Low Step 2 CK score IMG

Q: What is a good score in Step 2 CK for IMG?

Although the highest possible score on the USMLE Step 2 CK is 300, no one has ever achieved that. A score of around 280 is considered the best. However, even if you score something between 240 to 260, you would be able to apply for the field of your choice.

Q: What is a low Step 2 CK 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 students match possibilities.

Q: Does Step 2 score matter for residency?

A great Step 2 CK score is important, but its just one part of your overall residency application. We can also help you with other aspects of this process, including writing a personal statement and presenting your application in the best possible way.

Q: How long does it take IMG to study for Step 2 CK?

But usually, it takes around four weeks to prepare for this exam given that there are no rotations. If you can devote four to five hours for these four weeks, it should be enough to get a good score in your Step 2 CK examinations.

Since the USMLE® Step 1 exam became pass/fail, attention has turned to the Step 2 exam which continues to grade students with a 3-digit score. While there are many, many factors that go into a successful match, the Step 2 exam is taking on a new significance.

Table of Contents Show

The average USMLE Step 2 match scores by medical specialty
What is a good score in Step 2 CK for IMG?
What is a low Step 2 CK score?
Does Step 2 score matter for residency?
How long does it take IMG to study for Step 2 CK?

With this in mind, let’s take a look at the average 2022 USMLE Step 2 match scores by medical specialty. We’ve broken down the data from the National Residency Matching Program’s (NRMP) Charting Outcomes in the Match, 2022 reports into the following tables so you can quickly refer to any specialty. Data is available for US MD & DO students as well as IMGs.

The average USMLE Step 2 match scores by medical specialty

Studying for the Step 2 exam can be tricky as there is not always a huge amount of time to do it. Students are usually busy with clinical rotations, Shelf exams, and other clinical duties. That’s why we want to share some of the most important topics to study before the exam—namely ethics and interpersonal skills. Since the USMLE increased the number of ethics questions on the exam, you won’t regret brushing up on the following articles:

While Step 2 match scores are important, there are many other factors that contribute to your success. These include, but are not limited to, completing successful clinical rotations, impressing your attendings and getting positive evaluations from them, and providing your patients with excellent patient care. All this can be done with the support of the AMBOSS for clinicians. Check out our clinical content today and you’ll find fast, reliable answers to your medical questions.

Start your free trial today and get the ultimate companion for students and residents on the wards.

Chart data: Data is from the Charting Outcomes in the Match: Senior Students of U.S. MD Medical Schools, Charting Outcomes in the Match: Senior Students of U.S. DO Medical Schools report, and Charting Outcomes in the Match: International Medical Graduates. The NRMP has no affiliation with AMBOSS.

Only those who gave consent to use their information in the NRMP research are included in the matched and unmatched data.

The USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK and USMLE Step 2 CS are the three exams required to become ECFMG Certified and move on into residency training. These exams are challenging and time-consuming to study for and take. It is no surprise that many residency candidates face difficulties while getting these exams completed with consequences that can affect how Program Directors view your application.

One of the most devastating feelings a residency candidate can have is finding out they received a low score on their USMLE Step 1 or USMLE Step 2 CK. It’s no surprise many residency applicants end up feeling frustrated, disappointed, or defeated. Low scores may limit some of your residency choices, such as which medical specialties you should consider, but if residency candidates with low scores work hard and improve the other components of their ERAS Applications, it is still possible to Match.

Thank you so much for such a detailed response. I graduated in 2005, Canadian citizen and currently residing in Canada. I have no work experience for a looooong time and I don't know how much this is going to affect along with such bad score on step 2. I am willing to work as hard as it takes but don't want to do anything blindly. I am not much aware of the U.S. situation for their criteria for accepting in different programs. I have no preferences , just any thing works for me. Just want to get in

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Ok if you have no preference. I would dedicate 8 month to a year to Step 1 and get a >240 score. Then aim for Pathology. Get an unpaid research position after step1 in a top university in Pathology after step 1 (It will help a lot)

Or aim for family medicine: get a few hands-on clinical experience in the US after step 1.

But you are going to be asked about the gap in your CV. The long time that you were not doing anything. So be prepared to answer that. If you were just sitting on your couch doing nothing that can hurt your application big time.

Asperger said:
Unfortunately they don't have much opportunities for IMGs here in Canada. Far less than states I believe. They have limited spaces and with each passing year,they change their criteria to call for an interview.
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I think your year of graduation hurts your application more than your low step 2 score. If you did a PhD in between sure, if you did residency and wanted to do a second one in US that was okay, even if you were just working as a general practitioner it was still okay-ish. But you have to understand that best case scenario you will go into match next year and by the time you get to the interview you have to justify a 12-year gap. That's a lot. Most programs consider you "old graduate" if you graduated more than 5 years ago.

If you were an IMG graduated in 2014 with a step 2 ck<220 I would say ace your step 1,pass your cs on the first attempt, get some hands on experience, maybe do some research and you have a good chance of getting matched.But IMG graduate of 2005 and a low ck makes things very difficult

I am not trying to disappoint you just these are facts that you need to consider before going forward. There is a lot you can do with your MD degree. You can apply for masters or even PhD in Public Health and get a health care job that way. Weigh all your options.

Red Husky said:
I think your year of graduation hurts your application more than your low step 2 score. If you did a PhD in between sure, if you did residency and wanted to do a second one in US that was okay, even if you were just working as a general practitioner it was still okay-ish. But you have to understand that best case scenario you will go into match next year and by the time you get to the interview you have to justify a 12-year gap. That's a lot. Most programs consider you "old graduate" if you graduated more than 5 years ago.

If you were an IMG graduated in 2014 with a step 2 ck<220 I would say ace your step 1,pass your cs on the first attempt, get some hands on experience, maybe do some research and you have a good chance of getting matched.But IMG graduate of 2005 and a low ck makes things very difficult

I am not trying to disappoint you just these are facts that you need to consider before going forward. There is a lot you can do with your MD degree. You can apply for masters or even PhD in Public Health and get a health care job that way. Weigh all your options.
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You are right. I know I have to give up on my dream and think realistically. It hurts but that's the fact. Thanks for taking time to give advice. Here in Canada, getting into masters program in public Health is also not easy. I want to know if in U.S. It is somewhat easier or there are online options.

What is a good score in Step 2 CK for IMG?

Although the highest possible score on the USMLE Step 2 CK is 300, no one has ever achieved that. A score of around 280 is considered the best. However, even if you score something between 240 to 260, you would be able to apply for the field of your choice.

What is a low Step 2 CK 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.

Does Step 2 score matter for residency?

A great Step 2 CK score is important, but it's just one part of your overall residency application. We can also help you with other aspects of this process, including writing a personal statement and presenting your application in the best possible way.

How long does it take IMG to study for Step 2 CK?

But usually, it takes around four weeks to prepare for this exam given that there are no rotations. If you can devote four to five hours for these four weeks, it should be enough to get a good score in your Step 2 CK examinations.