How predictive are NBMEs for Step 2?

Step 2 CK NBMEs May (Substantially) Underpredict Scores The Step 2 CK NBME Assessments are less predictive than the Step 1 Assessments. The NBME's own data support this. 2/3 of students will score within 13 points of their Step 1 NBME but within 15 points of their Step 2 CK NBME.

Which NBME is most predictive of Step 2?

There are two UWorld self-assessments available for Step 2 CK, and it is recommended that UWSA 1 should be given 1 month before the exam, and UWSA 2 in the last week before the exam as it is also a very predictive assessment. These are also the assessment forms available on the NBME website.

Are NBMEs helpful for Step 2?

There are a few different factors that can be helpful in predicting your Step 2 CK performance. One of these is practice tests. The NBME provides self-assessment exams for all levels of the USMLE exams. Their CCSSA is the practice test that correlates with USMLE Step 2 CK.

How predictive is NBME 11 Step 2?

That said, the NBME still gives us a rough estimate of the accuracy of the NBMEs. For example, this student had a predicted score of 238 on CBSSA 11. Note that the NBME report states: We anticipate that your actual performance on Step 2 CK will fall in the range of 233-261 about two-thirds of the time.

Is UWorld 2 predictive for Step 2?

Your score on UWorld questions may feel like a marker of your progress, however your percentile on UWorld is not an accurate predictor of how you should expect to perform on Step 2 CK. As a reminder, UWorld is a learning resource, not a testing resource.

How I scored a 270 in the USMLE Step 2 CK I Resources and tips

Does NBME underpredict Step 2?

Step 2 CK NBMEs May (Substantially) Underpredict Scores

2/3 of students will score within 13 points of their Step 1 NBME but within 15 points of their Step 2 CK NBME.

Is NBME or uwsa more predictive?

Take an NBME on the Back-End to Predict Your Final Score

In the experience of many, UWSAs tend to overestimate your score.

Is NBME 18 still predictive?

The consensus around here is that NBME 18 is the most predictive available. Before I get into that point, specifically, I want to point out two things. The questions are nothing like step 1. The questions on 18 are very straightforward and there is a higher proportion of first order questions than you'll get on step.

Is Step 2 like free 120?

The NBME is the same body that administers the Step 2 CK exam. Their practice tests, including the Free 120, are made up of old USMLE Step 2 CK test questions, which make them an essential resource. Go through at least a few of these tests later on in your preparation as your test date closes in.

Is there a free 120 for Step 2?

The USMLE updated the Free 120 Step 2 CK questions on July 10, 2023. Below are explanations for every question in Blocks 1-3 (with references).

Is 222 a good Step 2 score?

Data provided by the National Board of Medical Examiners, which administers the USMLE, indicate that the average score for Step 2 CK for U.S. medical graduates hovers just above 240. Generally, it's been 242 to 243 over the past few years. The 25th percentile is around 232, while the 75th percentile is near 256.

Is 240 a good Step 2 score?

What is a good USMLE Step 2 CK Score? A good USMLE Step 2 CK score is between 240 and 260. However, what qualifies as a “good” score ultimately depends on the residency program you are applying to. If you want to match to your first-choice program, you should aim for a score at or above 256.

Is Step 2 like shelf exam?

Step 2 CK is a 9-hour exam taken at the beginning of the fourth year of medical school after completing the core clerkships. The test essentially feels like a really long shelf exam, but the style of questions is very similar since the NBME writes all of these exams.

How accurate are the NBME self assessments?

Overall, the NBME practice exams are an excellent accurate predictor of your performance on the USMLE Step 1.

What is a good NBME shelf score?

Passing scores for NBME Shelf Exams can vary by school and subject. However, most schools set their passing standards around the national average, which is typically a score of 70 or higher. Achieving a score above this threshold is essential for success in your clinical years and beyond.

Is 260 on Step 2 good?

2+ Year Member

Also OP, 250s NBMEs are not good. I would actually be worried as that is actually 54th to 70th percentile, meaning a good chunk of people are performing better than you. 265 or higher is what is really considered a truly solid Step 2 score at minimum.

Is 241 a good Step 2 score?

220-232: This range is just below average. Students with scores at the lower end may face more challenges to match, particularly in competitive specialties. 233-250: This range is considered above average. Students with scores in this range will be able to match in most specialties.

How long should I study for Step 2?

The schedule for Step II CK preparation varies significantly depending on how much time has passed since completion of the clerkships, and whether you are studying during vacation or during a 4^th year rotation. Overall, study time usually ranges from 1-4 weeks with most students taking 2-3 weeks.

Is NBME 11 predictive?

If your hope is to prepare for the weird questions STEP 2 will throw at you, NBME 11 doesn't seem like the answer. Interesting that they say "We anticipate your performance on the actual STEP 2 CK exam to fall between 253-281 about two thirds of the time". Quite the spread.

What is a 196 on Step 1?

On the three-digit score scale, the passing standard is 196. Future reviews of the Step 1 passing standard will not be reported in terms of a three-digit score.

Is UWorld Sim 1 predictive?

So the bottom line is the following: UWorld Self Assessment Step 1 exams may not be necessary for getting another score prediction because of the new NBME Step 1 practice forms. However, the UWSA Step 1 exams are still extremely valuable and a great source for mixed question review and learning.

What should I do the day before Step 2?

Taking the day easy and doing fun, restorative activities can provide you with a boost of energy and with the mental fortitude necessary to excel on test day. The last thing you want to do is overexert yourself studying the day before the exam and find yourself exhausted and burnt-out on test day.

How predictive is free 120?

The Free 120 does not generate a three-digit score. It does give you a percentage correct, which some people have tried to correlate to a Step 1 score, but there isn't any real data about how predictive it is. Anecdotally, I can say that if a student gets a 75% or higher on the NBME Free 120, they pass Step 1.

Is Step 1 more like NBME or UWorld?

Nbme for sure. The stems are long but the test doesn't want u to overthink as uworld does. According to the majority of us it felt like its own format. It borrowed rather long stem sometimes from uworld but did not try to trick us and have us guessing between two/three very similar answer choices.