What's the lowest score you've seen accepted to a better-than-average ophth program? Hopefully, a little encouragement for those waiting for Step 1 results.

What's the lowest score you've seen accepted to a better-than-average ophth program? Hopefully, a little encouragement for those waiting for Step 1 results.


Its not any one particular aspect of your application that makes you attractive. It really is the package. Your Step 1 score may be used as a screening criteria intially and matters much less once granted an interview. The score itself is pointless without other important measures such as AOA, research, community service, etc. But to go back and answer your question, if the national average is 224 for accepted applicants, I would venture to say that the lowest score is around 210-215.

What's the lowest score you've seen accepted to a better-than-average ophth program? Hopefully, a little encouragement for those waiting for Step 1 results.

Eyedr is correct. Also, no one comes out of the USMLE with a great feeling. I venture to say you did better than you think! I know I did on Steps 1 and 2.

Ruben

While in most cases, you did better than you think on Step 1, if you didn't do well, focus on Step 2. Some better than average programs will look at both scores in assessing the application. I served for 2 years on our program's selection committee and can say that the prior posts are very accurate: it is your total application that it important. However, it is typically a combination of your step scores and class rank/GPA that many programs look at for initial screening. If you did poorly on Step 1, work hard and take Step 2 early.

Good luck!

Aaron M. Miller, MD