What is the average Step 1 score for ophthalmology?

244
The USMLE or COMLEX is an important factor in the ophthalmology residency selection process. In 2019, the mean USMLE Step 1 score among matched U.S. seniors was 244. Among unmatched U.S. seniors, the mean score was 231. Grades in required or core clerkships are very important to ophthalmology residency programs.

How hard is it to match ophthalmology residency?

How many ophthalmology residency programs are there? In January 2022, there were 509 positions for ophthalmology residents, 507 of which were filled. 38% of matched applicants matched with their first choice; 17% with their second choice and 12% with their third.

How competitive is ophthalmology?

Ophthalmology is a competitive specialty, although perhaps less so than it has been in the past. In 2020, there were 635 applicants for 496 positions with an overall match rate of 67% for all Match registrants.

Do ophthalmologists match rates?

The match rate for re-applicants to ophthalmology is significantly lower (51% match rate for allopathic graduates compared to 85% for allopathic seniors; 33% for osteopathic graduates compared to 55% for osteopathic seniors) [12].

Why is ophthalmology match different?

The ophthalmology application and match process is fairly unique, in that it is coordinated by the San Francisco Matching Program rather than the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) like most other specialties. As a result, the field has its own Match Day and application deadlines.

How many interviews do you need to match ophthalmology?

10-12 interviews
As with other competitive specialties, you will quickly realize that you will need to apply to more ophthalmology programs than your colleagues applying to other specialties. Most applicants aim for getting 10-12 interviews because this coincides with a high match rate.

What is a good step 2 score for ophthalmology?

230-245: This range is considered good. Students with scores in this range will likely have most to all doors open to all specialties, especially if paired with at least good performances on Step 2 and clinical grades.

Can an IMG match into ophthalmology?

Ophthalmology is one of the least IMG friendly specialties and the ones that do match usually have very strong connections to where they are taken. The vast majority of programs aren’t even willing to consider IMGs even if you happen to be as good as your USMD counterparts, which at this point you are not.

What step score do I need for ophthalmology?

The average USMLE Step 1 score for applicants who matched into ophthalmology was 244 for the 2016 match. Do everything you can to ensure a high score.

What happens if you don’t match ophthalmology?

The match for each happens at different times. For your specific example: you would have to rank ophtho programs. If you don’t match in ophtho through SF Match, then you can proceed to rank the neuro programs in NRMP (this match happens later).

Is 239 a good step 2 score?

233-250: This range is considered above average. Students with scores in this range will be able to match in most specialties. 251 and above: Scores of better than 251 are considered excellent.