Why is it so hard to pass Step 1?

Having seen UWorld or other QBank questions – and even taken an NBME or two – prior students were much more prepared for the USMLE format and expectations. Now, it's much less common to see students prepare much, if at all, before their dedicated study. And as a result, passing Step 1 becomes that much harder.

Why is Step 1 so hard?

Traditionally, Step 1 has been thought of as both the most difficult and most important USMLE Step exam. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, this exam is the first in the series, and students taking it will have had less experience with the types of questions that the USMLE asks.

Is it common to fail Step 1?

In 2022, 91% of students passed Step 1, leaving nearly 10%, 1489 students, to retake the test. While failing Step 1 certainly isn't ideal, it could happen, but it doesn't have to kill your hopes of becoming a doctor or matching into your ideal residency program.

Is 60% enough to pass Step 1?

USMLE Step 1 Passing Score

Unlike the other USMLE exams, Step 1 is reported as pass/fail only, so you will not receive a numerical score. According to the USMLE program, examinees must correctly answer approximately 60 percent of items to pass each USMLE Step.

What are the odds of passing Step 1?

Most notably, between 2021 (old busted graded version) and 2022 (hot new p/f version), Step 1 pass rates declined. For allopathic students, the Step 1 pass rate dropped from 95% to 91%. For osteopathic students, the passing rate decreased from 94% to 89%.

Why Passing the USMLE is SO HARD

Is Step 1 one of the hardest exams?

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 is widely considered one of the most difficult exams in higher education. This intensive one-day exam covers a huge breadth of topics and has high stakes for medical students' futures.

Is Step 1 harder than UWorld?

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.

Is Step 1 harder than MCAT?

In terms of exam difficulty, the MCAT is considered easier compared to the USMLE Step 1. It is because the MCAT only tests the basic science principles and skills of the individual if one fits the requirement to proceed or enter med school.

Is it hard to fail Step 1?

Failing USMLE Step 1 is not uncommon.

2022 NBME performance data show that the passing rate for 1st time test takers with a US or Canadian MD degree was 93%; with a US or Canadian DO degree was 89%; and for non-US or Canadian degrees was 74%. These passing rates have gone down from the 2021 data across the board.

Can I pass Step 1 with only UWorld?

Is UWorld Enough to Pass Step 1? UWorld alone is not enough. You should use UWorld along with these tips to effectively prepare for Step 1: Combine UWorld with other resources, such as First Aid and NBME self-assessments.

Do residencies see if you failed Step 1?

Many residency programs use Step 1 scores as a screening tool for selecting candidates for interviews. Failing Step 1 may limit your options for matching, but it does not necessarily mean that you cannot match at all.

Can you fail Step 1 and still match?

US medical students who fail USMLE step 1 might match in Family Medicine, possibly Pediatrics, but never in one of the medical or surgical specialities. An non-US IMG who fails step 1 is unlikely to match into a U.S. medical residency training program in any medical specialty.

How many med students fail Step 1?

Examining the Decline in 2022 Passing Percentage

The total number of failed Step 1 exams in 2022 was roughly 9,700, as opposed to around 5,700 in 2021. Additionally, the: Step 1 pass rate amongst MD students dropped from 95% in 2021 to 91% in 2022. The overall passing rate fell from 88% in 2021 to 82% in 2022.

What is an impressive Step 1 score?

Prior to starting your dedicated study time, make sure to do some research and figure out if your goal range matches the expectations of your chosen specialty. Generally speaking, however, a USMLE® Step 1 score between 230 and 245 was considered a good and a score between 245 and 255 was considered very good.

Is Step 1 easier now?

The passing score for USMLE Step 1 will increase from 194 to 196 on January 26, 2022. Changing from a numerical score to pass/fail result is expected to decrease the pressure and anxiety students have associated with this test. The test itself will not become more difficult.

What's the hardest exam in the world?

China's Gaokao exam, often hailed as the world's most challenging examination, is a true testament to the dedication and resilience of its students. This annual event is not just a test; it's a symbol of ambition, hard work, and dreams for millions of Chinese students.

How many hours to study for Step 1 pass fail?

It is ideal for studying 8-12 hours daily for USMLE step 1. However, study hours vary from student to student. Therefore, try studying for different durations and see what works best for you. Medical students usually have 2-3 months between the second-year final exams and the USMLE Step 1 exam.

What happens if you fail Step 1 twice?

Retake Procedures

After your first failed attempt, you may retake the exam twice within one year. If you don't pass on your third attempt, you will have to wait six months to retake the exam. That fourth attempt must also be more than a year after the date you first took the exam.

How do you overcome Step 1 failure?

How much math is on Step 1?

The USMLE Step 1 exam has very basic mathematics. There are a small percentage of questions on the exam that will require calculations (eg: biostatistics). However, the math is not more advanced than the level of simple arithmetic and is easily done using a four-function calculator.

What is the hardest exam in medical school?

The Pressure of Board Exams

One of the biggest reasons the second year is considered the hardest is the pressure of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) Level 1 for DO students.

How long should you study for Step 1?

This exam is just a hurdle to overcome. Dedicated recommended study length: 6-8 weeks: With over 3500Qs you need seven weeks with at least 80 questions per day for one single pass of UWorld. I recommend trying to do a few more per day so you can get through your incorrect questions a second time.

Is 60 on UWorld Step 1 good?

58-60% is OK, a good sign is being consistently above the average scores. The Uworld package I bought came with 2 assessment exams. I took the first about 1.5 weeks before my scheduled test date. Keep in mind that I had completed all of the Qbank questions by that time.

Is Step 1 graded on a curve?

Remember that all steps of the USMLE are graded on a curve. Although nobody gets the exact same set of questions, your grade will be based on the sum of the averages for each question.

Is Step 1 or Step 2 easier?

The majority of people do much better on Step 2 than on Step 1 even with less studying. This test focuses more on the next step in a patient presentation. Questions such as which lab or test to order next. There will also be plenty of diagnosis questions as well.