title: USMLE Step 2 performance and test administration date in the fourth year of medical school.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether the time interval between completing the third-year curriculum and test administration affects a student's USMLE Step 2 score.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107-6799, USA. charles.pohl@jefferson.edu
authors.forename: Charles A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Pohl
authors.forename: Mary R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Robeson
authors.forename: Jon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Veloski
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D008007:Licensure, Medical; D008297:Male; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education; D012737:Sex Factors; D013337:Students, Medical; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States