Step 1 scores...realistically speaking...

[superchango]

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Hello all!

I was wondering what kind of USMLE scores would make me competitive in psych...realistically speaking. I'm currently an MD/PhD student, and have 2 months to do nothing but study for this godforsaken test. I'd like to do as good as possible, but would like to know what is a good score for this particular residency, and what, say a 230 (assuming I could achieve that...at this point I don't really know what I'm capable of at all) could get me.

Thanks!

 

[i61164]

Hello all!

I was wondering what kind of USMLE scores would make me competitive in psych...realistically speaking. I'm currently an MD/PhD student, and have 2 months to do nothing but study for this godforsaken test. I'd like to do as good as possible, but would like to know what is a good score for this particular residency, and what, say a 230 (assuming I could achieve that...at this point I don't really know what I'm capable of at all) could get me.

Thanks!

I'm not sure if you are going to get a good answer to this. I've heard that it really depends on what program you are talking about. Psych is not really that competitive, so if you just want to match anywhere, your score doesn't matter that much. If you are a US student and pass on the first attempt, you will have a leg up on many applicants. However, there are some very competitive programs (I'm not sure which ones they are, but someone on this board will be able to tell you) and you would need top scores and maybe even research to be competitive.

 

[sga430]

go to www.fmgamerica.com for the psych program list. it gives u general idea. i feel if you are a us grad a pass on the first attempt is good. for a IMG u should go for an 80 but u can still get something with pass on 1st attempts or even with an attempt or 2. for an IMG us psych experience is important. i dont know how accurate the list is. and dont use their service as i heard it is a rip off. just use their list.

 

[Hurricane]

The PhD will make you very competetive in psych. I'm an MD/PhD and just went through the match. My step 1 score was right around the mean. (In retrospect, getting married and taking boards in the same week = not a good idea ) Anyway, I still got interviews at and was heavily recruited by all of programs to which I applied (all academic programs with a research track), and matched at my top choice.

That said, don't blow off studying for the boards. Because although you want to do psych now, in 5 years when you're doing your clinical rotations, you might find that your true love is some other more competitive specialty, like neurosurg.

Good luck 🙂

 

[Poety]

That said, don't blow off studying for the boards. Because although you want to do psych now, in 5 years when you're doing your clinical rotations, you might find that your true love is some other more competitive specialty, like neurosurg.

Good luck 🙂

Best piece of advice, take it from someone who blew off the boards and did poorly - only two of the top programs I applied to interviewed me 😱

 

[gbv]

.

 

[maugham]

Of all the specialties, psychiatry is probably the least focused on board scores. Much more important are the intangible factors gleaned from substantive letters of rec, a well-written personal statement and other evidence that shows you are a normal, sensitive caring individual. For the "brand name" places, research, academic connections and especially the prestige of your medical school, come into play a lot. In other words, the return on killing yourself for a 240 on Step 1 or Step 2 just doesn't exist in pyschiatry as it does for many other specialties. Just my opinion though.

Outside of NYC, S.F., and Boston, the top programs are within reach of even ostensibly "average" applicants. Programs like those at Hopkins, Duke, Maryland and Yale are not as competitive as those in more desirable locations despite being among the strongest academic programs in the country. For residency selection, as in real estate, location is everything.

 

[gbv]

bump!