Part 2 boards

[shariq]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

How much does the part II boards matter if you wish to specialize. Lets assume that someone got an 85 in part I and managed to get over a 90 in part 2, will he/she be considered in the same league as a candidate with a 90 on part I boards

Also whats the minumum you need in part 2 to specialize

 

[jpollei]

How much does the part II boards matter if you wish to specialize. Lets assume that someone got an 85 in part I and managed to get over a 90 in part 2, will he/she be considered in the same league as a candidate with a 90 on part I boards

Also whats the minumum you need in part 2 to specialize

The majority of people who apply to residencies don't take part II until midway through their 4th year...often not until after the interview process is underway or even completed. I'm sure as heck waiting to see if/where I match before I take them--it will definitely change the way I approach studying (i.e. studying to pass, or studying to get a 95). So in that sense, part II scores often don't matter at all...as long as you pass.

The difference between an 85 and even a flat 90 on part I is huge statistically. Whether or not that will impact your decision to specialize depends on what you want to specialize in (for perio or pedo that difference might not be so critical; whereas for ortho an 85 on part I would likely be the end of your app, and a 90 may well not cut it also). There's no cut-and-dry answer as to whether the two candidates you mentioned would be "in the same league". It all depends on your residency goals.

If you think that by taking them before you apply it might significantly help your chances, and if your app really needs a kick in the butt to make you appear more competetive, go for it. If you do take it so tht you end up reporting it, aim for at least a 90--the material on part II is much more clinically relevant than material tested on part I. A strict minimum is hard to say...again, it depends on what you want to do, and when you plan to take part II relative to when you apply.

 

[ItsGavinC]

The difference between an 85 and even a flat 90 on part I is huge statistically. Whether or not that will impact your decision to specialize depends on what you want to specialize in (for perio or pedo that difference might not be so critical;

Heh, tell that to your buddy DcS. 🙂

Actually, it takes a minimum of a 90 to be competitive pedo applicant these days, according to most program directors.

 

[shariq]

well the only reason i am asking is that i did get a 90 in part I (91) but in part 2, i basically screwed around and suffered from senioritis, and got like an 80.
I hope this does not hurt my chances matching into a speciality.