

Some years had pass rates of 96%, while others had pass rates up to 98%. Over the past 10 years, the pass rate has varied only slightly.

This number includes all United States and Canadian test takers. In 2021, 97% of test takers passed the examination. Creating a schedule can increase your chances of passing the exam on your first attempt. Then, reserve more study time during lighter rotations. During heavier rotations, you may decrease your review time. Set aside time every day for a few months to study question banks and other focused materials. Whether you plan to apply for a fellowship or not, you should maintain the consistent study habits you developed for the earlier tests. A 230 or 240 will look much better than a barely passing score. In that case, you should strive to do more than pass. If you plan to apply for a fellowship, your Step 3 score matters a bit more because it can bolster your application to help you achieve a better spot. Your Step 3 grading will not impact your medical licensing unless you fail because you likely have a residency before you take this Step. A score of 240, just 10 points higher, puts you in the 79th percentile. For example, a score of 230 puts you in the 55th percentile, meaning you scored better than 55% of other test takers. While considering your success based on your score gives a general idea of your rankings, percentiles often provide a more accurate picture of your success. Scores above 240 are considered excellent because a score of 240 puts you in the 79th percentile of all test takers. Mean scores usually rest slightly below 230. What’s a Good Step 3 Score?Īny score above 230 is considered good. This change went into effect for examinees who took a Step 3 examination on or after January 1, 2020. The recommended USMLE Step 3 minimum passing score has changed from 196 to 198. Now let’s explore all you need to know to master the USMLE Step 3 percentiles! You don’t want them to hold you back from passing Step 3 on test day. Therefore, you need to focus consciously on your weaknesses. Given the timing of Step 3, many students are in focused clinical specialties where they are not seeing the breadth of the material.

Our biggest piece of advice is: don’t underestimate Step 3! You have already gotten through Step 1 and Step 2 - the end is almost near, don’t let your guard down just yet! To perform well on Step 3, you must have a strong foundational knowledge of the medical sciences and be able to apply that knowledge in practical, patient-centered situations. However, USMLE Step 3 is a bit different. It is the last test in the series, and it assesses how prepared a resident is to begin practicing medicine on their own. You’ve already taken USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK, so you have a general idea about what to expect on test day. If you’re thinking about USMLE Step 3 percentiles, let’s first take a moment: Congrats on making it this far! Share 0 USMLE Step 3 Percentiles: What You Need to Know
