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!!

 

[ringerslactate]

bombed it - August 13th
(the first day the new exam was offered)

Step 2CK: 199 / 81
UW overall 1st time: 56%

Step 1: 219 / 91
UW overall 1st time: 55%

irrelevant what I used - I wouldn't suggest it

general surgery is out! family medicine?

 

[ENT2Bein2010]

Time put in: I set aside 4 full weeks of studying 8 hours a day+ all of the time during 3rd year rotations.

My resources: I used Step 2 CK first Aid and i went through it 2 times. Usmle World finished 100 % questions and then went through and reviewed my wrong answers once. I did all of the question sets in random and timed modes. I also used select chapters of Crush step 2 (overall it is too general, but had a few good chapters (i.e. biostatistics was a great review).

Scores:

UW: 73 %
NBME 2: 680 = 254
Step 1 Score: 245/99
Step 2 Score: 266/99

All by God's Grace.

 

[Poppy123]

From this thread, it seems like everyone jumps 20 points!

 

[Sara010]

So I am a mere mortal on most standardized tests, step 1 was 215/89, needless to say I was a little disappointed. At the same time, I was quite used to not doing the best on standardized tests.

So I dug in hard all of 3rd year, but didn't do that well on shelf exams (range 71 on surg to 84 on psych). Then worked even harder for 4 weeks studying for step 2. I had done world pretty much all the way through during 3rd year so I cleared it and started working on it again. Then I started Kaplan in addition. I finished both completely; averaging ~70% on World and ~60% on Kaplan.

Additionally I did 3 NBME's
2: 530 (224) - taken about 4 weeks out (I think the 2nd or 3rd day of studying)
3: 630 (245) - taken 2 weeks out
4: 800 (>268) - taken 1 week out

I ended up with a 264/99 which made me ecstatic, I actually just came back from a few drinks 🙂 . I really wanted to give hope to those people out there who a) didn't do too hot on Step 1 and b) didn't ace all of their shelfs that getting a pretty solid score is definitely possible 😀

Best of luck to you all!!

 

[krust3]

step I: 253, UW 71%

step II: 261, UW 66%

test day 9/17: thought it was about the same as step I. long day. hated those audio visual questions and matching, but the two stage questions were aight. really thought it was gonna be uber long question stems since UW was tough and they dropped it down to 44/ block. turned out it was a fair mix.

prep: bought 1st aide & UW beginning of 3rd year. read the peds section in 1st aid and did all the peds Q's as part of shelf prep. did the same for OB/GYN, psych, and surgery. didn't crush any shelf, average as far as i was concerned really, but did aight i guess. for IM i read step up to medicine. had planned to do a few UW questions every night during IM, but was just too damn lazy. when it finally came time for me to study for CK, i had forgotten all the questions i had done from my prior shelf preparations. 1st aid however was familiar, which was great cause it takes several read throughs due to all the details.

took four weeks prep time total to get through UW (along with taking down notes in 1st aid). started with only IM questions. 44, IM, timed. once i finished IM, i started doing blocks of 44 from all subjects, random, incorrect, timed. lastly i did blocks of random marked questions.

by the time you go through all of UW with 1st aid, you can practically picture the exact 1st aid page in your mind during questions. i must say though that most of those questions i had gotten wrong on UW over and over and over again were pretty much low yield as it turns out on the real deal.

i know there's alot of debate on Crush vs. 1st aid vs. secrets. 1st aid was definitely my primary. i was comfortable with the format from using it for step I. i did read secrets though in the last couple days though and found it a fast, easy, high yield review. secrets seemed too simplified while 1st aid often seemed too specific, the real test was definitely somehwere in between.

good luck to all. there's no surprises. trust what you're getting from UW and your review book.

 

[hsans23]

step 1 246 - dont remember UW
step 2 277 - did UW x2; first time was along with clerkships the 3rd year - 65%; second time during step 2 study - 69% - proof u do not need some crazy uworld score to do well!

nbme #2, 2 wks prior to step 2 ck = 256

 

[Jeep23Guy]

Got step 2 ck score today and I'm still in shock. I was really hoping for a 240, but thought I would get a 230-235. The exam was really difficult and I didn't feel too hot when I left.

Step 1: 226/92 (took 3 nbme's...214 early, 226, 221)

Step 2: 262/99! (took it 8/26/09) seriously, I had to re-read it several times throughout the day

USMLE World: ~70% first time through (46q blocks, tutor mode. last 3 sections: 73%)

I have a little bit of an interesting story. I was a Caribbean student originally. I did 3.5 years at my first school and then transferred into the 3rd year at a US school (so, yes, I'm a 5th year and very burned out). I want to do anesthesia so I knew I needed to boost my step 1 some. Lucky for me I worked really hard in my first 3rd year because I didn't work to hard the second time around, but did ok on the shelf exams (IM:81, Surgery:76, FP:85, Psych:77, Peds:77, OB:77). I was pretty nervous about taking step 2 because it had been almost 3 years since step 1 for me. I started studying during my last rotation (OB), but only had maybe 1-2 hours a night. Then I had a 2-week mini-anesthesia rotation where I had about 2 hours/day for step 2 studying. After that, I had about 10 days set aside for studying (~10hrs/day).

Here's how I studied...I recommend it, but take from it what you will. The vast majority of my studying was USMLE World, but I also did a few other things. Since it had been 3 years since step 1, I went back and reviewed most of my Step 1 notes (I used FA with my own notes added in). I really only spent about 6 or so hours total review my step 1 notes, but I kept them around and used them as a reference. I also started to listen to the Step 1 Goljan audio about 2 months before my test (finished it about 3 days before the exam). I used FA for Step 2 as a reference only because I already had it. It was good for derm and peds mostly. I read through Step 2 secrets about 3-5 days before the exam, then read pretty much all of Pocket Medicine (little red Mass gen. book) the day before the exam.

As far as USMLE world goes. I scored ~70% the first time doing 46q blocks in tutor mode. Then I went back and did all the incorrect q's in 46q blocks (timed) until I had 0 wrong. After that, I did a few sections of things I felt weak on (GU, Biostats, etc.). About 2 days before my exam, I started to review areas (in my step 1 notes, online, and up to date) that I scored poorly on in my UWorld q's.

I took all 4 NBME's along the way.
NBME 1: 500/217 (about 2 months out)
NBME 4: 630/245 (about 1 month out)
NBME 3: 620/243 (2 weeks out)
NBME 2: 600/239 (about 5 days out)

As most people have said, USMLE World is cash money. I had about 4 or 5 exact q's on my exam. Mostly, however, they were q's on the same topics that asked something I didn't expect. As far as books go, I think that secrets was ok, but I really liked reading the Pocket Medicine book. It is one of very few books that tells you the next step in management of every problem.

Anyway, I used this board a lot when I was studying, so I thought I'd give back. Happy Studying...

 

[tfom08]

bombed it - August 13th
(the first day the new exam was offered)

Step 2CK: 199 / 81
UW overall 1st time: 56%

Step 1: 219 / 91
UW overall 1st time: 55%

irrelevant what I used - I wouldn't suggest it

general surgery is out! family medicine?

Dude, relax. Please tell me you didn't automatically report your step 2 through ERAS! Your step 1 is fine for Gen Surg. Just sit on your step 2 score until after match!

 

[ironmaidenrules]

DO student here.

Step I: 230

UWorld step II: 66% 1 time through all random

NBME 2: one week before test 236 I think

StepII: 248

Good luck

 

[RedAnesthesia]

Finished 90% of UW with an overall average of 60%(first time through).
Step 1: 222/92
Step 2CK: 236/98


I am happy with my improvement and it will work quite well for anesthesia.

 

[snumie]

Step 1- 229 wanted to do better on Step 2......

NBME 1: 235- before I started studying- Note: finished 3rd yr w/ medicine shelf about a week before I took this practice test.

read crush step 2

NBME 2: 231- crush step 2 didnt do it for me...

Read First Aid and did about 1500 Uworld Qs (had done the rest of the questions during the year) - average started in the 50s ended in the upper 60s

NBME 3: 220---- was totally not amused by this- took five days off to visit my folks and clear my head- then reread most of step up to medicine

day before test- NBME 4: 250 -- fingers crossed

STEP 2 CK: 256 Snumie is a very happy camper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


total study time- approx 7 wks- however I had rotations during 4 of the weeks

 

[jey2283]

very impressive scores! we'll c what i can pull out on wend

 

[vero ad]

Hi, Im a IMG (2008), i just passed the STEP 1 and need help regarding the books for reviewing step 2CK.

THANKS!

 

[ChillDoc2010]

Hey all,

Got my score back on Weds...was definitely pleasantly surprised. All in all, for those who havent' taken this yet, UWorld is right on the money. While I was doing it I still wasn't completely convinced, but now that all is said and done, JUST DO UWORLD.

Step 1 - 245/99 (only did about 30% of UWorld, studied ~6wks with First Aid, other books, etc)

Step 2 CK- 260/99- 100% of UWorld completed, no books, studied 2 wks

While I know everyone's experiences differ a little, if you're in a time crunch, get UWorld and try to do the whole thing- it has great questions and great explanations, and should serve you well.

 

[ChillDoc2010]

Hey all,

Got my score back on Weds...was definitely pleasantly surprised. All in all, for those who havent' taken this yet, UWorld is right on the money. While I was doing it I still wasn't completely convinced, but now that all is said and done, JUST DO UWORLD.

Step 1 - 245/99 (only did about 30% of UWorld, studied ~6wks with First Aid, other books, etc)

Step 2 CK- 260/99- 100% of UWorld completed, no books, studied 2 wks

While I know everyone's experiences differ a little, if you're in a time crunch, get UWorld and try to do the whole thing- it has great questions and great explanations, and should serve you well.

 

[theunc31]

So, this thread was really helpful to me when I was studying, so I'll throw in my two cents.

I studied sporadically during a four week rotation and then took three weeks of vacation to devote to step 2. I studied Kaplan lecture notes and USMLE World during this time. I took three practice tests (NBME 2, NBME 4 and usmleworld test) as well.

Step 1-234 (used primarily world and first aid)

NBME 2-(2 months out) 220
NBME 4-(8 days out) 248
Usmleworld practice test-(7 days out) 248
Usmleworld cumulative-65% (first time through)
Step 2-258 🙂

I was very happy with my score, needless to say. I'm an above average student at a DO school, but nowhere near top of the class or anything. My advice is to really focus on usmleworld, as it's a great resource (as mentioned throughout this thread). If you have time for other resources, you could do a lot worse than the Kaplan notes. They're long, time consuming and somewhat expensive, but if you read sections throughout the year they're really a great resource. I was weak in IM, so for me they were fantastic. If you don't have the time, you will be more than fine with usmleworld.

Also, without trying to be Mr. Obvious, the test is long and the better you can get yourself acquainted to that, the better off you'll be. Take a few practice tests, do 4-6 world sections in a row, etc. to get yourself ready for a long day.

So, as for the new test format (44 questions)...

I didn't find much difference between the question format, style or timing as compared to world. The stems may have been slightly longer, but nothing really out of the ordinary. My timing per block was similar to world and felt that the difficulty was equal to or below that of world. I think I may have had one question on shock (surprising), but had my fair share of Ob/Gyn and Cardio. I only had 2-3 questions requiring headphones (all murmurs) and around 5 EKGs (pretty simple and straightforward). Overall, I felt pretty good after walking out, although I was thinking more in the 240 range than my actual score.

If anyone has any questions, feel free to PM me. Good luck to all of you getting ready to take step 2.

 

[SeaBreeze12]

Step 1 - 226
Step 2 CK - 244/99 🙂 (took it Sept 24th with the 44 question blocks)

I took a month off to study, but actually only studied for 2 1/2 - 3 weeks. I read through Crush Step 2 once, looked back through FA for step 1 for some topics, and read some old notes I had from my step 1 studying on pharm and micro.
Then I started out using Kaplan qbank because I had 3 months free (from enrolling in Kaplan live lectures for step 1). I did about 56% of Kaplan qbank and averaged 54% using timed, untutored, 44 question blocks. I read through crush a second time and then started using USMLE world about 4 days before the test. Some of the USMLE world questions were almost word for word on the actual test. I was only able to do about 20% of the questions and averaged 68%, timed, untutored with 20 questions blocks.

Overall, I think since kaplan updated their qbank to make it harder, they still have some kinks to work out with their questions. It is a lot harder than World. Whether that helped my score or not, I'm not sure. And if you need good percentages to boost your test taking confidence, Kaplan is not for you 🙁. My vote is for USMLE world and Crush Step 2. 👍

 

[jey2283]

Finally, today the score arrived.

step 1: 241/99
step 2: 245/99 ** taken 9/22/2009**

NBMEs: (1-4) ~ 223/245/220/255
UW ~ 89% completed avg 60%

Primary sources:
Kaplan notes
Kaplan Hi yield videos
Selected chapters from Cecil's medicine
UW Q bank
First Aid
Passing USMLE

Comments:
UW was a waste of time & $$ for me. 3 of my friends studied ONLY UW and failed 🙁

NBME did not feel like the real exam
Advise: see my previous post

Good luck to everyone & Congrats!! 2down, 1 to go!

 

[randhail]

Figured I'd contribute to this thread since I used it a lot while I was studying.

Took 9/23

Step 1: 241
Step 2: 252 :supergiddy:

Studied for two weeks during light rotations then about 1.5 weeks of mostly solid studying. Had a wedding to go to about 10 days prior to the test and traveled for a concert 3 days before the exam. Probably not the most focused study plan, but just wanted to show that it's possible to still live your life and do really well. Keep in mind, I'm not an all star by any means. My shelf exam scores were nothing to write home about with an average around 75 on them. Did not take any NBME exams to practice either.

I used Uworld almost exclusively and would not recommend anything else. Completed all but about 40 questions with an average of 67%. Read through Secrets and felt that it was borderline useless. Several of my questions seemed like they were straight from Uworld. Didn't feel stressed for time at all. Had about 5 minutes left to spare with every section. Question length was on par to Uworld and sometimes even a bit shorter. I left feeling decent, but was prepared for anything.

My biggest piece of advice is simply to not stress over the exam. I went in there just answering questions and did not hem and haw over more than a handful of questions for each section.

 

[Peds1]

For all the atypical SDN people, there is hope for us mediocre test takers!! 😛

Exam taken Sept 21st (the new 44 question/block exam)

Step 1: 203

NBME 4: 215 (2 days prior to taking exam)

Step 2 CK: 232! Increased 29 points!


Prep: I had 2 weeks off to study. I got through 60% of USMLE world with an average of 56% (40s-50s the first week and mostly 60s the following week). I did most of the UWorld question blocks on timed mode b/c I never finish timed exams (I'm a slow reader). Then I would go through all the questions and answers thoroughly. I did tutor style for about a third of the questions which is a great way to do it if speed isn't something you have to work on. I also read USMLE Secrets (once) which is great.

Test day: The test had quite a bit of peds/obgyn and of course a ton of adult medicine (cards/pulm). The test did NOT have much neurology (which I hadn't taken at the time) and the statistics was easy (thankfully). I thought the first 2 blocks were easy (and gave me confidence which was nice, but blocks 5-8 were tough and so long! I'm happy to say I finished all the questions in each block, though had to push myself to stay on task (once in a while I even had time to review a few questions, unlike in step 1 where I always had to guess on the last 5 questions per block because I ran out of time). I ended up doing the first 2 blocks without a break but then took very short, 5 minute breaks between every other block because I was so exhausted, it was a marathon!

I always do great in my clerkships (5/6 clinical honors third year and honors in everything so far during 4th year), but am not a great test taker (26 on the MCAT, 203 on step 1). I had a large range on my year 3 national step exams from 69 in medicine to 93 in OB/GYN. It has been literally 9 months since I had done any adult medicine, so I had to relearn about PEs, and adult respiratory/cardiac issues. Anyway, just wanted to give those of you with kind of crappy step 1 scores some hope! Good luck to those of you taking it soon!!

 

[Dr McSteamy]

For all the atypical SDN people, there is hope for us mediocre test takers!! 😛

Exam taken Sept 21st (the new 44 question/block exam)

Step 1: 203

NBME 4: 215 (2 days prior to taking exam)

Step 2 CK: 232! Increased 29 points!


Prep: I had 2 weeks off to study. I got through 60% of USMLE world with an average of 56% (40s-50s the first week and mostly 60s the following week). I did most of the UWorld question blocks on timed mode b/c I never finish timed exams (I'm a slow reader). Then I would go through all the questions and answers thoroughly. I did tutor style for about a third of the questions which is a great way to do it if speed isn't something you have to work on. I also read USMLE Secrets (once) which is great.

Test day: The test had quite a bit of peds/obgyn and of course a ton of adult medicine (cards/pulm). The test did NOT have much neurology (which I hadn't taken at the time) and the statistics was easy (thankfully). I thought the first 2 blocks were easy (and gave me confidence which was nice, but blocks 5-8 were tough and so long! I'm happy to say I finished all the questions in each block, though had to push myself to stay on task (once in a while I even had time to review a few questions, unlike in step 1 where I always had to guess on the last 5 questions per block because I ran out of time). I ended up doing the first 2 blocks without a break but then took very short, 5 minute breaks between every other block because I was so exhausted, it was a marathon!

I always do great in my clerkships (5/6 clinical honors third year and honors in everything so far during 4th year), but am not a great test taker (26 on the MCAT, 203 on step 1). I had a large range on my year 3 national step exams from 69 in medicine to 93 in OB/GYN. It has been literally 9 months since I had done any adult medicine, so I had to relearn about PEs, and adult respiratory/cardiac issues. Anyway, just wanted to give those of you with kind of crappy step 1 scores some hope! Good luck to those of you taking it soon!!

good post

i always find it amusing that those who got 98-99 on step 1 are "surprised" that they got 99 on step 2.

it's just a circle jerk among 99ers.

but posts like these with 30-40 point boosts are the gems.

 

[eggplant]

Test Date - 9/24

Studied for about 2.5 weeks using UW and read all of Step 2 Secrets.

Step 1 - 241
UW - 70% (100% completed - but I did use UW throughout 3rd year so I this is skewed - there were a lot of questions I didn't understand but remembered the answer)
NBME 4 (2 weeks before) - 252 (untimed)
NBME 2 (1 week before) - 243

Step 2 - 249

So happy to be done! Goodluck everyone!

 

[medInUSA]

step 1: 223 93


step 2 prep

Kaplan Qbank: done 100%1 average: 61%

USMLE World first run through: 61%
Second run through 84%
Third run through 93%

USMLE world self assessment couple of months before exam 227
NBME form 4 237 (couple of months ago)
NBBME form 1 248 (week before exam)

step 2: 241 99

I am moderately happy, was hoping to break 250

 

[Seville]

I've been reading this thread for weeks!

My exam is tomorrow. I've done 81% of UW. Read through all of FA and made notes in the margins from UW questions. Read a fair amount of Secrets.

What would you recommend I do for my last few hours of today? Run through some of Secrets that I haven't looked at yet? Flip through FA? Do some more questions? Have a drink and go to sleep?

 

[medInUSA]

to the previous poster:

go to sleep early,

tomorrow is a big day, tiring and draining, you need to have your full energy for the big day. Honestly what you know is what your know at this point.

go take a yoga class, go get a massage, go for a walk. do something to relax. and go to sleep early

 

[Seville]

to the previous poster:

go to sleep early,

tomorrow is a big day, tiring and draining, you need to have your full energy for the big day. Honestly what you know is what your know at this point.

go take a yoga class, go get a massage, go for a walk. do something to relax. and go to sleep early

thanks, Med.

That's kind of what I was thinking too. I'm running over some biostats stuff just b/c I always forget which formula is which but then am thinking I'll close the books and go rent a movie.

Maybe.

AGH!

 

[medInUSA]

i would advise against a movie, since this will make you think about the movie, and fill your head with new images and sounds.

yoga, meditation, a walk, a run, the gym, or dinner with a friend, and early sleep. Good luck tomorrow

 

[Seville]

i would advise against a movie, since this will make you think about the movie, and fill your head with new images and sounds.

yoga, meditation, a walk, a run, the gym, or dinner with a friend, and early sleep. Good luck tomorrow

I can honestly say I never even thought about that. Good point.

I'm thinking the nice long run is a good idea. Some exercise to get myself sleepy, good shower, dinner, sleep early.

Om mani padme hummmmmmmmmmmmm

 

[Dogg1]

Step 1: 264

Took test: 9/22
NBME #2: 1 month before- 265
Studied for 4 weeks but not very intensely. Used principally UW
UW avg: 72% cumulative

Step 2: 257 --Overall happy but a little disappointed as score went down when most peoples scores goes up. Felt like the new version was kind of difficult. Didn't study the OB/Gyn as much as I should have. Be familiar with fetal heart rate tracings. Overall felt UW did a good job preparing me.

 

[sk1684]

Hey guys...so i am taking mine on thursday...i took NBME#2 two days ago (i.e. a week before the big day) and got 239...i am satisfied with it, however i thought it was a weird form...so just wondering if i need to confirm my score with UW assessment...my overall on USMLE world (90%complete) in 60%...i have 4 days to go and the plan is to review all the marked questions, first aid, my own notes and do some more random sets here and there...just wondering if i need to squeeze in doing the UW assessment or not...please advise! thanks🙂

 

[willow18]

Hey guys...so i am taking mine on thursday...i took NBME#2 two days ago (i.e. a week before the big day) and got 239...i am satisfied with it, however i thought it was a weird form...so just wondering if i need to confirm my score with UW assessment...my overall on USMLE world (90%complete) in 60%...i have 4 days to go and the plan is to review all the marked questions, first aid, my own notes and do some more random sets here and there...just wondering if i need to squeeze in doing the UW assessment or not...please advise! thanks🙂

Confirm your score? And if Uworld tells you 235, what then? Seriously, calm down; do some review and take the darn thing.

 

[Seville]

just took mine yesterday. Really don't know what to think. It was not as bad as Step 1 but still punched you in the stomach on those last sections. My brain was just so melted by then, I felt like I couldn't make heads or tails of anything. I didn't have any fetal heart tracings but had a ton of EKGs.

I used First Aid + UW (did 81% of the questions in mixed mode, all single subject sometimes, tutor, timed, just whatever I felt like that day) + maybe read half of Secrets + reread the Pestana notes. I thought the Pestana notes actually really helped a lot for quick points here and there.

Anyway, it's done. Now time to sit back and wait and just hope and pray to baby J that I did ok. 😳

Good luck to everyone who still has yet to take it!

 

[iledd3wu]

Another score release today (10/21)

Took my test 9/30. I'm in the middle of a research year, so I didn't have much time to study, maybe 1-3 hours per night and more so on the weekends. Definitely took a lot of time of to not study and take some weekend trips. My study period was about a month and a half.

Read through FA Step 2 CK once, but thought it was boring and didn't learn too much from it. Definitely not as useful as FA Step 1. But in general, it's probably good to have one text source to use, just to reinforce certain concepts.

I thought the most useful resource, by far, is USMLEWorld. Definitely try to finish the whole thing if possible. My percentage, first time through, primarily random timed, some tutor mode, was 73%. Spend a good amount of time reading through explanations, but save yourself some trouble by not reading ones that you know for sure. I would try to squeeze in 2-3 tests nightly, and 7-10 on the weekend.

I also took NBME 4 about a week or so before the real deal (800/>268) and found it easier than USMLEWorld, which gave me some hope.

Regardless, here are my scores:
Step 1: 261/99
Step 2: 269/99

For some reason, I definitely had more of a stamina issue with Step 2 and found myself getting tired easily, especially towards the end of the test. Regardless, I think its a more straightforward test than Step 1, and in general, people tend to do about the same or better on Step 2 vs Step 1.

Best of luck to everyone.

 

[markglt]

uw = 53%

nbme 4 = 410/194
nbme 3 = 400/191
nbme 2 = 450/204

step 2ck = 203/83

glad to be done

good luck to all!

 

[Rags2]

I took the test Sept. 30th. Honestly I'm very disappointed with this score. I felt much better while I was taking the test and felt very good walking out. I don't know if it was my preparation or the new data from the new tests but I am not too happy with this score.

My Prep.

UW x 2. 59 % the first time through 71% the second time through.
Combank - I don't know the %
UWSA a week out - 220

Maybe I expected too much from just doing questions and no books but I would recommend more than just Uworld as that was my plan and seemed to work for many before me. My Step 1 was 225, so maybe I had an unrealistic goal of a 99 on step 2.

I'm applying ER so I don't think my score will hurt me that much but it definately won't help me.

Best of luck to all of those to still take it.

 

[doceasy24]

For those that have taken Step 2 CK,

Did you find yourself being able to answer many of the questions after reading the last line or two? It seems like many of the UW questions are like this, and I wanted to know if this was representative of the real thing.

Thanks in advance for your help!

🙂

 

[futuremd22283]

For those that have taken Step 2 CK,

Did you find yourself being able to answer many of the questions after reading the last line or two? It seems like many of the UW questions are like this, and I wanted to know if this was representative of the real thing.

Thanks in advance for your help!

🙂

Yes. I would skim questions and look for themes or key words. This helped save me lots of time. I usually finished the blocks in 30-40 minutes. I used UW and USMLE Rx to study (no books), so I got pretty used to finding themes and key words as well as timing the blocks out...

 

[marcus8]

I am doing a lot better on my USMLE World questions than the NBME diagnostics. I have a 55% average on USMLE World, which estimates my score around 211. NBME predicts my score around 188?!?! Seriously, should I push my test back? Why is there such a big difference? I've done about half of the World questions and I'm scheduled to take the test on the 31st.

 

[FreakofMeds]

Do another NBME IMO. Preferably 2 or 4.

 

[marcus8]

Do another NBME IMO. Preferably 2 or 4.

Thanks. The 188 was test 3.

 

[jey2283]

This youtube clip pretty much sums up my step 2 ck multimedia experience 🙂 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO4T7iBKGt8

 

[markglt]

haha, me too.

 

[Frugal Traveler]

This youtube clip pretty much sums up my step 2 ck multimedia experience 🙂 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO4T7iBKGt8

 

[Labslave]

Got scores a while back but haven't posted yet (have been on vacation, woohoo!).

Used USMLEWorld, average was 74%, random, timed. Studied for 3 weeks, ~6-8 hrs/day. Used FA for peds and ob/gyn since I hadn't done those rotations in a while. Used Secrets for ortho, ophthy, and other random stuff. All in all, wouldn't recommend doing Secrets or Crush unless you're really tired of doing questions. The best prep was studying throughout 3rd year, and USMLEWorld was right on target. In all honesty, if you have a strong knowledge base, doing World is enough.

Step I: 250+
Step II: 260+

Good luck to future test takers!

 

[unhigenyx]

not familiar with US clinics
Step 1 - 260+
NBMEs - 3 wk out 227 and 1.5 wk out 234
UWSA1 - 248 (2 wks out)
UW - finished 100%. started around 65% and moved to 72% (68% to 85%). not so random. it is so much heavier on medicine that in later stages, i used up all other subjects.
prep time - 3+ wks. 2 wks full time prep. kaplan books, UW and a couple of NBMEs.

first off, i did not find the test to be so easy as some people would make it sound on the forum.

the Qs were similar to UW, not any longer. While I did not have any luxury to ponder upon any Q , I finished all Qs 'comfortably'. Marked 5-9 Q/block - never had a chance to take another look at it. The most imp thing in Step 2 is practice. You cannot derive stuff while taking test - so know your facts hard. If I were to choose between covering BROAD base (low yield) and solidifying high-yield stuff that I already know, I'd choose the later. sometimes, i couldnt even keep up with 'easy' stuff. for eg if a case needs to be evaluated by criteria, you dont even have time to go back and see how many criteria does the case meet. i simply felt the case and moved on 😀

While I could swear by Kaplan for step 1, i am not such a huge fan of it for step 2. I am sure all the material needed to ace the test is right there, but editing and prioritizing are not good and that makes it difficult to focus on stuff that really matters. right after step 2, i bought Master step 3 ( i know, i dont have life), and I think (at least for medicine) that the book rocks!! It is essentially similar material as that for step 2, but so much more organized and beautiful. I'd definitely buy this book if I were to prepare again. it has simple 'first test/best test' format in bullets. I dont know if I could have used that as a sole method of prep, but I'd definitely review it following Kaplan material.

UW - doesn't need my endorsement. Life saver

Kaplan Q bank -used 25% dont even care what was my score. i dont know why i decided to burn money on this. terrible terrible s/w. one good thing though (in retrospect) is that this Q bank is detail heavy and basically tests ur knowledge of kaplan review material. so if u r using that review material (and if u have time and money), it is a good way to assess how much do u retain. also, a huge bonus of some out there is that it came without any expiration date. so i had bought it for 2 months and it showed 32k days left on my subscription.

i was confident (may be overboard) starting for step 2. but nbmes put my ass on fire. coming out of test, i felt terrible (surprise!) and i couldnt even guess a broad range. my feeling was anywhere between 230-255. i dont know if going down 10 points is going to hurt me esp as an img, but i'd take it more seriously if i were to do it again.

hope this helps-

 

[Dr McSteamy]

This youtube clip pretty much sums up my step 2 ck multimedia experience 🙂 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO4T7iBKGt8

hahahah


comedy gold right there.


only med students would find that funny though.


nice to insert it right here among all the circlejerking 260+/99 posts

 

[medstu24]

Took on 10/12/09

Step 1: 230
Step 2: 262
UWORLD: 65% (completed ~70%) All timed-random
Shelf scores: 60(surgery)-90(peds/psych)

Study time: 2.5 wk

I pretty much just used UWORLD. Did about 3 exams a day because i cannot get myself to study for more than 6-7 hours a day. After the first week, i was consistently doing most poorly in IM so i took 2 days to review the IM section of CRUSH (a solid review book but by no means comprehensive). I started at ~55% and was scoring high 60s low 70s before the test.

Test day: Had almost no sleep the night before (i am a nervous nelly) and was worried i'd be exhausted during the exam. Had no idea the answer to number 1, not even an educated guess. The first section made me feel pretty crappy. Section two was near the level of difficulty as UWORLD. The test did eventually get easier after the first 2 sections. I am a pretty slow reader, but had no problem finishing all the sections with about 2-3 minutes left over. Usually just ended the test sections instead of reviewing questions to gain more break time. In terms of test stamina, I was getting really tired after the 4th section. Luckily i had lots of break time so i was taking ~5 minutes breaks between each section in the second half of the exam.

Overall the test was definitely easier than UWORLD. However, there were questions/sections comparable in difficulty. I was told that the test starts out easy by gets more difficult so i was a bit flustered after the first 2 sections. Luckily it got easier for me.

Good luck to all

 

[cleopatra1710]

One time through in the 60s in UW. On missed questions 70-80% until getting them correct

Took the nmbe form 2 and 4 got 223 and 224 both the week of the test and the week before

242/99 on the actual test
went up 20ish points from step 1 where I thought I had underperformed but at the same time was so nervous it meant I was destined for poor step performances (so yes, you can go up!). I still think I could have done better with if I had had one more week to study (a full 4 weeks), but I didn't have it in my schedule and honestly am happy with my score and think I did well enough.

I used UW, crush (more to take notes in less so to read) and the kaplan lecture series books only (didn't have time to go through all of them given my schedule but made a decent dent) Think they are a great resource for sure.

I took the exam on 10/10 and received my score 11/4 at 11 am eastern
In general it seems like you will get your score at 11 am est on the wednesday three weeks from the wednesday after you took the exam

best of luck

 

[flipflops81]

Step 1: 247, scored 68% overall on UW

Step 2: 264: scored 67% overall on UW
I studied for 4 weeks while on an easy rotation. I also read Secrets and the parts of First Aid I felt I was weak on.

 

[Seville]

Thanks for posting your scores. Thanks Medstu for posting the date you took it.

Would you all mind putting what date you took the exam? I'm trying to gauge when I might get my scores!

Thanks!!