USMLE Cutoffs for Programs

[rockit]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I've looked around a little bit and haven't seen any listings of cutoffs for Step I and II scores. If anybody finds any, please post them here.

I'll start with Northwestern - cuts at 85 per pathologytraining.org blurb on the program.

 

[gbwillner]

I've looked around a little bit and haven't seen any listings of cutoffs for Step I and II scores. If anybody finds any, please post them here.

I'll start with Northwestern - cuts at 85 per pathologytraining.org blurb on the program.

I think most programs' fine print states that a 200 is the Mendoza line.

 

[rockit]

Coincidently, that IS the Mendoza line

 

[gbwillner]

Coincidently, that IS the Mendoza line

heheh... I didn't even think about that when I wrote it!!1!

 

[Gyric]

I think it is best to go by the nrmp match data in terms of competitiveness (2007,n=294 US grads)

step I: 25th% 209; 50th% 223; 75th% 239
step II: 25th% 210; 50th% 226; 75th% 240

So I guess it depends on where in that spectrum your program of interest falls. I would expect most folks are above 75%tile at top programs and that these PDs get enough applications that they can afford to devise cut-off criteria for interview offers.

 

[gbwillner]

I think it is best to go by the nrmp match data in terms of competitiveness (2007,n=294 US grads)

step I: 25th% 209; 50th% 223; 75th% 239
step II: 25th% 210; 50th% 226; 75th% 240

So I guess it depends on where in that spectrum your program of interest falls. I would expect most folks are above 75%tile at top programs and that these PDs get enough applications that they can afford to devise cut-off criteria for interview offers.

I really doubt they do. From my observation, programs "screen" you at a very low threshold- and from what I've seen in the paperwork of the applications it is 200 at MANY places. After that, depending on the specific program and your other credentials, your step score may be very important or arbitrary for your match rank. But the "cut offs" are very low.

I could be a perfect example of that. I had sh*tty step I scores and I interviewed at basically all the so-called "top" schools. I was even called by the PD or given a RTM letter at basically all of them (except one). Obviously, at least for me, step scores were not at all important.

 

[KluverB]

My personal observation is that most so called "top" (university) programs are looking for ppl with research and publications over usmle scores, they don't even have to be particularly bright or personable, imho. PDs and their selection committees get their panties all moist at the sight & sound of multiple publications in an applicant's CV. Of course it helps if they come from a "reputable" place supported by appropriate LORs. So yeah, "publish or perish"... or simply "embelish". 😛

 

[Sean2tall]

My personal observation is that most so called "top" (university) programs are looking for ppl with research and publications over usmle scores, they don't even have to be particularly bright or personable, imho.

I think it's true to say that some "top" places want a candidate who is good on paper, whether it be good USMLE scores or lots of publications, a PhD, whatever.

At one place, I did a rotation after Match Day. One of the staff asked me if I had applied and I said that I was declined for an interview. She seemed distressed that apparently I and similar applicants were passed over for scores and stats.

From my observation, programs "screen" you at a very low threshold- and from what I've seen in the paperwork of the applications it is 200 at MANY places.

Probably true. I had that score (for Step 1) and I was invited to interview at what I consider to be many highly regarded programs. Only a few declined pre-interview, which I assume to be on that basis.

 

[deschutes]

It really is all over the map what programs use to screen and rank applicants, and unfortunately you can't tell at the time that you are applying.

Here, having seen the flip-side of the admissions process, AOA, high Step 1 scores (>95) and a PhD would give considerable advantage over other applicants, even after interviews. But those people probably want to go elsewhere, which is how people like me who have none of the above got in.

 

[xanthines]

Of course, the only problem with this statement is that your idea of sh*tty may differ than other people's. You're not one of those people that considers hari kari when getting a A- are you?

I mean you are MD/PhD after all, aren't ya? 🙂

-X

I could be a perfect example of that. I had sh*tty step I scores and I interviewed at basically all the so-called "top" schools.

 

[yaah]

I am always of the impression that something "outstanding" in your application will always overwhelm the rest of it when it comes to screening. Thus, if you have a step I of >260, you will probably get interviews everywhere unless you failed half of your M2 classes and your letters say you're evil. If you have 10 publications and a patent on something pathology related, it probably doesn't matter if your step I score is 190.

People always want to know what the "cutoff" would be for an "average" applicant but there really aren't many applicants who are truly average in every area. Program directors probably grant interviews in a different fashion for different categories of applicants - US grads have certain criteria, MD/PhDs are different, IMGs are different, DOs are different, etc etc.

The only way to know if your step I score is good enough is to apply there. If you get an interview, it's good enough and where you are ranked from then on in probably depends on the rest of your application.

 

[gbwillner]

I am always of the impression that something "outstanding" in your application will always overwhelm the rest of it when it comes to screening. Thus, if you have a step I of >260, you will probably get interviews everywhere unless you failed half of your M2 classes and your letters say you're evil. If you have 10 publications and a patent on something pathology related, it probably doesn't matter if your step I score is 190.

People always want to know what the "cutoff" would be for an "average" applicant but there really aren't many applicants who are truly average in every area. Program directors probably grant interviews in a different fashion for different categories of applicants - US grads have certain criteria, MD/PhDs are different, IMGs are different, DOs are different, etc etc.

The only way to know if your step I score is good enough is to apply there. If you get an interview, it's good enough and where you are ranked from then on in probably depends on the rest of your application.

Or you can go to the program's web site/application, where they often say what the Step I cutoff is.

 

[rockit]

Or you can go to the program's web site/application, where they often say what the Step I cutoff is.

They really don't. I've looked. A lot.

 

[gbwillner]

They really don't. I've looked. A lot.

Hmm... Sorry then. I remember on my interviews I would get all this lame paperwork from the programs, and in the tiny print it would always say things like "we only consider applicants with a USMLE Step I score of 200 or greater". I guess by that time it is already too late since you are already there.

 

[exPCM]

I am always of the impression that something "outstanding" in your application will always overwhelm the rest of it when it comes to screening. Thus, if you have a step I of >260, you will probably get interviews everywhere unless you failed half of your M2 classes and your letters say you're evil. If you have 10 publications and a patent on something pathology related, it probably doesn't matter if your step I score is 190.

People always want to know what the "cutoff" would be for an "average" applicant but there really aren't many applicants who are truly average in every area. Program directors probably grant interviews in a different fashion for different categories of applicants - US grads have certain criteria, MD/PhDs are different, IMGs are different, DOs are different, etc etc.

The only way to know if your step I score is good enough is to apply there. If you get an interview, it's good enough and where you are ranked from then on in probably depends on the rest of your application.

Many programs use ERAS filters where they set USMLE cutoffs. If the program sets the filter at USMLE Step 1 >= 200 then they will never even see the application of the person with a score of 190, regardless of any other factors.
Here is a link to the ERAS website regarding filters: http://www.aamc.org/programs/eras/programs/techsupport/filtsort.htm
Here is a good thread on ERAS filters: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=465227

 

[yaah]

No, I understand that many programs have filters and even the stellar candidate with step I of 190 may get filtered out. But there are also systems they have to make sure they identify candidates like this who might slip through the cracks - oftentimes it's just a matter of knowing someone in the department or already being well known for research. This is rare.

 

[insertnamehere]

I looked a lot for cutoffs too. All I could find is that most programs want IMG's to have a step I score >85 (roughly 205 if my memory serves). The cutoff for US seniors are usually much much lower. I would guess, from what I have been told by my dean et al, that a 200 is fine. Don't decline to apply because you don't think your good enough.