Given that USMLE scores probably don't predict success in psychiatry very well
That's probably just as true in psychiatry as it is in every other specialty. USMLE scores don't predict clinical acumen very well, but that's not their purpose in the residency selection process. A high USMLE score tells you that a person is more likely to be hard-working, able to set a goal and achieve it, reasonably intelligent, and good at learning medical facts. Even though those facts aren't necessarily associated with being a good doctor, they do increase your chances of being a good resident. I know that there are plenty of exceptions to that trend... but above all other factors, a PD is looking for somebody who is at low risk of being incompetent, and a high score is usually associated with a lower risk of incompetence (again, with plenty of exceptions).
and the lower importance attached to these scores in the specialty in general, I'm pretty skeptical of those graphs.
Psych puts more weight on Step 2ck vs. Step 1, but aside from that, I do think there's a reasonable amount of importance attached to these scores in psych. Yes, probably less so than in other specialties, but I think that's largely a product of the fact that psych is less competitive.
I was wondering whether anyone here had any insight into whether high scores actually do translate into significantly higher consideration with respect to granting interviews.
The topic's of personal relevance to me, since I'll be applying this fall to psychiatry with relatively high scores [in the 250's on step 1, step 2 still pending], but I'm an img...so I'm really looking for any advantage I can find. Assuming an otherwise more-or-less competent application, do you think relatively high scores amount to at least a foot in the door, as in a chance to demonstrate oneself at an interview? Thanks in advance.
Your application will be seen holistically, but I think that the step scores will definitely help. I know that they make some difference at my program, and that Step 2 is more important here. I also know of certain programs that use Step scores to filter IMGs, but not as much with AMGs.
For instance, I know that Baylor has a published cutoff for IMGs, and they're generally a well-respected program. At my interview there, I brought up the topic with some of the other applicants, and learned that the IMG interviewees had much higher Step scores than the non-IMG interviewees. So based on that n=1, there's definitely a difference.
I met one guy along the trail who also put up a post here about his stats about 1-2 months ago. His overall application was OK at best - IMG from a third-tier Caribbean school (yes, there's a third tier in the Caribbean), no research experience, nothing too extraordinary... except that he had 250+ on both steps and had good rec letters. And based on that, he had 24 interview invitations, including several very high-quality programs in less-than-desirable locations. He was invited to at least 4 different places that I would have considered ranking in my top 3 (2 of which were in my preliminary #1 slot at some point in time).
So in other words, with a 250+ and no red flags on your application, you'll probably have plenty of interviews at high-quality programs if you don't mind living in the Midwest. If you have good English skills, you'll have good chances at any of those programs. I'd suggest that you apply to every program in the country, just so that you have options... without knowing what your specific interests are, I suggest that you at least apply to WashU, Mayo, Indiana, Iowa, Florida, Baylor, Cleveland Clinic, St. Luke's Roosevelt in NYC, Hennepin in Minneapolis, UTHSC San Antonio, and Vanderbilt.