So...what do I have to get...

[superchango]

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Hi everyone. Please don't get angry if this is in the wrong forum or if it's been asked before...I did search! At any rate, here's my question. I'm interested in both Psych and Neuro. I'm currently an MD/PhD student. Does anyone know general score ranges for what I'd have to get on the Step 1 to go to either 1. a decently competitive school, or 2. a really competitive school. I'm aware both of these specialties are "less competitive," but I'd like to know what I realistically need to aim for.

thanks!

 

[viper]

Realistically - AIM HIGH!!. Yes this is what you want to do now, but may not want to do this tomorrow and you will be stuck. Study hard and shoot for a 230-240 and you will be good for almost anything.

Good Luck,

 

[i61164]

"-top internal medicine programs are looking for step 1 scores of 230 or better.
-the average usmle step 1 score for applicants who matched in ophthalmology had a score of 224 (those who didn't match had an average score of 206).
-Passing score (as of 1/16/04) is 182 according the NBME official USMLE site.
-The average score is about 214 (estimate from the score distribution).

None of this is "official" or "gauranteed", but I do think its in the correct ballpark."

Check out this website.

 

[(nicedream)]

"-top internal medicine programs are looking for step 1 scores of 230 or better.
-the average usmle step 1 score for applicants who matched in ophthalmology had a score of 224 (those who didn't match had an average score of 206).
-Passing score (as of 1/16/04) is 182 according the NBME official USMLE site.
-The average score is about 214 (estimate from the score distribution).

None of this is "official" or "gauranteed", but I do think its in the correct ballpark."

Check out this website.

Average ophtho score of 224 seems really weird to me, as that's an average score for all test-takers...

 

[Tiki]

Average ophtho score of 224 seems really weird to me, as that's an average score for all test-takers...

224 isn't the average score for all test takers. 217 is.

 

[Idiopathic]

Average ophtho score of 224 seems really weird to me, as that's an average score for all test-takers...

Likely this is heavily skewed, with the median being much higher than the mean. neurosurg is usually only 232 or something, which seems extremely low. I woudl expect 240+ for each of these specialties, but there are probably oodles of 230+ scores with some 190-200 scores of people who simply impressed on aways, etc.

 

[Wrigleyville]

Just do the best you can. It's like pieces of flair at the Chotchkie's -- you want to do more than the minimum.

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

Average ophtho score of 224 seems really weird to me, as that's an average score for all test-takers...

The average for all test-takers last year was 217 (I'm pretty sure).

The average for MATCHED Ophtho applicants this year was 230. (I'm 100% sure of this).

 

[DW3843]

The average for all test-takers last year was 217 (I'm pretty sure).

The average for MATCHED Ophtho applicants this year was 230. (I'm 100% sure of this).

Is there somewhere to get official average scores for those that matched in other specialties. How did you get that 230 stat?

 

[lattimer13]

Hi everyone. Please don't get angry if this is in the wrong forum or if it's been asked before...I did search! At any rate, here's my question. I'm interested in both Psych and Neuro. I'm currently an MD/PhD student. Does anyone know general score ranges for what I'd have to get on the Step 1 to go to either 1. a decently competitive school, or 2. a really competitive school. I'm aware both of these specialties are "less competitive," but I'd like to know what I realistically need to aim for.

thanks!

maybe try calling their department office and ask if they have a cutoff for interviews or if they can give you a range that they like to see.

 

[neurotrancer]

I think that one should give their best shot at Step I and let the cards fall where they may after that. What is the point of looking at what score is needed for a particular specialty before you have gotten your boards score? Does knowing you only need, say, 215 to get your specialty mean that as soon as you start scoring above average on qbank, you can relax? Forget that! Put the pedal on the floor and run over the pedestrian that is the USMLE! Then reverse the car over the dead carcass! Then put it in your trunk, drive to the desert, and drive over it some more! Or take it to the woods with your friends like that printer in the movie office space! Go as hard as you can in your study and then when you get your score, take it in hand and talk with an advisor in that field. Before the test, the only target should be getting a score that represents your personal best.

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

Is there somewhere to get official average scores for those that matched in other specialties. How did you get that 230 stat?

Sure, check out the specialty forums on SDN.

Here's the sticky thread about FAQ's related to Ophtho:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=66427