Based on the 2018 Program Director’s Survey published by the NRMP, there are many factors that are important in deciding whom to invite for an family medicine residency interview. What is most interesting about family medicine is that standardized test scores, personal statement, and perceived commitment to the specialty are the most important factors in deciding whom to interview. Below we discuss these factors further.

1) USMLE Step 1/COMLEX Level 1 score and Step 2 CK/COMLEX Level 2 CE Score

It is a fact of life that your performance on Step 1 or COMLEX 1 will impact the likelihood that your application is “screened in” and that you will be invited for an interview. The 2018 Program Director’s Survey indicated that 62% of programs require a “pass only” on the USMLE Step 1 and only 38% have a target score. The average number for that cutoff or “target score” is 205. Fifty percent of programs will often consider applicants with a Step 1 failure. By the same token, some programs automatically grant interviews for students with scores above a certain threshold. That threshold varies but is typically 220 or higher for Step 1. Keep in mind that not all programs offer automatic interviews. If you don’t do as well on Step 1 as you would have liked, take Step 2 CK early in the fourth year and do as well as you can!

Your score on Step 2 CK/COMLEX Level 2 CE score is also very important for program directors when deciding whom to interview. Therefore we suggest that most applicants take this exam early in the fourth year. Similar to Step 1, 40% of program directors indicated they require a “pass only” on the exam.

Your score on Step 3 (if you have already graduated from medical school) really doesn’t influence much as 95% of programs don’t use this score.

2) Personal Statement, Perceived Commitment to Family Medicine and Letters of Reference

In contrast to other specialties, the personal statement and perceived commitment to the specialty take priority in deciding whom to interview. How does a program director glean your interest in the specialty? This is largely based on your personal statement content, demonstrated interest based on rotations in the specialty and letters of reference. Other specialties in medicine are very “numbers-focused” yet family medicine is not one of them. Program directors want to know that you are committed to primary care and the diverse nature of practice. Strong endorsements of your candidacy are also extremely influential in deciding who receives interviews.