Feb 2026 CBSE

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Is there really no meaningful difference between scoring in the 70–80 range versus 80+? In other words, does an 80+ actually open any additional doors that a 70–80 wouldn’t already open, even if aiming for desirable states (in my case) like NJ, NY, and CT? Sorry if this sounds neurotic, but just wanted to get a feel for these things. Especially because I heard scores considered competitive are getting higher and higher
Have heard certain programs want 80+ but a lot of the well-respected programs did take people with higher CBSE scores. I heard MGH wants 80+ I don't know how true this is.
 
Actually I have heard from previous applicants that NYU only accepts 80+ (not sure how true this is) but other programs in that area it doesn’t matter 70 or 80.
Interviewed at this place and lots of places like it - not true.
Didn’t do an externship at them either
 
55 EPC is not passing Step 1. In this thread, current residents say 60+ is the bar at some programs, so you're almost there. If you want I can help you figure out how to study for this thing. Shoot me a dm if you want
Hi,
Can you also help me. I am not sure what i am missing. I am not able to score >60. Thank you
 
The exceptions are for 6 year programs where the medical school has a good amount of say. In the northeast, NYU, Sinai, and Rutgers tend to take people with higher scores. I heard in the case of NYU that the medical school has more say than the OMFS program itself
 
Hello! I hope this page hasn't fizzled out. Took the exam a couple weeks ago and scored in the mid-high 80's. Happy with the score but also disappointed because I was projected to get much higher based on my full-length exams. Debating whether it is worth redoing it since my dental school has a competitive OMFS presence and matches a lot of students every year. What percentile is this score? I feel like it is hard to gauge the scores nationally.
 
Hello! I hope this page hasn't fizzled out. Took the exam a couple weeks ago and scored in the mid-high 80's. Happy with the score but also disappointed because I was projected to get much higher based on my full-length exams. Debating whether it is worth redoing it since my dental school has a competitive OMFS presence and matches a lot of students every year. What percentile is this score? I feel like it is hard to gauge the scores nationally.
Definitely retake
 
Hello! I hope this page hasn't fizzled out. Took the exam a couple weeks ago and scored in the mid-high 80's. Happy with the score but also disappointed because I was projected to get much higher based on my full-length exams. Debating whether it is worth redoing it since my dental school has a competitive OMFS presence and matches a lot of students every year. What percentile is this score? I feel like it is hard to gauge the scores nationally.
Get lost man wtf is this bs
 
Actually I have heard from previous applicants that NYU only accepts 80+ (not sure how true this is) but other programs in that area it doesn’t matter 70 or 80.
I second that this is not true at all. I know somebody in 60s who matched NYU in the last 4 years. Great person, your personality and impressions that you leave on externships have a lot of weight. You can have a 99 cbse but if you are insufferable then you will go unmatched
 
Hello! I hope this page hasn't fizzled out. Took the exam a couple weeks ago and scored in the mid-high 80's. Happy with the score but also disappointed because I was projected to get much higher based on my full-length exams. Debating whether it is worth redoing it since my dental school has a competitive OMFS presence and matches a lot of students every year. What percentile is this score? I feel like it is hard to gauge the scores nationally.
oh god, no wonder why people hate a lot of OMFS pursing applicants. but yeah retake asap and score a 100
 
I second that this is not true at all. I know somebody in 60s who matched NYU in the last 4 years. Great person, your personality and impressions that you leave on externships have a lot of weight. You can have a 99 cbse but if you are insufferable then you will go unmatched
Okay thank you, I guess it makes sense bc after a certain score, a score stops mattering and they want someone they can tolerate personality wise!
 
Hello! I hope this page hasn't fizzled out. Took the exam a couple weeks ago and scored in the mid-high 80's. Happy with the score but also disappointed because I was projected to get much higher based on my full-length exams. Debating whether it is worth redoing it since my dental school has a competitive OMFS presence and matches a lot of students every year. What percentile is this score? I feel like it is hard to gauge the scores nationally.
My brother hang it up and go outside
 
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