Study Strategies for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) for Step 2 CK

International medical gradutes (IMGs) represented ⅓ of the applicants to residency programs participating in the 2022 main residency match (30.4%). IMGs include both US-citizens who graduate from foreign medical schools and non-US citizens who graduate from foreign medical schools. However, despite their significant presence in the applicant pool, IMGs often face a steeper uphill battle when it comes to securing a residency spot, with lower match rates compared to their MD counterparts across all specialties. This can put added pressure on IMGs to stand out in a crowded field, and achieving a high Step 2 CK score can be a crucial factor in securing an interview invitation. The process of preparation for Step 2 as an IMG can vary greatly depending on your specific educational journey.

In general, examinees from non-US medical schools have an 86% pass rate for Step 2. This is higher than the pass rate for Step 1, which has ranged from 68-71% over the last 2 years. Average scores range from 233-243 for matched applicants in 2022. Here, we will discuss some strategies for IMGs to prepare for the USMLE Step 2 CK. 

Identify Your Goals

In order to reach a goal, you need to first identify it. An average score for matched IMGs is 233-243. Unless you are applying to a very competitive specialty, a good score goal is >240. For more specific information on Step 2 scores in matched IMGs, visit this 2022 report from the National Residency Matching Program.

Assess Your Starting Point

Take inventory of your educational journey so far. If your educational journey has included passing Step 1 and NBME shelf exams, you are likely set up well to study for and take Step 2. If you have not passed Step 1 or any NBME shelf exams, you will likely need to set aside a significant amount of time to cover the content and study for this exam. 

Additionally, consider when you completed your medical education. If it was within the last year, you may need to set aside less time than someone who completed their medical education several years or many years ago. 

Next, take a practice exam. This can be uncomfortable to take if you have not been studying, however it is important to take a practice exam first (or very early) in your studying to analyze your performance and identify strengths and weaknesses. 

Reflect on What Worked Well for Step 1

EMP recommends IMGs take Step 1 before Step 2 CK. As referenced earlier, Step 1 has a lower pass rate for IMGs compared to Step 2. If you have passed Step 1, reflect on what you did that worked well for you and incorporate that into your study schedule for Step 2. You will likely be using similar resources and have a similar study schedule.   

Decide Which Step 2 CK Resources to Use as an IMG

Similar to Step 1, UWorld is the most important resource to use for Step 2. Depending on your level of knowledge, your study schedule should include daily UWorld questions and spaced repetition with weekly-biweekly practice exams leading up to your test day. If you are starting with little knowledge for Step 2, you should also incorporate some level of content review (videos or articles) into your daily study schedule. For more information on which specific resources to use, check out this post. 

Create Your Step 2 CK Study Plan

If you have not passed Step 1 or shelf exams and received a very low score on your Step 2 practice exam (<200), you may need to set aside a significant amount of time to learn or re-learn Step 2 content. If you find yourself in this category, set aside 4-6 months dedicated to studying to prepare for this exam including a significant amount of time watching content videos and answering questions on these videos. 

If you have passed Step 1, shelf exams, and received a passing score (>214) on your practice exam, you will likely be able to successfully study for and take the exam in less than 4 months.  

Not sure how to create a study plan that reflects your specific circumstances and goals? Contact EMP to set up a consultation with a Step 2 tutor.