Deadline to Take Step 1
Students must sit for Step 1 by the deadline set annually as part of the M2 curriculum.
Students who score below a level that predicts an acceptable probability for passing Step 1 on a required Comprehensive Basic Science Examination (CBSE) administered on a date set by the Department of Medical Education, will be required to enroll in Bridge to Clerkship (BTC).Please see CBSE-directed enrollment into Bridge to Clerkship.
CBSE-directed enrollment in Bridge to Clerkship Policy
When students, who are enrolled in the independent study course, pass Step 1 they will be eligible to enter the M3 clerkship curriculum. Students who do not show readiness for Step 1 or who fail Step 1 but receive a passing grade in the Bridge to Clerkship independent study may repeat the independent study course, if offered, in the following semester. Students who do not sit for the Step 1 exam by the deadline and do not enroll in the independent study Bridge to Clerkship or request a personal leave of absence, will be placed on an administrative leave of absence by the SAPC and will be considered for dismissal.
Students have a maximum of three attempts to pass Step 1. All three attempts must be completed within one year of the test date deadline set annually as part of the M2 curriculum. Students who fail Step 1 a second time or who do not take Step 1 within the allotted time will appear before the SAPC.
In all cases, leaves may only be granted if the student is eligible under the Maximum Time Frame policy.
Students Requesting an Extension to take Step 1 Examination
Students whose assessments indicate readiness, either by standardized time based NBME Comprehensive Basic Science Examination or time Based Comprehensive Self Assessment on campus testing, but who experience acute extenuating circumstances may request an extension to the deadline.
Students must submit their request for an extension in writing to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) will refer appropriate requests to the Step 1 Committee for consideration. The Step 1 committee will consist of the deputy dean or designee, the assistant dean for basic science curriculum and one faculty member.
The Step 1 committee may grant an extension in the case of acute and significant extenuating circumstances that impede the student’s ability to sit for the Step 1 exam by the deadline. Students requesting an extension must demonstrate likelihood of passing Step 1 by the new deadline as determined by the Step 1 Committee.
Students Granted an Extension
Students who are granted an extension, will be given a deadline for taking the Step 1 examination. In general, extensions are three weeks or less from the deadline mandated in the curriculum. Students granted an extension must sit for their examination by the deadline set by the Step 1 committee. Students who are granted an extension and take their exam by the given deadline will be allowed to begin clerkships with their class while they await their score.
Students who enter their clerkships but fail Step 1 will be removed from the clerkship upon notice of the failure and enrolled in the Independent Study-Bridge to Clerkship.
Students Not Granted an Extension
Students, not granted an extension, must sit for the exam by the mandated date, or enroll in the Independent Study-Bridge to Clerkship or request a year-long personal leave of absence. Students who do not sit for the exam or do not request a personal leave of absence by the mandated date will be placed on an administrative leave of absence by the SAPC and will be considered for dismissal.
Step 1 Failures
Students who fail Step 1 will be required to enroll in the Independent Study-Bridge to Clerkship.
Students on leave must pass the USMLE Step 1 by December 15 to be entered into the following year’s M3 clerkship lottery. Students who fail Step 1 a second time must create a written plan of study with the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and present the plan to the Step 1 Committee.