CHANGE IN STEP 2 MINIMUM PASSING SCORE

[studentMD]

CHANGE IN STEP 2 MINIMUM PASSING SCORE
Posted April 29, 2003

As stated in the USMLE Bulletin of Information and as explained in a previous USMLE website posting, the level of proficiency required to meet the recommended minimum passing level for each USMLE Step examination is reviewed periodically and may be adjusted at any time. Notice of such review and any adjustments are posted at the USMLE website.

At its April 2003 meeting, the Step 2 Committee conducted such a review, considering information from multiple sources including: 1) results of surveys of various groups concerning the appropriateness of current pass/fail standards for Step examinations; 2) trends in examinee performance; 3) score precision and its effect on the pass/fail decision; and 4) recommendations from physicians who participated in content-based standard-setting activities early in 2003. As a result of this review, the Step 2 Committee decided to raise the three-digit score recommended to pass Step 2 from 174 to 182. The new minimum passing score will be applied to Step 2 examinations for which the first day of testing is on or after 5/1/2003.

Because of the change in the recommended minimum passing score, it will be necessary to modify scoring and reporting procedures accordingly. These modifications may make it necessary to delay the reporting of scores of some examinees for an additional 1-2 weeks beyond the normal turnaround period. The normal turnaround period for Step 2 examinees is 3-4 weeks. All efforts will be made to minimize these delays and the number of examinees who are affected.

[Anonymous]

TO RAISE IT 8 POINTS IS OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!!!!!

THE TREND IS TO EVENTUALLY ELIMINATE US ENTIRELY.

SOON , AT THIS RATE , YOU WILL NEED A 200 TO PASS.

SO MANY MORE PEOPLE WILL SUFFER NOW. THOSE WHO WOULD
HAVE PASSED MARGINALLY WILL NOW BE ELIMINATED.

ITS JUST NOT FAIR

[Anonymous]

TO RAISE IT 8 POINTS IS OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!!!!!

THE TREND IS TO EVENTUALLY ELIMINATE US ENTIRELY.

SOON , AT THIS RATE , YOU WILL NEED A 200 TO PASS.

SO MANY MORE PEOPLE WILL SUFFER NOW. THOSE WHO WOULD
HAVE PASSED MARGINALLY WILL NOW BE ELIMINATED.

ITS JUST NOT FAIR

Because people are sharing questions over the internet. My friend said he got over 40 repeated questions that he collected over the net.

[Surgery4life]

It looks like alot more people will fail the exam, 8 points is a big increase. FMG's are already held to a higher scale of percentage points to pass the boards.

This will just help them make more money, because people will have to take it until they pass.

At the rate of increase required to pass, the step 1 and step 2 will be 240 on both soon.

[onette]

So, what would be the equivalent on the 2 digit score for the 182 ? Anybody knows ? Thanks

[Anonymous]

So, what would be the equivalent on the 2 digit score for the 182 ? Anybody knows ? Thanks

182 is 75 on the two digit score. 75 is the minimum passing score and it will never change even the 3 digits will change in the future.

[jim]

as to the question of 2 digit scores, there is talk of eliminating the 2 digit scores as too many people dont read the score reports and incorrectly believe that the 2 digit score even matters. it is not a percentage or percentile(go to the USMLE webpage, and read "score reports", you will see it is only for programs who have antiquated computer programs for their match stuff, and dont have 3 spaces on the page). 75 is the minimum pass, as always. as for the comment about FMGs being held to a higher pass score, the scoring is the same for US and for FMGs. exactly the same. some programs expect a higher score out of FMGs. interstingly, during interviews, i was told my step 2 score was" excellent, and on the first attempt!" . i asked, and was told US as well as FMGs frequently take step 2 more then once, and it was believed that when students hit the wards, they lose their study "focus".

[LongSnow]

I think the truth of it is that today's students are smarter, and know how to study for what really counts. All students, FMGs and US grads, know that the USMLE is important, and study for it with increasing vigor. Today's students are more apt at taking prep classes, mock examinations, and studying "high-yield" material. This, those scoring lower in the past may in fact know more than those scoring higher now - but the the students int he past did not gain the "test taking skills." I know that from day one of my medical school (SGU), test questions were written in similiar content and style as the USMLE questions.

The board examinations should be viewed as a game; after the base knowledge is gained, take practice tests to become proficient at test taking. Practice makes perfect - Maximaze your score on Step 1.

Scoring well on step two requires a good clinical experience in addition to good study habits. Work you butt off inyour cores, kick but on step 2, then you can relax after that - that is until internship starts!!!

[Anonymous]

to "guest" above: how do you get questions from people off the internet??? please help.

[sebita]

i agree with you man, its not fair