Just got my step score. 244. Can I match into the more competitive specialties (optho, ortho, ent, derm)?

[introp445]

Just got my step score. 244. Can I match into the more competitive specialties (optho, ortho, ent, derm)?

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[MedScat]

Yeah, but applications for those specialties are more than just step score. If you have a 244 plus research with pubs and good clinical grades and are a nice person then hell yea!

https://mk0nrmp3oyqui6wqfm.kinstacdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Charting-Outcomes-in-the-Match-2020_MD-Senior_final.pdf

 

[introp445]

Yeah, but applications for those specialties are more than just step score. If you have a 244 plus research with pubs and good clinical grades and are a nice person then hell yea!

https://mk0nrmp3oyqui6wqfm.kinstacdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Charting-Outcomes-in-the-Match-2020_MD-Senior_final.pdf

thanks, there is so much out there online about not having a 260 or something, and thus not being able to get into these fields

 

[Frogger27]

Yeah your step score won’t be what holds you back

 

[Dral]

Article/post from 2018.

The Average Step 1 Score - What You Need To Know - TheMDJourney

Are you aiming to score high for your Step 1? Let's discuss the average Step 1 score to give you an idea on what score you should be aiming for!

themdjourney.com

U.S. allopathic seniors successful in matching to the specialties of Dermatology, Interventional Radiology, Neurological Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Otolaryngology, Plastic Surgery, Radiation Oncology, and Diagnostic Radiology scored the highest on Step 1, circulating around the range of 240 and 250.

Balance is important.

Work on publications, participate in research projects, gather work and volunteer experiences, improve on your performance, and practice a sensible attitude to carry on until you step into the actual clinical setting

 

[VincentAdultman]

Yes

 

[operaman]

As noted above your step score won’t be what holds you back. I’m some ways, step scores are less important for more competitive fields simply because everyone has a good one. Make sure everything else is as strong as it can be and you should do well.

 

[Redpancreas]

Just got my step score. 244. Can I match into the more competitive specialties (optho, ortho, ent, derm)?

It's not a great score, but it won't hold you back. Depends on rotation grades, class standing derivatives (AOA, rank, etc.), and Step 2CK.

 

[Banco]

Nothing is closed off with that score.

Now just make sure the other portions of your application are strong.

 

[odyssey2]

Everyone's right that that score won't hold you back from any field, but it won't be a giant plus for those fields either. Make sure you get at least a 250 on Step 2, do research, and get solid clinical grades and you should be good.

 

[Lost in Translation]

This thread illustrates is what’s wrong with the Step scoring system with respect to career choice. Your desired field is/should be a choice independent from your board scores.