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robinhoodfan
06-13-2007, 10:54 PM
Hi all,

Can someone explain to me the scoring system employed for the USMLE steps??

- what is considered an excellent score, what is a mediocre score etc..
- also, are the scores scaled like the MCAT?

Thanks!
stateofequilibrium
06-13-2007, 11:06 PM
Passing in a three digit score is 185 with a two digit score normalized to 75.

US Average is 217. Anything above 217 is considered good.

No one knows exactly how the USMLE is scored, you are compared to the strength of each question, not to the people taking the exam the same time you are.
robinhoodfan
06-17-2007, 10:10 AM
Thanks!!
What is the highest that one can get...theoretically???
drshaumil
06-17-2007, 10:48 AM
what are the subjects to be studied for step 1........ and how should we score?
singer
06-17-2007, 12:47 PM
Thanks!!
What is the highest that one can get...theoretically???

The highest score is 260 and the lowest 140
stateofequilibrium
06-17-2007, 12:53 PM
The highest score is 260 and the lowest 140

Those aren't the highest and lowest I believe, those are the ranges that most people fall into.
stateofequilibrium
06-17-2007, 12:54 PM
what are the subjects to be studied for step 1........ and how should we score?

All the subjects you took in your basic sciences will be covered. And I swear, I just answered that question about how you should score above.
IMG SURVIVOR
06-17-2007, 01:07 PM
What SOE said is correct.
The highest grade I have ever jeard was a 270.
the lowes was a 136
robinhoodfan
06-17-2007, 03:03 PM
Excellent...thanks for the info! Does anyone know the 'required' USMLE scores for a Surgical OR Internal Medicine Residency in the US???
stateofequilibrium
06-17-2007, 04:40 PM
Excellent...thanks for the info! Does anyone know the 'required' USMLE scores for a Surgical OR Internal Medicine Residency in the US???

For general surgery, most have a FIRST TIME pass requirement (meaning you can't ever have failed the Step) with a minimum score of at least 210-220.

IM, you have a huge range of course. The better residency spots you'll of course want to have a high first time pass score as well.
robinhoodfan
06-17-2007, 06:55 PM
Are these scores any different for IMGs.

Thanks!
stateofequilibrium
06-17-2007, 07:09 PM
Are these scores any different for IMGs.

Thanks!

Depends on the program really. Either way, as an IMG you're going to need a good board score, good LORs, interview, and it would be great if you did some research.