Pathology Step 1 Today

[NeuroKid5]

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I am U.S. medical student (non-international) and very interested in going into pathology. I have been reading up on the range of Step 1 scores needed to get interviews and match into various programs. Over the past 10 years, it seems as though pathology has become slightly more competitive, and I feel that the advice on past threads may not be as relevant. I want to be competitive for essentially every pathology program and have all options open to me. I have seen countless times that a score of 230+ will get you an interview to the top 5-10 programs; however, with the increase in the average Step 1 score of U.S.-matched seniors, has this tendency changed? I know that there are other important factors when it comes to getting interviews and matching, but I just want clarification on how I need to perform on Step 1.

 

[Cellpathology]

As high as you possibly can.

 

[Johnny Sunshine]

I'm not sure if many people here can answer the question. I don't think many program directors frequent this board...

Personally though, I doubt the Step 1 performance cutoffs have changed much. If you get 230 or above, and have at least something else interesting about your application, I'd be surprised if any place turns you down. The exception may be if you apply to a big name or academic place, yet have little on your application indicating research experience and/or interest.

 

[KeratinPearls]

Get as high of a score as possible. If you are "normal" (no psychiatric issues) you should be fine. Pathology is full of FMGs (from China and India) and program directors want to match American grads, that are normal, pleasant and hard working.

You should have no problem getting into a strong academic program if you have decent scores. Top programs will be more competitive but you have a shot. Pathology experience will be a plus. Pathology is not hard to get into for a AMG

 

[Grace82]

I think pathology has become a less competive specialty to get into especially if you are from a US med school. I applied this past year and my step I score was in 220's and got interviews from almost all the top programs I applied: Hopkins, MGH, Penn, UCSF and others (one exception was BWH). Obviously a higher score couldn't hurt but if there is any filter it is not in the 230's+.

 

[turtle1966]

I think pathology has become a less competive specialty to get into especially if you are from a US med school. I applied this past year and my step I score was in 220's and got interviews from almost all the top programs I applied: Hopkins, MGH, Penn, UCSF and others (one exception was BWH). Obviously a higher score couldn't hurt but if there is any filter it is not in the 230's+.

Thirty years ago, May Clinic used to be 100% US graduates, now it appears to be around 50% (this from their website).

 

[coroner]

Thirty years ago, May Clinic used to be 100% US graduates, now it appears to be around 50% (this from their website).

Thirty years ago, I'd bet there was a much higher % of US grads in almost all fields compared to today with the exception of the most competetive specialties (derm, rad onc, etc.).

 

[BlondeDocteur]

Rad onc 30 years ago was a 100% FMG field. Only bottom dwellers applied. Same for diagnostic radiology.

Fortunes rise and sink.

 

[deleted314957]

Rad onc 30 years ago was a 100% FMG field. Only bottom dwellers applied. Same for diagnostic radiology.

Fortunes rise and sink.

I did a rad onc rotation in 1976 and I don't recall many fmg's. And they were making good money.