220 Cutoff???

[keysersoze]

---

Members do not see this ad.

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.

 

[fishtolive]

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.

 

[keysersoze]

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?

 

[DrDre']

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,