I recently read in the USMLE Step I forum that "some top tier anesthesia programs have a 220 cutoff."

Can this be true? I've heard of a 200 cutoff at several places, but this just seems crazy.

If true, it may be a waste for me to apply to several of the "top tier" programs on my list with my 214 Step I score.

Aside from the score, I've gotten mostly A's and A-'s on my clinical clerkships at a top 30 med school, simply passed all of the pre-clinical years stuff. I've done some significant research in anesthesia and I have strong letters from good people. Some of my extra-curriculars are quite unique. I assume that I won't even get looked at by some "top tier" programs if this cutoff is true? :(

Good luck to everyone out there. Take care, and thanks for reading.

my uderstanding (as an ms4 myself) is that this is true of some programs...which ones is always an enigma of course.

e.g. hopkins has last year's intervewees with a median step 1 as 235 with 3/4 the class with at least 228 so that means somebody had to be below 220 (considering 25% were not over 228).

all i know is i got an interview at jhu last week with nothing really being upladed except step 1 and a few letters. my boards were solid (>250's) and they jumped on it so maybe it's only "mostly true" and your other attributes will offset the step 1 score.

I should reply by saying that I know most of the people who post in the USMLE Step I forum all got at least 1,270/199 on Step I. I also know that they only eat irradiated Cheez-its.

Thanks for the reply, Fish! Anyone else with some knowledge concerning this topic?

I doubt that a HARD cutoff exists at any but the top 5 programs in the country (whatever they are). I am sure that initially, early in the season, cut offs are used. Later, they will use a more time-intensive evaluation process.

good luck,