Optho Board Scores

[DMZ]

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I'm not applying to Optho, (in the process of applying for Rads), but I noticed that the published "average" Step I for people that matched in Optho this year was 228. Is that right? It's hard to believe that there were almost as many people that scored below a 230 as there were people that scored above a 230. I don't think Rads is as competitive as Optho but with my 230 I'm just barely cutting it. I've heard of rads applicants applying and matching with scores in the 220s but I don't think I've ever heard of an optho applicant with below a 240. Do you think they falsely lower the published average board score number so as to not scare people away from applying?

 

[Jokestr]

There are plenty of applicants below 240 on Step I...
Depends which program you are looking at, but look at all the data on this years match applicants on the 2006 ophtho post match poll thread and you will see...
I seriously doubt they falsely lower the average. Remember, the average doesn't only consider the top programs in the country hence the term average.

 

[twintiger32]

this year's ave was 230, last years was 229, year before was 228.

There are plenty of programs across the country and most of the applicants have 230ish scores...with some below and some above.

 

[monkey7247]

I've heard of rads applicants applying and matching with scores in the 220s but I don't think I've ever heard of an optho applicant with below a 240.

236. You have now. And I know of lower, much lower.

BTW, I think rads is more competitive than ophtho.

 

[speyeder]

Not sure what the average board scores are for radiology are but I think you're right that ophtho might be more competitive to get into for no other reason than the fact that there are only around 400 spots for ophtho per year compared to about 1000/year for radiology. Most people I know who matched into ophtho scored around 240.

 

[splice]

This year's average Step 1 score was 230, the highest ever. However, as many people have said, it is important to realize that board scores are really only one little piece of the whole application process. I matched at a top program with a score below 230. Clinical grades, letters of recommendation, demonstrated interest in ophthalmology, research, personal interests and qualities, and most importantly the personal interview are all extremely important and differ greatly in their respective values depending on the applicant profile and on what a particular program is seeking.

If you are a graduating US senior with a score of 230 and other positive aspects in your profile, I would say you are an extremely competitive candidate for the ophthalmology match. It is worth repeating that 88% of US senior applicants matched.

 

[kassie]

I brought down the avg a little this year...

Funny now but not a month or 2 ago when the interview invites weren't rolling in...