OKAP Scores

[Zonules22]

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any thoughts as to what an acceptable score is for most middle/top tier fellowship prgms?

 

[Eyesore]

Whatever it takes for the attendings in your program to like you and write great letters of recommendation. 😀

Most fellowship programs don't ask for OKAP scores.

 

[Zonules22]

Whatever it takes for the attendings in your program to like you and write great letters of recommendation. 😀

Most fellowship programs don't ask for OKAP scores.

I heard some places look at your USMLE scores...hope they don't look too closely at Step 3!!!

 

[Zonules22]

one more shot at seeing what people thought about the okap scores and competitive fellowships (top tier schools)...is it really just letters that matter the most? some places look at usmle scores...anyone know anything about that?

 

[7ontheline]

one more shot at seeing what people thought about the okap scores and competitive fellowships (top tier schools)...is it really just letters that matter the most? some places look at usmle scores...anyone know anything about that?

Very few programs look at OKAP scores - they're technically not supposed to ask. USMLE scores are even more unimportant. Letters and where you went to residency and who you know are the most important things. OKAPs only matter in the sense that if you get good scores people in your program will probably think you're hardworking and smart.

 

[shredhog65]

getting a fellowship (especially a competitive one) is mostly politics. good board and okap scores help, and publications help too, but who you (and your faculty/ connections) know greatly outweighs everything else.

 

[Zonules22]

Thanks...now on the other side, I would agree that really affects how you are "perceived", but if you are coming from a lower tier program with minimal connections (or effort), then scores, publications, affability in the interviews are all important...that said, nothing is more powerful than well-known faculty that take the extra step and go to bat for you....congrats to all that matched this year, and good luck!

 

[orbitsurgMD]

one more shot at seeing what people thought about the okap scores and competitive fellowships (top tier schools)...is it really just letters that matter the most? some places look at usmle scores...anyone know anything about that?

The most competitive fellowships are difficult to game and typically involve helpful personal contacts as well as strong credentials. Sometimes it is just impossible to make sense of and may be a matter of who owes favors to whom. Doing well on a relevant subsection, say high 90s, can't hurt and is worth mentioning if by the right person (like your program director.)😉

 

[MullerCell]

~ 1/4 to 1/3 of the retina fellowships I applied to this year requested OKAP scores from 1st and 2nd year. Some residency programs place a large amount of importance on your score while others do not. If you are in a program that prioritizes OKAP scores and you do well, it will likely enhance your reputation amongst faculty at you program, and thus the quality of your LORs. How different fellowships use your OKAP score isn't entirely clear, but it can't hurt to do well. At my current department, they seem to use OKAP scores to break a tie between 2 applicants when choosing whom to interview or how they rank applicants. If you are hoping to land a competitive fellowship, you should try to do as well as you can. Don't kill yourself, but put in a reasonable effort.