- Joined
- Apr 18, 2015
- Messages
- 15
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Hey everyone,
I have a bit of an odd situation that I'm seeking advice about:
I am a non-traditional student at a U.S. Osteopathic school. Non-traditional in the sense that I previously attended an allopathic school while dealing with a chronic illness, got as far as Step 1, failed twice, and withdrew to deal with the health problem.
I then went on to have surgery which has put my illness in complete remission, got a M.S. in education, taught math for a few years, and then reapplied Osteopathic and was accepted. While a student at my current school I have made excellent grades, have numerous volunteer and leadership experiences, as well as research.
I am currently prepping for boards and my practice tests have been going great. I have no doubt that I will pass on my first try this time. I am currently registered to take both USMLE and COMLEX. My goal is to secure a very strong Psychiatry residency.
My question is: Am I wise to take both exams this go-around? I understand that if I apply ACGME (and those are the programs I am currently most interested in), I will have to disclose that I took the USMLE (whether or not I take it again). From what I understand, even if I answer yes to that question on ERAS, I don't have to disclose my past scores. If I do take the USMLE and report those scores, obviously the transcript will include my two past failures.
My questions:
1) Should I take the USMLE this time?
2) Should I report my past USMLE scores? (I know that I have to indicate that I took it.)
3) Will I be "filtered" from being even considered by some programs due to my past at another school, regardless of circumstances?
My current thought process is that retaking the USMLE this time and doing great will demonstrate that my past failures were a function of my health problems at the time and not indicative of my ability.
Thank you from any and all input, but especially from OMS-4's, residents/fellows, and attendings.
I have a bit of an odd situation that I'm seeking advice about:
I am a non-traditional student at a U.S. Osteopathic school. Non-traditional in the sense that I previously attended an allopathic school while dealing with a chronic illness, got as far as Step 1, failed twice, and withdrew to deal with the health problem.
I then went on to have surgery which has put my illness in complete remission, got a M.S. in education, taught math for a few years, and then reapplied Osteopathic and was accepted. While a student at my current school I have made excellent grades, have numerous volunteer and leadership experiences, as well as research.
I am currently prepping for boards and my practice tests have been going great. I have no doubt that I will pass on my first try this time. I am currently registered to take both USMLE and COMLEX. My goal is to secure a very strong Psychiatry residency.
My question is: Am I wise to take both exams this go-around? I understand that if I apply ACGME (and those are the programs I am currently most interested in), I will have to disclose that I took the USMLE (whether or not I take it again). From what I understand, even if I answer yes to that question on ERAS, I don't have to disclose my past scores. If I do take the USMLE and report those scores, obviously the transcript will include my two past failures.
My questions:
1) Should I take the USMLE this time?
2) Should I report my past USMLE scores? (I know that I have to indicate that I took it.)
3) Will I be "filtered" from being even considered by some programs due to my past at another school, regardless of circumstances?
My current thought process is that retaking the USMLE this time and doing great will demonstrate that my past failures were a function of my health problems at the time and not indicative of my ability.
Thank you from any and all input, but especially from OMS-4's, residents/fellows, and attendings.