Step 1 scores and Area of practice?

[neuroride]

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Someone had mentioned something about an average Step 1 COMLEX/USMLE score for a particular residency area i.e. avg. score for someone accepted into a derm residency.

Anybody know how to look up this information if it exists? Just curious

 

[bigfrank]

Data only exists for the SFMatch specialties (neurology, integrated plastics, ophthalmology). For the other specialties, all "average" Step I scores you will hear are complete B.S.

 

[Trader56]

Frank,

Can you tell us what is meant by SFMatch Specialties, and where we might go to see these data?

Thanks?!

 

[bigfrank]

I'm not applying into a SFMatch specialty (ENT is now NRMP) but I do recall from past years (2005 match): Average Step Is for Neurology (220-ish), ENT (235-ish), and Ophtho (232-ish).

 

[BigRedZippo]

Although knowing averages is good, they aren't strict means with bell curves- a 230 avg doesn't mean a 220 and a 240, more like a pair of 228s and 234. Aim to do as well as you can then forget about the rest.

 

[porokeratosis]

In the competitive world of dermatology, the typical accepted applicant has a USMLE Step 1 score above 240. But you probably can get by with a 230 if you have exceptional achievements (ie, AOA, PhD, Noble Peace Prize, Found cure for cancer, etc).