A critical examination of the USMLE II: does a study month improve test performance?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Standardized Testing
• Student Performance Evaluation

Background:

• Medical students often take a dedicated study month before the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step II.
• The effectiveness of this study month in improving test performance is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether a pre-examination study month impacts USMLE Step II scores.
• To compare the performance of students who took a study month versus those who completed clerkships before the exam.

Main Methods:

• Prospective recording of student clerkship sequences and USMLE Step I and II scores.
• Multiple linear regression analysis to compare USMLE Step II scores, controlling for USMLE Step I scores.

Main Results:

• 167 senior medical students' data were analyzed.
• Students taking a study month (n=124) had a slightly higher mean USMLE Step II score (210.56) than those taking clerkships (n=43, 208.65).
• After controlling for USMLE Step I scores, the study month did not significantly improve USMLE Step II performance (p=0.73).

Conclusions:

• Dedicated study months prior to the USMLE Step II do not appear to enhance student test performance.
• Clerkship experiences may be as beneficial as a study month for USMLE Step II preparation.