Step 1 Score and ENT

[Pr1d3D0c]

Hey all,

So I just got my score today and I received a 247! I was super ecstatic initially, assuming that the score was competitive for my specialty of choice (ENT) or any other specialty for that matter.

However, someone made he comment that the score was “AVERAGE” for ENT and said I needed to build myself up in light of this. Is a 247 really a weakness on the application to match ENT?

I am currently doing research in the field. I spent a summer doing fellowship in Otology (I want to specialize in neurotology) at a big ENT program. I met much of the faculty there. I also got a grand rounds presentation out of it (no pubs cause it was basic science). I am going to be first author on a head and neck paper that’s aim submission. I also have a publication from undergraduate in genetics. I have several presentations in my undergrad work and several more upcoming for head and neck this fall.

I have been communicating consistently with my department and the only resident at my program (new) really likes me and wants to ensure I can match at the home hospital.

That said, I get very concerned now that my score is actually a hindrance rather than a benefit for my app.

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[libertyyne]

Hey all,

So I just got my score today and I received a 247! I was super ecstatic initially, assuming that the score was competitive for my specialty of choice (ENT) or any other specialty for that matter.

However, someone made he comment that the score was “AVERAGE” for ENT and said I needed to build myself up in light of this. Is a 247 really a weakness on the application to match ENT?

I am currently doing research in the field. I spent a summer doing fellowship in Otology (I want to specialize in neurotology) at a big ENT program. I met much of the faculty there. I also got a grand rounds presentation out of it (no pubs cause it was basic science). I am going to be first author on a head and neck paper that’s aim submission. I also have a publication from undergraduate in genetics. I have several presentations in my undergrad work and several more upcoming for head and neck this fall.

I have been communicating consistently with my department and the only resident at my program (new) really likes me and wants to ensure I can match at the home hospital.

That said, I get very concerned now that my score is actually a hindrance rather than a benefit for my app.

think about it my friend. The average score for ENT was 248,you have a 247. That means you are ok in terms of step. It wont blow anyone away, but it wont close many doors for you either. Keep working.

 

[Pr1d3D0c]

think about it my friend. The average score for ENT was 248,you have a 247. That means you are ok in terms of step. It wont blow anyone away, but it wont close many doors for you either. Keep working.

This is what I figured. I assumed my score keeps me competitive for any residency but when that person commented my “average” score as a bad thing I started to worry.

 

[libertyyne]

This is what I figured. I assumed my score keeps me competitive for any residency but when that person commented my “average” score as a bad thing I started to worry.

Maybe some pds can weigh in, but my understanding is it is more of a binary assessment. Do you have a score above the screen? Yes, do you have other components to be competitive ? Yes, the rest is just interviews. Logically think about your score. Approximately half of all ENT matriculants had scores below your score. I would say that means you are ahead half of the pack already.

 

[Pr1d3D0c]

Maybe some pds can weigh in, but my understanding is it is more of a binary assessment. Do you have a score above the screen? Yes, do you have other components to be competitive ? Yes, the rest is just interviews. Logically think about your score. Approximately half of all ENT matriculants had scores below your score. I would say that means you are ahead half of the pack already.

So people just freak about getting 260+ for ego pretty much?

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

Is a 247 really a weakness on the application to match ENT?

Weakness no, but it's not going to be what gets you the spot either. ENT applicants generally have no holes in their apps. You have checked the score box, now you need to start filling in other areas. It sounds like you are already on the right track.

 

[libertyyne]

So people just freak about getting 260+ for ego pretty much?

Those bars are IQRs, there is a full quartile below and above that cuttoff number. So half of the people had below 250, and a quarter had below 242.
1/4th of all ENT successful matches had scores below 242.


The reality is you need to pass the screen, and afterwards its the interview that makes or breaks the deal. No one wants to train a tool , even if they have a 270.