What Step 2 CK Score Do You Need to Match in Your Preferred Specialty? The NRMP released updated results on the 2014 Main Residency Match®. To make it easier for you, we’ve created a table showing the Average Step 2 CK Scores by Specialty for the 2014 Match, summarized some of the findings and provided general tips for the Match.

Which Specialties Had the Highest Scores?

Step 2 CK score averages were highest in Dermatology, Otolaryngology, Plastic Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery and Vascular Surgery, all in the 250s. Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Oncology were not far behind.

When Do Students Schedule Step 2 CK Exams?

Students schedule their Step 2 CK exams at a wide variety of times. Many domestic students take Step 2 CK by June or July so that they can upload their scores to ERAS at the beginning of the residency application cycle in September. However, some domestic students decide to take the USMLE Step 2 CK exam based on how they performed on Step 1. Students who scored well on Step 1 may choose to take Step 2 CK after submitting their residency applications so that if they don’t meet or beat their Step 1 score, the lower Step 2 CK score won’t count against them. On the other hand, students that did not score as well as they hoped on Step 1 may choose to take Step 2 CK before submitting their residency application to improve their chances of getting interviews. Many students who submit their applications when ERAS registration opens in mid-September have not received their Step 2 CK score prior to applying. Keep in mind, however, that programs may be reluctant to rank an applicant whose Step 2 CK score is not available when rank order lists are finalized in late February. Some students want to take Step 2 CK after completing third year rotations while the material is fresh. We recommend that International students take Step 2 CS and Step 2 CK prior to applying for residency in the U.S. because ECFMG applicants cannot begin residency without successfully completing both.

As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when deciding when you should schedule your Step 2 CK exam. We have provided a few scenarios for you based on what we have heard students find useful in an effort to assist you in better determining the best solution for your unique situation. In the end you should carefully evaluate what will work best for your individual situation, and if you are having difficulty coming to a clear conclusion, you may consider utilizing our advising services.

Average USMLE Step 2 CK Scores by Specialty for the 2014 Match

Below is a table summarizing USMLE Step 2 CK averages by specialty for those who matched, as reported in the Charting Outcomes in the Match, 2014: Characteristics of Applicants Who Matched to Their Preferred Specialty in the 2014 NRMP Main Residency Match (5th edition) (PDF, 290 pages)

	US Seniors		Independent Applicants
Specialty	Matched	Unmatched	Matched	Unmatched
Anesthesiology	241	223	239	222
Child Neurology	240	232	232	222
Dermatology	255	248	243	240
Diag Radiology	249	236	240	227
Emergency Med	243	225	237	225
Family Med	234	216	221	211
Gen Surgery	245	226	241	229
Internal Med	243	219	237	221
Internal Med/Peds	245	234	234	224
Neurosurgery	247	236	251	230
Neurology	241	236	232	219
Obstetrics & Gynecology	242	225	236	222
Orthopedic Surgery	251	238	243	239
Otolaryngology	252	245	246	238
Pathology	241	230	228	216
Pediatrics	241	219	233	217
Physical Med & Rehab	234	220	230	218
Plastic Surgery	252	241	235	239
Psychiatry	233	216	222	211
Radiation Oncology	248	240	240	239
Vascular Surgery	250	235	245	231
All Combined	243	231	234	220

 

References

Charting Outcomes in the Match, 2014: Characteristics of Applicants Who Matched to Their Preferred Specialty in the 2014 NRMP Main Residency Match (5th edition)