Question 1

How accurate is UWSA 2 for predicting Step 1?

Accepted Answer

UWSA 2 has the highest statistical correlation with actual Step 1 scores among all practice tests (R²=0.680), according to Seal et al. 2020 (Cureus, PMC7198101, n=369). It outperforms all NBME forms and UWSA 1 in predictive accuracy. That said, it still overpredicts by ~7 pts on average, so treat your result as a planning estimate and subtract a buffer before making scheduling decisions.

Question 2

Why does UWSA 2 overpredict Step 1 scores?

Accepted Answer

The primary cause is a scoring curve difference: UWSA 2's curve is more generous than the real Step 1's curve, so the same number of correct answers maps to a higher predicted score. A secondary factor is question difficulty — UWSA questions are written to mimic the USMLE style but tend to be slightly easier than both UWorld QBank and the actual exam. Importantly, UWSA uses an entirely separate question bank from UWorld QBank, so direct question familiarity is not the cause.

Question 3

By how much does UWSA 2 overpredict, and how should I adjust?

Accepted Answer

The academic average is +6.9 pts (Seal et al. 2020). Community data suggests a range of 3–8 pts for most test-takers, with occasional outliers. A practical rule of thumb: subtract 7 pts from your UWSA 2 predicted score to get a conservative estimate before deciding to schedule. If your adjusted score is still above 210 (the community safe zone), you are likely ready.

Question 4

When should I take UWSA 2?

Accepted Answer

UWSA 2 is best taken in the final 5–7 days before your exam date. Take all 4 blocks in a single sitting without breaks to simulate real test-day stamina. Because of its high predictive accuracy at this stage, it serves as your strongest final readiness signal — but remember to subtract ~7 pts before making your scheduling decision.

Question 5

Should I take NBME 30 before or after UWSA 2?

Accepted Answer

Take NBME 30 first. NBME 30 is the hardest-scoring Step 1 form and provides a stricter, more conservative estimate — it is better for identifying remaining knowledge gaps. Once you have addressed those gaps, take UWSA 2 as your final confidence check. This sequence (NBME 30 → gap work → UWSA 2) is the most reliable two-test readiness protocol in the Step 1 community.

Question 6

What's the difference between UWSA 1 and UWSA 2 for Step 1?

Accepted Answer

UWSA 2 is significantly more accurate than UWSA 1. In the Seal et al. 2020 study, UWSA 2 had an R² of 0.680 vs. 0.619 for UWSA 1, and UWSA 2 overpredicted by only 6.9 pts vs. 10.5 pts for UWSA 1. Use UWSA 1 as an early-to-mid dedicated period benchmark (Week 3–5) to identify gaps — not as a readiness signal. Reserve UWSA 2 for your final scheduling decision in the last week before your exam.

Wrong	Correct	% Correct	Predicted Score	Pass Prob
0	160	100%	279	99.9%
5	155	96.9%	273	99.9%
10	150	93.8%	268	99.9%
15	145	90.6%	262	99.9%
20	140	87.5%	257	99.9%
25	135	84.4%	251	99.9%
30	130	81.3%	246	99.9%
35	125	78.1%	240	99.9%
40	120	75%	235	99.9%
45	115	71.9%	229	99.7%
50	110	68.8%	224	99.4%
55	105	65.6%	218	98.1%
60	100	62.5%	213	95.5%
65	95	59.4%	207	87.9%
70	90	56.3%	202	74.6%
75	85	53.1%	196	50%
80	80	50%	191	28.9%
85	75	46.9%	185	12.1%
90	70	43.8%	180	5.3%
95	65	40.6%	174	1.9%
100	60	37.5%	169	0.8%
105	55	34.4%	163	0.3%
110	50	31.3%	158	0.1%
115	45	28.1%	152	0.1%
120	40	25%	147	0.1%
125	35	21.9%	141	0.1%
130	30	18.8%	140	0.1%
135	25	15.6%	140	0.1%
140	20	12.5%	140	0.1%
145	15	9.4%	140	0.1%
150	10	6.3%	140	0.1%
155	5	3.1%	140	0.1%
160	0	0%	140	0.1%

UWSA 2 Score CalculatorStep 1 Predictor & Score Conversion

UWSA 2 Score Conversion Table — Step 1

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UWSA 2 Step 1 Calculator — FAQ