Say you have a low to average score on step 1, but then you do very well on Step 2. Now this may be a basic question, but would residency programs take this improvement into consideration during application time, or would someone still be severely weighed down by a not-so-stellar Step 1 score?

Thanks!

I think they will consider the improvement, but a poor step1 score will definitely hurt you. PD's use step1 to compaire you to other students like US students not Step2 since a lot of US students apply with out a step2 score. also programs that have filters set in place filter out by step1 scores more commonly than step2 scores. Everyone always says that you need a strong step1 score and that it's more important than step2. However, an excellent step2 score will show to the PD that you got your act together and are ready to work.

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That's not true. I've seen checklists and have spoken to many program directors who weigh Step 2 more heavily than Step 1. Some use a grading system for their applicants and grade you on everything from your individual board scores to your interview, to your GPA in basic sciences, to your GPA in undergrad. I think that your improvement on Step 2 shows that you learned a lot in med school and probably "grew" as a person (learned how to study better and more productively). If you get interviews, you could certainly address this issue. Plus everybody knows Step 2 material is actually the practical clinical stuff, not Step 1.

that is if your application actually made it to the PD, like RJ said there are programs that have filter in place that screens out low step 1 score, so even if you have a high step 2 scores or other stellar stuff, it will never been seen, the automatic filter will just filter everything out.

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