Tag: scores

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Can High Step III USMLE Scores Compensate For A Bad Step I And Step II?

step III

Question About Step III USMLE Scores:

Hello,

Would an excellent Step III score offset bad Step I and Step II scores? My Step I was 226, and my Step II was 219. Thank you!

 

Answer:

You have posted an interesting question. But, first, let’s talk about your scores. Your scores are not in the “bad” category. Typically, at our institution, a score of 226 on Step I can get you a foot in the door for an interview if everything else is OK. The step II score was a bit more marginal. But, the Step I score has shown that you have the potential to pass the core exam.

I agree that if diagnostic radiology becomes more competitive and institutions continue to use them for selection screening, they may slightly raise the bar. (although the score for Step I will be disappearing) That could make your scores not cross the threshold for acceptance for interviews. But, for now, I think many programs would accept those scores.

A Strange Situation Indeed

First of all, what is interesting, strangely enough, is that in the 12 years of working as an associate residency director, I have never seen the situation where both Step I and Step II are below 220 and step III is around 250 or so. And, I think I have a sneaking suspicion why.

First, very few people who score lower than the Step I and Step II thresholds will ever ace the exam in Step III. Additionally, we typically use cut-offs of 220 for either Step I or Step II. So, Step III is usually not on the radar because many residents typically don’t take this exam as “seriously and therefore we, as faculty, don’t either.” Why? Because the folks taking the exam are traditionally interns that don’t have as much time to study for it. So, the scores are not so critical. Instead, typically we care only that the resident has passed the Step III exam.

It’s Not About The Exam Itself

Again, to remind you, I am not a big fan of any of the USMLE exams. However, it is one of a few items that correlate with good core exam outcomes in radiology. And good core exam outcomes affect residency credentialing. So, unfortunately, all this talk about scores has nothing to do with being a good radiologist. Instead, it has only to do with the probability of becoming a board-certified radiologist. And, therefore, we are forced to use these scores as a screening tool for interviews.

Final Determination About Step III

In brief, to answer your question, Step III is the least influential of all the USMLE exams for receiving interviews. An excellent step III score will most likely not compensate for feeble Step I and II scores (which yours are not!)

I hope that answered your question,

Barry Julius, MD

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Should I Address My USMLE Step II Score Drop In My Statement?

score drop

Question:

Hello – I’m actively interested in applying for DR residency, but I was let down yesterday after receiving a Step 2 score which dropped 11 points from my Step 1 (230 –> 219). I’m a DO student, and I’m afraid this will be a red flag that will become detrimental to my application for a radiology residency. I planned to address this score drop in my personal statement, as I’m sure programs will wonder why it happened. I believe my Comlex Level 2 exam went very well. However, I haven’t received that score yet, and I’m not sure PDs even care about it. Do I need to apply to a backup specialty?

A Worried Candidate

 

 

Answer To How To Deal With The Score Drop And More!

I wouldn’t throw in the towel quite yet. You have to remember that there are so many factors other than board scores to add to the equation of getting into a radiology residency. Moreover, many residencies use a cutoff of 220 or higher on the step one exam. So, you will most likely get a decent number of interviews as long as your other application credentials are OK. (not having those I could not tell you where to apply)

Also, you are right about the COMLEX scores. Most programs do not care much for those scores because it is harder to compare to everyone else taking the USMLE examination. So, I don’t believe that it will change your chances of acceptance all that much.

Finally, being a DO does not hurt your application as much as it had in the past. Now, the ACGME and the AOA are one organization, so you are no longer as much of a “second class medical citizen.”

One more critical point about your personal statement that you mentioned: I would not be so keen to address the score drop. (unless there was some major life crisis that could have affected your entire application). It would call more unnecessary attention to your board scores. To begin with, really, your step I score was not so bad. Instead, it shows that you have the potential to pass the core exam. (what most residency directors care about) Your personal statement would better serve you by talking about all the other issues that I discuss in my blog called How To Create A Killer Radiology Residency Personal Statement. Make sure to read or reread it before submitting your residency personal statement.

 

 

Let me know how everything goes,

Barry Julius, MD