filters for USMLE scores

I am posting only what I have heard, but I think this is correct. Unfortunately program directors have to make the cutoff at some point. So some make it at 220, while I have heard that others use the 2 digit score 90 as a cutoff.

No matter what number they use, there is always going to be someone with a score 1 lower. And that just seems to be the nature of the game. There will always be extenuating circumstances where an applicant is really awesome but somehow only got a 219, but these program directors see like 500 applications each year. They have to generalize and make cutoffs at some point. It is impossible to individually screen each and every application. Kind of the same way it was in med school with MCATs and GPAs. They have to draw the line somewhere.

I do think that an exception can be made if you do well on an away rotation. And in that situation the program director could personally see that you are a hard working, good person who by the algorithm they use to screen may have fallen through the cracks. But you can't rotate everywhere.

So I would suggest heavily researching programs where you think you may have a shot if you can just get your foot in the door and kick ass. Prove that you can not be defined by your Step 1, and that you are the exception to their screening rule. Focus on what you can do to help your application, because Step 1 is over.

Kneejerk, I agree with what you're saying...I'll have to work pretty hard on those aways, which I'm prepared to do.

Incidentally, I AM that guy with 219 on step 1! and I feel like I can improve on step 2. But I'd like to know if the filters that ortho programs use are for step 1, or if they're for the most RECENT step, be it 1 or 2.

I agree that there has to be a cutoff when programs are dealing with hundreds of applications, but I'm hoping that if I can take the exam early and improve substantially on step 2, there'd be a way for it to be noticed without having to rotate there. (Like you said, I can't rotate everywhere!)

what kind of cutoffs have people heard? I know campbell clinic has a 225 cutoff, I've heard UMC Jackson has a 215 cutoff, and I've heard that oschner has a 230 cutoff. Maybe we can post these so that we can save some money on ERAS next year.

thanks

From the program directors mouth - SUNY Buffalo 215 cutoff

From a Spine Fellow - Lenox Hill 230 Cutoff

When I interviewed at University of Miami last year I remember talking to the Department assistant about this. She told me that at Miami all applicants that have a step 1 below 220 (I think it was 220, but it could have been 225 or 230) are automatically screened out- unless they are AOA or did a rotation at Miami. If you are AOA or have a step 1 above 220, then she will print out the applications and read through them to decide who will get an interview. I believe she has total control over who gets interviews and who gets rejected without an interview. Also, I think most rotators automatically get an interview. She said that if an applicant is borderline with the step 1 score and has a big improvement on step 2, she may print out the application and read it, but only if she hasn't selected enough applicants to interview from the first group. I know this is kind of a crappy way to select people, but I guess when you have to screen 500+ applications it makes sense.

As ortholsu said, campbell has a 225 cutoff and they only look at Step 1. I rotated and was offered an interview, but I was told that they don't even look at Step 2 if Step 1 doesn't make the cutoff. In my case, that would have meant no interview - Step 1 <225, Step2 >225.

Also, UT-Chattanooga had a 215 cutoff this year and their website notes that they prefer applicants who have taken Step 2.

I know this should go without saying, but I'm going to say it anyway.

While I agree with ortholsu that it would be nice for you to have a list of programs with cutoffs, make sure you guys take all this with a grain of salt. First of all these are word-of-mouth numbers that are being posted on here anonymously. Second, I doubt any of them are really hard and fast rules. They seem more like guidelines.

So if you got a 219 and you see some programs on here with supposed 220 or even 230 cutoffs, apply anyway if you like the place. Its a few extra bucks and in the long run it may pay off. I think all of us have reach programs no matter what our scores. I applied to HSS and Harvard without a 250+ Step 1. Now I didn't get an interview (dirty rotten bastards), but I don't regret applying. I never would have known had I not applied.

So in the end pick a solid group of programs where you'll be competitive, but also throw in a group of reachers. You never know who may read the personal statements and connect, no matter what your score.

A few thoughts on the subject:

I have also heard that some programs screen for scores that are too high. The logic being that you probably only applied to the middle-tier program as a back-up and are not really that interested. The program therefore does not want to waste an interview on you. Nonetheless, this also can be made up for with a rotation.

The programs to beware of are the ones that will filter you out based on Step 1 regardless of the fact that you rotated. Vanderbilt comes to mind as one who has done this, and been called out on this site.

I also recommend not letting Step 1 based filters discourage you from working hard on Step 2. You have to keep in mind that most people do not study that hard for Step 2, so if you do its easier to get ahead in the bell curve. My score went up 15 points (I have friends who pulled theirs up 30+) and this was noticed and congratulated at more than one interview.

Some of the Cali programs use 230 as a filter. Was told this is true for St. Mary's and possibly Stanford. Remember that Step I scores can be sidestepped by rotating at you top choices as most programs interview all rotators. In addition, do not study so hard for step I that you give up your life. Most of my interviewers asked me what else I do (READ: you muist have more than a high step I score). I agree with the above that Step 2 is easier and the bell curve set so you can rock the exam with minimal study time.

I can say that I have gotten interviews at programs who supposedly set limits that I should be excluded from. So, I'd have to ditto the sentiment that you should still try at some of these programs.

Just for comparison, I interviewed at Lenox Hill and HSS with a sub-230 score. Now, my step II score was much better, which may have helped at some places, so keep that in mind -- but it is still possible.

i've heard NW has a cut-off of 230 as well (per residents) and that even though they often interview ALL rotators-it's more of a courtesy interview than anything else so take that for what it's worth.

It's all a crapshoot. Generally speaking, a high USMLE will get you interviews, but always keep in mind that this is NOT the be all and end all of getting an interview. I had 250+ on Steps 1 & 2, but got denied at: HSS, Columbia, Lenox Hill, Tufts. So it's not always about the USMLE. And I had no red flags on my app and such. Just my two cents.

Vanderbilt has a 230 cut off