Comparing USMLE Passing %

[Chuck's Right Foot]

When looking at USMLE pass rates, what are average stats?

For example,

UVA has a 99% Step 1 and 95% Step 2. Obviously, 99% is good, but what about 95%? (These numbers are from 2005)

Thanks!

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[146233]

Try comparing them to other schools to see how 'good' they are. 🙂

 

[TheRealMD]

When looking at USMLE pass rates, what are average stats?

For example,

UVA has a 99% Step 1 and 95% Step 2. Obviously, 99% is good, but what about 95%? (These numbers are from 2005)

Thanks!

With any statistic, I find that if you are acheiving >95% in anything, there must be specific reasons why they didn't get the other 5%. Don't overgeneralize.

Typically what you're interested in board scores is not passing, but averages.

 

[Bacchus]

Don't these %'s include retakes? (I believe you can retake the boards if you do absolutely horrible and need to repeat your intern year)

 

[Law2Doc]

(I believe you can retake the boards if you do absolutely horrible and need to repeat your intern year)

You can only retake boards if you fail (not sure if you are saying that). Step 1 is taken between second and third year of med school (usually before you start rotations), and probably what the schools are talking about when listing passing percentages listed by med schools, so I'm not sure repeating "intern year" is really what people are talking about by board scores here...

The boards are very much an individual effort -- I wouldn't use this as a means to compare schools. Additionally, since almost all US allo schools have over 90% first time pass rates, the passing rate isn't a great yardstick.

 

[Instatewaiter]

THe numbers are generally first time pass rates. 90-99% is pretty standard for an allo school. Step 2 means next to nothing unless you bombed step 1 or are an FMG.

 

[Bacchus]

Thanks L2D

 

[TheRealMD]

You can only retake boards if you fail (not sure if you are saying that). Step 1 is taken between second and third year of med school (usually before you start rotations), and probably what the schools are talking about when listing passing percentages listed by med schools, so I'm not sure repeating "intern year" is really what people are talking about by board scores here...

The boards are very much an individual effort -- I wouldn't use this as a means to compare schools. Additionally, since almost all US allo schools have over 90% first time pass rates, the passing rate isn't a great yardstick.

Ditto. That's why it's probably better to look at averages, but even then it's a wash. You would hope that "better" schools should have higher averages and thus better prepare you for the boards, but it just may be that those people simply do better on standardized tests.

L2D, would you say that having a better support network of friends to ask questions and study with is more important than looking for a school with a higher Step 1 average? *lol, this question is loaded but I ask anyway*

 

[Law2Doc]

You would hope that "better" schools should have higher averages and thus better prepare you for the boards, but it just may be that those people simply do better on standardized tests.

It's a mixed bag. Some of the schools that brag about their Step 1 scores to the point of publishing them aren't ones I would consider that highly ranked, but most schools keep the scores a secret. And you may notice a phenomena on interviews where most schools will claim their scores are above average (makes you wonder if they actually understand what average means).

Step 1 really is an individual effort. A school can perhaps select for good test takers in its admissions, but doesn't add all that much value in terms of the score when compared to its peers. All schools are going to cover pretty much the same material, and all students use basically the same board review materials and qbanks. The only real difference might be if a school gives you longer off to study for the thing. Not sure if this makes it a "better" school or just a more test oriented one. So I personally wouldn't put this high on my list of concerns in terms of selecting a school. You can get a great or crummy board score no matter where you come from -- it all depends on how much work you are willing to put into it.

 

[Law2Doc]

L2D, would you say that having a better support network of friends to ask questions and study with is more important than looking for a school with a higher Step 1 average? *lol, this question is loaded but I ask anyway*

I'm not sure I understand the question, but (a) you won't really know Step 1 averages with any accuracy (most of the numbers floating around are pretty speculative), and (b) as it is so much an individualized effort type thing, I would suggest Step 1 is not a good basis on which to pick a school. You are likely to do great or poorly on Step 1 independant on where you go, but very dependant on how you prepare for it.

So I guess the answer is yes -- having a support network is as good a reason to pick a school as any. Find someplace you will thrive, do well, and you will be fine.

 

[lord_jeebus]

I agree that it's an individual effort, but I'd be weary of any allopathic school with a pass rate under 90-92%.