USMLE Step 1 & Step 2 Average Scores By Specialty In 2024

October 25, 2024
8 min read

”Jonathan

Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 3/19/24

Are you familiar with the average Step 2 scores by specialty?  Let’s get into it. 

Wondering what it takes to achieve a solid USMLE score? Look no further. In this guide, we'll explore the intricacies of USMLE scores, providing valuable insights into what constitutes success on this critical exam. 

Let's break down everything from percentile rankings to what different score ranges mean. Whether you're just starting your preparation or aiming to improve your current score, we've got you covered.

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Specialties With the Highest & Lowest Step 2 CK Scores

Plastic surgery and dermatology typically have median Step 2 CK scores exceeding 250, while family medicine, pathology, and psychiatry tend to have median scores around 230. Let’s take a closer look. 

Step 2 CK Percentiles & Average Test Scores

Specialties with the highest Step 2 CK scores tend to include competitive fields such as plastic surgery and dermatology, where median scores typically exceed 250. On the other hand, specialties with the lowest Step 2 CK scores tend to include family medicine, pathology, and psychiatry, with median scores typically hovering around 230, give or take a few points.

In terms of Step 2 CK percentiles and average test scores, the average scores usually fall within the range of 245 to 247. For Step 3, students often receive mean scores between 227 and 228. These variations in mean scores also translate to differences in percentiles. To achieve a score around the 75th percentile for Step 1, you would generally need a score above 245.

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Specialties With the Highest & Lowest Step 1 Scores

The specialties with the highest Step 1 scores include plastic surgery, ENT, dermatology, neurosurgery, and orthopedic surgery. These fields demand high scores, with plastic surgery leading at 251, closely followed by ENT at 250, and the rest tied at 248. They're competitive because there aren't many spots available, attracting applicants with stellar academic records.

On the flip side, specialties like neurology, PM&R, pediatrics, psychiatry, and family medicine tend to have lower Step 1 score averages. For instance, neurology averages 233, while family medicine is at the bottom with 225. These areas generally draw applicants with different priorities, like clinical experience and interpersonal skills.

But remember, Step 1 recently switched to a pass/fail system. So while it used to be a big deal, now other things matter more, like Step 2 CK scores, clinical experience, and research. But competition is still fierce because there are more applicants than spots available. So, it's about more than just test scores when it comes to getting into residency programs.

What Is the Mean Score for Step 2?

The mean score for Step 2 of the USMLE is 245, with the passing score at 209.

Does the Step 2 Percentile Matter?

Yes, your USMLE Step 2 percentile does matter. It can influence your chances of matching with your preferred residency program.

What Is the Minimum Passing Score for Step 2 CK?

The minimum passing score for Step 2 CK of the USMLE is 209.

What Is the Average Step 2 CK Score of Applicants Matching to their Preferred Specialty?

Below are the average Step 2 CK scores of applicants who successfully matched to their preferred specialties.

Specialty Average Step 2 CK Score
Anesthesiology 248
Child Neurology 247
Dermatology 257
Diagnostic Radiology 253
Emergency Medicine 247
Family Medicine 241
General Surgery 250
Internal Medicine 249
Internal Medicine/Pediatrics 250
Interventional Radiology 253
Neurological Surgery 252
Neurology 246
Obstetrics and Gynecology 249
Orthopaedic Surgery 256
Otolaryngology 257
Pathology 245
Pediatrics 245
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 242
Plastic Surgery 257
Psychiatry 242
Radiation Oncology 249
Vascular Surgery 250

What Step 2 CK Score Is Necessary for Securing Residency Interviews?

To ensure you secure residency interviews, aim for a Step 2 CK score above 255. Similarly, for Step 3, target a score above 235. While Step 1 is now pass/fail, scoring in or above the 75th percentile on Step 2 CK and Step 3 can boost your chances of landing your preferred residency spot.

Average Step 2 Score Based on Specialty

In 2022, plastic surgery, dermatology, and ENT topped the list of medical specialties with the highest average step 2 score based on specialty, all tied at an impressive 257.

Detailed Breakdown of Scores by Specialty

Here's a deep dive into the average Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores, along with research-related metrics, for various specialties among both US seniors and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from the 2022 Match data.

US Seniors: Average Step 1, Step 2 CK Scores by Specialty (2022 Match)

Specialty Step 1, US Senior (Unmatched) Step 2, US Senior (Matched) Step 2, US Senior (Unmatched)
Anesthesiology 237 221 248
Child Neurology 234 214 247
Dermatology 248 244 257
Diagnostic Radiology 245 233 253
Emergency Medicine 234 219 247
Family Medicine 225 211 241
General Surgery 237 225 250
Internal Medicine 237 218 249
Internal Medicine/Pediatrics 236 217 250
Interventional Radiology 245 238 253
Neurological Surgery 248 238 252

Specialty Step 1, US Senior (Unmatched) Step 2, US Senior (Matched) Step 2, US Senior (Unmatched)
Neurology 233 217 246
Obstetrics and Gynecology 234 225 249
Orthopaedic Surgery 248 241 256
Otolaryngology 250 243 257
Pathology 233 226 245
Pediatrics 230 209 245
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 230 220 242
Plastic Surgery 251 240 257
Psychiatry 228 219 242
Radiation Oncology 240 209 249
Vascular Surgery 241 238 250

US Seniors: Average Abstracts, Presentations, and Publications by Specialty (2022 Match)

Specialty Mean Number of Abstracts, Presentations, and Publications, US Senior (Unmatched)
Anesthesiology 6.6
Child Neurology 7.4
Dermatology 20.9
Diagnostic Radiology 8
Emergency Medicine 5.1
Family Medicine 4.1
General Surgery 8.6
Internal Medicine 6.9
Internal Medicine/Pediatrics 6.5
Interventional Radiology 12.2
Neurological Surgery 25.5
Neurology 7.8
Obstetrics and Gynecology 6.8
Orthopaedic Surgery 16.5
Otolaryngology 17.2
Pathology 8.5
Pediatrics 5.6
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 6.2
Plastic Surgery 28.4
Psychiatry 6.2
Radiation Oncology 13.3
Vascular Surgery 12.4

IMGs: Average Step 1 Scores by Specialty (2022 Match)

Specialty Step 1, US IMG (Unmatched) Step 1, Non-US IMG (Matched) Step 1, Non-US IMG (Unmatched)
Anesthesiology 233 226 234
Child Neurology 227 215 228
Dermatology N/A N/A 251
Diagnostic Radiology 241 231 247
Emergency Medicine 227 213 231
Family Medicine 211 207 219
General Surgery 236 225 238
Internal Medicine 225 212 238
Internal Medicine/Pediatrics 220 215 230
Interventional Radiology 261 240 250
Neurological Surgery N/A 217 246

Specialty Mean Number of Abstracts, Presentations, and Publications, US Senior (Unmatched)
Anesthesiology 6.6
Child Neurology 7.4
Dermatology 20.9
Diagnostic Radiology 8
Emergency Medicine 5.1
Family Medicine 4.1
General Surgery 8.6
Internal Medicine 6.9
Internal Medicine/Pediatrics 6.5
Interventional Radiology 12.2
Neurological Surgery 25.5
Neurology 7.8
Obstetrics and Gynecology 6.8
Orthopaedic Surgery 16.5
Otolaryngology 17.2
Pathology 8.5
Pediatrics 5.6
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 6.2
Plastic Surgery 28.4
Psychiatry 6.2
Radiation Oncology 13.3
Vascular Surgery 12.4

IMGs: Average Step 2 CK Scores by Specialty (2022 Match)

Specialty Step 2, Non-US IMG (Matched) Step 2, Non-US IMG (Unmatched) Step 1, Non-US IMG (Unmatched)
Anesthesiology 240 236 243
Child Neurology 234 225 239
Dermatology N/S N/A 252
Diagnostic Radiology 247 239 250
Emergency Medicine 238 225 240
Family Medicine 225 219 231
General Surgery 246 234 247
Internal Medicine 235 222 245
Internal Medicine/Pediatrics 229 231 243
Interventional Radiology 270 244 246
Neurological Surgery N/A 228 247

Specialty Step 2, US IMG (Unmatched) Step 2, Non-US IMG (Matched) Step 2, Non-US IMG (Unmatched)
Neurology 235 225 245
Obstetrics and Gynecology 243 232 243
Orthopaedic Surgery 255 241 249
Otolaryngology N/A N/A N/A
Pathology 228 221 238
Pediatrics 233 221 240
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 227 229 237
Plastic Surgery 232 244 240
Psychiatry 228 222 236
Radiation Oncology N/A N/A 240
Vascular Surgery - - 251

Step 1 vs. Step 2 Scores & Test Averages

Take a look at how Step 1 and Step 2 scores stack up against each other, along with their respective test averages, across different medical specialties.

Specialty Step 1 Score Step 2 CK Score Step 1 Average Step 2 CK Average
Anesthesiology 1348 1454 230.6 240.0
Child Neurology 123 122 227.3 238.8
Emergency Medicine 1759 2008 232.5 244.5
Family Medicine 2481 2886 216.7 230.5
Internal Medicine (preliminary) 1977 2114 236.2 243.6
Internal Medicine (categorical) 5483 6489 231.8 240.8
Internal Medicine/Pediatrics 330 353 231.4 244.0

Specialty Step 1 Score Step 2 CK Score Step 1 Average Step 2 CK Average
Neurological Surgery 214 218 243.3 244.5
Neurology 650 695 229.6 238.7
Obstetrics and Gynecology 1123 1234 227.9 242.7
Orthopaedic Surgery 723 733 245.5 252.3
Otolaryngology 304 311 246.8 252.6
Pathology: Anatomic and Clinical 518 552 227.3 233.8
Pediatrics 2418 2596 227.2 240.7

Specialty Step 1 Score Step 2 CK Score Step 1 Average Step 2 CK Average
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 275 277 223.8 235.5
Plastic Surgery: Integrated 159 162 246.1 251.1
Psychiatry 1286 1365 220.5 232.5
Surgery: General (preliminary) 1060 1173 232.0 239.3
Surgery: General (categorical) 1076 1173 235.0 246.5
Thoracic Surgery: Integrated 39 39 242.3 246.2
Transitional Year 927 1005 238.8 244.9
Vascular Surgery: Integrated 62 64 235.2 246.5

Side-by-Side Comparison of Step 2 Score Percentiles with Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3

Here's a side-by-side comparison of Step 2 score percentiles with Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3.

Score Step 1 Percentile Step 2 CK Percentile Step 3 Percentile
300 100 100 100
295 100 100 100
290 100 100 100
285 100 100 100
280 100 100 100
275 100 99 100
270 100 96 100
265 98 91 100
260 95 82 99
255 90 71 98

Score Step 1 Percentile Step 2 CK Percentile Step 3 Percentile
82 59 95 100
245 72 46 89
240 62 35 81
235 52 25 71
230 43 17 58
225 34 12 45
220 26 7 32
215 19 4 22
210 14 3 13
205 10 1 8

Score Step 1 Percentile Step 2 CK Percentile Step 3 Percentile
200 7 1 4
195 4 0 2
190 3 0 1
185 2 0 0
180 1 0 0
175 1 0 0
170 1 0 0
165 and below 0 0 0
210 14 3 13
205 10 1 8

Optimal Timing for Taking Step 2

It's best to take Step 2 CK shortly after finishing your clinical rotations. This way, the knowledge and skills you gained during your rotations are still fresh, making it easier to answer test questions. 

The scenarios you encountered during rotations are similar to those in Step 2 CK, which helps with exam preparation. Waiting too long after rotations could lead to forgetting important information or losing touch with clinical reasoning, which might affect your performance. 

So, scheduling Step 2 CK soon after rotations ensures you're well-prepared and improves your chances of success.

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Release Schedule for Step 2 Scores

Step 2 scores usually come out within two to four weeks after your test date. But keep in mind, sometimes there can be delays due to different reasons. 

To play it safe and not stress about waiting, it's smart to expect your results around eight weeks after you take the test. This way, you're prepared for any possible hold-ups and can plan accordingly for when you'll get your scores.

Is Preparation for Step 2 CK Necessary?

Preparing for Step 2 CK is crucial. This exam tests your clinical knowledge and readiness for real-world medical practice. 

It's important to use a variety of study materials, like online question banks and review courses, and create a study plan that fits your learning style and schedule. Putting in the effort now will help you succeed on the exam and in your future medical career. 

With dedicated preparation, including resources like our USMLE tutoring, you're poised to excel on the exam and pave the way for a successful medical career!

Do You Have a Well-Structured Study Plan for Step 2 CK?

Having a well-structured study plan for Step 2 CK is crucial. Tailoring it to fit your learning style and study schedule is key. This approach not only helps manage time effectively but also prevents last-minute cramming, ultimately reducing stress during preparation.

FAQs

Curious about the average Step 2 scores by specialty? Let's address some common questions in our FAQs section.

1. What Is Considered a Good Step 1 Score?

A good Step 1 score typically falls within the range of 230 to 250, but the definition of "good" varies by specialty and program competitiveness.

2. How Do Step 1 Percentile Rankings Affect Residency Applications?

Higher percentiles indicate stronger performance relative to other test-takers, but residency programs also consider other factors like clinical experience and research.

3. What Score Do I Need to Match Into My Desired Specialty?

The score needed varies by specialty and program competitiveness, but generally, a score above the national average for your specialty improves your chances.

4. How Does Step 1 Becoming Pass/Fail Impact Residency Applications?

Step 1's transition to pass/fail shifts focus to other application components like Step 2 CK scores, clinical evaluations, and research experience.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, knowing the score trends across different specialties is key for medical students planning their residency paths. Whether aiming high for competitive fields like plastic surgery or focusing on solid Step 2 CK prep, understanding these dynamics is vital. It's all about informed planning and dedication to pave the way for residency success.

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