USMLE scores and how schools compare

[physicsMD]

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Hi all,
I was told by our dean that AAMC ranks/compares medical schools performance on the USMLE. I thought this would be public information, if so can someone tell me where to find it? I wouls liek to lay this rumor to rest, so any info is appreciated.

 

[coldchemist]

I would be very interested in this information as well. While it is likely that the AAMC has compiled it, I very seriously doubt that it is available to the public. If you look around at major accrediting organizations (for example, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education that accredits the 126 US and Canadian Medical schools), you will notice that they very rarely release information that might be construed as a formal ranking system. The reason for this is simple--each school is different, providing its own advantages as well as drawbacks. Therefore, it would be considered unhealthy for the profession to provide a ranking system that is based on only one or two strictly defined parameters.

But please let me know if you do happen to find the numbers...

Alternatively, I would not be at all surprised if medical educators (such as your dean) had access to this list. Maybe you should ask him. Also, individual schools will be more than willing to give you their USMLE information...only drawback is you have to rank them on your own.

 

[exmike]

after seven months in the application process, i decided i will work for the AAMC after i graduate so I can be privy to all the inside information we can never access!

 

[TRUE]

Originally posted by coldchemist

Alternatively, I would not be at all surprised if medical educators (such as your dean) had access to this list. Maybe you should ask him. Also, individual schools will be more than willing to give you their USMLE information...only drawback is you have to rank them on your own.

Interesting idea. But how about this: you start a list with the top 15 or 20 schools or what people can remember from their interviews. If a school wasn't on it, and perhaps they found out such a list existed and their #'s were above everyone elses, perhaps they would feel inclined to give out their #'s to get on the list...in a sense they might not want to be left behind.

 

[jlee9531]

Originally posted by facted
Interesting idea. But how about this: you start a list with the top 15 or 20 schools or what people can remember from their interviews. If a school wasn't on it, and perhaps they found out such a list existed and their #'s were above everyone elses, perhaps they would feel inclined to give out their #'s to get on the list...in a sense they might not want to be left behind.

its too bad as an unwritten law all the schools say they have very competitive usmle scores 😉

 

[physicsMD]

Right,
like every school I interviewed at last year said their school's passing rate was above the national average. It seems like everyone's school is. My dean will only tell us that, but will not disclose any actual score averages. You would think this would be valuable information when considering what schools to apply to/accept. Like, it is kind of underground knowledge that New York Medical College does extremely well on the boards, and as a result does pretty well in the match. But without any proof to substantiate such claims, how could one be certain? Having knowledge of such things would certainly have swayed my stance if i were deciding between schools.

 

[TRUE]

Originally posted by physicsMD
Right,
like every school I interviewed at last year said their school's passing rate was above the national average. It seems like everyone's school is. My dean will only tell us that, but will not disclose any actual score averages. You would think this would be valuable information when considering what schools to apply to/accept. Like, it is kind of underground knowledge that New York Medical College does extremely well on the boards, and as a result does pretty well in the match. But without any proof to substantiate such claims, how could one be certain? Having knowledge of such things would certainly have swayed my stance if i were deciding between schools.

The way I see it is that if a school has great board scores, you'll find out about it. They'll tell you. They flaunt what they have. If you don't hear anything about the board scores on the interview, chances are they might not be so great...

 

[umass rower]

At my Case interview they told us what their average was, I don't remember if it was for past years or just the single previous year.

 

[TRUE]

at UF and MSSM they told us as well. We can start a mini-list if people are interested. UF I can't remember, but MSSM is a 228 for this past year.

 

[UCLAMAN]

Northwestern's 2002 avg for Step 1 was 230. it has been increasing every year too. i dunno what the 2003 avg was but hopefully the increasing trend continued.