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By Maana Haghani
USMLE® Step 2 CK Minimum Passing Score Increase – June 2014
I was in Houston on June 2 to teach a Step 2 CK Test Taking Strategies seminar in the Kaplan live program. As soon I finished the seminar and checked my emails, I noticed an email from the ECFMG Newsletter on the Step 2 CK minimum passing score increase. I remembered how I had just told the students that the passing score was 203 and what they had to do to score well beyond the minimum required score.
Why the change?
Generally, the USMLE Management Committee conducts a review of the USMLE exams’ minimum passing score. According to USMLE.org, based on consideration of certain criteria such as data on examinees’ performance and surveying various group, the committee decided to raise the recommended Step 2 CK minimum passing score from 203 to 209. This change is effective for examinees testing on or after July 1, 2014. Make sure to check USMLE.org to check for score reporting delays.
What does this mean for you?
Nothing, Just KEEP GOING!!!
Most of you don’t want to just pass, so try your best to surpass or get as close as possible to the national average of 238. A bump in the passing score is not the end of your medical career, nor is it the time for reconsidering your medical specialty options.
As the minimum passing score increases, your exam prep should become more organized and focused. Preparing for Step 2 CK is very similar to preparing for a marathon. You need to:
- Start with a motivation: Motivation and mental preparation are critical in starting this journey. A minimum passing score of 209 seems like a great motivation.
- Set your goal: Most applicants who match into a residency have a score closer to the average, 230-240! Aim for at least the national mean.
- Choose the proper attire: Select the best resources to study from. This should include reviewing high-yield information and practicing as many USMLE® style questions as possible on your Qbank.
- Nutrition: Healthy diet, exercise, and sleep are essential factors in maintaining concentration, retaining information, and controlling stress levels throughout this journey.
- Avoid distraction: Minimize distractions as much as possible in your life. This Marathon is about you and only you have to make it to the finish line.
- Training: You now have the prerequisites to begin your training. For your training, a focused high yield study and adequate practice are your tools to succeed. Build your endurance by doing QBank questions and increasing the number of question blocks as you get closer to your exam day.
- Exam day: It’s Marathon Time! You’re taking a 9 hour exam. With proper practice and endurance, you will not only make it to the finish line, you will surpass the mean!
Don’t let an increase in the passing score deviate you from your study plans and aspirations. Keep studying and good luck on your Step 2 CK!
Dr. Maana Haghani is the Kaplan Medical Academics Senior Consultant. She also developed the curriculum for the Guided Study Sessions and trains doctors to facilitate the sessions in all of the Kaplan Medical Centers in the US. During her tenure with Kaplan Medical, she has assisted many student doctors to pass the USMLE series and successfully counseled them on their path to residency. She has over 10 years of experience in teaching and tutoring undergraduate and medical students.
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