Step I vs. Step II - what have you heard?

[Audrey Hepburn]

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I posted this in another forum, but I wanted more opinions...
I did average on my step I (210s) but rocked my step II (240s). Other than that, my CV is very solid, but I'm not AOA, etc... What does this imply for my residency opportunities? Will programs look at my step II scores and "forgive" my step I's? BTW, I'm going into anesthesia, but what does this imply for other programs as well?

Thanks!
-AH

 

[bigfrank]

A lot of programs screen using Step I scores, but I've heard that once you make it past the "screen" (if present), the Step II becomes more important (if you've taken it).

 

[undecided05]

Not to just throw questions back at you, but what residency "opportunities" are you looking for (location, eliteness, lifestyle, etc) ? What makes your CV (and the rest of your application) solid? Is there anything that seperates you from everyone else and makes you unique? From what I've gathered, most anesthesia programs DO NOT have an absolute screen for Step I. I know a person that went from under 210 on Step I to over 250 on Step II and got interviews at all the "top" programs. Also, don't estimate the power of a strong LOR.

From what I've also gathered by actually speaking to a few Anesthesia PD's and residents, once you've got your foot in the door for an interview, the most important factor in landing a residency isn't your step I or step II, but how you interview and how they feel that you fit in with their program.

I'm not sure how it is at your personal med school, but at least where I attend the PD is a very approachable person. If you do feel comfortable talking to your PD or even any of the residents at your institution, I would strongly suggest speaking with them and listening to their point of rather than anyone on this forum; especially those that aren't very familiar with all the "ins and outs" of the matching process.

 

[Jaded Soul]

I posted this in another forum, but I wanted more opinions...
I did average on my step I (210s) but rocked my step II (240s). Other than that, my CV is very solid, but I'm not AOA, etc... What does this imply for my residency opportunities? Will programs look at my step II scores and "forgive" my step I's? BTW, I'm going into anesthesia, but what does this imply for other programs as well?

Thanks!
-AH

According to a dean at my school, a good Step 2 does make up for a lower Step 1, especially when it's a big improvement like your scores. I doubt any program would screen you out based only on Step 1 if your Step 2 is available, so I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[jmattwilson]

Not to just throw questions back at you, but what residency "opportunities" are you looking for (location, eliteness, lifestyle, etc) ? What makes your CV (and the rest of your application) solid? Is there anything that seperates you from everyone else and makes you unique? From what I've gathered, most anesthesia programs DO NOT have an absolute screen for Step I. I know a person that went from under 210 on Step I to over 250 on Step II and got interviews at all the "top" programs. Also, don't estimate the power of a strong LOR.

From what I've also gathered by actually speaking to a few Anesthesia PD's and residents, once you've got your foot in the door for an interview, the most important factor in landing a residency isn't your step I or step II, but how you interview and how they feel that you fit in with their program.

I'm not sure how it is at your personal med school, but at least where I attend the PD is a very approachable person. If you do feel comfortable talking to your PD or even any of the residents at your institution, I would strongly suggest speaking with them and listening to their point of rather than anyone on this forum; especially those that aren't very familiar with all the "ins and outs" of the matching process.

Wow what wonderful insight

 

[PACtoDOC]

I agree on the improvement issue. I have a buddy who is a PGY2 in EM at Charity in New Awlins'. He had only a 204 on step I but got a 240 on step II. So it can be done.