I am an MS2, and I am taking Step I this summer.  I understand that neurosurgery is extremely competitive, and that a low score on Step I will make it unlikely that I will match.  Obviously I intend to do my best and am shooting for a score in the 230’s, but there are no guarantees.  My question to you all is as follows: What is the minimum board score that I can achieve and still consider neurosurgery as a viable option?  I am not asking this question so that I can shoot for the bare minimum.  When I receive my score report, I want to know whether my dream is still alive or if I should start considering other options.

Is this a reasonable question?  At what score should an individual say, “Well, it doesn’t look like I’ll be able to match Neurosurgery.”

Perhaps I misunderstand the weight of the step I score - if you all can shed light on this issue as well, I would appreciate it.

Thank You
Neil

i know someone who matched with a 223. you can still make it happen if you don’t do as well as you hoped.

what cartoon is that profile pic from?  it seems so familiar

and on a more germane topic, I also know a person who has matched below the golden 230.  I am also an MSII and I do worry about Step 1 but if it is your dream, like it is mine, there will be ways around it (i.e guatemala university neurosurgery residency program.  its a 3 week night course run by dr felipe concerto rodriguez fernando martinez contesta mochino...the harvey cushing of progressive guatemalan neuroscience).....im an idiot

good luck to u

The pic is from clone high. 

I’ll have to look into that night-school residency.  haha thanks for the tip.

its understandable to be feeling unsure or stressed about Step 1.

My best advice is to devote the next few months studying hard for Step 1 and not think about anything else. Once you get your score back, rotate thru neurosurgery and see how you like it, and then balance how much you still want it.

you should not let your step 1 score determine whether you will pursue neurosurgery as a career. 

the average is in the 230s for successful applicants, but i’ve seen people successfully match with a score less than 200 and people with scores about 250 that do not match.

the point?  your step 1 score is but one part of your application.  do your best.  if you are truly passionate about becoming a neurosurgeon, you will do what it takes to get in, regardless of your step 1 score.

I appreciate the input.  It is especially helpful to hear from those of you who are on the other side of the application process.  I think one thing that might help my chances of doing well on step one is to spend less time on thie website . . .

Thanks again.

another you could do is to head over to our bookstore and buy a bunch of step 1 review books.