Good luck all. I have my exam end of March and hope to be the 1st one to post here for 2010.
Official 2010 USMLE Step 1 Experiences and Scores Thread
- Thread starter FMD212
- Start date
http://www.medliorate.com/2008/10/21/residency-specialty-average-usmle-step-1-score/
This is 3 years old, but it probably hasn't changed too drastically since them. Anes avg Step 1 score for matched residents was 220, and EM was 221. I don't thinnk your score would hold you back in the least. Congrats on your score!!!
Last edited:
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2007
- Messages
- 318
- Reaction score
- 1
Ended up with a 248/99 - I'm very relieved. I honestly thought I would be in the 230's so this was a pleasant surprise. I'd do a happy dance, except that I have to be up at 4AM tomorrow to be at the hospital by 6AM.😴
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2007
- Messages
- 474
- Reaction score
- 9
Common SDN myth. A score around 275 is at the very least 15-20 wrong, most likely 20-25 wrong, including experimentals (but assuming you don't only get experimentals wrong). It's an achievable score, not an impossible one. See my thread.
- Joined
- May 16, 2007
- Messages
- 9
- Reaction score
- 0
261/99.
I just wanted to touch on the fact that it's possible to do very well without going insane.
I took 5.5 weeks to study (no board prep whatsoever before except for studying hard the first two years). I spent roughly 10-11 hours/day on average. I went through FA by chapter, 1-2 days for each as appropriate.
Supplemental resources: BRS path, BRS physiology, BRS anatomy, HY embryology, BRS behavioral science, BRS neuroanatomy, Lange Pharm Cards, Pharm Recall, and Micro Ridiculously Simple. I didn't read these books cover to cover by any means; I just referenced them whenever I needed a little more detail than FA. I never once looked at Goljan Path - that book is insane, loaded with useless information and way too long in my opinion. I listened to the Goljan lectures once, usually while commuting to and from the library.
UW is amazing. I did one pass, finishing with 75% correct. I did one 48 question block/day on average and spent a solid chunk of timing going over the answers and making sure I understood the concepts. I didn't look at any other question sources.
I spent my last week re-reading my annotated FA and looking at Lange Pharm Cards until I knew the drugs pretty well.
I know this study plan isn't much compared with what others have posted. The key for me was doing well during my first 2 years and making sure I really understood each topic as I went through FA the first time. Also, the actual test is really about reasoning; 90% of FA was useless for the actual exam.
Practice Tests:
UWSA1 (2 weeks in): 234
Free 150 (3 weeks in): 90%
UWSA2/NBME 6 (4 weeks in): 256/258
NBME 7 (5 weeks in): 266
That's my story. Congrats to everyone who got their scores back today.
I just wanted to touch on the fact that it's possible to do very well without going insane.
I took 5.5 weeks to study (no board prep whatsoever before except for studying hard the first two years). I spent roughly 10-11 hours/day on average. I went through FA by chapter, 1-2 days for each as appropriate.
Supplemental resources: BRS path, BRS physiology, BRS anatomy, HY embryology, BRS behavioral science, BRS neuroanatomy, Lange Pharm Cards, Pharm Recall, and Micro Ridiculously Simple. I didn't read these books cover to cover by any means; I just referenced them whenever I needed a little more detail than FA. I never once looked at Goljan Path - that book is insane, loaded with useless information and way too long in my opinion. I listened to the Goljan lectures once, usually while commuting to and from the library.
UW is amazing. I did one pass, finishing with 75% correct. I did one 48 question block/day on average and spent a solid chunk of timing going over the answers and making sure I understood the concepts. I didn't look at any other question sources.
I spent my last week re-reading my annotated FA and looking at Lange Pharm Cards until I knew the drugs pretty well.
I know this study plan isn't much compared with what others have posted. The key for me was doing well during my first 2 years and making sure I really understood each topic as I went through FA the first time. Also, the actual test is really about reasoning; 90% of FA was useless for the actual exam.
Practice Tests:
UWSA1 (2 weeks in): 234
Free 150 (3 weeks in): 90%
UWSA2/NBME 6 (4 weeks in): 256/258
NBME 7 (5 weeks in): 266
That's my story. Congrats to everyone who got their scores back today.
- Joined
- Oct 10, 2006
- Messages
- 37
- Reaction score
- 0
check here for averages of step 1 from successful applicants
http://www.aamc.org/programs/cim/chartingoutcomes.pdf
Last edited:
- Joined
- Oct 10, 2006
- Messages
- 37
- Reaction score
- 0
Background: I plan on going into a competitive residency so I knew upfront I needed to do well on this test (my goal was 240+). I usually get good grades but my history of standardized testing has been pretty average. For me to learn something I have to see it over and over which makes studying for huge all encompassing tests like step 1 difficult. Because of this I tried to minimize resources and get through them as many times as possible.
MCAT: 29
Plan: I read through the 2008 and 2009 results thread and made most of my study plans from based on what worked for other people. One of the more helpful resources I found was the TAUS plan (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=6192274&postcount=12). I did not really follow through with his plan but I would recommend anyone taking step 1 to read through it.
Before spring break: I casually read through the first half of first aid to try and jog my memory on all the things I had forgotten since first year (which was pretty much everything )
Spring break: This is where my intense board prep began. I started off Saturday with NBME 3 to get an idea where I was starting. Then I spent the next ten days going through RR path and doing UW. I would study from 8 to 6, take a break and workout or run, then do a u world block and review the answers from 8 to 11.
Between spring break and finals: Studied for my finals with RR path and FA doing UW as much as possible.
DIT: 15 days straight through. I would watch the videos from 8 to 2, review everything again from 2 to 6, take a break, and then do a UW block at 8
Last 14 days: I read through RR path in 5 days, FA in 6, then did Taus final 3 day plan.
Resources:
First Aid: I spent the bulk of my time annotating and going through FA. Most of the annotations came from UW. I would aim to memorize the entire book (I am not claiming to have done this but I came pretty close).
RR path: This book is fantastic. I highly recommend using this throughout the year to study for classes. Goljan integrates so many different topics like nobody else can. I read this book for concepts and integration instead of pure memorization like FA.
Goljan audio: Listened to this probably 3 or 4 times total throughout the year, mostly during workouts. Great for path studying and for a break from reading. It also doesnt hurt that Goljan is hilarious.
USMLE World: I loved UW. Best resource out there IMO. I started doing blocks during spring break and continued up to a couple days before my test. The questions are definitely harder than step 1 but thats a good thing to get you prepared. As others have said the interface is identical to what you will see on test day. This is a great confidence booster because once you get started it feels just like the millions of blocks you have already done. I had hoped to get through the all the questions twice but I only had time for one time through.
DIT: I dont recommend this. I was so tired of reading all day that having someone read to me helped somewhat but that is about the only thing its good for. If you have enough stamina to keep making FA passes then DIT is not necessary at all IMO, especially if you are also using RR path and UW. I had already added about 95% of his recommended additions thanks to my other sources. Add to this the fact that they posted fake reviews on SDN and that gets me really pissed (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=9813839&postcount=298).
Micro made simple: Did not use it, first aid and UW were enough for my test
HY Behavioral: Read through it once annotating what I thought was important into FA. It is a good read and I would recommend it if you have time.
BRS physiology: I read through the corresponding chapter of this book before we covered each organ system in path. I had planned on reading it again closer to my test day all the way through but each practice test I took had me scoring high in phys so I didnt bother.
RR Biochem: Did not use it, a thorough understanding of FA biochem was enough for my test.
The real deal: Overall it felt like a pretty fair test. The new format was not a big deal, I had a few long stems but I also had a number of one or two line questions. The new free 150 was a very good representation of the type and length of question. As others have said there is a lot of anatomy so be prepared for that. I am not going to get into the specifics of my question breakdown because I dont remember it well enough. What I think is important to note was that I did feel adequately prepared in all subjects with the resources I used. There will always be random questions that you have never seen before but there is really no adequate way to prepare for them. Given this I would say the gold standard is FA, UW, and RR path and I really believe that anyone who puts enough time into those three will score above 240.
MCAT: 29
GPA for first 2 years: 4.0 (my school is still on an A-F grading system)
NBME 3: 212 (first Saturday of spring break)
NBME 4: 247 (the day after my last class final)
Free 143: 91% (the day after finishing DIT)
UW average: 72% (2.3 * uw score +84 = 249 estimated) timed, random
Step 1: 248/99 (took it June 11th)
MCAT: 29
Plan: I read through the 2008 and 2009 results thread and made most of my study plans from based on what worked for other people. One of the more helpful resources I found was the TAUS plan (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=6192274&postcount=12). I did not really follow through with his plan but I would recommend anyone taking step 1 to read through it.
Before spring break: I casually read through the first half of first aid to try and jog my memory on all the things I had forgotten since first year (which was pretty much everything )
Spring break: This is where my intense board prep began. I started off Saturday with NBME 3 to get an idea where I was starting. Then I spent the next ten days going through RR path and doing UW. I would study from 8 to 6, take a break and workout or run, then do a u world block and review the answers from 8 to 11.
Between spring break and finals: Studied for my finals with RR path and FA doing UW as much as possible.
DIT: 15 days straight through. I would watch the videos from 8 to 2, review everything again from 2 to 6, take a break, and then do a UW block at 8
Last 14 days: I read through RR path in 5 days, FA in 6, then did Taus final 3 day plan.
Resources:
First Aid: I spent the bulk of my time annotating and going through FA. Most of the annotations came from UW. I would aim to memorize the entire book (I am not claiming to have done this but I came pretty close).
RR path: This book is fantastic. I highly recommend using this throughout the year to study for classes. Goljan integrates so many different topics like nobody else can. I read this book for concepts and integration instead of pure memorization like FA.
Goljan audio: Listened to this probably 3 or 4 times total throughout the year, mostly during workouts. Great for path studying and for a break from reading. It also doesnt hurt that Goljan is hilarious.
USMLE World: I loved UW. Best resource out there IMO. I started doing blocks during spring break and continued up to a couple days before my test. The questions are definitely harder than step 1 but thats a good thing to get you prepared. As others have said the interface is identical to what you will see on test day. This is a great confidence booster because once you get started it feels just like the millions of blocks you have already done. I had hoped to get through the all the questions twice but I only had time for one time through.
DIT: I dont recommend this. I was so tired of reading all day that having someone read to me helped somewhat but that is about the only thing its good for. If you have enough stamina to keep making FA passes then DIT is not necessary at all IMO, especially if you are also using RR path and UW. I had already added about 95% of his recommended additions thanks to my other sources. Add to this the fact that they posted fake reviews on SDN and that gets me really pissed (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=9813839&postcount=298).
Micro made simple: Did not use it, first aid and UW were enough for my test
HY Behavioral: Read through it once annotating what I thought was important into FA. It is a good read and I would recommend it if you have time.
BRS physiology: I read through the corresponding chapter of this book before we covered each organ system in path. I had planned on reading it again closer to my test day all the way through but each practice test I took had me scoring high in phys so I didnt bother.
RR Biochem: Did not use it, a thorough understanding of FA biochem was enough for my test.
The real deal: Overall it felt like a pretty fair test. The new format was not a big deal, I had a few long stems but I also had a number of one or two line questions. The new free 150 was a very good representation of the type and length of question. As others have said there is a lot of anatomy so be prepared for that. I am not going to get into the specifics of my question breakdown because I dont remember it well enough. What I think is important to note was that I did feel adequately prepared in all subjects with the resources I used. There will always be random questions that you have never seen before but there is really no adequate way to prepare for them. Given this I would say the gold standard is FA, UW, and RR path and I really believe that anyone who puts enough time into those three will score above 240.
MCAT: 29
GPA for first 2 years: 4.0 (my school is still on an A-F grading system)
NBME 3: 212 (first Saturday of spring break)
NBME 4: 247 (the day after my last class final)
Free 143: 91% (the day after finishing DIT)
UW average: 72% (2.3 * uw score +84 = 249 estimated) timed, random
Step 1: 248/99 (took it June 11th)
ECFMG released my score bang on time.
99/266
I am more relieved than happy. I thought I totally screwed it up but no. Now that I look back at it, it could have gone better if I didn't screw up quite a number of questions.
Well time now to start Step 2 prep and my final year in medical school
Some stats:
nbme 3 taken half-way through: 244
UWSA #1: 256 (about 22 days before)
UWSA #1: 265+ (about 5 days before)
I guess UWSA correctly reflected my eventual score. If I had taken an nbme near the exam, more or less it would have reflected the same thing 🙂
A quick question
In that charting outcomes PDF file that details average Step 1 scores for residency matching, what does "independent applicants" signify? ECFMG candidates? Wow at 266 they only detail a probability of barely 0.40 for getting a neurological surgery. Out of 4 candidates with >260, only 2 getting accepted.
99/266
I am more relieved than happy. I thought I totally screwed it up but no. Now that I look back at it, it could have gone better if I didn't screw up quite a number of questions.
Well time now to start Step 2 prep and my final year in medical school
Some stats:
nbme 3 taken half-way through: 244
UWSA #1: 256 (about 22 days before)
UWSA #1: 265+ (about 5 days before)
I guess UWSA correctly reflected my eventual score. If I had taken an nbme near the exam, more or less it would have reflected the same thing 🙂
A quick question
In that charting outcomes PDF file that details average Step 1 scores for residency matching, what does "independent applicants" signify? ECFMG candidates? Wow at 266 they only detail a probability of barely 0.40 for getting a neurological surgery. Out of 4 candidates with >260, only 2 getting accepted.
Last edited:
My overall average was 58%, but I was solidly in the 70's in the last week before, doing about 200 questions a day (I had actually completed ~20% of the questions before any review, so that dragged me down a bit I believe).
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2009
- Messages
- 19
- Reaction score
- 0
.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2004
- Messages
- 860
- Reaction score
- 61
lots of very good scores - congrats! all these people breaking 260... i wonder if it's becoming more common...
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2007
- Messages
- 308
- Reaction score
- 1
i doubt its really becoming that much more common. it just seems that way because of the self selection bias here on SDN.
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2007
- Messages
- 318
- Reaction score
- 1
Enormous selection bias - a fraction of med students hang out on SDN, and a fraction of those are posting their scores on this thread. I haven't looked at years past, but I suspect the average and standard deviation for the tests haven't changed all that much for the past few years.
I got my Step1 score at 236/99. Not very happy but not disappointed either. I have no reserach papers to my credit. I hear a lot about the "total package" to get a good match andthat research is heavily considerd to get into good specialization. With no time to do any research during rotation, can someone recommend anything to better prepare from now other than doing well in Step2?
- Joined
- May 7, 2009
- Messages
- 934
- Reaction score
- 53
Agreed. At this time last year, many SDNers and I were high-fiving eachother for achieving our realistic goals and scoring in the 230's-240's. These posts/scores today have been beyond ridiculous - thank God none of them will be applying for the Match this year with me
.
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2007
- Messages
- 3,923
- Reaction score
- 361
Agreed. At this time last year, many SDNers and I were high-fiving eachother for achieving our realistic goals and scoring in the 230's-240's. These posts/scores today have been beyond ridiculous - thank God none of them will be applying for the Match this year with me
Maybe. But I remember looking at the 2009 score release, and there are some redonkulous scores on there as well!
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2007
- Messages
- 26
- Reaction score
- 0
Here's mine, if it helps:
6 weeks studying. 7 day weeks. 12 hr days. 1 hr for lunch, 1 hr for dinner.
Used FA mainly, while supplementing (not annotating, though) from RR, goljan audio, RR biochem, CMMRS. Cannot emphasize enough that FA was used mostly. As far as qbanks, 90% of UW completed, 30% of usmlerx. The latter was mainly when I ran out of subject oriented questions in UW. UW was done at the end of a day for a few hours, in tutor mode and by subject.
UW = 74% (90% completed)
usmlerx = 73%
NBME 6 = 234 (2 weeks out)
UWSA #2 = 254 (5 days out)
Actual = 252
I know I only did 2 practice exams, but I felt that my "predicted score" on UW also fit in line with the territory I wanted to be in (>240). There was a notable improvement in score the last 2 weeks (though the SD of these does overlap) probably because I finished some material and then spent the last week just rereading FA with minimal questions. Will post more later. Good luck to all of those still studying!
6 weeks studying. 7 day weeks. 12 hr days. 1 hr for lunch, 1 hr for dinner.
Used FA mainly, while supplementing (not annotating, though) from RR, goljan audio, RR biochem, CMMRS. Cannot emphasize enough that FA was used mostly. As far as qbanks, 90% of UW completed, 30% of usmlerx. The latter was mainly when I ran out of subject oriented questions in UW. UW was done at the end of a day for a few hours, in tutor mode and by subject.
UW = 74% (90% completed)
usmlerx = 73%
NBME 6 = 234 (2 weeks out)
UWSA #2 = 254 (5 days out)
Actual = 252
I know I only did 2 practice exams, but I felt that my "predicted score" on UW also fit in line with the territory I wanted to be in (>240). There was a notable improvement in score the last 2 weeks (though the SD of these does overlap) probably because I finished some material and then spent the last week just rereading FA with minimal questions. Will post more later. Good luck to all of those still studying!
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2007
- Messages
- 7
- Reaction score
- 0
I got a 188/75!!! And still going for Derm even if it's in podunk West Virginia. Glad to finally be a 3rd year. P = MD right?? Bump bump bump!!!
Kaplan Q-bank average = 38%
USMLE World average = 52%
Kaplan Q-bank average = 38%
USMLE World average = 52%
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2007
- Messages
- 3,923
- Reaction score
- 361
So a quick run through of my study schedule.
Basically most of the hard work was done year 1 and 2. Second year was really high yield and I studied my butt off for it. Started Goljan (audio + book) at the beginning of 2nd year. I didn't go to class at all, I would just study Goljan for path, and cram my school lectures at 2x speed (audio files online) the day before the exam. I listened to each Goljan lecture 2-3x, and read each chapter 3-4x during the school year corresponding to my schools lecture schedule. Then I reread half (the stuff I read in the 1st semester) of Goljan over spring break in April. I finished rereading the second half 2-3 weeks before my comprehensive final exams.
I studied Pharmacology super hard during the spring semester of 2nd year, because my school kicks ass at pharm. It is the most emphasized class for us in the 2nd year. 515 drugs. Had to know all mechs/side effects/uses cold because our exams were all free response, short answers and fill in the blanks. Totally awesome class, I didn't have to fret about pharm at all. Overall, I'd say my school did a good job prepping us.
I took 5 weeks to dedicate to step 1 study. I could have got away with 4.5, but I had some really stupid drama that occured. AVOID CRISIS during your study peroid! I wasted 2.5 days, and just felt totally thrown out of the loop.
Anyways, my resources during the study peroid were pretty simple.
FA 2010, RRpath, BRSphysio, and USMLE WORLD.
The only other thing I referred to was HY neuro, which was only for neuroanatomy pictures, definitely did not read the whole thing.
I read FA 3x during my study peroid. As for RRpath, I reread the 1st semester material again once, then for the second semester material I just went through the blue margin notes. BRSphysio, I read one time, it is a quick worthwhile read.
USMLE WORLD was king, right up there with Goljan and FA. I spent a lot of time on it. I would read 6-7hr a day, then work on UWORLD for 6-7 hours a day. Certain days I would feel super tired reading, and felt like I had wasted half the day, but then I would do UWORLD and learn a crap ton. I always felt like I was getting things done with UWORLD. I did 2 blocks per day, all timed/random blocks of 48questions. I would then spend the rest of my UWORLD time just reviewing all the explanations. I read just about everything in UWORLD. It was the most efficient use of my time.
The last few days were the worst. So much psyching out going on. You just have to remain strong and get your work done. I spent the last 2 days just running through parts of FA that were hard to memorize.
I think that is all.
Good luck to everyone still studying and waiting for scores.
Last edited:
- Joined
- May 27, 2007
- Messages
- 448
- Reaction score
- 2
Haha wow man, congrats! I can't imagine the joy of being borderline and seeing that 188! Bet that was a great sigh of relief. Congrats, and thanks for sharing!
- 230/99
- 8 weeks of "study time"
- first 5 weeks - 7-8 leisurely hours a day in FA, with RR and CMMRS referenced a few times
- 6th week - started UW, 150 q untimed tutor random
- 7th week - vacation beach time
- 8th week - UW 150 q untimed tutor random + two days before exam as rest + exam
- total UW correct = 65%
- 8 weeks of "study time"
- first 5 weeks - 7-8 leisurely hours a day in FA, with RR and CMMRS referenced a few times
- 6th week - started UW, 150 q untimed tutor random
- 7th week - vacation beach time
- 8th week - UW 150 q untimed tutor random + two days before exam as rest + exam
- total UW correct = 65%
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2008
- Messages
- 6
- Reaction score
- 0
- Joined
- May 24, 2009
- Messages
- 4,673
- Reaction score
- 10,630
Yup, the rest of us are all still continuing to conspire against you by lying!
- Joined
- May 24, 2009
- Messages
- 4,673
- Reaction score
- 10,630
- Joined
- May 31, 2008
- Messages
- 48
- Reaction score
- 0
258/99
My NBME's ranged from a 258 on NBME 6 to a 269 on NBME 7 (2 days out) and I was hoping for the latter score or even an improvement from that. There is nothing at all wrong with a 258, just try to keep your expectations reasonable so you dont get bummed.
My NBME's ranged from a 258 on NBME 6 to a 269 on NBME 7 (2 days out) and I was hoping for the latter score or even an improvement from that. There is nothing at all wrong with a 258, just try to keep your expectations reasonable so you dont get bummed.
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2007
- Messages
- 1,739
- Reaction score
- 291
NBME 4 mid-April = 242
NBME 1 end of May = 251
Free 150 early June = 92%
Real Test June 10th = 249
I did a modified Taus method. Read all his recommended books and did USMLEWorld. Good luck everyone!
NBME 1 end of May = 251
Free 150 early June = 92%
Real Test June 10th = 249
I did a modified Taus method. Read all his recommended books and did USMLEWorld. Good luck everyone!
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2006
- Messages
- 416
- Reaction score
- 2
Does anyone know what the 3 digit scores correlate to in terms of percentiles??? Ex: 221 = 50th % while a 280 = 99th %
thanks
thanks
Posted this on the July 14th thread but though I'd post it here for more permanence for future percentile/nbme/uwsa score obsessors (like i was during my prep period)..
NBME6 [Five weeks out]: 219 (after reviewing most of RR during last couple months of school, but before my dedicated "study period" started)
UWorld Correct: 71% (mostly 48q/random/timed, but a few in targeted sections), got about halfway through
Kaplan Correct: 67% (finished about half, mostly in subject-targeted/specific blocks of 48.. quit Kaplan about 3 weeks out and switched over to UWorld)
UWSA1 [Two weeks out]: 224 (after about 3 weeks of dedicated study-time.. got a bit scared, only a five point climb!)
UWSA2 [Four days out]: 244
Five-week dedicated study period, but began reviewing about 2.5-3 months out in all (I performed pretty meh first year and had some ground to make up).. did some Review of Path, Rapid Review during the last couple months of school, then during the dedicated study period went through about half of Kaplan, then half of UW.. for texts, used FA, RR Biochem for certain topics, BRS Phys, RR Path, as well as BRS Path in a few select sections.
Step 1: 252/99!
Ecstatic, especially since I felt so nervous and rushed during the test.. now, time to relax for a bit and celebrate!
NBME6 [Five weeks out]: 219 (after reviewing most of RR during last couple months of school, but before my dedicated "study period" started)
UWorld Correct: 71% (mostly 48q/random/timed, but a few in targeted sections), got about halfway through
Kaplan Correct: 67% (finished about half, mostly in subject-targeted/specific blocks of 48.. quit Kaplan about 3 weeks out and switched over to UWorld)
UWSA1 [Two weeks out]: 224 (after about 3 weeks of dedicated study-time.. got a bit scared, only a five point climb!)
UWSA2 [Four days out]: 244
Five-week dedicated study period, but began reviewing about 2.5-3 months out in all (I performed pretty meh first year and had some ground to make up).. did some Review of Path, Rapid Review during the last couple months of school, then during the dedicated study period went through about half of Kaplan, then half of UW.. for texts, used FA, RR Biochem for certain topics, BRS Phys, RR Path, as well as BRS Path in a few select sections.
Step 1: 252/99!
Ecstatic, especially since I felt so nervous and rushed during the test.. now, time to relax for a bit and celebrate!
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2006
- Messages
- 15,649
- Reaction score
- 39
calculate your Z score (your score - average)/SD
enter it here (1 sided):
http://www.measuringusability.com/pcalcz.php
- Joined
- May 27, 2007
- Messages
- 448
- Reaction score
- 2
Since that link doesn't work...
~220 is average, with a ~22 mean.
That means:
68% of people (from the 16th percentile to the 84th percentile) are between 198 (16th percentile) and 242 (84th percentile).
95% of people (from the 2.5th percentile to the 97.5th percentile) are between 176 (2.5th %) and 264 (97.5th %).
And finally...
99.3% of people (from the .35%ile to the 99.65%ile) are between 154 and 286.
There are some free "standard deviation calculators" online, and you can easily google them.
- Joined
- May 30, 2007
- Messages
- 50
- Reaction score
- 0
Well after reading through this thread my 237 looks pretty uninspiring now. Originally was hoping for a 240+ but was satisfied with my 237. Now I'm not so sure if I should be satisfied.
Oh well... I'm mainly interested in psych so it's not like it's the end of the world I didn't have a truly amazing score or anything.
Anyway I used about half of Kaplan's Q bank and the full USMLE World Q bank. First Aid I read through 3 times and I took the Doctors in Training class which ended about a week before my exam which pretty much just went through First Aid again with just a little bit of extra info. Took a practice test my school offered and got a 177 on it before I began studying. Perhaps stupidly did not take another NBME exam
Oh well... I'm mainly interested in psych so it's not like it's the end of the world I didn't have a truly amazing score or anything.
Anyway I used about half of Kaplan's Q bank and the full USMLE World Q bank. First Aid I read through 3 times and I took the Doctors in Training class which ended about a week before my exam which pretty much just went through First Aid again with just a little bit of extra info. Took a practice test my school offered and got a 177 on it before I began studying. Perhaps stupidly did not take another NBME exam
You're right -- nothing to be worried about with your score. But even if you wanted anesthesiology, surgery, whatever, you're more than fine.
I had an attending tell me today that the info you learn for Step 1 is useless as a practicing physician. He was exaggerating, but looking back on FA's pulmonary section, it really seems out of line with how medicine is really practiced. Long story short, it's over, you passed with like 80th percentile marks, and you're still going to match somewhere incredible.
- Joined
- Oct 29, 2006
- Messages
- 72
- Reaction score
- 0
I agree with your statistics, but does anyone actually score above a 280? Something always seems off about the USMLE score distribution to me, there is no one that scores a 300 or even a 290 right?
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2007
- Messages
- 332
- Reaction score
- 2
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2010
- Messages
- 40
- Reaction score
- 0
Don't worry about it, your score is just fine and the important thing is getting something that doesn't get you automatically excluded. You'll most likely still get into a good program as long as you have other things on your app too (like good recs, grades, etc.). Seriously, anyone with a score >230 should be pretty happy.
And man, some of the people with a 260+ who are actually complaining... shame on them. (just my opinion)
I have a question.
If someone fails with a score of 185 or so, what are their chances of passing the exam the second time around?
FA only has a table going up to 178 or so. And it says 83% of them pass.
If someone fails with a score of 185 or so, what are their chances of passing the exam the second time around?
FA only has a table going up to 178 or so. And it says 83% of them pass.
Dear God, these scores are insane. I was very "ehh" with my score of 226. From a carrib, student i guess thats good. I was shooting for 230+ so i guess i was close.
Quick statistical questions. This year to get a 99 the lowest score was a 229, last year i thought it was a 237. So does this mean that a 229 this year is = to a 237 last year?
Quick statistical questions. This year to get a 99 the lowest score was a 229, last year i thought it was a 237. So does this mean that a 229 this year is = to a 237 last year?
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2010
- Messages
- 40
- Reaction score
- 0
I vaguely remember reading somewhere that the distribution is very close to that of a bell curve but I agree with you in the sense that I don't think it makes that much sense. If someone really wants to, they can probably back-calculate the % of people known to fail step 1 and compare that with the z-score for 188 and the given mean and standard deviation (not sure if this sentence makes any english sense but hopefully someone math-y will know what I mean). It wouldn't be very conclusive by any stretch of the imagination but I think it'd be interesting to do and if it's significantly different I'd imagine that that would imply that the distribution is skewed one way or the other. I'd probably do it except (a) I need to go to bed now for rotations and (b) I'm kind of a lazy person.
