Number
111
Name
Redefining Success: Building Your Competitive Edge for Residency
Date & Time
Monday, June 8, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location Name
Oglethorpe Ballroom
Speakers
Authors
Anna Blenda, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville
Khalil Eldeeb, Methodist University-Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine
Presentation Topic(s)
Assessment
Description
PURPOSE: The transition of the Step 1 exam to pass/fail scoring in 2022
has increased the emphasis on research and scholarly activity for medical
students aiming to distinguish themselves during the residency match process.
With the first graduating class under these changes in 2024, this study
examines how this shift has influenced reported characteristics of allopathic
students. Using data from the National Resident Matching Program® (NRMP)
secondary database (2014–2024), we analyzed trends to assess the impact of
evolving expectations.
METHODS: De-identified NRMP data from 2014–2024 were analyzed to compare
characteristics of allopathic students who matched and those who did not
match to their preferred specialties. Key variables included Step 1 and Step
2 CK scores, research experiences and outputs, work and volunteering
experiences, Alfa Omega Alfa (AOA) membership, and graduation from top
NIH-funded schools in United States. Data from 2024, the first class under
Step 1 pass/fail scoring, were compared with trends from 2014–2022.
RESULTS: Step 1 scores (mean: 233) remained consistent, including among the
13.3% of 2024 students reporting scores before the pass/fail transition. Step
2 CK scores increased from 245 to 250 in 2024. The mean number of research
experiences slightly rose (3.87 to 4.35), while research outputs, including
abstracts, presentations, and publications, noticeably increased (8.09 to
13.82). Work and volunteering experiences decreased (3.29 to 2 and 7.48 to
4.47, respectively). AOA membership (20.81% vs. 19.55%) and the percentage of
matched students from top NIH-funded schools (33.94% vs. 32.24%) were similar.
Same trends were observed among unmatched graduates.
CONCLUSION: The Step 1 pass/fail transition has increased emphasis on
academic achievements and research productivity. Higher Step 2 CK scores and
research outputs highlight the need for students to prioritize these areas.
Stable AOA membership reinforces its value, while balancing work and
volunteering remains valuable for strengthening residency applications.
has increased the emphasis on research and scholarly activity for medical
students aiming to distinguish themselves during the residency match process.
With the first graduating class under these changes in 2024, this study
examines how this shift has influenced reported characteristics of allopathic
students. Using data from the National Resident Matching Program® (NRMP)
secondary database (2014–2024), we analyzed trends to assess the impact of
evolving expectations.
METHODS: De-identified NRMP data from 2014–2024 were analyzed to compare
characteristics of allopathic students who matched and those who did not
match to their preferred specialties. Key variables included Step 1 and Step
2 CK scores, research experiences and outputs, work and volunteering
experiences, Alfa Omega Alfa (AOA) membership, and graduation from top
NIH-funded schools in United States. Data from 2024, the first class under
Step 1 pass/fail scoring, were compared with trends from 2014–2022.
RESULTS: Step 1 scores (mean: 233) remained consistent, including among the
13.3% of 2024 students reporting scores before the pass/fail transition. Step
2 CK scores increased from 245 to 250 in 2024. The mean number of research
experiences slightly rose (3.87 to 4.35), while research outputs, including
abstracts, presentations, and publications, noticeably increased (8.09 to
13.82). Work and volunteering experiences decreased (3.29 to 2 and 7.48 to
4.47, respectively). AOA membership (20.81% vs. 19.55%) and the percentage of
matched students from top NIH-funded schools (33.94% vs. 32.24%) were similar.
Same trends were observed among unmatched graduates.
CONCLUSION: The Step 1 pass/fail transition has increased emphasis on
academic achievements and research productivity. Higher Step 2 CK scores and
research outputs highlight the need for students to prioritize these areas.
Stable AOA membership reinforces its value, while balancing work and
volunteering remains valuable for strengthening residency applications.