Step 1 pass rates!

[Junito]

"ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS

I am pleased to announce the results of 2004 USMLE Step 1 first take scores. From January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004 a total of 88 students took the USMLE Step 1 for the first time. Of these 73 passed and 15 failed. This is a pass rate of 83%. A separate analysis of these scores in the first half of year from January 31, 2004 through June 30, 2004 showed a pass rate of 80% while the last half of the year from July 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004 showed a pass rate of 85%. We are all very excited about the five to six point increase in our average pass rate on Step 1 in the past year.

I am confident that the reason for this increase is due to the quality of innovative teaching brought to St. Matthew’s by Dr. G, facilitated by Dr. N, Dr. P’s and Dr. H’s leadership, and the dedicated and caring faculty who have worked hard through this year to bring to St. Matthew’s students a quality educational program. Clearly, the integrated, problem based, clinically relevant courses are superior to prior methods. I owe a great deal of gratitude to all."

An email sent to most students concerning the first time passing rate. What an achievement! While I was at Ross the first time passing rate was 75% (depending on the meeting with the dean, the number fluctuated). Congrats to SMU, and all who passed step 1 on your first attempt.

Juni

[Perry247]

WOW...thats AWESOME!!!
I had a friend that took it during that time and got a 81% He is the one that really pushed me to consider smu.

Ey, juni.....i read how u didnt like Ross etc...but what exactlty about the administration and faculty?? I had friends that wentt here too and oen there right now and all they say is that everyone is very helpful. SO whose telling the truth...?? lololz..

U can email me on BIgp247@aol.com if u wish.

I think my first choice is SMU tho.....just because of my friend and what he had to say. I konw their class in May '05 will be small and i would rather be in that.

ANother crazy ? is that smu is only licensed in 5 states..meaning they can only do clinicals in those 5 states right? BUt once u get done with a residency, u can practice anywhere right???

thanx

Perry

[AUCMD2006]

good pass rate!

as far as states, not california, any state that uses their list, and kansas other than that i don't think any others are a problem so probably 80% of the US is open to SMU but you don't know until someone does it in a state...check with smu on what states they have licensed docs already. peace

[Donno70]

Kudos to the successful students as well as SMU for imparting such high educational standards. Again, this reaffirms my convictions for making SMU the school of choice. It appears that SMU is becoming the FMS ideal that all others will aspire to be.

DM 8)

[Perry247]

HI rrod...i had a post from SMU personal on this forum that said they only had licensed grads in 5 states:
Alabama, Atlanta, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusettes.

That doesnt sound right to me? im sure they have been many graduates and im sure they would be more spread out.

Know anything anyone?

**so, when they say licensed grads...these are docs practicing right? or in residency right? but u can still practice anywhere besides cali and kansas once u finish a residency?***

Sorry if u have to repeat yourself
P

[Bob2k]

For all you insular Yankees.....Atlanta is not a state, it's part of Georgia.

And the fact that the grads are only in these four states is not strange at all when you stop to think there must only be a handful of licensed grads at this point. 4 yrs of med school + minimum 3 yrs in residency=7 yrs.

SMU only came into existence in the fall of 1997, seven and a half yrs ago. Residencies generally conclude in June of a given year, so the first students probably finished only this past June. When you consider how few students any school has in its charter class, and also taking attrition into account, I would be surprised if there were more than 5 or 6 licensed grads. Even Ross and SGU started out with something like 15-20 students in the first classes.

But it is unfortunate that the grads aren't in a little wider cross-section of the country rather than mainly the South, just so we know for sure the degree is ok in the West, Midwest and Northeast as well (the lone grad in Mass. notwithstanding).

[SMU_Information]

Congratulations to all of the successful Step I takers!

A copy of my post under the subject "New Jersey":

While we have almost 300 graduates, the vast majority of them are still in residency or fellowship. Those states are the ones we have had grads get their FULL (post-residency) license. We do have multiple in Louisiana and I believe also Georgia. For example, on of our first graduates went into Internal Medicine for residency, did a year there, transferred into Anesthesiology, and has applied for a pain management fellowship (he finishes Anesthesiology this summer).

To the best of my knowledge, this is the listing of restrictions on SMU grads and students:

No clinicals:

California (until approved)
Kansas (until 2012)
Maine (as part of our agreement with the state regarding the dual program)
New Jersey (again, no Board in existence to apply to)
Texas (if you want to eventually practice there)

No residency:

California (until approved)
Kansas (until 2012)
Texas (more of recommendation, just to play it safe if you wish to apply there. We have someone finishing their residency at Baylor, and applying for full licensure this year, we'll see how it goes.)

No License:
California (until approved)
Kansas (until 2012)

Texas is very difficult, but the current info is that they are examining everyone case-by-case, with the exception of Ross graduates, since Ross has had a site visit (a new thing from Texas). We have invited Texas for a visit, but have yet to hear from them. Indiana is also mentioned often, as they have a very out of date list of "unapproved" medical schools on the web. However, as our two graduates entered their residency programs in Indiana the Board told them that they would be considered on a case-by-case basis as well. New Mexico will grant you a license automatically if the school is approved by California, but you may also be considered individually or you may transfer in a license.

I hope that helps. As Picard said above, always check with the board yourselves as well.

[HeyMcfly]

For the USMLE step 1 pass rates...how is the average calculated? Do the students who have taken it tell SMU what they scored and you calculate it from that, or do you see their official grades? and does every SMU student who took the test last year have their grades calculated in or is this just the ones who report back to SMU? Just wondering because I'm sure if alot of people failed they may not want to say, and thus would obviously effect the reported first time pass rates.

Dan

[mdboy]

incase you guys dont know...St. Matthews has its results from California but has chosen not to disclose it to its students. They received the results Dec 17 but instead are telling their students that they withdrew their application for accredidation. Yes they tried to withdraw their application, but the board of Cali said "NO." These results are St. Matthews property till mid February; therefore its up to them to disclose them. However, after mid February they will become public property; so call Californias board if your interested. Gee I wonder why SMU has chosen to hide its results from its students????

[SMU_Information]

For HeyMcfly:

They have to have their USMLE applications certified by the school. Anyone that does not report their score is assumed to have not passed.

For mdboy:

http://www.valuemd.com/ftopic29299-15.html

[Jason Howard]

I have been searching for days and no one knows what this school's pass rates are on the USMLEs- why not? all the other schools let you know. Help please!!

[Jason Howard]

Why doesnt St.Matts website post USMLE pass rates like all other good carib medical schools? hmmmm..

[spyyder]

its better that they don't report it becuase they often lie and inflate the score. ALL the schools lie about their passing rate which likely hovers between 50-85, depending on year, class, sampling, etc. These number are far to fudged to be worthy. But remember the schools passing rate has nothing to do with YOU pasing. You are taking the test not your school

[Laurie S]

incase you guys dont know...St. Matthews has its results from California but has chosen not to disclose it to its students. ............. Gee I wonder why SMU has chosen to hide its results from its students????

I don't know anything about a report, but, when we go to Dean's hour, many times the Dean briefs us on updates for improvement. He may say, "...so and so found SMU weak in this area, and this is what we are doing to improve or change. The school may be taking a financial loss in such and such, but we feel that in the long run it will benefit the school."

Again, I see improvements made daily to benefit students and improve the school. California is important to me, I won't see it while I'm in ** here, but I think we will get California approval in the future.

Just my .02 cents.:)

[Junito]

Folks this is an old thread....

[Laurie S]

Whoops ! :oops: Thanks Juni. :)

[mat09]

Does anyone know what is the first time pass rate for U.S. schools ? Just curious because I don't think its 100%.

[MD999]

Folks this is an old thread....

It's an oldie...but a good one :)

What the heck is SMU's pass rate by the way?? From my class, I wouldnt put it over 50%...

[hanginlimbo]

so they announced the first time pass rate for 2004 two months into 2005.

how about 2005???? it's already been 6 months into 2006. time for a new report?
have kaplan courses boosted results?

[LqdPls]

Does anyone know what is the first time pass rate for U.S. schools ? Just curious because I don't think its 100%.

USMLE.org has all the numbers you want. Foreign graduate pass rates, American, DOs, etc.

[Laurie S]

by MD999: What the heck is SMU's pass rate by the way?? From my class, I wouldnt put it over 50%...

Answer to your question: :)

http://www.valuemd.com/st-matthews-u...***-rates.html (http://www.valuemd.com/st-matthews-university-school-medicine/27964-step-1-pass-rates.html)

SMU's changes have shown improved Step I scores.:yeah:

[MD999]

by MD999: What the heck is SMU's pass rate by the way?? From my class, I wouldnt put it over 50%...

Answer to your question: :)

http://www.valuemd.com/st-matthews-u...***-rates.html (http://www.valuemd.com/st-matthews-university-school-medicine/27964-step-1-pass-rates.html)

SMU's changes have shown improved Step I scores.:yeah:

It says that the Pass Rate is in the 80's%. Is that from reported scores or what, because they only know if a student pass or failed if the student reported the score to the school. If one failed the exam, I'd guess they wouldnt be too eager to report a failing score to the school, no?

I hope that the actual pass rate is in the 80's% and rising, because not more than 50% of my class has passed Step 1 yet.

[Laurie S]

From Junito's post: The rate that I posted were the rates from a year ago. I posted the email that the President of the school forwarded to the entire student body. That quote came from a school official.

This is all I know. Junito posted this at the end of the other thread. Hope it helps a little. :)

http://www.valuemd.com/st-matthews-u...***-rates.html

[Junito]

Let's avoid a big debate over this minor issue. The better question one should be asking is did the education at SMU provide students with an adequate preparation for the boards? I can say yes, partly because I passed the boards on the first try.

I found 3rd and 4th semesters (except for Pt Dr 4) at SMU to be extremely helpful. Now you have to take into account student preparation...Was there enough time to prepare for the boards during 5th? For me there was ample time. Does this hold true for the current students? I can't answer that since changes have been put into place.

So to the potential students...You should try contacting SMU students that took Step 1 and ask them if they felt SMU prepared them. Some schools can attribute their higher step 1 passing rates due to the selection of students who have excellent academic records (high MCAT, higher GPA, research, etc). The student also has to take responsibility for their prep for the boards. When they start preparing? How did they prepare? Etc...

Good luck to all, and just focus on your performance.

[hanginlimbo]

yeah. pass rate is usually a minor issue. it's not something to obsess over. Pass rate is really for entertainment value.

how can you say stats aren't interesting? everyone likes to see things put into numbers and benchmarks just for kicks.

who cares if it went down or up. announce the pass rate anyway. there's nothing to be ashamed of.

The fact is.... all schools receive all their students' scores electronically even before you get yours in the mail. So yearly stats can be compiled within 6 weeks of the end of the year.

Don't be like Ross and keep advertising 6 year old pass rates.

"Yeah, at ross, we have a pass rate of 93% ..... in 2001. booya. Sorry, but we don't have data for 2002,2003,2004, or 2005. We had a virus that corrupted all of our data. *cough cough* "

[CARNIVORE]

[quote=Junito]"ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS

I am pleased to announce the results of 2004 USMLE Step 1 first take scores. From January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004 a total of 88 students took the USMLE Step 1 for the first time. Of these 73 passed and 15 failed. This is a pass rate of 83%. A separate analysis of these scores in the first half of year from January 31, 2004 through June 30, 2004 showed a pass rate of 80% while the last half of the year from July 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004 showed a pass rate of 85%. We are all very excited about the five to six point increase in our average pass rate on Step 1 in the past year.

I am confident that the reason for this increase is due to the quality of innovative teaching brought to St. Matthew’s by Dr. G, facilitated by Dr. N, Dr. P’s and Dr. H’s leadership, and the dedicated and caring faculty who have worked hard through this year to bring to St. Matthew’s students a quality educational program. Clearly, the integrated, problem based, clinically relevant courses are superior to prior methods. I owe a great deal of gratitude to all."

An email sent to most students concerning the first time passing rate. What an achievement! While I was at Ross the first time passing rate was 75% (depending on the meeting with the dean, the number fluctuated). Congrats to SMU, and all who passed step 1 on your first attem


we dont care what happened a century ago, give us 2006 or 2005 stats........

[Banker794]

The math is simple: you want a 100% passing rate on your first try... its as simple as that.

[quote=Junito]"ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS

I am pleased to announce the results of 2004 USMLE Step 1 first take scores. From January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004 a total of 88 students took the USMLE Step 1 for the first time. Of these 73 passed and 15 failed. This is a pass rate of 83%. A separate analysis of these scores in the first half of year from January 31, 2004 through June 30, 2004 showed a pass rate of 80% while the last half of the year from July 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004 showed a pass rate of 85%. We are all very excited about the five to six point increase in our average pass rate on Step 1 in the past year.

I am confident that the reason for this increase is due to the quality of innovative teaching brought to St. Matthew’s by Dr. G, facilitated by Dr. N, Dr. P’s and Dr. H’s leadership, and the dedicated and caring faculty who have worked hard through this year to bring to St. Matthew’s students a quality educational program. Clearly, the integrated, problem based, clinically relevant courses are superior to prior methods. I owe a great deal of gratitude to all."

An email sent to most students concerning the first time passing rate. What an achievement! While I was at Ross the first time passing rate was 75% (depending on the meeting with the dean, the number fluctuated). Congrats to SMU, and all who passed step 1 on your first attem


we dont care what happened a century ago, give us 2006 or 2005 stats........

[ravaldo]

I can also say from first hand exp, 80% pass rate is far better then Ross, and yes, depending on which prof you spoke to and which dean, they all claimed different pass rates for Ross, and considering ROss is the largest carribean school, and assuming that 80% pass rate is an acurate reflection, I belive that is something to celebrate:) :shock: :) :) :) :)

[IMG2006]

Does anyone know what is the first time pass rate for U.S. schools ? Just curious because I don't think its 100%.

About 90% across the board, but the range is something from the mid 80's to 100%. I am in residency with a girl who went to a good school in the Wester US. They had 85 pass out of 110. That's only 77%. While this is cause for a US school to re-vamp the core, it's by no means unheard of. If SMU is turning out consistent 80%-88%, which is anyone's guess, then that would put them on parr with many US schools.

I've said it before, so one more time can't hurt. The problem with Carib schools lies primarily with the students. SMU included. If you go there and push yourself, if you stay on track, then you will pass. The percentages mean nothing to you beyond the impact they may or may not have on state medical boards. You should go there knowing that if you don't work like you have never worked in your life, that you will ruin your credit, future, and whole life forever. If that doesn't motivate you, then... well... you're probably not reading this thread.

[IMG2006]

It says that the Pass Rate is in the 80's%. Is that from reported scores or what, because they only know if a student pass or failed if the student reported the score to the school. If one failed the exam, I'd guess they wouldnt be too eager to report a failing score to the school, no?

I hope that the actual pass rate is in the 80's% and rising, because not more than 50% of my class has passed Step 1 yet.



Regarding pass rates....

When you graduate, you will need an ECFMG certificate before you start your residency training. This is FACT... anyone who tells you otherwise is lying to you.
The school REQUIRES you to send in your USMLE scores before they will do this paperwork for you. Those who do not send in their scores have failed, or are assumed to fail. Everyone who passes reports their scores so that they can actually use their degree. Let's assume that 1-2 people per year don't report a pass (for whatever reason)... that brings the passing average UP.

[illab]

The school official said on the page 1 of the thread that if a score is not reported, they are assumed to have failed.

[Laurie S]

I thought the school got our scores before we did?

[Jeep23Guy]

All that matters is that the people who do pass step 1 pass it 100% of the time.

[Junito]

I thought the school got our scores before we did?

Nope. You have to fax your scores in...

[Laurie S]

Hey, Juni missed ya. Did you go on vacation?:)

[Junito]

Yeah, currently in Puerto Rico enjoying the island.

[Laurie S]

Puerto Rico? Are you taking the Step there?

[jlivingston]

I was in a 5th semester class at SMU and asked a student what percentage of the class he believed would be able to pass the first step. This became a convo with a couple of other students and they all said figures of approx. 25% would be able to pass. I didn't ask what their opinions were based upon; however, they didn't seem to have much confidence in their classmates.

[you_make_me_sick]

I was in a 5th semester class at SMU and asked a student what percentage of the class he believed would be able to pass the first step. This became a convo with a couple of other students and they all said figures of approx. 25% would be able to pass. I didn't ask what their opinions were based upon; however, they didn't seem to have much confidence in their classmates.anyone have any guesses on a pass rate as of now for the 3rd semester class? assuming current progress, how about in the future for the 3rd semesters?

[mat09]

one third of the class.

[Junito]

Puerto Rico? Are you taking the Step there?

Nah, That I will do in the US (probably in Chicago)...

Concerning having faith in one's classmates...I thought more people were going to fail than what actually did. I know of only 4 people who failed the test out of 20 people that were in my class that took the test that have kept in touch with me. Some who failed I thought were going to pass, some who passed I thought were going to fail. There are so many variables that come into play with how individuals prepare for the test.

[jlivingston]

I think the current third semester will be the least prepared out of every semester at St. Matthews. They got through the first 2.5 semesters with the most students before the academic changes at the school were implemented; losing out on physio, biochem, histology, embryo and neuro. They are going to have to teach themselves these courses and in a 6 week review course in Florida. I just had a good friend finish a kaplan review course and he said if you don't know the material coming in, it won't help. He said they did the entirety of embryo in only one day.....Good luck third semester.

[Baditude]

I think the 4th semesters have the most to teach themselves due to crappy teachers. This class had Dr.J and Dr.L for physio of those 2 one was fired during the semester and the other should have been (he has "connections" ) then Dr.S for neuro where he gave all the questions out ahead of time then in path1 Dr.Z used so many web path questions that all you had to do to pass was learn those questions then in path 2 they had the disaster that was Dr.D then they tried to make up for all the material that he have covered in the week before the exam. Then each exam after was taught by a different teacher with a diffferent testing style and a different way of attempting to teach it. The only light in this tunnel is the addition of Dr. B who is an excellant teacher and does a wonderful review which I am sure the 4th semester students are relying on to learn enough Path 1 and 2 to pass the shelf exam. Now the school is shipping off the 4th semester students to a new program that still isn't all set up and nobody has any idea what is going on with even the basics like where they will live and how much money will be available in financial aid, where classes will be held, what the syllabus will be, what the hospital hours etc will be when they get there in 3 weeks from now. With all that to worry about they get to worry about the pharm and path shelf next week when the scores have been fairly sad all semester in general.

[LqdPls]

.... He said they did the entirety of embryo in only one day......

sounds good at least we'll save some time

[Godschosenone]

I think the current third semester will be the least prepared out of every semester at St. Matthews. They got through the first 2.5 semesters with the most students before the academic changes at the school were implemented; losing out on physio, biochem, histology, embryo and neuro. They are going to have to teach themselves these courses and in a 6 week review course in Florida. I just had a good friend finish a kaplan review course and he said if you don't know the material coming in, it won't help. He said they did the entirety of embryo in only one day.....Good luck third semester.


We have four weeks over the Xmas break plus the 8 weeks in florida.
That 3 months in total there. Thats more than enough time.
The only people who wont be well prepared are the ones
with no initiative.

S.M.U= SELF MOTIVATION UNIVERSITY.

People should really stop waiting on the school to do everything
for them. Yes a lot of the teachers might be sub par
but we have the same materials as everybody else taking that damn exam.
Use them.

[Banker794]

losing out on physio, biochem, histology, embryo and neuro. They are going to have to teach themselves these courses and in a 6 week review course in Florida.

Good you will have a fresh head when year 2 comes along... 90% of your USMLE test will be made up from your second year classes. Stop whining and start preparing.

[MylifeatDominica]

S.M.U= SELF MOTIVATION UNIVERSITY.



Ross = Rely on self-study University

[xiolyh]

I think the current third semester will be the least prepared out of every semester at St. Matthews. They got through the first 2.5 semesters with the most students before the academic changes at the school were implemented; losing out on physio, biochem, histology, embryo and neuro. They are going to have to teach themselves these courses and in a 6 week review course in Florida. I just had a good friend finish a kaplan review course and he said if you don't know the material coming in, it won't help. He said they did the entirety of embryo in only one day.....Good luck third semester.

I don't get it...Did the school not teach these courses to 3rd smesters?how come they only did 2.5 smesters??

[MD999]

Good you will have a fresh head when year 2 comes along... 90% of your USMLE test will be made up from your second year classes. Stop whining and start preparing.

Nope. Not in my case. It was a good 50/50 mix from first and second years.