250s vs 260s

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I think 260+ is a much smaller pool than 250-259 and it probably does help for the big name places in any specialty. In terms of chances of matching in general I think it’s diminishing returns tho
 
Assuming 25k US and Candian test takers. There are roughly ~1000 AMGs with 260 + scores. There are ~4000 AMGs with 250+ scores. Some of the PDs in competitive specialties I have talked to all speak of the step in terms of being a possible screen at a certain number for the program and then it depends on other factors. I doubt a 270 step would make up for lack of research and other interest signified by involvement in the home program and research.
 
Listen...if you get a 250+ on Step and don't match at your top choice program, it will NOT be because your step score wasn't higher.

At 250+, you've already "checked the box" for Step 1 (for ANY specialty), and the PD will move on to the many other aspects of your application (clinical rotation grades, LORs, research, interview, extracurriculars, etc.).
 
it is greatly diminishing returns. Do not think it matters.
specially i can speak for derm
things like where you went for school, research pubs, and letters and connections are far more impt
 
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Perhaps for ROIDS with the Step 1 average already threatening to break into the 250s, 260 may slightly help but at that point honoring Y3/research/class rank have a much bigger yield which everyone has already said.
 
I think this is very specialty dependent and I think a 260+ is a significant boost for applicants in competitive specialties.

A 260+ is the best predictor of match for dermatology based on 2016 data.

96% match rate for derm applicants with 260+

ENT = 100%
Rad Onc = 100%
Vasc = 100%
Ortho= 94%
Neurosurgery = 92%

Plastics is the only exception that year (250-260 matched far better than 260+) The sample size was also super small for 260+ (17/22)

There are definitely PDs and Programs that salivate over certain characteristics (ex. All AOA, all 260+, all research year, etc.)
 
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Cyphix said:
Listen...if you get a 250+ on Step and don't match at your top choice program, it will NOT be because your step score wasn't higher.

At 250+, you've already "checked the box" for Step 1 (for ANY specialty), and the PD will move on to the many other aspects of your application (clinical rotation grades, LORs, research, interview, extracurriculars, etc.).
Click to expand...

Life's a little more complicated than that.

PDs are people. Applicants are people. People are imperfect.
 
Anti-PD1 said:
Life's a little more complicated than that.

PDs are people. Applicants are people. People are imperfect.
Click to expand...

Exactly. This is why personal qualities (in addition to the aspects I mentioned prior + what school you come from + other connections) far outweigh any difference between a 255 and a 265.
 
Cyphix said:
Exactly. This is why personal qualities (in addition to the aspects I mentioned prior + what school you come from + other connections) far outweigh any difference between a 255 and a 265.
Click to expand...

Yeah. I mean there are external forces at times. Politics etc, I speak from experience.
 
Dermpire said:
A 260+ is the best predictor of match for dermatology based on 2016 data.

96% match rate for derm applicants with 260+
Click to expand...

even though this data suggests so, I can guarantee you that the school you go to, connections, letters from well known derms, and research is far more impt than step of 260>250. Even though having a high step is correlated with high match rate, those students just happen to have those scores even though ultimately they were selected for other reasons. 260s doesnt give you much of anything over 250s. Source: just matched derm with high stats and met many ppl along the way and learned their stories

Also with regards to personality, i dont think it plays much of a factor as it is made to be, based on seeing where people matched. the other criteria stated above are more impt. The one caveat may be if you have a very weird/terrible personality, which would rule you out. The vast majority of people i met on the trail do not meet that though.
 
PhillyMed777 said:
even though this data suggests so, I can guarantee you that the school you go to, connections, letters from well known derms, and research is far more impt than step of 260>250. Even though having a high step is correlated with high match rate, those students just happen to have those scores even though ultimately they were selected for other reasons. 260s doesnt give you much of anything over 250s. Source: just matched derm with high stats and met many ppl along the way and learned their stories

Also with regards to personality, i dont think it plays much of a factor as it is made to be, based on seeing where people matched. the other criteria stated above are more impt. The one caveat may be if you have a very weird/terrible personality, which would rule you out. The vast majority of people i met on the trail do not meet that though.
Click to expand...
The top 4 criteria in ranking applicants post interview are:
Interactions with faculty during interview and visit
Interpersonal skills
Interactions with house staff during interview and visit
Feedback from current residents
 
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