A survey of dermatology program directors from 2012 (http://b83c73bcf0e7ca356c80-e8560f466940e4ec38ed51af32994bc6.r6.cf1.rackcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/programresultsbyspecialty2012.pdf
) indicated that the three most important factors for getting
dermatology interviews were the Dean’s Letter/Medical Student
Performance Evaluation (85%), letters of recommendation in the specialty
(77%), and the personal statement (74%). Graduating from a US
allopathic medical school was 4th (72%), with Step 1 and Class Rank/Quartile tied for 5th
place (70%). Only 57% cited AOA membership as an important factor for
interview selection. However,
78% of dermatology residency programs reported using “target scores” on
Step 1 for offering interviews. Applicants scoring below 220 on Step 1
were unlikely to receive interviews. When a Step 1 score of 240 or
higher was made, interviews were much more frequent.
The
most important factor in ranking applicants was “interactions with
faculty during interview and visit,” followed by “interpersonal skills.”
The third most important
factors were a tie between “interactions with residents during interview
and visit” and “evidence of professionalism and ethics.” 90% of
dermatology programs did not schedule any dermatology interviews prior
to November 1, the date when the Medical Student
Performance Evaluation/Dean’s Letter was released.
According
to the pooled data from dermatology programs, approximately 10% of
applicants are invited to interview, and 8% are ranked.