i got 226 on my step 1. what does it really mean?

[galkim]

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hi!

i'm a european IMG, and i just took the step1 exam.

i got a 226 (94) score.

i know that's it's a good score, but i also know that it's not a GREAT score. im so confused.....

so what does it mean????

i don't want a residency in dermatology, radiology or plastics. im more interested in internal medicine/pediatrics/intensive care, and i know that these require lower scores, but considering the fact that i am an IMG, i dont know if my socre is good enough. i also dont wanna end up in a rural clinic in the middle of a corn field... 😛

i understand ofcourse that there are many more scores to be calculated into the equation, but i haven't done the other steps yet...

HELP!

 

[Winged Scapula]

226/94 is a good score. However, you will be competing against IMGs/FMGs who frankly often have 99s across the board.

For programs that use a Step 1 score filter, you should make the first pass (ie, your application will be opened). However, the factors used to evaluate applications varies widely so there is no way anyone can tell you whether or not you'll be competitive.

Besides, what does it matter? You will go ahead and apply right? A 226 should get you interviews, all else being equal, for middle of the road competitive specialties.

 

[galkim]

Besides, what does it matter? You will go ahead and apply right? A 226 should get you interviews, all else being equal, for middle of the road competitive specialties.

what i meant was that is it likely/reallistic/unlikely/no way in the world to get one of the residencies that i mentioned in a good (not necessarily top private one) hospital, in a large city (NYC, LA, San-Francisco, Boston, etc..),
or should i expect for a ****ty hospital in a small rural community with my score?

also what other things should i do to boost up my resume'?

 

[galkim]

sorry about the language...

one more thing: what does it mean that my application will be "opened" and what did you mean by "middle of the road" specialties??

i know that im totally dumb with this...

 

[Winged Scapula]

what i meant was that is it likely/reallistic/unlikely/no way in the world to get one of the residencies that i mentioned in a good (not necessarily top private one) hospital, in a large city (NYC, LA, San-Francisco, Boston, etc..),
or should i expect for a ****ty hospital in a small rural community with my score?

also what other things should i do to boost up my resume'?

226 is not that bad that you would expect a bottom of the barrel residency but you have to understand that with the exception of NYC, most of the other cities are pretty sought after (NYC has a had reputation due to the nurse's union, although there are some great residencies there and many people will still flock to them).

Your Step 1 isn't the only factor in your application, its merely one that opens the doors. But assuming all else being equal, a 226 for IM or Peds should place you in a solid program.

As for what else you can do:

- you need US clinical experience
- you need letters from US faculty
- US citizenship/PR status will help

sorry about the language...

one more thing: what does it mean that my application will be "opened" and what did you mean by "middle of the road" specialties??

i know that im totally dumb with this...

You stated in your first post that you were interested in IM/Peds/Critical Care (Critical Care is a fellowship training after initial training in IM, Peds, General Surgery, etc., not a residency in the US). These are "middle of the road" in terms of competitiveness; ie, they are not highly competitive at most programs, although there will be some Top Tier programs which are.

 

[galkim]

thanks for your reply. you are very helpful!

some more stuff:

- how can i know about the quality/popularity of a resdency program? is there a grading system somewhere?

- on another matter: how does the whole matching thing workd with a girlfriend/wife which is a doctor as well (who has done USMLE ofcourse...) ?

 

[Winged Scapula]

thanks for your reply. you are very helpful!

some more stuff:

- how can i know about the quality/popularity of a resdency program? is there a grading system somewhere?

There are no formal ranking systems. IMGs/FMGs are at a disadvantage as quality/popularity of programs is largely word of mouth and any information you can glean from looking at prior year match lists. Many of the specialty forums on SDN have a thread which talks about popular programs but in the end, its hard to *really* know.

- on another matter: how does the whole matching thing workd with a girlfriend/wife which is a doctor as well (who has done USMLE ofcourse...) ?

Its called the Couples Match.