Step 2 CK scores are important for the vast majority of residency programs in their applicant selection process. Set yourself apart! The more complete a student’s application profile is, the easier it is for a program director to make a decision about how well he or she will perform in the program. Make sure you know the Step 2 CK score you need to match in the US in your preferred specialty.

The NRMP just released updated results on The Match for International Medical Graduates. Below you can find a summary of the findings specific to IMG students.

What Types of IMG’s Match

Some of the most important factors the report below noted is that IMG applicants who are the most successful in matching to their preferred specialty are more likely to:

• rank more programs within their preferred specialty
• have higher USMLE scores
• have fewer attempts at ECFMG certification examinations
• have obtained ECFMG certification closer to the Match year (2013)
• have graduated from medical school closer to the Match year (2013)

Average Step 2 CK Scores of IMG Match by Specialty

Below is a table summarizing USMLE Step 2 CK averages by specialty reported in the 2013 NRMP and ECFMG Publish Charting Outcomes in the Match for International Medical Graduates.

2013 Step 2 CK Scores of Matched Applicants
by Preferred Specialty and IMG Application Type
	U.S IMG			Non US IMG
Specialty	Matched	Unmatched		Matched	Unmatched
All Specialties	224	209		233	218
Anesthesiology	239	212		234	221
Emergency Medicine	235	223		231	220
Family Medicine	213	203		219	210
Internal Medicine	228	210		236	221
Neurology	222	206		236	217
Obstetrics and GYN	232	213		234	221
Pathology	226	205		228	216
Pediatrics	224	208		231	217
Physical Medicine & Rehab	231	212		225	210
Psychiatry	211	202		219	208
Radiology	241	223		238	220
General Surgery	234	216		240	224

References

NRMP and ECFMG Publish Charting Outcomes in the Match for International Medical Graduates.

It is important to note that the above scores reflect the average Step 2 CK scores, and that it is possible to match with scores lower than those shown in the table. Take a look at the 2013 NRMP and ECFMG Publish Charting Outcomes in the Match for International Medical Graduates data to get an even clearer picture of how students in your specialty fared in the 2013 match in order for you to develop an appropriate score goal.

How Important is My Step 2 CK Score to Match?

The importance of the Step 2 CK scores varies from program to program, but programs rarely publish how and by what criteria they use Step 2 CK scores to rank students. Choosing a few residents among thousands of applicants is a very complicated process and to publish a list of criteria would not fairly represent the qualifications of their residents or their program. They will look at your letters of recommendation, your MSPE comments on clerkships and unique characteristics, your leadership, research experience, your grades, your Step 1 score, and other components of your application. They will be spending the next several years training you, so they expend great effort into choosing their residents. When you interview, it is important to emphasize the asset you will be to have on their team.

Be better prepared for The Match by knowing the score you need!