How much should I worry about my step 1 score for a 2026/2027 match?

[ExcitatorySynapse]

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So, after a really miserable dedicated where I had to postpone twice b/c of health issues, I finally got my score, and it was a little below average (think low 230s).

Due to aforementioned health issues + other things, I’m only considering a limited range of specialties: neuro, psych, gas, rads, and maybe IM w/ sub specialization and want to do computational research in the future. I’m especially passionate about the brain (coolest organ >>) and neuropsychiatric disorders, so I am really thinking between neuro/psych/neuroradiology. My PhD is going to be in neuroscience and my PI is extremely well known + well funded. I am submitting a first author paper soon and have a poster already; I hope to apply for a grant within the next year or so. I know that most people applying the same time I am won’t have numerical scores, but mine will still be visible.

So I guess my question is - should I worry about my score having a deleterious impact on my future prospects? And if so, is there anything I can do to mitigate that/improve myself? I honestly felt happy after getting my score because this year has been very rough for me w/ covid and all, but after seeing people around me (granted, mostly MD only people) freak out about better scores, I’m starting to question myself and would appreciate a reality check.

Thanks!

 

[Fencer]

Do not worry for those specialties... Congratulations on your effort and your learning! It is more than adequate score for most of the specialties… and please again do not worry, it is in the rear mirror. What is FAR MORE IMPORTANT for you is to generate terrific science, and earn accomplishments with presentations, manuscripts and fellowship awards. Those are the things that will carry you forward into elite residencies and, MOST importantly, they start building your legacy as a physician-scientist. It is about your contributions...

 

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Thank you so much for the reassurance @Fencer, I really appreciate it. I was very anxious leading up to score release and now that’s past me, I am really looking forward to giving my full energy towards my research!

 

[Lucca]

Ya even in the current, scored step 1 meta that score would be plenty competitive with an md Phd for all the specialties you listed, check the interactive charting the outcomes online and you can convince yourself! In a few years it will likely be even less relevant compared to the rest of the app.