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!!

 

[nabeya]

I took the exam today. I completed all the UW questions and went back and did about 400 repeat questions that I previously answered incorrectly. I finished UW with a 59% overall.
On the exam, pretty much almost every question I had seen before either in First Aid, B&W's, or UW. The UW questions are pretty tough so if you can get through those then the actual exam questions are pretty easy.

One thing I'd suggest working on is the time issue. On every single block except one where I had 5 min left over, I barely made it through the 46q's and had only 30 secs remaining each block. Never enough time to go back and recheck answers. You gotta be able to read the question which is like 2 paragraphs every question with alot of unnecessary detail, pick out what they're wanting to know, and choose the correct answer in 1.5 minutes. If not, then you'll run out of time at the end of the exam if you spend too much time on each question.

 

[jihu]

I also took Step 2 CK today.

Studied for 3 weeks:
USMLE World: 62% average (mostly 46q random blocks, a handful of 10q subject tests initially). Ended up with about 650q left.
Used Kaplan Step 2 books and selected chapters from Step 2 Secrets.

Overall impression:
USMLE World has harder questions, overall. The actual exam today had a many more obvious questions, but the more challenging questions were as baffling as I'd seen on USMLE World. I think the Kaplan books were just OK--a little too much to get through in 3 weeks.

We'll see how helpful those resources were in 3 weeks. I'll repost then. In the meantime, good luck!

 

[nabeya]

Did you feel good about the exam, jihu? I felt like some of the questions were too straightforward and easy that I had to be answering it wrong b/c it just seemed to easy a question. There were a few hard questions but majority of them were just classic textbook examples you'd see in any review book.

 

[jihu]

Did you feel good about the exam, jihu? I felt like some of the questions were too straightforward and easy that I had to be answering it wrong b/c it just seemed to easy a question. There were a few hard questions but majority of them were just classic textbook examples you'd see in any review book.

nabeya, I felt...I don't know. I guess just OK. I test started off mediocre, dipped down to nearly easy in the middle, then peaked to hard at the end. Some questions were definitely gimme's, like describing a classing schizophrenic and asking what med would you give: an anti-depressant, a benzo, an anti-psychotic, or ECT. But there were a few sections in the middle that had more than its fair share of tough ones. I'm not sure. It's hard to reflect and feel good after 8 hours of sitting at a computer. We'll see in 3 weeks. Good luck to you, though, nabeya. And everyone else out there.

 

[pjl]

67 246

 

[Doc Oc]

UW 68%, all Q once through, then repeated ~1/3 of incorrect

NBME 1: 600 (239) 1 wk before

Step 1: 205/83

Step 2 CK: 254/99

 

[Saabdriver]

USMLEWorld ~65%

Step II CK 259/99

 

[Dr. Will]

I took this damn thing today and scored about a 65% on USMLE world. I must say I feel pretty crappy after it all. I guess we'll see in about three weeks.

 

[dividedsky]

my stats:

(Step 1 240/97)

Step 2:
total prep time was 3 months
did not read kaplan or watch videos
First Aid for Step 2: read during the last month
Boards and Wards: once.
Crush Step 2: twice
USMLEworld: 63% 1900 questions, no repeats, all tutor mode
NBME test #1: 500
Step 2 score: 230/93

 

[Paramedic]

4th Year MD student from US medical school applying to EM with 12 interviews so far to give a different perspective...

Step I: 165
Step I Repeat: 195

Step II: 208 (Completed 50% of UW averaging 58%, range 52-72)
NBME Exam I: 186 (Completed 1 week prior to Step II)

Used UW, Secrets, Rx for Boards, First Aid, Kaplan Q-bank (61% average)

As one of the few who used both Kaplan and UW...I found UW to be more similar to the actual step II in the level of difficulty. Kaplan seemed to have too many questions that were either too broad or too detailed. The diction on the exam is also more similar to UW.

 

[mrman]

Here's my experience:

UW 60% on 1st try
Kaplan Q-Book Averaged around 72%
USMLE CD: 76%

Step 2 CK 228

An improvement of 3 points from my Step 1 score of 225. I am very happy. I used Step Up to Step 2 and Step 2 Secrets along with USMLE World to study.

 

[Adam_K]

I hate to admit it, but I'm having a tough time with the NBMEs.

I've done a little more than half of both UW (66% score w/ repeats) and Kaplan qbank (79% score w/ repeats).

I took the NBME #1 six weeks ago and scored a 165, retook it three weeks later scoring a 199. I took NBME #2 today and scored a 199.

The fact that my score did not improve over the last three weeks is worrying me.

Or is #2 that much more difficult?

I'm also running out of time, because I have my exam scheduled in little less than 3 weeks. For those of you that took it, what would you concentrate on, UW or Kaplan?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[dividedsky]

adam K-

I would do the following:

1. Get through ~85% of usmleworld at least. Stop doing repeat questions, do tutor mode or untimed, only new questions, so that you know how you're actually doing - repeats don't count.

2. Do the USMLE CD and see if you are 80% or better in all three sections. those questions are bread and butter, and much easier than UW

3. Pick up 1st aid for step 2, if you don't have it already. it was the best source for me.

4. regarding the NBME, I only took #1, so I don't know about the other two, but NBME was very predictive for my step 1 and step 2. maybe reading the review book(s) will increase knowledge for you more than the questions are doing?

good luck.

 

[scaredtodeath]

hello. has anyone used usmleworld for step 1? it seems like only step 2 people have good reviews for it. would kaplan qbank be better for step 1?🙂 your input would be greatly appreciated. 😀

 

[deleted113029]

NBME 1 700/256 (Today) ~4 weeks until CK

Now to start studying B&W, UW, and maybe FA. I'm grateful I can probably study at a leisurely pace.

(The scores on this site are incredible!)

 

[QuinnB]

hello. has anyone used usmleworld for step 1? it seems like only step 2 people have good reviews for it. would kaplan qbank be better for step 1?🙂 your input would be greatly appreciated. 😀

This is really a step II forum, but the reason people haven't commented too much on UW for step 1 is b/c it was only recently started; UW for step II has been around for a few years now

 

[Adam_K]

adam K-

I would do the following:

1. Get through ~85% of usmleworld at least. Stop doing repeat questions, do tutor mode or untimed, only new questions, so that you know how you're actually doing - repeats don't count.

2. Do the USMLE CD and see if you are 80% or better in all three sections. those questions are bread and butter, and much easier than UW

3. Pick up 1st aid for step 2, if you don't have it already. it was the best source for me.

4. regarding the NBME, I only took #1, so I don't know about the other two, but NBME was very predictive for my step 1 and step 2. maybe reading the review book(s) will increase knowledge for you more than the questions are doing?

good luck.

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll stick to UW and try the official questions along with form 3 later on. I have FA along with Crush but I haven't found it too helpful so far.

 

[scaredtodeath]

This is really a step II forum, but the reason people haven't commented too much on UW for step 1 is b/c it was only recently started; UW for step II has been around for a few years now

thanks so much. i just wanted to get an input from the ones who scored so high on their exams... i looked at the step 1 forum but it isnt as lively as this one +).

 

[haley65]

I wanted to give some hope to the people not scoring in the upper 60s and 70s on UW......I am thrilled with my increase from step 1!!!!

Step 1-185/76

UW-54.9%, unrepeated, tutor mode
NBME 1-199
NBME 2-207
NBME 3-207

Step 2-223/90

 

[deleted113029]

I wanted to give some hope to the people not scoring in the upper 60s and 70s on UW......I am thrilled with my increase from step 1!!!!

Step 1-185/76

UW-54.9%, unrepeated, tutor mode
NBME 1-199
NBME 2-207
NBME 3-207

Step 2-223/90

Awesome improvement! 👍

 

[lattimer13]

I wanted to give some hope to the people not scoring in the upper 60s and 70s on UW......I am thrilled with my increase from step 1!!!!

Step 1-185/76

UW-54.9%, unrepeated, tutor mode
NBME 1-199
NBME 2-207
NBME 3-207

Step 2-223/90

strong work 👍

 

[Adam_K]

I wanted to give some hope to the people not scoring in the upper 60s and 70s on UW......I am thrilled with my increase from step 1!!!!

Step 1-185/76

UW-54.9%, unrepeated, tutor mode
NBME 1-199
NBME 2-207
NBME 3-207

Step 2-223/90

Good job. 👍

Thanks for posting the breakdown, as it gives me (and others as well, I'm sure) hope.

 

[Doc Oc]

Good job. 👍

Thanks for posting the breakdown, as it gives me (and others as well, I'm sure) hope.

I did all of UW untimed 46Q blocks based on subject, because it helped me recall information and apply it to the next block of questions, which improved reinforcement of concepts. Maybe changing the way you are doing the questions will help with retention.

I actually only did UW - didn't read anything else. I repeated the incorrect questions in the subjects that the NBME said I was weak in. It must have been adequate because I scored 250+ - and given my low Step 1 score, I didn't do that well because I am some perennial "good test taker".

Good luck, and the NBME underpredicted my score as well if that helps, which seems to be the theme on here barring a few exceptions.

 

[Adam_K]

I did all of UW untimed 46Q blocks based on subject, because it helped me recall information and apply it to the next block of questions, which improved reinforcement of concepts. Maybe changing the way you are doing the questions will help with retention.

I actually only did UW - didn't read anything else. I repeated the incorrect questions in the subjects that the NBME said I was weak in. It must have been adequate because I scored 250+ - and given my low Step 1 score, I didn't do that well because I am some perennial "good test taker".

Good luck, and the NBME underpredicted my score as well if that helps, which seems to be the theme on here barring a few exceptions.

Thanks for the advice. I was initially doing single subjects, using Kaplan before doing UW, but I find that using both qbanks just highlighted inconsistencies and frustrated me.

So, I have given up on Kaplan and am going to finish up UW and take form 3 before the real thing to brush up on weak areas.

 

[kcumbDO]

got my results faxed from the med school, waiting for the offical score report by snail mail

USMLE step 1 246/99

USMLE step 2ck 239/97😀

UW 61%, UW 63% on the last 8 blocks
NBME 1 215, NBME 2 204 NBME3 202

NBME forms have not been very predictive at all. USMLE world was excellent preparation for the exam, as all the question of the real test were exactly of the same difficulty if not slightly easier than USMLE world.

Goodluck to all taking step 2 ck

 

[ohiowa]

Just wanted to add to the database, as I know I was looking for trends to tell me what my USMLE World score meant for my performance on Step2.

Step-I Kaplan Qbank: 70's
Step-I: 244/99

Step-II UW: 60
Step-II: 243/98

In the end, I think that 75% (95% CI, 70-80🙂 ) of taking this test is having the ability to pace yourself and stay focused. I did four blocks of 46Q's (UW) a day for the last week of my 3 weeks studying, and took notes on topics I needed work on. Then I read my notes the day before and the morning before the test. But, again, focus on test day is key.

Good luck everyone.

O.

 

[Suprahelical]

Applying radiology w/ about 18 interviews so far from average med school, AOA

Step I: 224/91

Step II: UW 69%/ Secrets/ First Aid/ B&W
~ 3 weeks studying
247/99

 

[scaredtodeath]

hello... i have been on the step 1 thread and no one seems to be responding to my inquiry regarding the use of usmle world and qbank. For those who have done well in step 1 which question bank would you suggest? a response would be greatly appreciated.

 

[QuinnB]

.

 

[QuinnB]

hello... i have been on the step 1 thread and no one seems to be responding to my inquiry regarding the use of usmle world and qbank. For those who have done well in step 1 which question bank would you suggest? a response would be greatly appreciated.

Honestly, I think that all of the people on the step 2 page would not be able to answer this. I think I mentioned this to you before, but I think UW very recently came out with the step 1 bank of questions and when I say recently, I mean this past summer...I don't think this forum will address this for you. Similarly, I don't think the people who just finished step 1 (before July) will be able to tell you either b/c they probably were set on using Kaplan Qbank before they even came out with the other one...this is why you haven't gotten and response.

 

[scaredtodeath]

Honestly, I think that all of the people on the step 2 page would not be able to answer this. I think I mentioned this to you before, but I think UW very recently came out with the step 1 bank of questions and when I say recently, I mean this past summer...I don't think this forum will address this for you. Similarly, I don't think the people who just finished step 1 (before July) will be able to tell you either b/c they probably were set on using Kaplan Qbank before they even came out with the other one...this is why you haven't gotten and response.

so qbank would be the best way to go I suppose. i appreciate the response. 🙂

 

[BIMS 01]

Took Step 2 last Tuesday. My study strategy was Secrets and some Boards & Wards mixed in along with UW. I got through about 1700 of the UW questions timed, and ended up not finishing about half of the OB/Peds/Surgery/Psych questions. My overall score was 68.5%. After taking the test, I'm not sure if studying really prepared me that well. I felt like there were quite a few questions that came out of nowhere. Some questions I could have studied for a year and never encountered the material. All in all, I guess it's like most other standardized tests we take and is just another hoop we are forced to jump through. Anyhow, glad it's over and can't wait for my results to get in.

Got my score today from Student Affairs: 259
Step 1 score was 232.

Very happy with my score and hope it will secure a few more interviews/move me up a bit higher on the rank list of programs I interview at. Good luck to those of you that still have this test ahead of you.

 

[Mutated-mTHFR]

Got my scores back today too.

Step 1: 220/89
UW (1500 questions unused/untimed): 63%
Step 2: 251/99

I used Rx for the Boards primarily (got through it 2x)
First Aid once through (didn't like all the bullets and memorization required) (good OB/GYN section though)
Secrets once (top 100 secrets 2x)
OB/Gyn Case Files once through (I hadn't taken OB when I took step 2...long story)

I'm really happy with my improvement. I thought all the previous posts with people making ridiculous step 2 scores with 60ish% on UW were BS. Pleasant surprise.

 

[moni1999]

got my results faxed from the med school, waiting for the offical score report by snail mail

USMLE step 1 246/99

USMLE step 2ck 239/97😀

UW 61%, UW 63% on the last 8 blocks
NBME 1 215, NBME 2 204 NBME3 202

NBME forms have not been very predictive at all. USMLE world was excellent preparation for the exam, as all the question of the real test were exactly of the same difficulty if not slightly easier than USMLE world.

Goodluck to all taking step 2 ck

Congrats on such high scores!!!
Did you find the USMLE World questions to be as helpful for studying for the COMLEX Step 2?

 

[kcumbDO]

USMLE world is much more helpful for the USMLE than it is for the COMLEX level 2, i though the COMLEX had some questions that I could not really prepare for. COMLEX asked some very esoteric medical knowledge and some weird law/ethics questions. I personally felt that the USMLE 2ck was a more medically relevant licensing exam than the COMLEX 2ce. But considering the fact that there are very few if any good sources to study for the COMLEX, I would highly recommend USMLE world.

 

[DOC2KGILL]

hi,
i used to get 50-65% in usmle world.repeated most of the uncorrect questions.got 90 in step 2.

 

[JoeSchmoe]

Step I: 224

Studied for 3 wks, pretty intensely. Kaplan Q Bank 65% avg (about 80% completed), all random questions. Read First Aid twice, the second time making notes of hard to remember facts. Read USMLE Step II Secrets also. Listened to some Goljan audio lectures as well.

Step II: 240

good luck

 

[buglady]

I took it this past Wednesday (9/27) and mine was also resp, trauma and acid-base heavy. Also had a ton of ob-gyn...I got the same question over and over (it seemed like it anyway) on urethral injuries secondary to MVA's....didn't think the overall test was super difficult...just long and tedious! I only used FA, NMS review/practice questions and usmleworld for prep and thought that was adequate...we'll see, though! I just wanted to improve on my less than stellar Step I score.

got my scores awhile back. i hate being a score poster, but this is for all the people who had less time in the classroom and more time in the hospital and who didn't do too hot on step I (myself, only scored a 203)........

Step II CK: 243

And who says people going into primary care only go into it because of low board scores....🙂

 

[OldMSTPStudent]

USMLE World (65%) in tutor mode untimedx3 weeks

Step I 251/99
Step II 245/99

Step II secrets combined with USMLE World (and occasional DejaReview) in my opinion are all you need to pass. However, UW needs to emphasize more beyond the initial web page that their questions are insanely hard, but awesome study tools - perhaps stating it after every question when the average number of people answering it correctly is 9-20%.

I sometimes wonder if good practice for the exam would include reading War and Peace in 8h, since the Step II exam is so long and oh so painful.

 

[jihu]

I also took Step 2 CK today.

Studied for 3 weeks:
USMLE World: 62% average (mostly 46q random blocks, a handful of 10q subject tests initially). Ended up with about 650q left.
Used Kaplan Step 2 books and selected chapters from Step 2 Secrets.

Overall impression:
USMLE World has harder questions, overall. The actual exam today had a many more obvious questions, but the more challenging questions were as baffling as I'd seen on USMLE World. I think the Kaplan books were just OK--a little too much to get through in 3 weeks.

We'll see how helpful those resources were in 3 weeks. I'll repost then. In the meantime, good luck!

All right. As per protocol on this thread, here's my stats:

Step 1: 225 / 91
Step 2: 241 / 97

I'm happy, but not thrilled with my results. I was keeping my fingers crossed for that crazy miracle score, but it didn't happen. Still, I think it's good enough to re-send to programs--hopefully it'll bump me up on some rank lists and maybe get me invited to a few more programs.

As a little side-note, during my clerkships Kaplan was my primary resource for Medicine and Peds. I used the Psych and Surgery books as well, but just as supplements. For ObGyn, I just used Blueprints. I ended up doing well on most of the shelfs (Honored Medicine, Peds, Surgery) so I guess my experience with Kaplan was pretty positive.

USMLE World was solid preparation. I didn't get through all the questions as I mentioned in my first post, but I did enough to learn a lot and get a good feel of what kind of questions I'd be facing.

Good luck to everyone!

 

[wanderingmedics]

a

 

[somedude98317]

scored like ~68% completed most of USMLE World, had like 300 Q;s left

the real thing was definitely easier than UWorld q's....studied for ~3 weeks and reviewed some old Kaplan stuff i used during my 3rd year

all in all step 2ck felt like one long a$$ NBME SHELF exam, the same ones you take throughout 3rd year....that is if your school utilizes Shelf exams

Good luck to all studying for Step 2!

 

[streetdoc]

Hi guys,
I was wondering if there is a way to copy/paste the UW explinations into a word doc. I have no ill intentions with this, i just can't "study" from a screen. I thought i read on here somewhere that someone made a word doc out of the info and I was hoping to do the same. Seems you can't cut and paste (which I understand but I paid my $$$!). Anyone know a way around this?
thanks ,
streetdoc

 

[scaredtodeath]

scored like ~68% completed most of USMLE World, had like 300 Q;s left

Step 1: 238/96
Step 2CK : 255/99

the real thing was definitely easier than UWorld q's....studied for ~3 weeks and reviewed some old Kaplan stuff i used during my 3rd year

all in all step 2ck felt like one long a$$ NBME SHELF exam, the same ones you take throughout 3rd year....that is if your school utilizes Shelf exams

Good luck to all studying for Step 2!

Hello. was just wondering what you used for Step 1 review. Books and qbank. Id really appreciate some guidance. thanks.

 

[EndlessSong]

Hi guys,
I was wondering if there is a way to copy/paste the UW explinations into a word doc. I have no ill intentions with this, i just can't "study" from a screen. I thought i read on here somewhere that someone made a word doc out of the info and I was hoping to do the same. Seems you can't cut and paste (which I understand but I paid my $$$!). Anyone know a way around this?
thanks ,
streetdoc

To the best of my knowledge you can't. UW has a feature where it disables the cut/paste function of your computer (it actually explains this in that "don't break the law" blurb that you have to click every time you start it up). I agree that it's annoying - I ended up having to type all of my notes which is time-consuming. I guess you have to hand it to them though - they're smarter than NBME or Kaplan about protecting their material.

 

[skidmark]

Step1-243
Step2-265

Studied 26 days

US world-58% completed all questions non-random blocks of 20.

used First aid and supplemented with Step-Up (medicine) which I think is money, but only if you have read it before. I used StepUp for medicine rotation. Helped me get a 91 on shelf. I imagine it wouldn't be helpful for studying step 2 if you have never looked at it before.

Real thing seemed similar to USMLE world.

 

[Strabisman]

Step I: 245

Step II: 251

Studied 12 days, very intensely. Did 99% of UW questions, once through BW, and once through FA. Finished UW with ~65% doing subject-based blocks for 20-46q. Very pleased with score and would totally rec. UW to anyone for CK, whether studying for 2 weeks or 2 months.

 

[Dr. Will]

Got my scores today and took the test 11/2. Very happy with my score. Scored higher than I did on Step I. Studied for one month using mainly First aid and world. Ended up with 65% on world with maybe 200 or so questions left. Used a little of Crush also.

 

[mrdowntoearth]

Does anybody know if there are a lot of radiologic images tested in USMLE and COMLEX Step 2 CK?

 

[Dr. Curtis]

Step I: 232
Step II: 246

Studied about 3 weeks, 4-6 hours a day. Did most of UsmleWorld, averaged about 67-68%. Read through Secrets once. I felt the real test was much more straight forward than USMLEWorld.