USMLE Step 2 performance and test administration date in the fourth year of medical school

Acad Med. 2004 Oct;79(10 Suppl):S49-51. doi: 10.1097/00001888-200410001-00015.

Abstract

Purpose: To determine whether the time interval between completing the third-year curriculum and test administration affects a student's USMLE Step 2 score.

Method: Scores for 846 students in the classes of 2000-2004 were grouped in ten time periods depending on test date. A linear regression model to predict performance on Step 2 using gender, Step 1, and grades in medicine, pediatrics and obstetrics-gynecology was developed based on the class of 1999. Analysis of covariance was used to test the effect of time on scores, adjusting for predicted performance.

Results: Step 2 scores decreased significantly (p <.001) across time. Students' mean scores were four points higher than predicted in the early months and five to eight points lower near the end of the senior year.

Conclusions: Students who scheduled Step 2 early in the senior year achieved higher scores, on average, than those who waited until later in the year.

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Competence*
  • Curriculum
  • Education, Medical, Undergraduate*
  • Educational Measurement*
  • Female
  • Forecasting
  • Gynecology / education
  • Humans
  • Licensure, Medical*
  • Male
  • Obstetrics / education
  • Pediatrics / education
  • Sex Factors
  • Students, Medical*
  • Time Factors
  • United States