Interested in understanding how your MCAT score might correlate with your performance on the USMLE exams? If you were to apply for an otolaryngology residency today, would your MCAT score meet the requirements?
During your undergraduate years, you may have demonstrated proficiency in standardized testing, consistently outperforming your peers. However, as a medical student, you might have encountered imposter syndrome, leading you to believe that you are not performing up to par. In reality, this feeling of “underperformance” stems from the fact that you are now surrounded by individuals who, on average, achieved higher scores on standardized tests during their undergraduate education.
We can use the percentile score for matriculants to US med schools to help make a comparison with USMLE matching scores for otolaryngology. For example, the average MCAT score for all test-takers between 2019-2021 was 501.6 (SD 10.8). However, the average MCAT for matriculants to US med schools was 511.9 (SD 6.6).
In other words, the 50%ile MCAT score for matriculants was at roughly 84%ile of all MCAT test-takers.
Is Otolaryngology Competitive?
First, let’s look at the general competitiveness of otolaryngology. One way to assess the competitiveness of a specialty is to look at the match rate – the % of people who apply who end up matching into their preferred specialty.
Among US Seniors, the unmatched percentage was 30.8%, making it highly competitive among US residencies. The match rate for otolaryngology is considerably better than the most competitive specialties like plastic surgery and orthopedic surgery.
USMLE Scores for Otolaryngology
Now let’s look at Step 1 scores for matched US seniors in otolaryngology. We will use this to find the correlating MCAT score in the next step. You can also see how otolaryngology compares to other specialties below.
Otolaryngology Step 1 Scores (Matched Applicants in 2022 Match):
- 25%ile: 244
- Median: 250
- 75%ile: 259
Similarly, Step 2 CK scores for otolaryngology for matched US seniors reflect its high competitiveness.
Otolaryngology Step 2 CK Scores (Matched Applicants in 2022 Match):
- 25%ile: 250
- Median: 258
- 75%ile: 265
What MCAT Score to Match Into Otolaryngology?
The MCAT score equivalent to the same %ile of students who matched into otolaryngology for Step 1 would be ~518, which would rank in the 82%ile of MCAT matriculants.
For Step 2 CK, the equivalent score would be ~ 517, which would rank in the 79%ile of MCAT matriculants.
Will This Predict My USMLE Scores and Matching Chances?!
Certainly, no need for alarm. Instead, consider this a simplified method for relating your MCAT percentile to equivalent USMLE scores among medical school matriculants and comparing it to those who successfully matched into otolaryngology.
Although Step scores hold significance, the competitiveness of a specialty, interpersonal abilities, and interactions during interviews can also impact your chances of securing a match. Your MCAT score provides a starting point, while your USMLE performance reflects where you ultimately stand in your medical journey.
MCAT to USMLE Converter: Best Uses?
So what is the best use of knowing? We might use it to set “stretch” goals for ourselves. Let’s say our equivalent Step 2 CK performance might be a 250 – we might know that 260 would be a good goal, and 230 might be selling ourselves short.
Or maybe we killed ourselves to do well on the MCAT, but we still didn’t do as well as we hoped. In this case, you should start NOW to figure out where you are lacking in your learning ability and how you can become a better learner and test taker to match into your dream residency. Sign up for a free consultation TODAY to discuss how Yousmle can help you score higher, study less, and never forget what you’ve learned.
Concluding Thoughts
Remember: your percentile on the MCAT is NOT likely to be the percentile on the USMLEs. Why? Because many of the people who take the MCAT don’t end up in med school. Instead, your score is ranked in comparison to the scores of the people who made higher scores on the MCAT.
Use this MCAT to USMLE calculator to estimate what sort of Step performance you might expect if you performed the same as when you were a pre-med.
Also, while MCAT scores correlate with USMLE scores, they are not deterministic. Many people “overperform” or “underperform” their MCAT. A lot will depend on how you prepare in the months years leading up to your USMLEs.
References
- AAMC. MCAT Scores and GPAs for Applicants and Matriculants to U.S. MD-Granting Medical Schools, 2018-2019 through 2021-2022.
- Percentiles for Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3.
- AAMC. Using MCAT® Data in 2023 Medical Student Selection.
Note on calculations: These are based on normalized distributions based on the means and standard deviations for the populations of interest (all MCAT test-takers, all MD school applicants, and all MD school matriculants; as well as Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 test-takers). Percentiles for each MCAT/USMLE score were calculated. Then, MCAT scores for matriculants were graphed, and a linear regression was performed to find a best-fit line whose equation was used in the calculator for USMLE score equivalents.
