I’m wondering if a low step 1 could be overcome by other factors such as step 2, research etc.

Just a little background, I received a 221 on my step 1, which was lower than I expected but completely my own fault.
I am just starting rotations, but I feel very motivated to do well in them and hope that will be the case. I have some honors and mostly passes in my preclinicals

I have some research background. Published a chapter, published a radiology paper (first author), will publish a molecular biology paper soon, and currently working on a clinical outcomes-based project. Also have 2 abstracts during medical school and 5 from undergrad (unrelated field).

My concern is just getting into a program. I feel that my chances are abysmal with my low step 1 and sub-average preclinicals thus far. Opinions? Thanks in advance.

It can be done.  i’d definitely buff up the other areas on your application.  Plan on doing at least three subi’s and really kicking ass on them.  Keep up on the publishing.  Hook up with a neursurgery faculty mentor early (i.e., now) to get more personalized advice.  if you really want it, it can be done.

If you think you’re done, you are done.  There are many neurosurgery residents with lower Step 1 scores than you.  What did Churchill say about giving up?

I got in. My score… Less than 210, greater than 200. Lots of research, pubs, and strong letters from big names helped. Many of the “elite” programs will screen you out based on scores alone to manage numbers, but several programs will look more carefully for potential “gems” by casting a wider net. It is not possible to know where this will happen from year to year so best thing to do is apply to most or even ALL of the programs and accept all interviews until you come to a comfortable number (>10, preferably 20+) before you start getting selective. Best of luck!

Thanks for sharing your story. I am still hopeful at this point. To williamharvey, I don’t think I am done in any sense, but I do know that it will be an uphill battle. I just wanted to see based on anecdotal evidence, just how uphill of a battle it would be. Thanks all for your helpful responses so far!

according to the nrmp data 22 out of 30 people matched with at Step1 of 220-230 so you definitely still have a decent shot.  Good Luck!

Banafish what exactly do you mean by a lot of publications?

CALCULATINGinfinity - My point is that you’ve lost only when you decide to quit trying.  My Step 1 was lower than you and I matched very well.

This thread is giving me some hope! I got 220 in Step 1 and again 220 in Step 2 CK. I have 2 interviews so far and I’m a bit worried, but it looks like people were in similar boats in the past and matched.

Quickly for people who matched in the past with lower than average USMLE scores, how many interviews did you get? And would you mind sharing (even through a private IM) where you ended up?

10 interviews including 3 subI’s and 2 where I pulled strings so 5 interviews based purely on my application.

CALCULATING, you and I are in the same boat my friend. I think (and hope) the trick is to put our noses to the grindstone and prove our mettle. Board scores are important, programs do want to make sure you can pass the Nsurg boards, so I think doing well on Shelf exams and Step 2 shows that you can handle the NS exam. However, residency has a lot to do with your personality, how you mesh with the team, hard work, and your ability to handle stress. Thats why its so important to do well on subIs to get yourself a bunch of solid letters and to cast a wide net while applying.