Board Scores...are they lying?

[DR]

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Just curious...anyone out there after completing the interview process realize, like me, that all the bull$#!t programs say about "it's not solely board scores" is just, well...bull$#!t? It seems that after speaking with some fellow students and applicants that some did not get the interviews that others got and the only difference in their application was Step 1. In fact, there were some who had less stellar applications in all possible ways...except board scores...and still got the more prestigious interviews. I think it's amazing that these places are going so far out of their way to state that they don't use Step 1 as their sole cut off, while the evidence shows that they clearly do. Interesting that they need to completely BS us.

I received all the interviews I wanted, thank goodness, however I have some friends who did not and the only difference was that fateful score. What do you guys think about this?

 

[emerson]

You are absolutely correct! The one thing that I have learned as a result of this whole interview process is that Step 1 scores are EXTREMELY important, at least in getting an interview. I know of many students whose applications were comparable or even inferior to that of another student, but because they had better board scores, they ended up getting interviews at prestigious places, while their fellow students, who were admittedly probably stronger candidates than themselves, were denied interviews...and the only true difference in their applications: Step 1 score.
Bottom line is: Step 1 scores are the easiest way for programs to weed people out. So don't be fooled. Study extremely hard for Step 1, score well, and get the chance at the programs you want. Of course, in addition to all the other stuff (excellent LOR etc.)

 

[ckplay]

Hey DR.

Board scores matter! It's naive to believe busy PDs examine everyone of the thousands of applications in any detail.

I believe all programs use board scores in some way to screen their applicants.

Some are biased against FMGs or DOs. Some like local grads.

I was looking at NSUH's matches for the past 4 years to see where they went to medical school. It's interesting that the only IMGs that matched with NSUH were from Israel medical schools.

 

[Thewonderer]

I thought people would have this all figured out long time ago, when they saw how med school application process was all about.

 

[edrej]

It's not just about the scores. My 1 and 2 were bothe well over 250 and you would be suprised by the number of places that did not even offer interviews.....

 

[Hop Toad]

Are you a FMG? Were your grades other than stellar?


With scores like that there must be an explanation.

 

[DrWBD]

Despite the admonitions given by the NBME that board scores should not be used as sole inclusionary or exclusionary criteria for evaluating candidates, the ERAS software used by residency program directors actually has filters that sort and weed out applicants based on board score. It's the easiest thing in the world to just point and click to get a quick list of prospective interviewees.

 

[docjaykp]

what dou all think about 89 in step i . Is it a bad or ok score. I am an IMG with 87 in step II. need visa.

no interviews yet.

Cani hope to get in Novemebr

 

[VitaminK]

so what's the concensus about after you get an interview offer - do you boards score matter when the program is trying to compare different applicants for ranking or then is it just solely their interview?

 

[powermd]

It's not just about the scores. My 1 and 2 were bothe well over 250 and you would be suprised by the number of places that did not even offer interviews.....

With step 1 and 2 scores over 250 some programs probably think you're scores are too high for you to realistically consider them.

 

[bof]

so what's the concensus about after you get an interview offer - do you boards score matter when the program is trying to compare different applicants for ranking or then is it just solely their interview?

yes your board scores matter (post interview), but so do your grades, letters, and of course the interview itself.

 

[bof]

what dou all think about 89 in step i . Is it a bad or ok score. I am an IMG with 87 in step II. need visa.

no interviews yet.

Cani hope to get in Novemebr

bad docjaykp for bring back a dead thread.

 

[Clay]

Board scores, LORs, etc WILL linger post-interviews, match and especially if you are trying for a fellowship. No questions!

As for 89 and 87 for your Steps being adequate or not, I think that it depends on the programs for which you have applied.

Look at your standard dev sent with your scores, that will tell you where your scores sit statistically. Then research the programs: did they fill last year, whats the % of IMGs, is it in a desired location, and in general what is the reputation. From these you should be able to surmise whether you correctly launch a prolific campaign for a residency.

Also, don't know anything about IMG's, but would not having a visa be a formidable issue for programs?

Most programs look at the full picture, not just isolated scores. However, I do not under estimate the power of solid board scores as well as domestic issues.

 

[ASDIC]

is the reputation of the US medical school taken into account while selecting residents at the top IM programs in the country?

 

[doc05]

is the reputation of the US medical school taken into account while selecting residents at the top IM programs in the country?

yes.

 

[lovebug]

Posting for a friend.

"Please Help, I am an IMG with 1st attempt scores:

Step 1: 80
Step 2: 99

I was consistantly among the top 5 at my med school of 200 students. Had a bad flu just before the Step 1 and I kick myself now for taking the exam in that state.

I am not aiming for any university programs now but wondering if I have any chance of getting into a IM, IM/FP or IM/Peds program at a comm hosp. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks."