SOM Policy on the Requirements for Comprehensive Basic Science Examination

I. PURPOSE

This policy establishes the requirements for student completion of and achievement on the Comprehensive Basic Science Examination (CBSE) in the New York Medical College School of Medicine (NYMC SOM).

II. POLICY

It is the policy of the NYMC SOM that all students must take the CBSE at the conclusion of the Phase 1 of the curriculum at the date, time, and location established by Office for Undergraduate Medical Education (UME).  Students are required to meet CBSE score benchmarks established by UME in order to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 Examination (USMLE Step 1) and to progress to Phase 2 of the curriculum. 

III. SCOPE

This policy applies to all second-year Phase 1 medical students who have successfully completed all Phase 1 coursework.

IV. DEFINITIONS 

• USMLE: United States Medical Licensing Examination.
• CBSE: Comprehensive Basic Science Exam, a 5½ hour examination covering material learned in basic science curriculum and reflecting USMLE Step 1 content
• NBME: National Board of Medical Examiners

V. PROCEDURE

A. The Office of Student Affairs (OSA), in collaboration with the Office of Academic Excellence (OAE), has established the below benchmarks to assure readiness for taking Step 1.

1. Score of 70% correct on the practice National Board of Medical Examiners’ (NBME) Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment
2. Score of 70% correct on the Free 120 Exam prior to your exam date
3. Complete a minimum of 3000 UWorld questions with a score of 70% correct overall on mixed UWorld questions one week prior to your exam date. 

B. Students who score 50 or above on the CBSE are strongly encouraged to meet established benchmarks as listed under in Section V.A on practice examinations in preparation for USMLE Step 1.
C. Students who score between 40 and 50 on the CBSE are at risk of failing USMLE Step 1. Such students:

1. Will be required to meet with a dean of OSA within one week of receipt of the CBSE score before they will be verified to sit for USMLE Step 1 or proceed to Phase 2 of the curriculum, to begin working on a study plan. 
2. Will be required to create and submit to a dean in OSA an individualized preparation plan after discussion with OSA and OAE. This individual preparation plan will include self-assessments with benchmarks set by OSA to assure readiness.  Benchmarks include completing and achieving all benchmarks listed under Section V.A. one (1) week before the scheduled USMLE Step 1 date.
3. Will not be allowed entry into Phase 2 until they receive a passing score on USMLE Step 1. 

D. Students who score below 40 are at the highest risk of failing USMLE Step 1.  Such students:

1. Will be placed on administrative leave of absence and delayed entry into Phase 2 of the curriculum, which will include cancellation of the previous clerkship schedule.
2. Will be required to meet with a dean of OSA within one week of receipt of the CBSE score before they will be verified to sit for USMLE Step 1 or proceed to Phase 2 of the curriculum, to begin working on a study plan. 
3. Will be required to create and submit to a dean of OSA an individualized preparation plan after discussion with OSA and OAE. This individual preparation plan will include self-assessments with benchmarks set by OSA to assure readiness. Benchmarks include completing and achieving all of the above benchmarks listed under V.A. one week before the scheduled Step 1 date.
4. Will not be allowed entry into Phase 2 until they receive a passing score on USMLE Step 1.

VI. EFFECTIVE DATE

This policy is effective immediately.

VII. POLICY MANAGEMENT                                 

Responsible Executive: Dean, School of Medicine          
Responsible Office: Office of Student Affairs and Office of Undergraduate Medical Education  

VIII. REFERENCES

LCME 10.3 Policies Regarding Student Selection/Progress and Their Dissemination: The faculty of a medical school establish criteria for student selection and develop and implement effective policies and procedures regarding, and make decisions about, medical student application, selection, admission, assessment, promotion, graduation, and any disciplinary action. The medical school makes available to all interested parties its criteria, standards, policies, and procedures regarding these matters.