Scored Higher on Step 2: Does it matter?
Not to repeat another exhausted topic about board scores, however, previous threads have not adequately addressed this issue.
My question: An applicant scores 20-points higher on Step 2 compared to Step 1. How does this factor into his/her application for Urology?
a) programs take the average of both scores
b) Use the higher of the 2 scores
c) Give Step 1 more weight
d) Other (please elaborate)
Any advice on this issue will be helpful. Thanks in advance for your responses.
Improving over step 1 scores is a good thing. Especially if you were a little low on step 1 for a Urology applicant (<220). Why? Because programs want to see a positive trend in your test taking abilities, which does not translate at all to how you will be as a resident or doctor. Nonetheless, it is a good thing if you improve your score.
Here are some responses to your questions:
a) No program takes an average of scores. The 2 tests are independent of each other. Wishful thinking.
b) Most programs would look at both tests and consider both. However, most Uro applicants will only have taken step 1 and probably done well. So programs will only be able to compare apples to apples by using Step 1. Step 1 is a much harder test when compared to step 2, so most scores will increase. Therefore, step 1 still holds more weight, but if you improved on step 2 considerably, it could work favorably in your favor, unless the program does not even take step 2 into consideration.
c) Step 1 will usually hold more weight. See answer to B.
d) N/A. If you took the COMLEX...Good luck applying for an MD Urology residency. Does not mean that it is impossible to get in, but you have a really steep and long road ahead of you.
The weeding out process to the 300 some applications that programs will receive starts out at the OBJECTIVE criteria that each program sets for itself (not published. no one knows except for the program). Therefore, the only real objective data they have that EVERYONE has in order to apply is Step 1. Most programs DO NOT require step 2...yet. So they will set some standard (220 - 240) and then go on from there. Your step 2 scores may not even have a chance. Once they weed the field down to the 100 or so, then they look through the personal statements, and the LOR's. Then they pick 20-30 per interview date based on that. It could be done by the program coordinator, program director, chair, associate program director, or a combination of staff. Then the letters come out.
d) N/A. If you took the COMLEX...Good luck applying for an MD Urology residency. Does not mean that it is impossible to get in, but you have a really steep and long road ahead of you.
Do you know if we have to report our COMLEX scores to ACGME programs? I did fine on both >600 and >225, and I know the stigma, but I am going for it because Urology is the only thing I WANT to do.
Improving over step 1 scores is a good thing. Especially if you were a little low on step 1 for a Urology applicant (<220). Why? Because programs want to see a positive trend in your test taking abilities, which does not translate at all to how you will be as a resident or doctor. Nonetheless, it is a good thing if you improve your score.
Here are some responses to your questions:
a) No program takes an average of scores. The 2 tests are independent of each other. Wishful thinking.
b) Most programs would look at both tests and consider both. However, most Uro applicants will only have taken step 1 and probably done well. So programs will only be able to compare apples to apples by using Step 1. Step 1 is a much harder test when compared to step 2, so most scores will increase. Therefore, step 1 still holds more weight, but if you improved on step 2 considerably, it could work favorably in your favor, unless the program does not even take step 2 into consideration.
c) Step 1 will usually hold more weight. See answer to B.
d) N/A. If you took the COMLEX...Good luck applying for an MD Urology residency. Does not mean that it is impossible to get in, but you have a really steep and long road ahead of you.
The weeding out process to the 300 some applications that programs will receive starts out at the OBJECTIVE criteria that each program sets for itself (not published. no one knows except for the program). Therefore, the only real objective data they have that EVERYONE has in order to apply is Step 1. Most programs DO NOT require step 2...yet. So they will set some standard (220 - 240) and then go on from there. Your step 2 scores may not even have a chance. Once they weed the field down to the 100 or so, then they look through the personal statements, and the LOR's. Then they pick 20-30 per interview date based on that. It could be done by the program coordinator, program director, chair, associate program director, or a combination of staff. Then the letters come out.
Thank you for the response. It really helps clarify alot of the details.
Seriously, you scored higher on a step than the previous...how could this not help you? Who cares what kind of weight this gives the application, you have no choice but to submit both scores now.