1. In 2018, the mean USMLE Step 1 score among U.S. seniors who matched to family medicine was 220. Among unmatched U.S. seniors, the mean score was 206. 

 

 

2. In 2018, 6% of U.S. seniors with a USMLE Step 1 score of less than 220, failed to match into family medicine. If your Step 1 score will be of concern to programs, then a well-thought-out strategy for match success is crucial. Of chief importance is the assistance of a mentor or advisor to help you overcome the challenges of a low score. 

 

 

3. In a survey of 142 family medicine residency programs, 89% cited the USMLE as a factor in selecting applicants to interview. “As some residency programs are becoming more competitive because of either the reduction in the number of positions or the increase in the number of applicants, the USMLE scores are being used in various ways in making decisions on whom to select for interviews,” writes the University of Washington School of Medicine. 

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4. In a survey of 142 programs, 87% cited the USMLE Step 2 CK as a factor in selecting applicants to interview. 

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5. When family medicine residency program directors were asked, “Would your program consider applicants who fail their [Step 1] exam on the 1st attempt,” 50% of programs indicated that they often do and 47% reported that they seldom do. Only 3% of programs never consider applicants who have failed.