Charting outcomes=self-fulfilling prophecy?

[echod]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Has anyone noticed that there was a big jump in step I scores between 2006 and 2007, which coincides with the first edition of charting outcomes? Is NRMP's charting outcomes the main reason why there has been a sustained increase in step scores for the past few years? It does put into doubt whether residency programs are putting more weight on step scores than they are willing to admit.

 

[Shifty B]

There has been an increase in the average scores across the board as far as I know. Honestly, I think the jump is more likely to be due to better test preparation materials than anything. When I took step 1 in 2003, the average on my administration was 217, but the most recent average for all applicants (most recent charting outcomes) was 225, for an increase of 8 points. USMLEworld didn't exist when I took step 1, and I think the Kaplan and other question banks are better. Also, more people may be preparing better as they realize the importance of this test (which wasn't emphasized for my first 2 years of med school).

Check out this link:

http://pritzkerpodcast.com/2010/04/14/29-interview-with-dr-jordan-cohen-mp3/

Don't let this fool you though. Program directors and interviewers care about step 1/2 and AOA status more than they want to let on. Other weaknesses in your application are easier to overcome than bad step scores.

 

[Neuronix]

I did a data analysis on this topic here:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=9947828&postcount=36

 

[Shifty B]

Wow, nice link Neuronix.

I was pretty sure that was true, but there's concrete evidence. Almost every specialty has crept up.

Almost every medical school is emphasizing step 1 now, there are better prep materials, and people focus on it more. It doesn't surprise me at all.