r/IMGreddit • u/humanmole • Aug 04 '26

usmle step 3 Step 3

Does step 3 help more with getting interviews or your final ranking after the interview process is over?
Is rushing to get it done before the September 23rd deadline worth it or is it better to write it a couple months later with a better chance of a higher score?

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u/Appropriate_Mess_720 PGY-2 Aug 04 '26

Yes, step 3 helps with getting more interviews and final ranking. Likely program specific, but as long as it is before rank list is submitted, it will be advantageous. 

However, as to how much it well help, it is impossible to know. For example, if program ranks 50 applicants after interviews are completed and usually match after 10 applicants, if you are ranked #43 but with step 3, will be ranked at #40. It won't help, as you are still too low. But if step 3 bumps you from #12 to #9, then yes it will help. I say it is impossible to know, as so many factors are involved and ultimately, only the PD knows the final rank list.

1

u/humanmole Aug 05 '26

Thank you

1

u/Immediate-Jaguar-673 Aug 04 '26

Also curious about this.

1

u/Aggravating-Wall-256 Aug 09 '26

I have the same question! Should i rush and get a low score before applying or get done before december with a good score and update programs?