4 attempts on step 2, one interview..anyone in this situation?

[rpuci]

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Hello, I will make this to the point. I passed step 1 on the first try and step 2 CK on the 4th try due to family problems and issues in my life. I've applied in psych, FM and IM and got one psych interview.

I wanted to know if there is anyone out there in a similar situation or has heard of anyone matching with that many attempts. If not then any ideas to improve chances for interviews/match in the future? I am currently doing psych research at a psych residency program at a university medical center.

Any thoughts, stories, ideas or help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[lowbudget]

You need to research via state licensing board which states you can get a license. In certain states, you won't be able to get a license after 3 attempts.

Then, after you figure that out, find out if residency programs require you to be able to obtain a license in that state in order to be part of that residency program. Some programs will deny you for that reason alone.

You can save some time and money by not applying to programs where they will not likely accept you due to this state law.

Good luck.

 

[ShyRem]

See here for state licensing information and number of attempts for boards.

 

[dragonfly99]

Agree with above. Also, you need to have an answer ready regarding what you are going to do in the future so this doesn't happen. The programs will not want to accept someone they fear will fail Step 3. If you fail to match this year, I would suggest taking the Step 3 if possible (? is this possible if you aren't an intern yet...I don't know). You CAN'T fail it though...it's really important now and no excuses. You need to spend whatever time and money you need to prepare well because now you don't have a margin for error.

 

[mcl]

If you don't end up in a residency and want to pursue the idea of sitting for Step 3, it's important to know that you can apply through any state's board. These are the ones which have no postgraduate training requirements and which do not require that you be seeking a license in that state: Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Nebraska, Nevada, N Carolina, Virginia, and W Virginia. Some of those listed do have limitations on the number of attempts, but you have not exceeded any of them.

Good luck!

 

[NotAProgDirector]

One other piece of unsolicited advice: "I failed Step 2 four times because of personal/family issues" just doesn't cut it. I can totally understand if someone has a major personal crisis right before an exam, loses their focus, and fails. (although, even in that scenario, one could argue that many PD's are looking for people who do not lose their focus in the setting of crisis/stress). But 3 times? Either you: 1) had a family/personal problem that you didn't deal with so it caused you to fail thrice, or 2) your life is so complicated that three different issues arose and each one triggered a fail, or 3) you failed three times because you simply didn't do well on the exam. All three of these options is bad. As mentioned above, PD's are going to want to see that this is in the past. I agree that passing Step 3 handily would help if you fail to match this year. Although you can take Step 3 without an internship (as stated by mcl), it can be difficult to study for it simply by reading books.

Good luck!