usmle step 1 scores

I looked through past posts and got a general sense of what "good" USMLE scores are. However, it's generally in context with other data, like 3rd year grades, etc. I'm just curious what exactly the scores mean these days. For example, I've heard that 230 is a cutoff for many (some? top?) schools, and that they sort applicants in ERAS so that everyone under that is never seen. Is that true?

My impression is that below mean (about 215-220) is iffy anywhere, 230 will get you past the cutoff in most schools, and anything above 240 or 245 means your score is now a non-factor, and it then rests on your letters and your interview. Above 245 or so, it doesn't really matter how high your score is aside from it being a "novelty" factor if it's crazy high like 280 or something. True?

B

According to my limited knowledge, all of what you say is correct.

definitely would agree... im not sure which programs use cutoffs and where they are. one school in the midwest separates into 3 categories... <210, 210-240, 240+. <210 applicants are considered, but are invited only if there is something extraordinary about their app (like playing pro soccer). The 240+ group almost always gets interviews, and the middle group is mixed depending on other factors. I imagine other schools use something like this model... however, i think the cutoff for interviews (if they exist) is probably much lower than you think, like around 200 or 210. A 240+ is a solid score... but I think the novelty factor of a 260+ might help get interviews at difficult programs.

I would agree....this year, a 230+ score will get you some interviews, but a LOT of rejections....I would think that 240+ willl give you a better shot. I would study your nuts off for step 1

Just to reiterate what I've said on other posts, I had a 220, applied to 45 programs, and have received 23 invites to date (including HSS, Brown, and Columbia as a nonrotator)... I repeat, if you have an otherwise strong application (i.e. good grades - AOA def helps, some research, good step 2 if available) a 220 is almost no issue whatsoever. The "absolute 230 cutoff" is a myth... it is a surmountable hurdle. A sidenote... a very strong LOR, even from your average orthopod, can get you interviews BY ITSELF... this has been mentioned to me at 3 separate interviews.

There's also often debate about whether to take Step 2 early or not when your step 1 is <230. I would strongly suggest this. I studied for 2 weeks solid using only QBank, finished approx. 2/3 of the questions, and found the test much easier than Step 1... my score jumped more than 20 points. As long as you take it seriously, I think it is likely to help.

Dr. Hibbert, did you forget to mention that you go to a top 10 ranked medical school or that your letters were from big wigs in the business? There are many factors other than the 230/AOA that land you 23 interviews......