Should I Take USMLE Step 3 Before Match?
It really depends... Let's discuss!
Will it help me match?
Do programs want to see Step 3?
Will it give me a competitive edge?
I’ve been at this for the better part of fifteen years… Spoken to countless program directors on the subject… And have the benefits of trial and error to support my recommendations.
So, let’s explore!
The decision to take Step 3 before submitting your application is relatively straightforward.
First, let's assess your current standing as a candidate. This will help determine whether taking Step 3 is more likely to strengthen or weaken your application.
Understanding your relative strength as a candidate is key to making an informed decision.
What makes an objectively “strong” candidate?
• Passed USMLE Step 1 on the first attempt
• Scored above average—for the desired specialty—on Step 2 CK
• Passed OET on the first attempt (if required)
• Strong, specific LORs from physicians in the desired specialty
• Extracurriculars in and outside of medicine
• Research or other projects (depending on specialty)
Looking for some specialty-specific stats to help gauge your strength as a residency candidate? Click HERE
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Understanding Candidate Types:
➡️ Weak candidates possess little—sometimes none—of the program’s desired applicant features and characteristics.
➡️ Average candidates possess some—but not all—of the program’s desired applicant features and characteristics.
➡️ Strong candidates possess all—often more—of the program’s desired applicant features and characteristics.
Once you’ve established whether you’re an objectively weak, average, or strong candidate, consider the following guidelines:
WEAK CANDIDATES:
You have the most to gain from adding Step 3 to your resume before submitting your application.
Why? Because you’re not a competitive applicant and need all the help you can get.
There are two potential benefits to doing well on Step 3 before submitting your residency application…
1st - Residency programs often worry students will struggle to pass Step 3; if you’ve passed it, you’ll alleviate this concern—thus strengthening your appeal as a candidate.
2nd - An outstanding score may, in the eyes of a program, make up for a lackluster Step 2 CK performance.
Unfortunately, experience has shown that a good, even great, Step 3 score is unlikely to have a dramatic impact if your application is universally unimpressive… But it won’t hurt.
A better alternative? Improve what you can (Extracurriculars, research, projects, LORs, clinical experience, etc).
AVERAGE CANDIDATES:
This is the most challenging of the three because, depending on your results, your application’s strength could significantly shift.
Your application could see a significant boost with an impressive Step 3 score—though there’s never a guarantee. A weak score or failure could have the opposite effect.
My recommendation for an “average candidate” is to examine whether you’re likely to match and, if so, err on the side of waiting.
An average applicant can match into the less competitive specialties with or without Step 3. In contrast, the odds of getting into a competitive specialty with an average application are much less likely, even with Step 3.
STRONG CANDIDATES:
A strong candidate will likely match without Step 3, making the attempt far more risky than it could be rewarding.
There’s very little to gain or benefit by adding Step 3 to your application if you’ve done everything well up to this point. You’d have to score high just to maintain the strength of your application—a silly risk if you’ve made it this far.
If you’re fortunate enough to find yourself in this situation, there’s no real upside to attempting Step 3 before submitting your application.
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So… Is it wise to take Step 3 before submitting your residency application?
YES... If doing well can boost your application.
NO... If doing poorly can hurt it.
YES... If your CK score was insufficient for your desired specialty.
NO... If your CK score is where it needs to be.
If it has the potential to help… Do it 👍
If it has the potential to hurt… Don't 👎
Don’t Forget…
Whether taking Step 3 before or after submitting your residency application, taking it before residency training begins is a “must.”
You’ll be working long, hard hours as a medical resident…
The last thing you—or your program director—want to worry about is studying for another USMLE exam.
Get it out of the way before day one of residency…
Your future self will thank you for it.
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