Failure Rates for Step 3  - 1st time test takers from 2013 - 2016

* The USMLE Step 3 was raised from 190 to 196  on Jan 1, 2016 which would correspond with the slight increase in failures in 2016.

This means that 14% of first time IMG test takers don't Pass on their first attempt!!!  This really kills your chances of matching.  Don't let this happen.  Be prepared to slay the Dragon!    Remember passing is not enough!!  We are shooting for 260! 

Source: USMLE.org

Change in the Step 3 Passing Score

The bar for passing the step 3 exam is going to be raised from  190 to 196  starting January 1st 2016.

No worries....   my students are shooting for gunner level anyway!

The number of items on the step 3 will also decrease beginning January 18th, 2016.

Day 1 Foundations of Independent Practice (FIP)  will have a total of 233 MCQ questions.  [Used to be 256]

Day 2 Advanced Clincial Medicine (ACM) will have a total of 180 MCQ questions.  [Used to be 198]

Note:  Day 2 also includes 13 computer-based case simulations (CCS) which has not changed.  Only the number of MCQ's has changed.

The Step 3 application fee is $830.  ---> Expensive so do it once and rock it!!!

Here is a link to the USMLE Free questions for step 3:

• Downloadable practice test materials, with tutorials
• USMLE Step 3 Sample Test Questions booklet (PDF)
• USMLE Step 3 Content Description and General Information booklet (PDF)

Updated Nov. 2015 

Source USMLE.org

Please note the USMLE is meeting in December to consider raising the passing score for step 3!  No worries my students are here to rock the exams so the passing score isn't an issue!!!

New Proposed changes to Step 3 recently announced

• The Step 3 exam will be divided into two day-long exams.

• Each exam focuses on different areas as illustrated below.

• The exam will consist of:
  • Multiple choice questions.
  • Computer simulations.
  • New testing formats may be introduced.

• Both exams will be scored separately.

• You must pass both exams.

Source: USMLE.org 

Hot off the presses.  The newest edition from Dr. Fischer ....  Available July 3 2018!!  

Check it out at Amazon.com and support this website.​​​ 

Kaplan's USMLE Step 3 QBank

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OnlinePrep includes:

• A diagnostic test
• 5 discipline level assessment tests with 250 USMLE style questions total
• Dr. Conrad Fischer's CCS Review

This course works best for students who require a flexible study schedule and do not prefer direct interaction with their peers or the Kaplan Medical advising team.

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Here is what Step 3 Classroom Anywhere™ course offers you:

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• Access to Step 3 online video library (60 hours of on-demand video lectures) for 3 months
• Access to online resources upon enrollment (within 48 hours)
• Three volumes of Kaplan's Step 3 Lecture Notes, a pre-study diagnostic exam and 5 specialty-based assessment tests
• Kaplan's Step 3 Qbank with over 900 questions including 400 new questions by Step 3 guru Dr. Conrad Fischer, one of today's top medical educators
• Free mobile Qbank app for the iPhone®—syncs with your Step 3 Qbank account allowing you to take and review questions on the go
• Medical advising. Our team of trained medical advisors is available throughout your enrollment to help you create a personalized study plan, prepare a schedule for your Residency applications and assess your readiness for the USMLE Step 3 Exam. Our medical advisors are your personal coaches to help you train for USMLE and get into Residency.