hey, im a 3rd year who just got back my score, and it was really bad (200)... i really want to do IM at a decent university program, what steps should i do this year to compensate (ie take step 2's early and kick butt)? what programs am i not eligible for anymore?

Bump...

I'm sure somebody can help this person.

what programs am i not eligible for anymore?

Hi smonkey,

I can't answer this question for you, but as far as what you can do to compensate... Do very well in your third-year clinical rotations (both on the wards and on your end-of-clerkship exams), especially any medicine rotations you might have. Having an awesome Step 2 score ready before you send your application off to ERAS also won't hurt.

Maybe somebody else here can provide more info. Just keep your chin up and don't panic. :)

I am in the same boat. please help!

A USMLE score of 200 doesn't automatically prevent you from matching with a "decent university program." What you must do now is focus on strengthening other aspects of your application. As a new third year, your focus should be on performing at a high level during your clinical clerkships. Of course, it's important to do as well as you can during the Medicine clerkship. As you rotate through the core clerkships of the third year, work hard to impress your attendings so that you can get solid letters of recommendations from them. I would also meet with your advisor (preferably in IM) on a regular basis during third year to assess your progress. These meetings should help you ascertain what you need to do to match with a desired program. Best of luck!

Samir Desai, MD