Q for BigFrank: how to compute percentile in Step 2?

[amimigut]

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Dear BigFrank:

Thanks for all the helpful advice.

I have a question: I did average on Step one and need a 80 percentile on Step 2 in order to apply for those competitive IM program. Do you know what the 3 digit and 2 digit score I need to get?

Thanks in advance for your help. 🙂

Amimigut

 

[undecided05]

I don't mean to sound rude, but didn't "BigFrank" just take the Step I. I know he did really well, but what reason would have you ask him for help about applying to "competitive" IM residencies? How do you know you need an 80 on Step II? My advice is to chill, do well 3rd year, do a rotation at one of those competitive places. A solid rotation will probably mean more than any board score.

 

[amimigut]

Hi undecided05:

I'm new to this forum, and did not know BigFrank just took Step 1. I followed a couple of his post and felt he is a mature person and giving appropriate advice. That's it. I just wanted to find out from him how to compute the percentile, and that's it. I did not ask him for advice how to get into a competitive program. Please read my post again.

I met some PDs in NYC and asked for the criteria of getting into their IM program. I really wanted to move to NYC for a personal reason. I honored 7 out of 9 rotations during my 3rd year in an MD program, but did average on my Step 1. I have 5 abstracts and 1 publication. They suggested me to take Step 2 early and aimed for 80th percentile. I should have a good shot for interview.

That's the reason I asked BigFrank.

 

[bigfrank]

Wow, now people get angry (undecided05) for others asking me questions. undecided05, you should have at least attempted to answer the OP's question instead of wasting space on here lashing out. Wow. Anyways....

Amimigut,

Here's how you do it. I cannot speak to the exact mean and SD of the Step II, but another recent post on here said 216 mean and 23 SD. Take this with a grain of salt, but it can't be far off.

Z-score = (SCORE - mean)/SD = 0.84

A Z-score of 0.84 is exactly the 80th percentile. So, using the above numbers,

(X - 216)/23 = 0.84; solve for X.................X = 235.32 = score you want

Therefore, a 235 or 236 on the Step II would be the 80th percentile.

Hope this helps and good luck to you, amimigut.

 

[amimigut]

Hi BigFrank:

Thanks for your prompt response, your message and your insight. You are wonderful. 🙂

Thanks for maintaining a healthy and productive forum! People like me benefits so much just because there are people out there like you.

All the best,
Amimigut

 

[undecided05]

Wow, now people get angry (undecided05) for others asking me questions. undecided05, you should have at least attempted to answer the OP's question instead of wasting space on here lashing out. Wow. Anyways....

Amimigut,

Here's how you do it. I cannot speak to the exact mean and SD of the Step II, but another recent post on here said 216 mean and 23 SD. Take this with a grain of salt, but it can't be far off.

Z-score = (SCORE - mean)/SD = 0.84

A Z-score of 0.84 is exactly the 80th percentile. So, using the above numbers,

(X - 216)/23 = 0.84; solve for X.................X = 235.32 = score you want

Therefore, a 235 or 236 on the Step II would be the 80th percentile.

Hope this helps and good luck to you, amimigut.

Who said anything about me being angry? I even stated that I didn't want to sound rude. I don't think that it's wasted space to state the obvious... that someone looking for advice about matching should probably get some information from someone who is actually going through the process now or has gone through the process before. Being that you're just starting your 3rd year, I wouldn't think that you're qualified to answer such questions.
Definately need to chill "Big Frank"

 

[amimigut]

Hi undecided05:

Maybe it is my fault that my question is not clear to the viewer 😳 . My question for BigFrank is purely a MATH question , and BigFrank answered it absolutely appropriately 👍 . He did not give me any advice how to apply for a competitive IM program, but it is so nice of him to show me how to compute the percentile -- using the z score 🙂 .

I asked many people around me, nobody could figure it out, so I posted it to SDN and I got my answer. BigFrank, thanks again.

Amimigut

 

[bigfrank]

Any time amimigut. Glad you got an answer to your question and best wishes again!

undecided05, you "definately" need to learn how to spell and I AM SORRY you weren't asked; must have hurt your ego. 😉