[rehman rana]

I heard some guys saying that step 1 score matters more than step 2 score. Can anybody make this clear as to what percentage does count for step 1 & 2?
Is it same or different for either of them
thanx

 

[StepTaker]

There's no specific percentage given to step 1 or step 2 when it comes to matching. Both scores are important and both will be used to assess applicants and give preferences.

However, USMLE Step 1 score may have more weight in the assessment than Step 2 for the following two reasons:

1. Early in the match (September to December) most of the American students apply for the match while they don't have Step 2 CK score ready yet. So they compete with you in their Step 1 score only. Therefore, program directors will be looking more at Step 1 as it is the only common denominator among all applicants US and IMG grads.
2. Step 1 is generally perceived as the more difficult step and therefore program directors will highly appreciate a high score in it as opposed to CK score which most of students get high scores in it.

 

[joshi]

I know a friend who got 96 in step1 and 79 in CK and he got the best residency that he wanted.

 

[Easy]

is there a minimum for scoring that would guarantee successful residency matching, i mean like 260+ is good or what ?

 

[StepTaker]

is there a minimum for scoring that would guarantee successful residency matching, i mean like 260+ is good or what ?

No there's no minimum and no rule about this.
260+ is a dream score that perhaps less than 1% of students get in the entire USMLE history!
In addition to the scores there are other factors that govern your match probability, have a look at this thread
http://www.usmle-forums.com/residency-match-forum/40-matching-filters.html

I personally think that having anything above 90 in Step1 will highly increases your chances of the match. Yet, this should be again interpreted in the context of the other factors.

 

[scrubnotes]

Which score matters? Step 1

StepTaker is right, but.... Ultimately, while no program will make an explicit rule about scores, Step 1 is easily the most important step score. Why? Just think about it logically: there are thousands of applicants from hundreds of schools. Programs need to quickly compare them in order to determine which 100-200 to extend interview invitations to. The quickest comparison factor? USMLE Step 1 Score. You have to have a good USMLE Step 1 study strategy in order to excel on the test. As they say, the early bird gets the worm. So, start planning ahead years earlier if you want a US residency post. Study the First Aid for USMLE books. Take qbanks online, whether they are Kaplan or USMLE World or some other source. Basically:
* Prepare early; plan ahead
* Practice makes perfect, so practice hard for Step 1
* Just do it - make sure to review your mistakes so you never make them again

The key is balance - don't overstress or understress. Be confident and take care of today - tomorrow will take care of itself!