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After talking to post-grad and specialty residencies, no one seems to have the answer as to Board scores and comparing students with the new pass/fail grading.
Currently, as a sophomore in dental school, I have a choice to either take the Boards Part I on December 31, 2011 (I have that date already scheduled) or wait until the new test (with new questions) comes out next year. I do not know if I want to specialize as of yet, but would taking the test in December and getting a numerical score (lets say an 83 for example) hurt or help me when they compare me to freshmen and others who just have a Pass/Fail grade. The underlying question is whether or not I should take the test in December or wait until next year sometime. And I have heard rumors that some specialties are requiring secondary test like the GRE and USMLE Part I to rank students. Is this true? And do you think the pass/fail test would be more difficult than the current examination?
Other pertinent background information: If I take the test in December, I do not see myself making above an 85 because I have just started preparing. I only have a few hours a week to dedicate to studying due to our rigorous schedule. It sounds nice to just "wait" and take the test at a later point, but I would rather almost get the test out of the way so that I can enjoy my last summer as a dental student. Has anyone heard of what the specialty programs will use to compare students?
Thanks for any information.
Currently, as a sophomore in dental school, I have a choice to either take the Boards Part I on December 31, 2011 (I have that date already scheduled) or wait until the new test (with new questions) comes out next year. I do not know if I want to specialize as of yet, but would taking the test in December and getting a numerical score (lets say an 83 for example) hurt or help me when they compare me to freshmen and others who just have a Pass/Fail grade. The underlying question is whether or not I should take the test in December or wait until next year sometime. And I have heard rumors that some specialties are requiring secondary test like the GRE and USMLE Part I to rank students. Is this true? And do you think the pass/fail test would be more difficult than the current examination?
Other pertinent background information: If I take the test in December, I do not see myself making above an 85 because I have just started preparing. I only have a few hours a week to dedicate to studying due to our rigorous schedule. It sounds nice to just "wait" and take the test at a later point, but I would rather almost get the test out of the way so that I can enjoy my last summer as a dental student. Has anyone heard of what the specialty programs will use to compare students?
Thanks for any information.