What Step 1 Score Should I Aim For?

What Step Score Should I Aim For?

As the USMLE Step 1 Score is the #1 thing residency programs look at when deciding whether or not to grant you an intervew, you should of course aim for the highest score possible. But realistically speaking, not everyone (or anyone) can get the theoretical maximum possible score of 300.

The table below shows the scores in which residency programs generally do not grant interviews as well as the scores in which they generally do. This data was collected by the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) from surveys with program directors every year. Depending on what type of residency you want to do, you’ll want to strive for at least the scores on the right column. As an International Medical Graduate, who needs to “prove yourself more,” add a few more points to the target score listed.

What About Passing For The First Time?

As 90% of residency programs seldom or do not consider graduates who did not pass the Step 1 exam the first time around, it is imperative that we not only exceed our target score for our desired residency but also make sure we pass the step the first time we take it. The current passing score is 188.

How Do Schools Compare in First Time Pass Rate?

How does AUC Compare with Average Step 1 Score?

In 2010, AUC had an average USMLE Step 1 score of 217. In comparison, the average US average was 221 (2009 data, 2010 pending). 30% of AUC students scored a two-digit score of 99 (which is the maximum two-digit score possible, equivalent this year to a three-digit score of 229 or higher).