How long to increase from 160 to 220?

[jack.jaret]

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Took a practice NBME and am feeling unbelievably demoralized. I received a 160. Not sure how since I've been an average student throughout med school. How long would it take to increase my score up to a 220 (my goal). I know that's much lower than the average around these forums.

I'm scheduled for June 1st and my dedicated study period starts in 2.5 weeks. Thanks for any advice.

 

[christmasindr]

You may be surprised that 5-6 weeks of studying can significantly increase your score. I think a score lower than passing simply mean that you have a lot of knowledge gaps, so I suggest you to start hitting the FA and Pathoma. Don't worry too much about your goal. It is doable to hit >200 as long as you have no other deficiencies.

 

[TBV]

Honestly not that bad if you weren't already reviewing. If you were and doing questions and stuff you're in trouble though. You'd probably need 5 weeks of dedicated studying and might even hit 230. It's amazing what refreshing the stuff will do.

 

[ct303]

I took an NBME at the end of January - scored a 166. This was before dedicated step studying.
Took NBME 16 5 weeks later and got a 222. Very doable! Good luck!

 

[Tenk]

I gained over 60 points from first pre-test to finish. All depends on how focused you are during your studying.

 

[jack.jaret]

Thanks for the feedback. Tenk and wildcat - how long did it take you to get those huge score increases? I just don't see how that's possible in 5 weeks of dedicated studying :/

 

[mymembernames]

yea my first practice was pretty discouraging, we'll see how much I can go up...

 

[deleted600623]

Sorry if I hijack the thread slightly but what are the typical competitive step scores for internal med? Just curious.

 

[TBV]

Sorry if I hijack the thread slightly but what are the typical competitive step scores for internal med? Just curious.

Depends on what you mean by competitive like for a top program or to get into any academic or just to get in one?

 

[deleted600623]

@TBV The top programs and just to get in one.

 

[TBV]

@TBV The top programs and just to get in one.

Certainly up for debate but for example if you're comfortable going to a community based residency in an undesirable location a 220 and US MD would get you looked at. If we're talking about Hopkins or something you're probably looking in the 250s or higher. From my understanding IM can be very non competitive at the low end and very competitive at the high.

EDIT- this is not to mean these numbers are a minimum to have to interview at these places. I am saying these numbers would be competitive to these programs certainly lower have and do make it.