Application advice from Dr. Conrad Fischer on "How important is the USMLE Score for residency applications" from the Medical Residency : Secrets of Success Series. Hosted by Dr. Frank Noto. Baronerocks.com
This is very interesting. Of course, the USMLE is an important tool in assessing a candidate's suitability. However, let's not forget that the USMLE is not just a series of exams, it is also a business. It's a business from which Kaplan and its advisors (including Dr Conrad Fischer) also profit from. Hence, it is in Dr Fisher's financial interest to proliferate the idea that the USMLE is such a critical component of a candidate's application. Personally, I would interpret the comment "If you don't have above a 230, then you have very little chance of securing an interview" with some scepticism. A 230 is a fiftieth centile score (approximate figure). That means that 50% of candidates will score above it and 50% will score below it. It is just inconceivable to me that 50% of candidates who score below this are unsuitable candidates for internal medicine residency and I am sure there are other program directors out there who exercise a more considered judgement. Let's not forget Dr Conrad Fisher is the author of multiple USMLE books and affiliated closely with Kaplan tutoring schemes. He is coming from a position of inescapable bias and hence, his words should be interpreted with caution.
How to study for USMLE Step 1: 1. Aim to master the testable material. 2. Do lots of practice problems. 3. Learn what you have not mastered. 4. Review. 5. Repeat 2 - 5.
