With a score of.....

[vyparik1]

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228/92 on Step I, Is it possible to delay taking step II? Will I have difficulty obtaining a competitive specialty based on JUST board scores? I know there are many other factors that will determine whether I match into a certain specialty or not but I am just wondering if my score will limit me. Any thoughts?

V

 

[gator2886]

I do not see how a score of 228 could prevent you from doing anything you want. You scored as good or better than 70% of all test takers. I know plenty of people with scores lower than that in competitive specialties
Good luck

 

[TulaneKid24]

Originally posted by vyparik1
228/92 on Step I, Is it possible to delay taking step II? Will I have difficulty obtaining a competitive specialty based on JUST board scores? I know there are many other factors that will determine whether I match into a certain specialty or not but I am just wondering if my score will limit me. Any thoughts?

V

Your board scores are good and solid. As you already mentioned, your whole application will be considered by residencies (the whole package, so to speak). You should apply to many programs and be prepared to live in "less desirable" places if need be. That way, you can maximize your chances of matching into a competitive speciality.
Good Luck!

 

[irlandesa]

my scores are very close to the OP's (233/94); planning to apply in IM or Med/Peds, or Peds.. are there any programs that I wouldn't be eligible to apply for based on my scores? I've heard rumors (albeit largely unsubstantiated) that Harvard-Boston Children's Hospital and CHOP will not interview anyone with below 230, but with the larger std. deviation in scores this year might the cutoff change? thanks for any info..

BTW, there really are a lot of factors; I have a friend with a 215 USMLE I and similar USMLE II score who got interviewed at places like CWRU, Rochester, and Wash U when he applied in radiation oncology, which is very competitive from what I've heard. He went to U of Maryland and was an OK, but not stellar student for the first 2 years. good luck!

 

[vyparik1]

Thanks for the replies everyone..I hope I will be OK....ireland, Your score is very strong...You wont have any probs matching into med/peds or medicine....

Well, I just finished my general surgery rotation and I can safely say that I probably won't become one...The surgeries are cool but it isn't enough for me to sacrifice every other interest and relationships I have in life....

I am leaning towards medicine (haven't had the rotation yet) or anesthesia (havent had it either) as of now.....but who really knows....I think I would be competitive for both hopefully...well, gotta catch up on some sleep..later

V

 

[WakeMedHeel]

irlandesa....Our former chairman of peds here at Wake has said that a 233 really isn't competitive at CHOP and Boston Children's. Those are about the only schools he said would be a problem with that score.

 

[irlandesa]

Originally posted by WakeMedHeel
irlandesa....Our former chairman of peds here at Wake has said that a 233 really isn't competitive at CHOP and Boston Children's. Those are about the only schools he said would be a problem with that score.

thanks for the info.. I'm not sure what he means by "not really competitive." For med school admissions, for example, my MCAT of 29 was below the average score of the two schools I was admitted to, so I guess you could say I was competitive for those schools in spite of being a "below average" candidate. I should check out more about Children's of Boston since it is <10 minute walk from my apt; it would be awesome to stay in Boston and many students at my school do. I don't even know if I'll do peds yet though.. well good luck..