Is First Aid for Step 1 good for Step 2?

It is a well-known fact that First Aid USMLE Step 1 book is one of the gold resources for Step 1 preparation. Every page of the book is collected of vital high yield information. But importance of this book doesn't just end up here. It can be used very wisely and with high efficiency for Step 2 CK exams.

Should I use First Aid for Step 2?

Investing in First Aid for USMLE Step 2 CK is a wise decision if you want to maximize your chances of success on this important exam. The book's comprehensive coverage, high-yield information, and valuable study strategies make it an indispensable resource for any aspiring medical professional.

Does doing well on Step 1 help with Step 2?

In fact, Step 1 success is a great indicator for passing Step 2. Studying for Step 1 and 2 back to back will help students retain the information learned for Step 1, and carry it over to their Step 2 preparation directly afterward.

Is Step 1 a good predictor of Step 2?

According to research, the predominant opinion is that the Step 1 score has a strong positive correlation with the Step 2 CK score [15,16]. There was also a significant correlation (r = 0.684, p ≤ 0.0001) between scoring higher than 208 on Step 1 and passing Step 2 CK on the first attempt [15].

Is First Aid Step 1 enough?

Reading First Aid for Step 1 only once is typically enough.

However, if you feel the need to revisit it for clarification or review specific topics, there's no harm in going through it again. The key is comprehension over repetition.

The Ultimate Guide to Crush USMLE Step 1 with First Aid (2024)

Is Step 1 harder than Step 2?

This data suggests that Step 1 was the hardest exam to pass. No matter which step you are preparing for, the USMLE exams are challenging. It is important to plan your study schedule, start early, and do lots of practice questions and exams.

Can you pass Step 1 with just UWorld?

Although UWorld is valuable for learning and reviewing, it's not sufficient as the sole study tool for Step 1. We recommend utilizing UWorld in conjunction with First Aid and flashcards to get the most out of your dedicated.

What score is 75% on Step 2?

The 25th percentile is around 232, while the 75th percentile is near 256. These percentiles mean that if you score at or below 232, you're in the bottom 1/4 of test takers, while if you score at or above 256, you're in the top 1/4.

Is Step 2 more important now?

However, now that USMLE Step 1 is Pass/Fail as of 2022, the weight of Step 2 CK has increased drastically. The new pass/fail nature of Step 1 essentially shifts the pressure to Step 2 CK, making it the major objective measurement for clinical knowledge and assessment.

Is 250 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 4 weeks enough 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.

What is a bad Step 2 score?

Scores in the range of 209-219 are considered low, and as a result, it may be more difficult to match. Match data suggests that scores below 219 on Step 2 CK will likely limit a student's match possibilities.

Is 5 weeks enough for Step 2?

Your Step 2 CK study plan should include at least 10 hours per day for 4-6 (and up to 8) weeks. Remember, the harder you work, the higher your likelihood of a high score. Split up UWorld questions accordingly. You should allow yourself time to get through all of the questions at least once.

Does Step 2 matter more than Step 1?

Many residency programs instate a scoring cutoff for Step 1, meaning you must obtain a certain Step 1 score for entry. That said, you don't have to do particularly well on Step 1 to join a residency program — it's your Step 2 score that mainly determines whether you'll be matched with a program.

Can do students take Step 2 without taking Step 1?

DO students will still need to take COMLEX Level 1 before sitting for COMLEX Level 2 as this is an NBOME requirement. However, there is no requirement for them to take USMLE Step 1 prior to taking USMLE Step 2 CK.

Can you take Step 2 without Step 1?

Let's address the gigantic elephant in the room: no, you do not have to take the USMLE^® Step examinations sequentially. Fearing how the ACGME merger would affect the application process as an osteopathic student, I decided to take both the COMLEX^® and USMLE standardization examinations to cover all my bases.

Is Step 2 really hard?

So what now? Though many students tend to attain higher absolute scores on the USMLE Step 2CK (with a national average of 244 compared to 232 on the USMLE Step 1), it remains a difficult exam. Roughly 4% of first-time domestic test takers fail Step 2CK, with the failure rate for IMGs being even higher at up to 30%.

How many people fail Step 2?

‍Trends in Pass Rate

In 2020, for US and Canadian students, pass rate for Step 2 was a solid 98%. The current average Step 2 score is 246, with a standard deviation of 15. (Source: Performance Data | USMLE). This suggests that the pass rate should remain relatively high despite this five point change.

Is Step 2 being discontinued?

The USMLE Step 2 CS cancellation is now permanent. According to Medscape, there is no plan to bring back Step 2 CS. Instead, they will focus on working with colleagues in medical education and at the state medical boards to determine innovative ways to assess clinical skills.

What is a 60% on Step 2?

To pass the Step 2 CK exam, you must answer 60% of the questions correctly to achieve a minimum score of 214. Generally, to get your desired residency placement, your target score should be at least 245. With this score, you should be able to meet or beat other Step 2 CK score for residency programs.

Is Step 2 graded on a curve?

USMLE Step 2 CK is graded on a distribution, meaning that your score is relative to other test-takers. Questions carry more weight for those in the 99th percentile than the 50th. Missing questions is acceptable for passing, but every question matters for acing the exam.

How to score 270 on Step 2 CK?

Can you still match if you fail Step 1?

Yes. I failed Step 1 twice and matched. I know multiple people who had failed a Step and still made it. That being said, a lot of factors determine if you will match successfully.

Can I pass Step 1 without studying?

Getting a passing score on Step 1 is no walk in the park for this reason. Students still need a strong pre-clinical foundation to build on and significant practice doing UWorld questions, reading First Aid, and building on their foundation to achieve even a passing score.

Is Step 1 harder than UWorld?

Is UWorld Harder Than Step 1? Many students feel the USMLE/NBME questions are more “vague” (more on this below). However, UWorld does seem to be harder than Step 1 in one respect. One thing to note is that UWorld Step 1 seems to have more “noise” than is found in most Step 1 questions.