Board scores and residency

[DdrumbumD]

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For a do student, if you rely solely on board scores >260usmle >800 comlex...how likely r u to get what u want ...assuming the rest of ur app is average? I ask because I hear of people with good scores not getting what they want or even not matching. Obviously if you apply neurosurg or derm at top tier programs it will be difficult, but wondering how many programs out there care mostly about scores?

 

[cabinbuilder]

For a do student, if you rely solely on board scores >260usmle >800 comlex...how likely r u to get what u want ...assuming the rest of ur app is average? I ask because I hear of people with good scores not getting what they want or even not matching. Obviously if you apply neurosurg or derm at top tier programs it will be difficult, but wondering how many programs out there care mostly about scores?

Where I went to resideny - family practice. My program director was all about board scores. It's all he cared about. It was a plus if you were pleasant to be around. He was very picky about who he took because in Texas you have to pass the boards to be able to continue on with your residency and you have only 3 chances to pass step II or they kick you out of residency. It really matters that you are able to pass the exams and the first time.

 

[kazuma]

Board scores are extremely important. If you are planning on doing anything moderately competitive then you should absolutely take the USMLE, preferably both steps. It will definitely open up doors, but in reality it can still be an uphill battle. There is a relatively fixed number of residency spots available and med school enrollment has been increasing each year.

In regards to the post above, I agree, failing any one of the steps can be a nail in your professional career coffin. You should never go into a board exam wondering if you are going to pass. That should be a given if you have spent sufficient time preparing including gauging your performance on practice exams.