Clearly a 200 is not like a 230, but it's still a passing score.
What would be other realistic pros/cons of a hypothetical score of 200? (Emphasis on the word "hypothetical").
My understanding:
From what I've HEARD, it would mean one is still decently competitive for FP, IM, Psych, OB/Gyn, Peds, PM & R at many programs and the rest would be more of an uphill battle-IN GENERAL and excluding all other variables? <question mark meaning, others please correct me if I'm wrong>. The 2009 charting outcomes should paint a more accurate picture, however.
A significant Step 2 improvement could help the application in general and especially with regard to some other fields, or more competitive programs among the above-listed.
Another realistic point to keep in mind: Some programs will weigh a 200 on Step 1 differently for a US-MD than an IMG or US-DO (as you will notice in the charting outcomes pdf).
I've also come across programs using 80 and 85 as cut-offs, as well as 200 itself for some fields outside of the above-listed.
It seems "word on the street" is that making the 200 mark somehow "looks better" as opposed to a few points less even if both are below the mean, but I'd like to see what insiders have to say on that. Might just be a med student myth.
