USMLE Scores
USMLE Scores and Competitiveness for Residencies
You need to pass the USMLE to get into a residency program. However, if you ace your USMLE, you are more likely to get into top residency programs. Here are the minimum passing score from the USMLE step 1, USMLE step 2 and USMLE step 3:
| Examination | Minimum Passing Score |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | 188 |
| Step 2 CK | 189 |
| Step 3 | 187 |
On the two-digit scale, the minimum passing score is always a 75.
Performance on Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) is reported as a pass or fail only, without a numerical value.
Here is the usmle distribution bell curve
Since performance on the MCAT correlates relatively well with performance on the USMLE (see MCAT predicts USMLE scores), schools with the highest admissions MCATs are likely also to have the highest USMLE scores.
USMLE Step 1
USMLE Step 1
USMLE Step 1 Content
All subjects that you studied in medical school will be tested. By law, only 10% of the material will be tested for pure memorization. The rest will be tested based on logic and deduction.
Expect to be tested on the normal and abnormal processes. If you know the process is normal would you say that the other process is abnormal if it is not normal?
The subjects heavily tested on are pathology, pathophysiology, physiology, microbiology and immunology, and pharmacology. You should also be fluent biochemsitry and molecular biology, cell biology, genetics and development, psychiatry, and statistics.
Test Prep for Step 1 materials
Investing time and money in passing the exam is wise. Use USMLE World Step 1 question bank to pass your test with confidence. It has over 2,000 questions in their bank with complete answer explanations.
The bible of reveiw for the usmle step 1 is First Aid for the USMLE Step 1.
Using active usmle forum to study will increase your chance to pass the test. Popular usmle forum is valuemd usmle forum.
Time to apply and take the USMLE step 1 test
Visit the USMLE Application Site
USMLE score distribution
The USMLE distribution is a bell curve. There will be super scorers and super flunkers. Most applicants will pass the USMLE on their first trial.
Taking the USMLE is expensive. Keep on flunking the USMLE can cause bankruptcy so study hard.
Visti our usmle scores page to examine the test distribution. Good luck with your usmle scores.
Tips on studying for the USMLE Step 1
USMLE Step 1 is the first test a medical student will have to take. Because it is the first test, students will study the hardest. Failing the usmle step 1 will keep you from doing clinical rotations. Here are some techniques on studing for the USMLE step 1:
1. Do USMLE Sample questions. Do Sample questions. Do more Sample questions. Doing usmle sample questions allow you to pace yourself in real test. If you are consitently scoring in the 70% then you are ready to take the USMLE test. Sign up for USMLE World quesiton bank or Kaplan USMLE question bank.
2. Focus on your weaknesses. Many students that focused on their strong points to make them feel good usually scores lower than students that focused on improving their weaknesses. Identify your weakness and improve on it.
How do you assess your weakness? Sign up for the USMLE World question bank or Kaplan USMLE prep materials. These USMLE test preps analyze your weakness and give recommendations.
3. Study for the USMLE along with your medical school classes.
Sign up for Kaplan question bank during your medical school. Do them during your medical school to ace your class and the USMLE.
4. Form a study buddy via online usmle forum such as ValueMD USMLE forum.
5. Read about USMLE Step 1 Tips from Andreas Carl, the author of USMLE Step 1 Made Ridiculously Simple. He gives you top tips on how to get the highest usmle step score your brain can afford.