What does Step 1 mean to attendings?

[mcgmaniac]

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I was told by an attending in a competitive surgical subspecialty that in evaluating candidates she wouldnt give preference to a candidate with a 250 over a 240. She said once you get over 240 all scores are considered very good and other factors become much more in important? Any opinions?

 

[watermen]

Just wonder, if 280 over a 240...does it make a big different?

 

[Hallm_7]

The way it's been explained to me:

All things being equal, board scores will influence the decision. However, all things are never equal, so attitude, personality, letters, research, etc will come into play.

I'm sure every program has a Step I cutoff at which other factors far outweigh board scores. Whether that number be 220, 230, 240, or 250 depends on the program, but I think each program has such a number. If I were a program director I would rather choose someone with a lower score but better attitude than someone with a higher score and difficult attitude. Someone who gets a 240 can handle the material just as well as someone with a 250, and since there isn't a difference there they might as well emphasize other factors that will affect success at their program.

 

[PediBoneDoc]

Board scores are most helpful in screening the initial applications. some people use them as cutoffs and others to separate similar applications. clinical honors and LOR's are probable more important in determining how someone will perform as a resident.