Competitiveness of the upper tier residencies?

[Ghostpepper]

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I was just wondering what kind of step score ranges were typically needed to get into some of the more highly regarded programs (though I know more goes into the application than just that). Anybody have any anecdotal info that was just on the interview trail or is a resident? Also, is specialty-specific research a must?

It seems like everyone talks about, in general, the lower (but rising) competitive nature of the specialty, so I was just curious how the top programs fit into that.

Very interested in this specialty. Thanks

 

[MedBronc23]

I was just wondering what kind of step score ranges were typically needed to get into some of the more highly regarded programs (though I know more goes into the application than just that). Anybody have any anecdotal info that was just on the interview trail or is a resident? Also, is specialty-specific research a must?

It seems like everyone talks about, in general, the lower (but rising) competitive nature of the specialty, so I was just curious how the top programs fit into that.

Very interested in this specialty. Thanks

What do you consider the upper tier residencies? I can tell you mine has a 220 cutoff with some exceptions. Our match class this year apparently averaged 240s on all steps. For what it's worth from what I know they are all great, dynamic people many of who rotated with us or came for extended interview and/or second look.

 

[ED50]

What do you consider the upper tier residencies? I can tell you mine has a 220 cutoff with some exceptions. Our match class this year apparently averaged 240s on all steps. For what it's worth from what I know they are all great, dynamic people many of who rotated with us or came for extended interview and/or second look.

Do you mean where you did your residency program or your fellowship program?

 

[Ghostpepper]

Thank you very much for the response. This is exactly what I'm looking for.

I don't necessarily have specific programs in mind for what I consider "upper tier", but just based on reputation and quality of training, what are the programs that always come up in the conversation. That's more what I was getting at with this.

How much of a disadvantage would it be to not have a home residency program for guidance, LORs, etc. in the eyes of some of these programs?

 

[bedrock]

I went to one of the "super six" residency programs, and they used a 220 Step I cutoff.

It's a definite disadvantage to not have a home program, but more of a disadvantage in other specialties. I would just be sure you schedule late 3rd, early 4th year rotations at 1 or more of the top 12 residency programs to get 1-2 LOR from well-known academic physiatrists before your residency application is due

 

[MedBronc23]

Do you mean where you did your residency program or your fellowship program?

Where I'm completing my residency program. Fellowships do not have score cutoffs posted typically but they look at everything 😉