Background

Washington University School of Medicine states that all students are required to take the first and second steps of the United States Medical Licensing Exams (USMLE) prior to graduation. For students planning to enter the residency Match, the timing of when USMLE Steps 1 and 2 CK are completed is an important consideration to be a competitive applicant. Students are advised that failure to pass these exams in time substantially increases the risk of an unsuccessful Match.

This document outlines the policies related to timing of USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 CK completion by students intending to enter residency training after graduation.

Policies

All students are required to meet with the Assistant Dean of Career Counseling by the last business day of June of the year that they plan to enter the Match. Students are expected to schedule and complete Step 1 and Step 2 CK of the USMLE by September 1 of the fall prior to the year that they plan to graduate so that scores are available for residency program review prior to interview release. Exceptions to these requirements may be made only with the expressed guidance of the Assistant Dean of Career Counseling.

Students must take USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK and have passing score reports by the end of January of the year they plan to graduate in order to be certified for the Match. Students who do not intend to participate in the Match prior to graduation must still take Step 1 and Step 2 CK in order to graduate. Passing is not required to graduate, but it is required to be certified for the Match.

Guidelines

Students are encouraged to engage with the Office of Career Counseling to help guide decisions of specific USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK scheduling to ensure optimal success with the residency application and interview process.

Students are encouraged to engage with the Student Success Team should they have concerns about USMLE preparation and successful completion.

Last approved on 12/4/2023

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