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!!

 

[bluntdissector]

Another shiny new account to give back.

Step I - 193 (heart broken, seriously consider dropping out)
Shelf - range 69 (medicine) - 82 (psych)
Study - 3.5 weeks, U World 1x plus a bit, FA once, IM case files where needed reinforcement, McMumbi's podcasts when not studying (to squash anxiety)
U World - total 53%, 63% of last ten tests (all timed, no repeats)
NMBE 1 - 204 (one week before, complete panic attack, move the test a few days)
Step II - 223

All considering, very happy.

Pretty remarkable. You are ON the line on the graph:
1.9682(53)+118.94=223.2546

 

[whatnext86]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I can't seem to find this info on the usmle website... how many blocks of actual questions are there for step2. I keep hearing 8 or 9. Which one is it? Trying to mentally prepare for that extra block if i have to... Thanks!

 

[Golding]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I can't seem to find this info on the usmle website... how many blocks of actual questions are there for step2. I keep hearing 8 or 9. Which one is it? Trying to mentally prepare for that extra block if i have to... Thanks!

Should be 8 blocks, presumably with 44 questions not affecting your score (so people tend to say). The 9th hour is your break time.

 

[Yakko]

Of the people who got their scores back last week (8/18), what date did you take your exam? I'm trying to figure out if I'm gonna get mine tomorrow. I took it 8/7 and though it won't be exactly 3 weeks, it will be 3 Wednesdays.

Yes, I know I'm being quite pedantic and anal about it. -That's why I'm a med student.

 

[Steiner]

Of the people who got their scores back last week (8/18), what date did you take your exam? I'm trying to figure out if I'm gonna get mine tomorrow. I took it 8/7 and though it won't be exactly 3 weeks, it will be 3 Wednesdays.

Yes, I know I'm being quite pedantic and anal about it. -That's why I'm a med student.

You'll get your score 9/1. The answer is on the previous page of this thread too.

 

[Yakko]

Gotcha, thanks.

Those sadistic bastards. Looks like another week of pins n needles. 🙁

 

[docbill]

Pretty remarkable. You are ON the line on the graph:
1.9682(53)+118.94=223.2546

How often does this formula hold true???

1.9682 (UWorld%) + 118.94 = Estimated real score

I hope you are right Mrs. Formula.

 

[dusselas]

Should be 8 blocks, presumably with 44 questions not affecting your score (so people tend to say). The 9th hour is your break time.

i thought there were 8 blocks with 42 questions?

 

[Golding]

i thought there were 8 blocks with 42 questions?

That's not my understanding. 44 questions per block is all I hear.

 

[Mister J]

Step 1: 238/99

Raw shelf scores were mostly 80s-90s.

Study: Did UWorld through the year to study for shelf exams. I don't remember the percentage first time through. Completed UWorld a second time while studying for CK. Also did DIT, it kept me on pace which was good but didn't offer anything mind-blowing.
Final UWorld Percentage (2nd time through): 82%
Self Assessment 4 (1 month before the test): 600/239
UWSA (2 weeks before test): 650/248
Self Assessment 2 (1 week before the test): 750/263 (predicted within 3 points)
Free 137 (2 days before test): 87%

Step 2: 260/99

 

[dusselas]

Step 1: 238/99

Raw shelf scores were mostly 80s-90s.

Study: Did UWorld through the year to study for shelf exams. I don't remember the percentage first time through. Completed UWorld a second time while studying for CK. Also did DIT, it kept me on pace which was good but didn't offer anything mind-blowing.
Final UWorld Percentage (2nd time through): 82%
Self Assessment 4 (1 month before the test): 600/239
UWSA (2 weeks before test): 650/248
Self Assessment 2 (1 week before the test): 750/263 (predicted within 3 points)
Free 137 (2 days before test): 87%

Step 2: 260/99

Congratlations! I finished all of UWorld and wanna know Is it worth taking time to do those free 137?

 

[docbill]

Congratlations! I finished all of UWorld and wanna know Is it worth taking time to do those free 137?

Does anyone have a link to those free 137 questions?

 

[bluntdissector]

How often does this formula hold true???

1.9682 (UWorld%) + 118.94 = Estimated real score

I hope you are right Mrs. Formula.

It does an okay job of describing the data in my opinion, though it should obviously be taken with a LOT of salt when used for individual prediction.

If you add wide error bars (+/- 10) it should be about as good as the medfriends one, which has similar error bars.

 

[docbill]

It does an okay job of describing the data in my opinion, though it should obviously be taken with a LOT of salt when used for individual prediction.

If you add wide error bars (+/- 10) it should be about as good as the medfriends one, which has similar error bars.

Very nice graph. I remember seeing it a little while back. Will let you know how well it works by Oct.

 

[Steiner]

took it yesterday, guessing score comes out 8/25.

I thought it was easier than step 1, bunch of questions were just identify common stuff there were a lot of treatment questions. I had a lot of ob/gyn, not a lot of trauma, some psych and peds.

I'm not sure if my test is the norm

i used u world, went through the questions 1 & 3/4 times and read most of secrets

usmle self assessment said 239 1 week prior to real deal

251/99

 

[TakingBakSunday]

Anyone else see this?

Delay in USMLE Step 2 CK Score Reporting
Most score reporting of Step 2 CK results occurs within four weeks of testing. However, because of necessary modifications to the test item pool, there will be a delay in reporting for some examinees testing beginning in mid-August 2010. The target date for reporting Step 2 CK scores for most examinees testing from August 12 through mid-September will be Wednesday, October 6, 2010.

It is possible that scores will be available earlier than this date; please check this website for updates.
Posted June 29, 2010
http://www.usmle.org/general_information/announcements.aspx

 

[calespine]

Anyone else see this?

Delay in USMLE Step 2 CK Score Reporting
Most score reporting of Step 2 CK results occurs within four weeks of testing. However, because of necessary modifications to the test item pool, there will be a delay in reporting for some examinees testing beginning in mid-August 2010. The target date for reporting Step 2 CK scores for most examinees testing from August 12 through mid-September will be Wednesday, October 6, 2010.

It is possible that scores will be available earlier than this date; please check this website for updates.
Posted June 29, 2010
http://www.usmle.org/general_information/announcements.aspx

yeah- there's already a few recent threads/posts about that. They do it every year around the same time- started august 12

 

[NJDevilNum30]

Long time follower, but never posted so I thought I should add my $0.02

Step 1 - 224/93

Not thrilled, but I guess not too bad.
I used DIT Step 1 and UWorld, I didnt complete the whole qbank 🙁

Step 2 - 252/99 😱 👍 😀

I never imagined I would do this well, Im not selling myself short but I did DIT Step 2 (since it helped for step 1), also read First Aid 2 CK 3 times and did UWorld through 1.5x (definately the best study aid out there) Avg 63%
Did NBME 4 - 237 (1 week out) thats why I was shocked by the 252!

Studied for about 4 weeks, 8-10 hrs a day and had a death in the family so I had to take a week off.

Anyway I want to do general surgery, so I hope my scores are well to get me into a decent program, what does everyone think?? Do I have a chance?

 

[sweetcorn]

Took test on 8/2, got scores today.

Did UWorld with 75% overall correct the first time through (86% complete). When time got short, I decided to go back over the 400 or so questions I had marked rather than finish the remaining questions. I also read through Step 2 Secrets once.

Shelf scores were mostly low 90's with Ob/Gyn being in the 70's. Ironically, Ob/Gyn ended up being my best subject on Step 2.

Step 1: 259
Step 2: 266

 

[Vova1234]

I feel like this has been a very helpful thread in my studies and i would like to post my experience:

Step I: 236/99

I bought UWorld for step 2 in the beginning of 3rd year and tried to do the questions that pertained to the shelf exam that I was taking. When I got to Medicine, I only finished about 40% of the qs before the shelf. Every time I did a question, I wrote down a short version of the question stem as well as the concept of the right answer. I also went over the wrong asnwers and wrote down any concepts from there if there were any.

After my last rotation I had about 6 weeks to study. Initially studied for 6-8 hours a day and for the last 2 weeks I pulled 12 hours each day. One thing I did not deprive myself from was sleep. The more I studied the more I slept. I think that was very important as I was better able to process the info.
During the 6 weeks I only used UWorld and again wrote down all of the important concepts from every question. This way, when I was done with all of the questions 1 week before the exam all I had to do was read overy my notes and it was a lot faster than redoing questions. Granted, I had about 100 pages of notes to go over but I was able to read them 3 times in the last week.
Used Secrets during last week and thought it was an excellent book. Read it only once though.

NBME 2 (1 week before the exam): 670 - 252

Also did NBME 1, 3, and 4 but untimed and from pdf files so i don't know how I would do. I was averaging about 80 to 85% on each question set.

Final result: Step 2: 251

Good luck to all.

 

[jackieMD2007]

Oh, hell yes! She of the unremarkable test scores comes around ftw!

Step 1: 225/94
Step 2: 240/99

NBME form 4 predictor: 234
SDN graph (61% on UWorld): 239

SDN, ftw.

 

[Depakote]

Oh, hell yes! She of the unremarkable test scores comes around ftw!

Step 1: 225/94
Step 2: 240/99

NBME form 4 predictor: 234
SDN graph (61% on UWorld): 239

SDN, ftw.

 

[Deferoxamine]

Oh, hell yes! She of the unremarkable test scores comes around ftw!

Step 1: 225/94
Step 2: 240/99

NBME form 4 predictor: 234
SDN graph (61% on UWorld): 239

SDN, ftw.

Congrats, Jacquelynne! 👍

 

[jackieMD2007]

Congrats, Jacquelynne! 👍

Holla back atcha, boyyyyy

Thanks Def & Depakote! Woo. I feel like I'm officially in the smart-kids club*.

*the smart-kids who do 99% of Uworld, read around patients throughout 3rd year, annotate Step 2 Secrets and reference First Aid that is

 

[dujier]

Can someone please clarify the meaning of the two-digit scores? The score report states that it indicates "overall performance". If program directors see a 99, will they be satisfied with it and not look further into your score? Or is a 240 MUCH different than a 230, even though both are 99s?

Heres my data btw:

40% UWorld complete, ~68% correct (not random though, did timed blocks of subjects that I had just studied)
Read a little bit of FA and Secrets, but did not complete either
Used Step Up to Medicine for most organ systems

Step II: 230/99

 

[kdburton]

Can someone please clarify the meaning of the two-digit scores? The score report states that it indicates "overall performance". If program directors see a 99, will they be satisfied with it and not look further into your score? Or is a 240 MUCH different than a 230, even though both are 99s?

Heres my data btw:

40% UWorld complete, ~68% correct (not random though, did timed blocks of subjects that I had just studied)
Read a little bit of FA and Secrets, but did not complete either
Used Step Up to Medicine for most organ systems

Step II: 230/99

There is about a half of a standard deviation in difference between a 230 and a 240. While someone posted earlier that the program director for a competitive specialty only looks at two digit scores I have yet to hear from any faculty member who cares about the two-digit score. It appears based on several recent posts that a 99 on Step 2 is what you get for a marginally above average score so all that one can really say is that two people with 99's both must have performed AT LEAST marginally above average. The three digit score allows PD's to compare students who performed above average on the test, and the score where they report SD's, etc - so it is really the only score that allows a PD to compare two students in the entire spectrum of scores. If you're going into a competitive specialty where almost everyone who would even be considered to match has a two-digit score of 99, then the PD has to use the three digit score to compare applicants. I'm not saying that your score is bad or anything (a majority of people would trade you for it), I'm just saying that I'm pretty sure its the 3-digit score that counts if you're applying to allopathic residencies in the US

 

[IHeartNerds]

Took CK today. Mostly fine, a few oddball questions. I would say OB/GYN was slightly more represented than was Peds or Psych. "Real" surgical questions were few and far between (ie, not "omg someone has a PE on POD#3, what do you do now"). There were certainly some questions that I would have never studied for, even if I had had months and unlimited texts ... here's hoping they were experimental. As for the "new" biostatistics questions ... insultingly easy. Seriously.

I used UWorld (100% done, 75% first-pass percentage) and went thru all my wrong answers slowly. Also did FA via annotating it with UWorld -- couldn't stand just reading it, so I would do questions and then write in the margins and highlight rather than just read first.

Here's hoping I get my score before early October... 😕

 

[OUchris1]

How often does this formula hold true???

1.9682 (UWorld%) + 118.94 = Estimated real score

I hope you are right Mrs. Formula.

The formula/graph predicted my score correctly, within less than 1 point.

Even though I didn't get through much of UWorld... Purchased UWorld about 5 weeks before taking the exam. Only got through about 70% of the questions (I did questions by subject, and the 30% I didn't get to were general internal med questions).

Did a block or two of questions each night for about 5 weeks during my last rotation (psych). Started out doing blocks untimed, and transitioned to timed blocks about 2-3 weeks out from exam. Always did blocks by subject. Always read explanations for answers, even if I got the question right. Took notes on questions missed.

Used First Aid for Peds, Ob/Gyn and as a reference for information on missed questions. Had one week off to study prior to exam; just did questions and read all of Step-Up to Medicine (in which I had taken pretty extensive notes during my IM rotation).

Good luck to all!

 

[bbqbakedlays]

I took Step 2 on August 11th. 1 day before the threshold. I hope I get my score next week so I can relax! I know it says Aug 12 and after for the delay...but I dont like being on the dividing line.

What do you all think...will I be getting the email Wednesday?????

Step 1: 237/99
Study Prep: UWORLD 68%, Secrets, and I did UWorld and Pretest for Shelfs throughout the year; Honored 4/7.
NBME 2: 248
NBME 3: 248
UWORLD Self Assessment: 242

I am hoping to do the same or better......

Good luck everyone!

 

[babycapybara]

I'm on the Aug. 11 cusp too. I'm hoping when they said Aug. 12 they meant Aug. 12. We could get our results on September 1st!!

 

[maxpain]

Anyone else see this?

Delay in USMLE Step 2 CK Score Reporting
Most score reporting of Step 2 CK results occurs within four weeks of testing. However, because of necessary modifications to the test item pool, there will be a delay in reporting for some examinees testing beginning in mid-August 2010. The target date for reporting Step 2 CK scores for most examinees testing from August 12 through mid-September will be Wednesday, October 6, 2010.

It is possible that scores will be available earlier than this date; please check this website for updates.
Posted June 29, 2010
http://www.usmle.org/general_information/announcements.aspx

If one was to take the CK exam on Friday Sept. 17, 2010. Would you expect to have the scores back by October 6?

 

[Ms MD]

Hey Albaniandoc, where can i get a copy of kaplan highlights? Are you interested in selling your copy? I'm studying for the step 2 in Sept. thanks!!!

 

[Lizzy Wurtzel]

Is the average on step 2 higher than the average for step 1? All stats I've found indicate that. From this thread, that seems to be the trend. For peds, the average step 1 is 219 but the average step 2 is 229?!?!?

So the AVERAGE PEDIATRIC applicant is getting a 99 on step 2? What is going on? someone please explain.

 

[calespine]

Is the average on step 2 higher than the average for step 1? All stats I've found indicate that. From this thread, that seems to be the trend. For peds, the average step 1 is 219 but the average step 2 is 229?!?!?

So the AVERAGE PEDIATRIC applicant is getting a 99 on step 2? What is going on? someone please explain.

Yep- latest average step 2 I've heard is 229 and average step 1 is ~221 for US grads. I would think in terms of 3 digit, not two digit scores. 2 digit score isn't a percentile. So the average matched peds applicant had mean step 1 and 2 scores.

 

[morriske]

So I took CK on 8/25

Had a bit of an emotional meltdown during my 2 weeks of studying ( I tend towards the anxious/depressed side). Still managed to get thru 1200 UWorld questions, USMLE secrets 2X and Step Up to medicine. My world average was a bit skewed bc I did most of the psych, peds, surgery and ob/gyn questions during the school year. If I included the psych/ob/surgery/peds questions in my practive, I did pretty well (68-80%). When I just did "unused" (ie. IM only bascially), I averaged 55%. Shelf scores averaged in the high 70s. Took NBME 2 the Friday before my exam and scored 222 but was super nervous taking it. Talked to my dean and she told me to go through with the test bc my Step 1 score was 241/99 and I am choosing not to automatically update scores on ERAS. As far as I know, none of the ob/gyn programs require Step 2 for interviews. Still, think I have any chance of doing well? I have to wait until 10/6 for my score!!

Test felt ok-I didn't get the feeling that I bombed it and it seemed easier than NBME 2...

scared

 

[calespine]

So I took CK on 8/25

Had a bit of an emotional meltdown during my 2 weeks of studying ( I tend towards the anxious/depressed side). Still managed to get thru 1200 UWorld questions, USMLE secrets 2X and Step Up to medicine. My world average was a bit skewed bc I did most of the psych, peds, surgery and ob/gyn questions during the school year. If I included the psych/ob/surgery/peds questions in my practive, I did pretty well (68-80%). When I just did "unused" (ie. IM only bascially), I averaged 55%. Shelf scores averaged in the high 70s. Took NBME 2 the Friday before my exam and scored 222 but was super nervous taking it. Talked to my dean and she told me to go through with the test bc my Step 1 score was 241/99 and I am choosing not to automatically update scores on ERAS. As far as I know, none of the ob/gyn programs require Step 2 for interviews. Still, think I have any chance of doing well? I have to wait until 10/6 for my score!!

Test felt ok-I didn't get the feeling that I bombed it and it seemed easier than NBME 2...

scared

I wouldn't stress- average step 2 is 233, and you scored almost 20 points above the mean on step 1. I'm sure you'll get your score and be relieved.

 

[Captopril]

I've been emailing/calling quite a few Program Coordinators for the past few days (figuring out where to apply and what their IMG criteria are) and it seems that the whole "2 digit score = percentile" is pretty common among PDs.

Almost all the IM programs I've called have said "we prefer candidates with Step 1 scores 90th percentile and above". That's like a 250 or so. I clarified with most of them, and it turns out that they mean a 2 digit score of 90 which I think is a 218 or something.

I have no qualms with talking up my 99% or 99th percentile during an interview though .

My score is 98 and 99 on step 1 and 2 respectively. One PD in a competitive specialty told me "We only like to interview people who have a 99 on step 1. You might not get some interviews because of that."

I mean... Seriously?! WTF.

Another PD in a similarly competitive specialty asked me my percentile on step 1. I told him 84th percentile (1 std dev above the mean I happened to score). He said that's pretty bad. So I responded that's not the same as my 2 digit score! My 2 digit is 98! He was thoroughly confused. I don't think he believed me that 2 digit score isn't percentile. Derp.



My step 1 score report indicated average of 218 with std dev of 22. My step 2 report stated an average of 233 with a std dev of 18. So to answer your question--absolutely.

 

[kryptik]

My score is 98 and 99 on step 1 and 2 respectively. One PD in a competitive specialty told me "We only like to interview people who have a 99 on step 1. You might not get some interviews because of that."

I mean... Seriously?! WTF.

Another PD in a similarly competitive specialty asked me my percentile on step 1. I told him 84th percentile (1 std dev above the mean I happened to score). He said that's pretty bad. So I responded that's not the same as my 2 digit score! My 2 digit is 98! He was thoroughly confused. I don't think he believed me that 2 digit score isn't percentile. Derp.

you should go with the flow, if they think the two digit score is a percentile dont bother to correct them 😀

 

[NRAI2001]

i had a 242 on step 1.. and don't waste your time with step2 things; just pay attention during rounds and didactics to augment your step1 reading.

This is from 2005.. anyone still believe this to be the case? Was it ever the case? I think I heard this once from someone else before?

 

[slowlybutshelly]

That is excellent. I am right where you were. Taking step 2 ck in a month. anything else you wish you would have done?

Pretty remarkable. You are ON the line on the graph:
1.9682(53)+118.94=223.2546

 

[DoctaJay]

I am waiting for my score today. What time do they normally post it Est?

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

 

[Depakote]

I am waiting for my score today. What time do they normally post it Est?

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

somewhere around 11am-noon, IIRC

 

[kdburton]

I just finished UW yesterday and my test isn't until Sept 15th. I can either redo [most of] UW or start going through the Kaplan Qbook I have - anyone have experience with the latter and think it is worthwhile?

 

[meddoc85]

Had 2CK exam on August 11 -no score today🙁

 

[Divine Furor]

So, sure, with a 233/97 and a desire for psych I didn't push myself as hard to study for Step 2 CK as I probably should have: my school didn't give any time off (or allow a free block). I went from an EM shift to the testing center. My shelves across the board were >85, with psych at 95.3%. I just got my Step 2 CK back at 223/97, and I'm not so happy about that, although I only have myself to blame. Should I just get the hell over it? I'm not trying to be a troll, I just keep reading how everyone else improved on their Step 2 and I guess I want to serve as a cautious example of why YOU SHOULD STUDY.

 

[yalemd]

I just finished UW yesterday and my test isn't until Sept 15th. I can either redo [most of] UW or start going through the Kaplan Qbook I have - anyone have experience with the latter and think it is worthwhile?

I have been doing it for awhile. So far most of the questions within borderline, though some questions are really good, but not as hard as UW. Others may consider it non sense to spend time on it. If I were you, I'd go though UWorld once again.

 

[kdburton]

So, sure, with a 233/97 and a desire for psych I didn't push myself as hard to study for Step 2 CK as I probably should have: my school didn't give any time off (or allow a free block). I went from an EM shift to the testing center. My shelves across the board were >85, with psych at 95.3%. I just got my Step 2 CK back at 223/97, and I'm not so happy about that, although I only have myself to blame. Should I just get the hell over it? I'm not trying to be a troll, I just keep reading how everyone else improved on their Step 2 and I guess I want to serve as a cautious example of why YOU SHOULD STUDY.

That is unfortunate. At this point however you really can't do anything about it besides choosing not to release your Step 2 CK score on ERAS until as late as possible. With that said you should probably get the hell over it 😀

 

[Golding]

I just finished UW yesterday and my test isn't until Sept 15th. I can either redo [most of] UW or start going through the Kaplan Qbook I have - anyone have experience with the latter and think it is worthwhile?

Kaplan QBook is fairly similar to their QBank. Quite tricky, but it does teach some smaller points that fill in the gaps a bit. It's worthwhile in that they mix some classic questions with some lower yield diseases. UWorld doesn't talk about Porphyria, Kaplan's QBook does.

I did find one or two questions that I find suspect in the QBook, though. You have a lot of time, enough to do both in my opinion.

 

[Golding]

So, sure, with a 233/97 and a desire for psych I didn't push myself as hard to study for Step 2 CK as I probably should have: my school didn't give any time off (or allow a free block). I went from an EM shift to the testing center. My shelves across the board were >85, with psych at 95.3%. I just got my Step 2 CK back at 223/97, and I'm not so happy about that, although I only have myself to blame. Should I just get the hell over it? I'm not trying to be a troll, I just keep reading how everyone else improved on their Step 2 and I guess I want to serve as a cautious example of why YOU SHOULD STUDY.

Don't give the board exams more credence than they deserve. They're just a means to an end, and the important thing is really just passing and moving forward. Don't let your ego tear you down just because some people on an online forum said they did better. So long as you match some place you like, it doesn't matter.

 

[chaseface]

I took it 8/10 got the score back this morning...I am amazed.

My final Uworld was 60% and then I did NBME 4 got 231, then NBME 2 and not so good and UWSA got 215. Read Secrets old edition 2x. I did all uworld eqs timed mixed- thats what you get on test day so why do it any other way? Do NOT worry about your percentage! Worry about learning! There are so many uworld eqs that repeat the same concept.
I took brief notes on stuff I felt was very important, resist the urge to write too much. Looked up stuff from wikapedia that confused me on uworld or on NBMEs.
I did all my cardio eqs again at the end because sometimes ekgs scare me... i dont know why. Studied for exactly 5 weeks, approximately 7-8 hours M-F.
Step 1- 215
CS - passed
me a totally average med student who has always spent more time watching TV and online shopping than looking at boring books!

My result... 244/99! Oh Hell to the Yeah! So F**ing Happy! Thank God!


All the best to everyone in their journey.