being realistic with step 1

[deleted647155]

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Second year interested in pursuing derm. I have expressed early interest in the specialty, but I'm also realistic in that I need to work my ass off to get as high a step 1 score as possible to be competitive for derm.

I'm just wondering what y'all think of as a step 1 score where I should "give up" on derm? <230, <240? The 2014 match results show that 247 was the average for matched applicants.

I enjoy derm a lot but I'm also a realist!

 

[asmallchild]

If the average for a matched applicant really is 247, I wouldn't necessarily "give up" with something <230 but know that you would be facing an uphill battle

 

[PatsyStone]

You haven't taken Step1 yet, so there's no point worrying about it now. Do the best you can and see what happens

 

[deleted647155]

If the average for a matched applicant really is 247, I wouldn't necessarily "give up" with something <230 but know that you would be facing an uphill battle

It really is 247!! I was surprised that the average increased so much from an average of 240 4-5 years ago.

 

[dermieeast]

Second year interested in pursuing derm. I have expressed early interest in the specialty, but I'm also realistic in that I need to work my ass off to get as high a step 1 score as possible to be competitive for derm.

I'm just wondering what y'all think of as a step 1 score where I should "give up" on derm? <230, <240? The 2014 match results show that 247 was the average for matched applicants.

I enjoy derm a lot but I'm also a realist!

This would be in the context of your school rank, clinical grades, research, etc. It's a whole package thing, not just a Step 1 score. You can always take a research year and/or pursue other options to make up for any discrepancies.

I got < 240 and only about half honors in clinical grades and matched at a program that I'd consider in the Top 20 or 30 derm programs (though, not a Top 10 program for sure). I probably made up for those shortcomings with school rank (Top 5) and research experience, plus great LORs.

I would say that most programs have a 230 cut-off. If you get in the 220s i'd strongly consider a back-up specialty if you decide to apply derm.

 

[2maitaisplease]

Agree is a whole package deal. But would suggest having above a 240 if you want to match and not reapply. It is already very hard to get interviews even if you have around a 250, LORs, lots of publications, so if I had anything below a 240 I would strongly consider not applying.