Step 2 Percentile Calculator
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This Step 2 Percentile Calculator helps you determine the percentile rank of your score on the Step 2 exam based on the mean score and standard deviation. It is a valuable tool for medical students to understand where they stand relative to their peers.
Calculation Method
The percentile is calculated using the z-score formula:
\[ z = \frac{\text{Your Score} - \text{Mean Score}}{\text{Standard Deviation}} \]
The resulting z-score is then used to calculate the percentile using the error function (erf), which is a standard approach in statistics to determine the cumulative distribution function of a normal distribution.
Example Calculation
If your Step 2 score is 240, the mean score is 230, and the standard deviation is 15, the z-score would be:
\[ z = \frac{240 - 230}{15} = \frac{10}{15} = 0.67 \]
Using the error function, the corresponding percentile would be approximately 74.86%, indicating that you scored better than about 75% of your peers.
Importance
Knowing your percentile can help you gauge your performance and set realistic goals for residency applications, as many programs consider percentile rankings when reviewing applicants.