Step 1 and Path Residencies

[Amerek]

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Quick question for all of you residents and fellows--What were your Step 1 scores like and where were your residencies? My step 1 score is OK but not amazeballs, and I'm wondering about my chances of getting into a good program. Also, I want to know whether or not I should take step 2 earlier to bump up my resume. Thanks in advance!

 

[mlw03]

Don't think you're going to get a lot of people willing to say their scores on here, sorry. what's 88 on the 3 digit scale? People are more used to thinking on that scale. taking step 2 earlier may help if you improve, but step 1 is probably the single biggest score determinant in an application. but there's so much more to consider that you're not going to be a useful answer by providing only that info. american or FMG? if FMG, fluent in english? path experience? need more info.

 

[KCShaw]

People get into path with "poor" Step I scores, even with prior fails, but not often in large name-brand programs. I agree that Step I scores remain a major, major factor in earning one an interview, despite not being the "only" factor in earning one a match ranking. But you've got to get the interview before you can expect much more, so, IMO anything else you do to improve your chances is useful. Keep in mind, however, that also doing marginally on Step II is only going to solidify many programs' opinion that one is simply a marginal applicant.

Also keep in mind that once you get into residency it's unlikely you'll ever need to refer to your Step I again -- for the most part it's a clean slate, a few fellowship programs notwithstanding.

What constitutes a "good" program is also a bit nebulous, but in basic terms any accredited residency is going to do the job if you also do your part as a resident, brand-name or no.

 

[Thaitanium]

People get into path with "poor" Step I scores, even with prior fails, but not often in large name-brand programs. I agree that Step I scores remain a major, major factor in earning one an interview, despite not being the "only" factor in earning one a match ranking. But you've got to get the interview before you can expect much more, so, IMO anything else you do to improve your chances is useful. Keep in mind, however, that also doing marginally on Step II is only going to solidify many programs' opinion that one is simply a marginal applicant.

Also keep in mind that once you get into residency it's unlikely you'll ever need to refer to your Step I again -- for the most part it's a clean slate, a few fellowship programs notwithstanding.

What constitutes a "good" program is also a bit nebulous, but in basic terms any accredited residency is going to do the job if you also do your part as a resident, brand-name or no.

I think some competitive fellowship programs will still use Step 1 scores (all of them ask for them, while some even ask for medical school transcripts) to decide in the selection process. All fellowship programs ask for prior Step scores on their app or the universal CAP application form.

 

[KCShaw]

The only fellowship applications I saw which asked for Step I scores, during my looks a few years ago, were those which appeared designed for applying to residency, electives, etc., and was simply serving double duty as a fellowship app. I haven't seen the CAP form, but I'll take your word for it. I'm pretty sure no fellowship I applied to requested Step scores, and I don't -remember- other residents I worked with mentioning it except as an oddity. Personally I think it's like asking for your high school transcript or SAT scores when applying for residency, and pretty irrelevant by that point -- although I believe they aren't supposed to have individual RISE scores and many people haven't taken the boards by then, so it's the only number to revert to (which doesn't make it relevant, but, there you have it).

 

[yaah]

I don't think 88 is a poor step I score, from what I remember. I agree most people focus on the 3 digit score. Some program directors use the 2 digit because it's just easier (I guess one less digit is easier).

An above average score (which I think 88 is) is not going to hurt you. Step scores have major impact when they are really high or borderline passing. For everyone else, which is most people, other factors are going to be more important.

 

[LaBelleVN]

As pathology is getting more competitive (U.S. and foreign medical grads), USMLE scores are utilized as a manner to weed out the first set of applicants. Is this fair? Not necessarily, since some candidates will have stellar grades, letters, research, etc, but might be totally overlooked because of their step scores.

I agree with the above, take Step 2 early and hope that you will do considerably better to show improvement. I remember that a particular program I was interested in did not even review my application because I did not meet their Step 1 cut-off (not sure what it was). I emailed the Chairman (a bit ballsy in retrospect), told him that I was very interested in his program, and said that I know my Step 1 wasn't great, but that I believe he should take a look at my overall application. The next day, I receive an email and an apology as well as invitation for an interview the following week. I think that if you reach out to chairmans/program directors and plead your case, that they may be sympathetic and give you a second look. Good luck!

 

[TMZ2007]

No, the average score has been creeping up in the last few years and is now in the very low 90s/220s, so an 88 is technically below average. The most recent data I've seen (several years old now) say that the mean score for all people matching into path is about 220 as well. Getting a below average score is not the kiss of death if you are a US student. It just means that you are not getting into Hopkins or Stanford for residency. Definitely try to improve your Step 2, but don't expect that it will open new doors for you if/when you do better.