Therefore, this would effectively lead to a hidden curriculum that requires students to take on more and more responsibilities in order to compensate for this change. These factors are already weighted heavily in forming a competitive application for residency, but they will be more important when Step 1 exam scores are not listed on a student’s application. Participating in extracurricular activities such as research or club leadership can be difficult for students who are trying their best to stay afloat with the rigors of medical school. For those applying for residency, this demonstrates the importance of scoring high on the exam: a high score can set you apart from other applicants, or at the very least give you a chance to interview within a certain specialty.Ĭhanging to a pass-fail grading system for Step 1 would cause students to search for other ways to stand out to residency programs. According to the 2020 program director survey, 90% of program directors cited an applicant’s USMLE Step 1 score as a factor in selecting whom to interview, putting it ahead of letters of recommendation and students’ grades in third year clerkships.
An applicants’ score on this exam has consistently served as a major factor for selection into residency programs, especially in more competitive institutions and specialties.Įach year the National Resident Matching Program issues a survey to residency program directors to find out what factors they deem important in selecting applicants to interview or offer acceptance. The test covers basic science topics ranging from biochemistry to physiology, including the pathology of every organ system of the body. So, what is the USMLE Step 1 and why is it important? Step 1 is a licensing exam taken by students after their second year of medical school. However, many medical students are met with more trepidation about their future as this major anticipated change in Step 1 takes effect. The pressure and anxiety surrounding Step 1 is one of the main reasons cited by the USMLE to justify its adoption of a pass-fail grading system, expected to be implemented at some point following January 1, 2022. The three-digit score can either open doors to a variety of residency prospects or end one’s hope of achieving that coveted competitive residency spot. Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is often touted as the most important test a medical student will take during training.