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Step II Improvement Over Step I: Make A Difference?
Started by Coastie
The programs that have cutoffs for interviews usually average your Step 1 and Step 2 scores together.
The programs that don't have cutoffs usually favor your Step 2 score. This information is anecdotal - but I interviewed at about 14 programs and at about 12 of them the PDs commented on my Step 2 score and explained how Step 2 is a more accurate indicator of clinical performance, etc.
FYI: It's hard to determine which programs do/do not have a cutoff.
The programs that don't have cutoffs usually favor your Step 2 score. This information is anecdotal - but I interviewed at about 14 programs and at about 12 of them the PDs commented on my Step 2 score and explained how Step 2 is a more accurate indicator of clinical performance, etc.
FYI: It's hard to determine which programs do/do not have a cutoff.
Bump..
UTSW, other guys? I'd love some opines if you could.
Coastie
UTSW, other guys? I'd love some opines if you could.
Coastie
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Coastie said:
You probably aren't getting many responses because the answer is common sense... You showed great improvement in your scores, therefore if you "apply widely" as you said, you should expect to match without worries.
Hope that helps. This time next year you will be in the position to see how much of the worrying is unwarranted.
The main problem will be getting past the secretaries at programs with a cut-off. If you are a good candidate and a good fit in all other aspects, then programs that give you an interview will see that with the right motivation (hopefully your career choice of anesthesia) you have the ability to perform on standardized tests.
Even though programs need some way of stratfying candidates (step scores) the more practical ones will ask if the candidate has the ability to pass boards, and then move onto other qualities in the applicant beyond board scores. Find programs where your Step II score will get you an interview.
Even though programs need some way of stratfying candidates (step scores) the more practical ones will ask if the candidate has the ability to pass boards, and then move onto other qualities in the applicant beyond board scores. Find programs where your Step II score will get you an interview.
Coastie said:
You'll be fine. Apply widely and get your application in early.
I was in a similar situation as you last year, with similar scores. I applied to about 25 places and got 12-13 interview invites. Matched at my number 2, which was a very close number two at that. You will be fine, considering everything else you bring to the table is strong.
