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Year 2: Exploring Options

Be Open to Possibilities and Consider the Options:

This is a time of exploring the variety of medical specialties and sub-specialties available. Many medical students change their minds during this exploration process. Value your uncertainty because it allows you to be curious, flexible, and open-minded as you go into your 3rd year clerkship.

Explore the Medical Specialties:

• Familiarize yourself with the Specialties and Subspecialties list on our website.
• Use the tools and Resources available in the Exploring Options section of AAMC-CiM site
• Explore the AAMC-CiM "Specialty Pages" list for detailed information of the 128 specialties and subspecialties.
• Visit UWSOM's Departmental websites and the list of UWSOM Department Medical Student Clerkship opportunities.
• Make an appointment with our career advisor, and talk to your college mentor who is available to assist you in this process.

Study for USMLE Step I:

The United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step I exam is normally taken in the June - July time frame after the completion of your second year. Step I is considered an indicator of your basic science knowledge, and many residency programs use it as a cut off score, below which applicants are unlikely to get an interview. This exam is important, even 'less competitive' specialties value a strong Step I score.

Be aware, a majority of students change specialty decisions during their medical school education. In the 2011 UWSOM graduating class, only 32.8% of 4th year medical students matched in the specialty that they had initially identified as 'most likely' when they began medical school. A strong Step I score will enable you to keep all the doors open for specialty choices.

UWSOM students recommend to study early for this exam, at least by spring quarter, and some recommend sooner. Review the USMLE Step I Study advice survey from UWSOM students.

While passing is 188, the national mean for all US and international medical students is 221, with a standard deviation of 24. Average UWSOM Step I scores are at this mean. In 2009, the average score for U.S. grads was 224. In the most competitive specialties, the average USMLE Step I scores are much higher.

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