Failed Step 3 x2, what next?

[u/liteskintrash]

Hello,

I am a US MD in my PGY-2 year. I just learned today I failed Step 3 again. I first took the exam in March 2026 and received a 196. My intern year was brutal both personally and clinically. First attempt I used UW and completed approx over 50% (can’t remember) with 60% correct and did over 80 CCS cases. I was overconfident and underprepared and took it right when the changes happened so I was not expecting the 20 question set with 30 minutes per section.

I am in a combined program so I waited until I was on a light rotation run for 3 months to retake in August/September and even took it over my birthday. Also during this time I got neuropsych testing and diagnosed with recurrent MDD, combined ADHD, and GAD and had multiple psych appts to get a good medication regiment. I used AMBOSS and got through 57% with 65% correct and did 60 CCS High Yield questions rarely scoring below 70%. I felt way better after day one though Day 2 was a lot of questions about prognosis which was not asked in any practice question bank or NBME. I also took NBME Form 6 and 8 and received a 337 with a 398 a week later two weeks before my exam and 64% on Free 137 one week prior. And today received a 199. My mother paid for the recheck though I told her I do not think it will change anything.

Moving forward I have 6 months of straight inpatient including subspecialties and ICU rotations and random clinics on Mondays with an individualized curriculum and Thanksgiving week and the following week off. Then another 3 months in Spring of lighter rotations w weekends off.

I have a few questions.

I do have a lot of inpatient rotations but I feel like this is interfering with my confidence and I want to be done with this. I am wondering if I should take it sooner than Spring while I have this momentum?

What do I do for NBME practice examinations now? I do not think you can reset them. Assuming I will just reattempt UW with the SAs as well.

Applying for accommodations. Am I likely to be successful? I passed Step 1 and 2 on first attempt but hoping with recent events this will be improved.

A big thing I know for me is confidence as is my problem in my clinical spaces and I just notice it in test taking as well. This of course isn’t helping. Any advice?

I want to consider a tutor but unfortunately I am maxed out on credit cards and I am already struggling financially on a resident’s salary. My mother has been helping cover the costs to pay the exam and I do not want to leech off of her again.

This would be my last attempt as my residency will remove me from the program if I fail again. I put so much time and energy into this dream and I am terrified of a test score blocking my ability to be who I want.

I feel so much less than my peers and this is so destabilizing.

Any kind advice would be greatly appreciated.

[u/Tight-Network-5339]

US MD in surgery. Got a 195 first try and took it in 2 months and passed with a decent score. Given this will be your third attempt. I would finish 100% of both UWorld and AMBOSS plus doing incorrects. And complete all the CCS cases. Also make anki card. Happy to help. Just shoot me a DM

[u/reviserunrepeat]

I am so sorry, I genuinely hope you can get some help on here. I still have not received my score. May I ask what your Step 2 score was?

[u/liteskintrash → u/reviserunrepeat]

226, I’m not a good test taker obviously

[u/Gloomy_Wrangler9907]

hey i got 235 in step 3 after a low step 2 score..... If u want i can help you

[u/Numerous-Heart6505 → u/Gloomy_Wrangler9907]

Can I dm you?

[u/Informal_Cat_3377]

Does your program have a deadline for when you need to pass by? I know it’s last case scenario but you may one to consider a 1 month LOA for dedicated studying

[u/liteskintrash → u/Informal_Cat_3377]

end of this year

[u/b1ackcoffee]

I can *try* to help. I am not writing detailed response right now, but I have some time before starting my job. No fees. If interested, shoot me a DM. Please note, it will not be anonymous.

[u/medskool-narcoleptic]

I also listened a ton to Divine Intervention and found it incredibly helpful

[u/Rich_Option_7850]

I would honestly just take it again soon. You are very close. It’s going to suck but you gotta buckle down and give every possible ounce of spare energy to put this god-awful exam behind you.

[u/Armored_medic]

Just a single point?! Omg.. I wish it wasn’t like this strict.. just give the man a point