step 1 questions

[substanceP]

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hello everyone,

i just joined the SDN, so i apologize in advance if someone has already asked this question. i'm currently a second year medical student, and have started studying for step 1. my questions are:

1. what is the average step 1 score of 4th year medical students who matriculate into EM residency programs? the reason why i'm asking is because i spoke w/ one of the EM attendings here at school and he told me how insanely competitive EM is and how i should get somewhere in the 240s/250s if i want to be a competitive candidate. so then i went to one of the deans to ask him what he knew, but his response was the exact opposite; he essentially told me that it's very easy to get into a top EM residency program. common sense leads me to believe that the real answer is somewhere in between, but it would be nice to hear that from someone who knows more about this topic.

2. if i end up doing crappy on step 1, will a great score on step 2 make up for a dodgy score on step 1?

thanks for your help/advice.

 

[EctopicFetus]

Basically for an ultra competetive program you need in the 230's to 240's. That being said all the programs are really good and you can match at a good program if you score in the 220's. Additionally, as i am sure someone will write shortly they care about a lot more than just Board Scores. So make sure you work on that aspect of your life as well.

 

[Daiphon]

substanceP -
check out this article. it'll give you an idea of what EF was referring to ("more than just board scores...")
-t, md

Joseph T. Crane and Carl M. Ferraro; "Selection Criteria for Emergency Medicine Residency Applicants" Acad Emerg Med 2000 7: 54-60.

 

[substanceP]

thank you both for your comments/advice. the article was very interesting. i'm definitely relieved. i guess i should get back to studying.... thanks again!