What scores for what programs?

[powerofequality]

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What kind of scores are helpful for matching in which programs?

I realize that there are other factors and I'm oversimplifying the whole process, but I have a 241 step 1 score.

I just started with my core rotations this year, so I won't be post-Step 2 or on the interview trail till next year. My basic science grades aren't awesome, but I've passed all my classes and never had any academic issues that would put me on probation or the like, so..

Thoughts/advice?

 

[lejeunesage]

Oh wow, you have a 241 and you're applying to PM&R? I don't think you'll be able to match anywhere. Honestly, if I were you, I'd look into derm or rads. Your stats just aren't going to cut it in PM&R.

Dude, seriously. This is PM&R. Be a team player, be nice to get along with, keep passing and staying out of trouble, have decent scores, and don't ask these omg-I-am-freaking-out-about-matching-into-family-med-with-a-mere-269-on-Step1 questions and you'll do great.

 

[SeaSalt]

PM&R is a personality driven field. Programs care more about your personal statement, letters of rec, and interview than scores. They want to see you that you're someone who's easy to get along with, who can be inspiring to patients undergoing rehab, and have a true dedication to PM&R (beyond just the lifestyle factors). If you look on most programs' websites, they say that as long as your scores are over the 200 threshold, you'll probably get an interview, and from there they will determine "fit." I would recommend doing a PM&R rotation soon after you finish your core rotations to see if PM&R is a good fit for you and vice versa.

 

[Baritonebass]

I'm guessing your an international grad so your best bet is to do a rotation and impress some one to give you a shot...

 

[Iamnotme]

PM&R is a personality driven field. Programs care more about your personal statement, letters of rec, and interview than scores. They want to see you that you're someone who's easy to get along with, who can be inspiring to patients undergoing rehab, and have a true dedication to PM&R (beyond just the lifestyle factors). If you look on most programs' websites, they say that as long as your scores are over the 200 threshold, you'll probably get an interview, and from there they will determine "fit." I would recommend doing a PM&R rotation soon after you finish your core rotations to see if PM&R is a good fit for you and vice versa.

this is not entirely true. It seems that PMR has gotten somewhat more competitive this year. So while there are a lot of people who have 200 + step 1, if a program only has a handful of positions, and they have 200-300 applications like many programs do, only a handful of people will be invited ultimately. So while most people don't have and/or need a sky high step 1 to get interviews, it is somewhat of a mystery how programs invite really. I have gotten rejections from some pretty low tier programs, to whom I should have gotten interviews to, while I have gotten some interviews to some high end programs as well. I have also gotten a handful of nays from mid tier programs. So clearly while I meet the qualifications listed on the website and more, I still did not get an invite at some programs. So it really depends.

 

[SeaSalt]

this is not entirely true. It seems that PMR has gotten somewhat more competitive this year. So while there are a lot of people who have 200 + step 1, if a program only has a handful of positions, and they have 200-300 applications like many programs do, only a handful of people will be invited ultimately. So while most people don't have and/or need a sky high step 1 to get interviews, it is somewhat of a mystery how programs invite really. I have gotten rejections from some pretty low tier programs, to whom I should have gotten interviews to, while I have gotten some interviews to some high end programs as well. I have also gotten a handful of nays from mid tier programs. So clearly while I meet the qualifications listed on the website and more, I still did not get an invite at some programs. So it really depends.

What you say is true. PM&R is getting more competitive. I myself have gotten some rejections as well from unexpected places. Anybody with a 241 should still be fine though, in terms of scores. I still think it's very much a personality driven field, though. If they see other redeeming qualities about you, then they wouldn't care as much about the score. Programs look at the whole package.

 

[twocentnews]

How about for someone who took only COMLEX Level 1 and got a 550? Haven't taken Level 2 yet. I emailed many of the programs and they said they take only COMLEX, but none of them are particularly clear about what kind of score is considered competitive.

 

[lejeunesage]

How about for someone who took only COMLEX Level 1 and got a 550? Haven't taken Level 2 yet. I emailed many of the programs and they said they take only COMLEX, but none of them are particularly clear about what kind of score is considered competitive.

I'd love to help, but I'm not sure what 550 corresponds to on the USMLE.

If you want my personal experience, PM me and I'll tell you my percentile and what percentage of programs have given me a favorable response.

 

[lejeunesage]

Back to the OP, I realize that I was a bit harsh in the way I worded by first answer. If you have a score in the 240s, you can reasonably expect to get interviews from three quarters of the programs you apply to. Hope this helps.

 

[powerofequality]

So, I'm pretty confident I'll match, I just want to know where I stand as far as specific programs, like do I have a shot at the Mayo, Baylor, Kessler, RIC, or UCs of this country? I'm aware that my score is above average, but one thing to keep in mind is that the national average when I took it was a 227, so scores are creeping up. I've also heard, like some people mentioned, that PM&R is getting more competitive just b/c more people are becoming interested in it. I'm not an international grad, just to clarify, since someone seemed to be wondering if I was, in case that changes things.

Something that I don't have going for me is that I have gotten a C in one of my basic science courses, which may be something I'll have to explain on the interview trail.

But let me if you guys can if I have a decent shot at some aforementioned programs, also input on how much of a factor the unrelated core clerkships may be would help too.

Thanks for the advice, you're all awesome!

 

[powerofequality]

No prob lejeunesage, I took no offense

 

[Baritonebass]

I'm guessing your an international grad so your best bet is to do a rotation and impress some one to give you a shot...

Well if your a US grad just do a rotation and get good letters that say the key words like "Team player, very interested in specialty, works hard". Then Kill the interview when you show up

 

[Prof Moriarty]

Your score gives you a shot at any PM&R program including the ones you mentioned. People with lower scores have interviewed/matched at all those places. I know things are changing, but your score is going to be competitive regardless. Agree with Baritone: build a well-rounded application to go along with your excellent score. Pre-clinical grades don't make a huge impact, as long as you passed everything the first time. You could be prepared to talk about your C, but I doubt it will come up much.

Oh wow, you have a 241 and you're applying to PM&R? I don't think you'll be able to match anywhere. Honestly, if I were you, I'd look into derm or rads. Your stats just aren't going to cut it in PM&R. Dude, seriously. This is PM&R. Be a team player, be nice to get along with, keep passing and staying out of trouble, have decent scores, and don't ask these omg-I-am-freaking-out-about-matching-into-family-med-with-a-mere-269-on-Step1 questions and you'll do great.

lejeunesage- funny response man. Don't be sorry for having a sense of humor. This board could use a little more levity.

 

[lejeunesage]

Yep, you're competitive. At my school, we don't have letter grades for basic science courses. Just Pass, Near Honors, and Honors.
Because there's so much variability in how people grade the first 2 years (passing at 65, 68, or 70%), I just don't think it's something most programs dwell on.


241 + passes + words that show that you're a team player on your MSPE won't lock you out of ANY program in the country. It's hard to make a generalization. You'll always get some rejections, but for the most part I'd expect 75%+ of programs to extend you an offer, on a conservative estimate. Don't stress out. Yes, it's getting more competitive, especially if you look at raw match data (it'll look like PM&R is as competitive as ophthalmology), but in actuality, your competition in PM&R will have a lower Step 1 score than you have.
http://residency.wustl.edu/Choosing/SpecDesc/Pages/Ophthalmology.aspx

http://residency.wustl.edu/Choosing/SpecDesc/Pages/PhysicalMedicine.aspx - Note how the competitiveness is "High" as of 2013. This is why I applied to almost 30 programs. In retrospect, I could have applied to fewer than 20 and still received more than enough interviews.

So, as long as you have a good personality you'll do more than okay.

 

[lejeunesage]

Oh, I forgot to mention core clerkships. For the most part, the song above just holds. Doesn't hurt to have a few honors here and there, but with your Step 1, you should be okay even without. What do other people think?

 

[nonotphysicist]

How about for someone who took only COMLEX Level 1 and got a 550? Haven't taken Level 2 yet. I emailed many of the programs and they said they take only COMLEX, but none of them are particularly clear about what kind of score is considered competitive.

A 550 is like a half SD above average I think, so like a 230ish maybe? That should be competitive at most places.

Everyone saying that scores are less important than other fields is pretty accurate. Yes the field is getting more competitive and some places are starting to use score screens, but my impression is that how likable you are still gets a ton of weight.

 

[Tromner]

A 550 is like a half SD above average I think, so like a 230ish maybe? That should be competitive at most places.

Everyone saying that scores are less important than other fields is pretty accurate. Yes the field is getting more competitive and some places are starting to use score screens, but my impression is that how likable you are still gets a ton of weight.

I agree though I wouldn't try to compare USMLE to COMLEX scores. They're not really one to one.

550 is a competitive score for rehab. I know people that got 550 and some that got more or less. The higher scoring person got some interview invites that the lower scoring person didn't, but the lower scoring person also got some invites that the higher scoring person didn't. The whole process is unpredictable. Just tell yourself that you did good enough and move on to the next step in the process.

 

[bedinger412]

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