your school's step 1 scores

[modelslashactor]

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hello all,

some of us in pre-allo got tired of someone asking for a comprehensive list of board scores every day, so we decided to make our own. if you know your school's average, help us out and post it here: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=330613

thanks!

 

[GrossedAnatomy]

As it was specifically requested-- our board scores always average in the 230s. This year's was around 238, which was higher than normal. Columbia is nicknamed the "College of Surgeons and Surgeons" for a reason-- everyone here wants to go into surgery and surgical subs, so competitive board scores are de rigeur. I believe we're about the highest in the country. Oh, our average MCAT isn't tops-- 35-36.

 

[jjmack]

As it was specifically requested-- our board scores always average in the 230s. This year's was around 238, which was higher than normal. Columbia is nicknamed the "College of Surgeons and Surgeons" for a reason-- everyone here wants to go into surgery and surgical subs, so competitive board scores are de rigeur. I believe we're about the highest in the country. Oh, our average MCAT isn't tops-- 35-36.

P&S isn't a nickname it's the offical name.

oh I can't read...how do i delete this thing?

 

[DoctorFunk]

P&S isn't a nickname it's the offical name.

oh I can't read...how do i delete this thing?

Oops. Did I just immortalize your inability to read before posting?

 

[Wizard of Oz]

My school doesn't advertise this sort or thing, nor do others. If they do, it is either by self report of the examinee or by a wacky (or lying) school administrator. They may however advertise pass rates (which is high for all U.S. schools).

 

[modelslashactor]

My school doesn't advertise this sort or thing, nor do others. If they do, it is either by self report of the examinee or by a wacky (or lying) school administrator. They may however advertise pass rates (which is high for all U.S. schools).

yeah so the whole thing pretty much melted down into...well you can check out the link and see for yourself. what i learned from trying to do this is that most schools will tell you what they usually average at interviews, but trying to compile any sort of list is impossible because scores change from year to year, leaving them open to endless debate. thanks to everyone who helped out, though!

 

[beefballs]

I don't know how useful the average would be to an individual specifically-some people don't have any desire to put in the work for the balla scores b/c they have no interest in uber competitive specialties, while even the lowest tier allo posts their fair share of kick ass scores and grads who go to big-name places in the comp fields

 

[Wizard of Oz]

I don't know how useful the average would be to an individual specifically-some people don't have any desire to put in the work for the balla scores b/c they have no interest in uber competitive specialties, while even the lowest tier allo posts their fair share of kick ass scores and grads who go to big-name places in the comp fields

Yes, I am an advocate for the position that board scores are 100% in the hands of the student. All accredited med schools (just like every other profession that involves a license) have mandatory subject manner. It's up to you to learn it. While some places simply have sharper students, no school has a secret test taking strategy.

 

[DoctorFunk]

While some places simply have sharper students, no school has a secret test taking strategy.

I think that at the same time some schools teach their classes with boards preparation in mind, while others simply give their professors free reign to teach the subject as they see fit and trust that the clinical material stressed on Step 1 will magically find its way into the students' minds.

For example, at my school anatomy is taught in a very no-nonsense manner stressing clinical and boards-relevant material over memorized insertion points minutiae. On the other hand, our neuroscience course is essentially geared towards PhD students, as our course director admitted to us, and the pathways and palsies that are emphasized strongly on the boards were covered in probably 2 lectures. Meanwhile, I kid you not, we had 7 lectures on the membrane potential in the CNS, complete with equations straight out of our physics undergrad course.

 

[njbmd]

hello all,

some of us in pre-allo got tired of someone asking for a comprehensive list of board scores every day, so we decided to make our own. if you know your school's average, help us out and post it here: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=330613

thanks!

The problem with these types of lists is USMLE scores are personal and not particularly related to the school itself. It does not matter if the average USMLE score at your school is 240 and you are sitting there with a 180 failure.

Average scores change from year to year so a school with a 230 average one year may have a 220 average the next year or a 240 average in another year. Again, these scores depend more on the individuals and their ability to review and prepare for this test.

Pass rate is important and like another poster said, at US medical schools, the pass rates are high (usually in the high 90s). Even then, if you are the person who fails, that high percentage of folks passing is not helpful to you.

Pick the school that meets your needs, where you are most comfortable and can do your best. If you attend a medical school that you love and do well, you determine you fate. If you choose a school based on USMLE scores or anything else and you are unhappy, you will not perform well. The highest performers at any medical school, no matter the ranking will be in control of their fates.