Is my Step 1 score enough?

[SierraMist14]

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Hey guys!

I just got my step 1 score back: 212. I just want to know if I have a shot at matching in OB, granted I do well on rotations and perform better on Step 2. What are some lower tier programs that accept lower scores (if any)? Thanks!

 

[anonperson]

You'll be able to match at a program with that score. It probably won't be UTSW or Pitt, but you can match at a reasonable program. Try to get honors in your third year rotations and take Step 2 early and do well on it and you can open up doors to better programs.

 

[SierraMist14]

You'll be able to match at a program with that score. It probably won't be UTSW or Pitt, but you can match at a reasonable program. Try to get honors in your third year rotations and take Step 2 early and do well on it and you can open up doors to better programs.

I will. Thank you!

 

[SierraMist14]

Does anybody have any insight as to what kind of people in this score range DON'T match? I just looked at the 2014 NRMP charting outcomes and it looks like that out of 164 people that applied, 22 didn't match. I'm just wondering if this is usually due to multiple score attempts, poor ranking, etc.

 

[anonperson]

It's impossible to say. Most likely there are red flags or they are poor interviewers. But with a score of 212 and no other huge issues, if you apply broadly enough and aren't a tool at interviews, you should match SOMEWHERE. I matched with a worse step 1 score and other red flags but I applied broadly and interviewed at a ton of programs.

 

[caliga16]

Can you match with a similar score in California?

 

[residencycoord]

You need to stop putting so much emphasis on board scores. This is not what programs focus on solely for your applications. I have looked at applications that have high board scores and mediocre transcripts so they were not even considered for an interview. I have looked at AOA applicants and could not figure out why they were AOA. This is going to be an extremely competitive year. Most of the programs had between 100-150 more applications than last year. You need to have a strong transcript, Dean's letter, letters of recommendation and a well rounded CV.

 

[SplenoMegastar]

You need to stop putting so much emphasis on board scores. This is not what programs focus on solely for your applications. I have looked at applications that have high board scores and mediocre transcripts so they were not even considered for an interview. I have looked at AOA applicants and could not figure out why they were AOA. This is going to be an extremely competitive year. Most of the programs had between 100-150 more applications than last year. You need to have a strong transcript, Dean's letter, letters of recommendation and a well rounded CV.

In a lot of fields board scores are a big deal, so that's just what students are used to thinking about.

Can the Step 1 minimums listed in FREIDA be considered accurate (assuming they are dated from a surgery this year)? Do most students do OK with only letters from non-famous attendings at their own institution?

 

[residencycoord]

In a lot of fields board scores are a big deal, so that's just what students are used to thinking about.

Can the Step 1 minimums listed in FREIDA be considered accurate (assuming they are dated from a surgery this year)? Do most students do OK with only letters from non-famous attendings at their own institution?

Board scores are important but should not be considered the main focus of your application. 212 is actually a very low score anymore. I don't know what was listed this year in FREIDA so I cannot answer your question. Letters do not have to be from famous attendings, but you should get letters from faculty who know you well. If you get a letter from someone who can barely write a paragraph about you, then that is a waste of time. What I tell medical students is that they should get a good advisor. You need someone who can look over your application and give you the correct advice as to which programs you should apply to. Some applicants shoot too high and then are disappointed. Don't ever take anything for granted, even if you come from a top tier school. Like I mentioned earlier, this is going to be a tough year for applicants. You need to make yourself stand-out from your peers. In addition to your application, make sure that you interview well, that is also what makes you a strong applicant. Be confident but not cocky, be friendly but not overfriendly. Look people in the eye and answer their questions, don't be negative, don't talk about other programs and faculty.

 

[anonperson]

In a lot of fields board scores are a big deal, so that's just what students are used to thinking about.

Can the Step 1 minimums listed in FREIDA be considered accurate (assuming they are dated from a surgery this year)? Do most students do OK with only letters from non-famous attendings at their own institution?

I've had the displeasure of interviewing residents this year. Currently am a fellow at a academic OB GYN program.

Step 1 scores are reasonably important. They don't have the same pull like they do in derm or ortho but they are used. The candidates I was interviewing had scores ranging from 230-250 or so. There was one with scores a little on the lower side, but the applicant went to a very very good medical school.

The minimums are just that. Means you won't get autoscreened out. Letters are what they are. Famous is relative to a certain extent. Just get good letters that speak well of your character. If you can get a bigwig to write a letter that is strong, then definitely get it because it will carry a fair amount of weight. If you can get Jay Iams or Vince Berghella to write your LOR, that will matter in the rankings, especially if it is a strong/personal letter.

Most of this advice is geared toward high powered academic programs.