Advice about CBSE score/OMFS application

[OMFShopeful2015]

So I was just wondering if I could get some advice about my chances of getting into an OMFS program...
Basically I just took the CBSE and was disappointed in my score.
Anyone who is also applying or is already in a residency please feel free to comment!! (but take it easy on me haha)
SO.. I'm ranked #1
I'm participating in 2 research projects
I belong to all the clubs I can... ZIPs, AAWD, SPEA, ASDR, Student Council, etc...
I'm attending 3 externships and I've observed several oral surgeons
We get a lot of OS experience at our school (I'm a 3rd year and have pulled several teeth and feel
comfortable laying flaps and sutures and that)
BUT.. I got a 56 on the CBSE. Should I take this again??

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[Sublimazing]

Yes. UIC 6 year is very focused on their usmle scores...i think miloro is the guy who published the article about the 90 being so important on the old nbde... 56 is far far far far below even passing (66/67).

 

[Toothshucker]

There are not enough scores above 65 to fill all the spots each year... there are 6 year programs that don't have a choice but to interview and rank applicants with lower scores.

 

[Sublimazing]

There are not enough scores above 65 to fill all the spots each year... there are 6 year programs that don't have a choice but to interview and rank applicants with lower scores.

That will not be the case at UIC. They are not going to take someone who scored 10 points shy of passing.

And if you can't post a 66+ as a dental student when the material is fresh and you have free time it's going to be pretty hard as an intern.

 

[Bereno]

That will not be the case at UIC. They are not going to take someone who scored 10 points shy of passing.

And if you can't post a 66+ as a dental student when the material is fresh and you have free time it's going to be pretty hard as an intern.

Remember that the 65 being tied to passing the USMLE is not precise (though possibly accurate) by any means. This was done on a small sample under very different conditions of those students taking the CBSE. I think most residencies know this. That said, I agree that UIC will rank students with a high CBSE, and likely not go below 65 or so...

 

[Sublimazing]

Remember that the 65 being tied to passing the USMLE is not precise (though possibly accurate) by any means. This was done on a small sample under very different conditions of those students taking the CBSE. I think most residencies know this. That said, I agree that UIC will rank students with a high CBSE, and likely not go below 65 or so...

I suppose. The programs I talked with asked about a specific passing number...which is 67. If I'd scored below that, I would keep taking it until I passed.

Also, I think some people are forgetting, you need to actually pass this exam after you match. If you match and cannot pass you will be booted from the program, and that happens to ppl...and if it happens to you what's your next step? Apply to a 4 year with the explanation that you got tossed from your 6 year?

It is not easier to study for an exam as a resident/intern especially 3-4 years after you've even thought about the kreb's cycle

So you can continue to argue with me that a sub passing score will be "okay" but why not make it the strong part of your application and not the weak part

These PDs aren't all statistical magicians like you bereno

 

[Bereno]

I suppose. The programs I talked with asked about a specific passing number...which is 67. If I'd scored below that, I would keep taking it until I passed.

Also, I think some people are forgetting, you need to actually pass this exam after you match. If you match and cannot pass you will be booted from the program, and that happens to ppl...and if it happens to you what's your next step? Apply to a 4 year with the explanation that you got tossed from your 6 year?

It is not easier to study for an exam as a resident/intern especially 3-4 years after you've even thought about the kreb's cycle

So you can continue to argue with me that a sub passing score will be "okay" but why not make it the strong part of your application and not the weak part

These PDs aren't all statistical magicians like you bereno

Statistical magician... lol! Anyway, I totally agree with you (especially on the bolded part). I'm just saying that the CBSE is currently not the best predictor of USMLE performance only due to a lack of good data. A few years down the line when there is some good data on CBSE and USMLE scores, I think this will become more of a make/break statistic because it will likely be a very good predictor of USMLE performance. The few directors that I have talked to seem to be frustrated by its lack of predicting power in their residents, but that could just be anecdotal evidence on my part. Also, studying for the USMLE as an intern would be a living hell...

 

[Surive123]

You go to Southern?

 

[OMFShopeful2015]

Thats what I figured. Thank you for all the advice!
I was only planning on doing a 4 year program though so that seems in my favor.
I thought the CBSE was a way to rank people since the NDBE is P/F now, but it's actually intended to be a predictor of how well you'll do in OFMS school? I get that for the 6 year program you'll be getting your MD so you have to pass the USMLE, but not for the 4 year program. Right? Also, I've heard the 6 year program is mostly for academics.. any input on this??

 

[mbakri]

Hi guys,
I am international dentist. can you help me by telling me what are the references and books that you are using in you NBME preparation?

thank you so much.

 

[Bereno]

Thats what I figured. Thank you for all the advice!
I was only planning on doing a 4 year program though so that seems in my favor.
I thought the CBSE was a way to rank people since the NDBE is P/F now, but it's actually intended to be a predictor of how well you'll do in OFMS school? I get that for the 6 year program you'll be getting your MD so you have to pass the USMLE, but not for the 4 year program. Right? Also, I've heard the 6 year program is mostly for academics.. any input on this??

It is used for both (as a way to rank and as a predictor). Some of the OMFS guys at my school seem to all agree that 4 year programs rely just as heavily on the CBSE as 6 year programs, despite the MD.