Step I What does a 260+ Step 1 actually do?

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GooseWing

GooseWing

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10+ Year Member
What does a 260+ Step 1 actually do for an otherwise "average" student (in terms of research, clinical grades, etc.). Does it simply prevent doors from being closed? Or something more? Very general question I know. Hoping to hear from people who have been through the Match and have insights into what sets students apart.
 
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If you're hoping to hear from residents/attendings as you stated, this is probably the wrong place to post.

But IMO it gives you overwhelmingly better odds to be seriously considered for any competitive field and most competitive programs in less competitive fields. You still have to put the rest of your app together & not fail the interview, but it all but guarantees (usually 95%+ based on CTO) you'll match somewhere in your desired field. Compare this to someone with a score in the 220s-230s, who in all likelihood has to crush the rest of the application, apply broadly, get great letters from known attendings, etc. just to have a decent shot (40-80%) at any competitive fields/program.
 
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GooseWing said:
What does a 260+ Step 1 actually do for an otherwise "average" student (in terms of research, clinical grades, etc.). Does it simply prevent doors from being closed? Or something more? Very general question I know. Hoping to hear from people who have been through the Match and have insights into what sets students apart.
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Makes you not regret all the sacrifices you made in the previous 2 years. Not that scores <260 can't have the same effect.
 
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