The US grad part makes you still likely to match. Apply broadly and interview well.
I had a classmate that failed step 1 once and failed rotations as well. He matched into a well known university program - not top 25 but still good. That's only 1 person, but with broad applications, I'd be fairly confident.
Thanks for the reassurance. As others have mentioned below, the big red flag is my 3 step 1 attempts. Otherwise I have no failed rotations nor any other ethical problems so that's good.
Agree with TP. You'll match somewhere if you apply broadly enough and come across well in an interview. You'd be wise to devote some time to doing mock interviews, because a lot will hinge on this.
Agreed. Interview will be a major factor. A broad range of places to apply to will definitely be another thing I'll do. I'm still thinking maybe close to 100 places, since I want to totally minimize the chance of me not matching.
You *will* match. There is no doubt about it. There are american img's that have matched with multiple step 1 failures in psych.
I *would not* apply to 100 programs. I'd select about 35-40 programs that are less competitive to mid competitive and apply to the ones in a regions where you think you would like to be. Avoid applying to california programs, and avoid applying to "name" programs in new york. But I wouldnt only apply to "the worst" programs.....in fact, some of those only fill with img's and your amg status may not be seen as as much a plus there.....
if you don't have any ethical issues in your app and you seem like a decent enough sort to work with, I think you've got a decent shot at fairly typical run of the mill ordinary university programs at many places....you certainly arent headed to UCSF, but you arent headed to meharry or lsu-shreveport either most likely
Thanks for the words of encouragement. While I'm not a stellar applicant, the step 1 was the big set back for me (no failed rotations or otherwise ethical/unprofessional issues). Although personally I'm thinking more than just 40 programs. To me the few bucks spent on ERAS to get as many interviews as possible is small price to pay to maximize chance of me securing a job for the next 4 years. Not to mention I enjoy talking with the patients and I genuinely think they are really interesting to work with.
I agree that you don't need 100 places. Save some money there. Skip the snobby places (Ivy's, Duke, Hopkins, etc). I'd say 30 well chosen apps would do it. Maybe 50 if you're REALLY paranoid. I wouldn't do 100.
*Note* This is assuming that you are legitimately interested in psych. We get a lot of apps from people who think it's the best choice among few options, but don't truly love the field. Make sure your LOR's are good and that you've shown good interest by doing at least an elective if you can, and write a great personal statement. Be sure to especially answer the "Why Psych" question well.
Good luck!
I am genuinely interested in the psychiatry field. I have been doing psych rotations for these last few months and will definitely get good LORs as well as crafting a good personal statement. Interview will also be a key for me. While my step 1 did limit my choices, I am in no way "settling" for psychiatry!
Cali isn't impossible, but I'd consider it to be the most competitive state across the board arguably.
I don't understand the fuss about CA. Been there and TX is better/cheaper.
I really like Texas and will definitely apply broadly there. Currently I live up north and hate the winter/snow so would love to go to some place balmier.
of course it will....and thats why he should apply to more places than applicants with no failures.
failing twice is a BIG red flag.
But assuming he is a US grad who did show an interest in psych, did ok on clinical rotations, and speaks good english.....well, then programs are going to have to decide whether they want him(US grad, familar with system, speaks good english) vs some of the IMGs out there who quite franky dont possess some of those same qualities.....and most programs are going to go with the US grad. As long as there werent a binch of other red flags raised.......
No other big issues other than the step 1. Not a stellar applicant in terms of grades/research, but have good comments from rotations that I've done and I am great team player. I think my LORs, personal statement, and especially the interview process will truly be key to a successful match.
I agree that if you apply broadly and interview well you'll match. Remember, there are something like two spots for every us grad (don't have the exact numbers in front of me).
Just looked at the NRMP data for 2012 and it looks like of the 1118 psych positions offered, about 55% were filled by US seniors on avg across the nation. Of course it depends on where you apply as well. The state data shows CA psych positions filled by 75% of US Seniors where as state like MO 45% of the positions were filled by US seniors.