Cardio, Pulm, Renal/GU, Acid/Base & Electrolytes, Endocrine, and GI. Used the rest as a 'go-to' text for things I didn't understand.
Step 2 Secrets--all of it. Some sections twice.

I recommend:
1. USMLEWorld!! At least once! Definitely had some 'gimme' questions.
2. Step 2 Secrets. At least once! Definitely had some 'gimme' questions.
3. Use FA as a resource. Don't waste your time reading and re-reading. Spend more time on going through UW problems and understanding the right AND wrong answers! I didn't feel like this had 'gimme' questions, but I found the most useful thing to be mnemonics that I had not used before.


Good Luck to everyone!!

P.S. I'm going into anesthesiology/CC. Anyone know if my decent Step 2 score will help offset my flop on Step 1? Clinical grades are mostly Honors, btw. Can I get into some good/excellent programs?

Thanks!

 

[clement]

Does anyone mind commenting on how you felt walking out of the exam?
Or how many blocks you felt were re-donk? I'm just trying to gauge the correlation btwn feeling like one failed and actually passing (as it seemed the case was for Step 1)...
I had about two easy/fair blocks and 2-3 floppy donkey ones. The rest are a blur.

 

[sheepgoto7]

I haven't posted much, but I used this thread a lot while studying for help, so I thought I'd add my part.

Step 1: 262/99

Shelves: varied from 82 on Peds to 99 on Medicine

USMLEWorld: 79% correct, 97% completed

Step 2: 277/99 (took exam on June 30, score reported on July 28)

What I did to study: I had my medicine rotation last in third year, so I went through Step up to Medicine and First Aid for Step 2 slowly, reading approx 10 pages of each per day. I also did approx 100 questions/week of USMLE world, finishing 50% by the time the rotation was over. I took off ~10 days to study, during which time I read First Aid for Step 2 again and finished the second half of USMLEworld.

People told me not to take Step 2 CK too early to avoid risking a poor score, but I felt that I would never do better than I would right after rotations were over, with everything still fresh in my mind, and I think it worked. Also, it's nice to have it out of the way.

Thank you all for your help, and good luck!

 

[DancingQueen]

So Step-Up to Medicine was the MOST high yield book you came across yet you still read First Aid two times?? Did you read Step-Up multiple times as well? I'm trying to decide between reading all of Step-Up and select parts of FA or just FA by itself which is why I'm asking. How many/which Case Files books did you read and how much time did you actually use to study?

Yeah, the first time I read First Aid I took notes on it, but quickly realized it wouldn't be enough. The second time I read it (a few days before the exam) I didn't take any notes on it. To do well on CK, the goal is to know as much about each subject as you did right before your shelf exam. Since Medicine is by far the most popular subject tested, getting a good grasp on that is the most important, thus Step Up. If you're in a time crunch, I say read as much of Step Up as you can, and use First Aid for the non-medicine sections. The Case Files books I used in order of yield were: ObGyn, Peds, Surgery, Psych. There's not enough Psych on the test though to warrant using anything besides the First Aid sections though, so it's the least important.