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Forget the Two Digit Scores

26K views 19 replies 15 participants last post by  Mizo zizo 
#1 ·
I still see many members getting surprised when they see the new scoring of lowered two digit scores compared to previously reported.

The NBME has changed the way they report the USMLE scores in October 2011. They are using a new scale which is significantly lower than before. A 230 score previously reported as 99 is now probably reported as 85.

This applies to all written USMLE exams including Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3.

The best way to avoid the dilemma and to get your mind rest into peace is to just forget about the two digit scores. Just look at the three digit scores.

This is because the three digit scores are still comparable, someone who got 240 in 2012 is like someone who got 240 in 2011 or 2010, no difference.

Not only that, residency programs won't be reported the two digit scores, they will only be looking at three digit scores, so the two digit score does not really matter.

The NBME is transitioning away from the two digit score and will soon stop reporting it.

Let me know if you still have queries about this issue.
 

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#4 ·
This is because some US universities still put a requirement of 75% score as a passing score.
They did not want to abruptly remove the two digit altogether at once.
They are doing that gradually.
I would think that starting next year, there will be no more two digit scores officially.
 
#5 ·
So when is this going to happen?

I had over 250 in one of my steps, anyway, when I contacted a residency program that required scores above 90 to apply, they're like: no, don't apply. I'm like, yeah..., but this is like a 99 previously but they changed the scoring system...., didn't matter :confused: :confused:
I actually thought they were not reporting the 2-digit-scores this year!
Any input?
 
#11 ·
So when is this going to happen?

I had over 250 in one of my steps, anyway, when I contacted a residency program that required scores above 90 to apply, they're like: no, don't apply. I'm like, yeah..., but this is like a 99 previously but they changed the scoring system...., didn't matter :confused: :confused:
I actually thought they were not reporting the 2-digit-scores this year!
Any input?
Contact that residency program again and tell the coordinator that they will not get any applicants (or very few applicants) if they keep asking for above 90 score. Or even better send an email to the program director and tell him that they are not following the new NBME and NRMP rules.
Anyway, a program that is such retarded by still asking for the two-digit score does not worth applying for :indifferent:
 
#6 ·
hey my friend need your help

Hey i gave my exam step1 and 2 ck in 2010 and 2011 respectively. my score is 224/96 and 219/94 respectively. Could you please tell me what are my two digit score as per new two digit scale?
Thank you for you help in advance. :)thank you for such a nice post.:)
 
#7 ·
Hey i gave my exam step1 and 2 ck in 2010 and 2011 respectively.my score is 224/96 and 219/94 respectively. Could you please tell me what are my two digit score as per new two digit scale?
Thank you for you help in advance.:)thank you for such a nice post.:)
I don't know if anybody can tell you, but I had 254 in step 2 CK and 2 digit was 85. Not sure if that helps.
 
#13 ·
Previously, when you get a 2-digit score of 99, it correlated with a 3-digit score of 230+, 85 was probably around 200 and so on.

Now, there is NO correlation. Whatever 3-digit passing score you get, you're 2-digit score will be somewhere between 75 and 99. You can't predict anything else. In other words, your 2-digit score has no meaning other than to tell you that you passed (above 75) or failed (below 75).
 
#17 ·
I do NOT understand, how a 238 is a low score and you are enquiring about if you have a chance. This is a HIGH score and I am sure you will match easily given you have just graduated! Even in a university program (unless you have some other 'red flags' in your application)

Its unfortunate that people think that this is a bad score. I know many people come to this form to be encouraged and get a much needed support. The way you wrote this post doesn't help anyone. In fact I think it does the opposite. This simply makes people feel bad about their score and discouraged. So please, for anyone reading this post and thinking - "man if this guy got 238 and he thinks its bad...Then what do I have to say about my lower score" Even you can match! Just work hard and sell yourself in the application.

Sorry about the rant, and I meant no disrespect. I just thought this might help others reading this thread.

Take care, and all the best :)
 
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