A what are my chances thread.

[DatPunk]

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I don't know how these kinds of threads are received here but I would love some input on what I should consider as a realistic goal. I've created a new account for anonymity..thanks in advance!

Here are the programs I would be thrilled to match to:

columbia
mt sinai
ucla
ucsf*
ucsd
stanford
northwestern
Mass Gen*
b/w
hopkins*

with these stats:
Lower-Middle tier state school
Step 1: 250/99
A's and B's the first two years of school
Co-founder and co-chair of a large scale community project for first two years
Just beginning third year and so far have been getting GREAT "informal" feedback from faculty. About to begin as editor on a long term research project, intend to do case reports and one or two presentations this year.
Assuming honors in all third year rotations and good letters..

Also: if, say, a world renowned surgeon would write me a great letter, would that be a bad idea if I am applying for IM?

I know its early and there are considerable of "assumptions" involved, but any input on feasibility from where I stand now on my chances and if the big three (MGH, UCSF, Hopkins) or any of the above for that matter are realistic goals?

Here are my weaknesses:
-Did not make Jr. AOA.
-Did not do research first two years (although I had done some prior to med school, and had a very enriching, interesting and unique clinical work experience for a year before med school)
-blew off my first summer traveling for fun (while some classmates were more productive), and
-my school's "ranking" even though I love my school and wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

Thanks a ton guys!

 

[ResidentMD]

I don't know how these kinds of threads are received here but I would love some input on what I should consider as a realistic goal. I've created a new account for anonymity..thanks in advance!

Here are the programs I would be thrilled to match to:

columbia
mt sinai
ucla
ucsf*
ucsd
stanford
northwestern
Mass Gen*
b/w
hopkins*

with these stats:
Lower-Middle tier state school
Step 1: 250/99
A's and B's the first two years of school
Co-founder and co-chair of a large scale community project for first two years
Just beginning third year and so far have been getting GREAT "informal" feedback from faculty. About to begin as editor on a long term research project, intend to do case reports and one or two presentations this year.
Assuming honors in all third year rotations and good letters..

Also: if, say, a world renowned surgeon would write me a great letter, would that be a bad idea if I am applying for IM?

I know its early and there are considerable of "assumptions" involved, but any input on feasibility from where I stand now on my chances and if the big three (MGH, UCSF, Hopkins) or any of the above for that matter are realistic goals?

Here are my weaknesses:
-Did not make Jr. AOA.
-Did not do research first two years (although I had done some prior to med school, and had a very enriching, interesting and unique clinical work experience for a year before med school)
-blew off my first summer traveling for fun (while some classmates were more productive), and
-my school's "ranking" even though I love my school and wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

Thanks a ton guys!

😕

Just my two cents...

I think the most important advice you may get on this thread is to give your Step 2 CK early, especially if you feel confident enough to ace it (there are ways to find that out - USMLEWorld/NBME Mock tests for example). You may or may not get those calls from UCSF, Hopkins, BWH/MGH and Penn, but you should at least be able to get an interview from the others (unless you come from a school ranking 50 or something...in that case that maybe hard to pull off unless you get a stellar step 2 CK score and get good research under your belt).

Just stay away from putting the editor thing on your personal statement.

 

[tfom08]

I think you have a good shot. You will at least get a lot of those interviews. How you do 3rd year will have a lot to do with it. Your step 1 will help a lot. You need to honor IM clerkship. Research will be good. I'm not sure about the letter from a surgeon. FWIW, I had a letter from a surgeon (not world renowned) and I don't think it hindered my application at all. If he's world renowned and he'll write you a strong letter, I think it will be great. Senior AOA would also help I would think.

As of right now, you are in pretty good shape I think, but the next year is really what counts (along with step 1, which you did above average on, even for those places). So keep up the good work.

 

[jdh71]

The community project makes you interesting and stand-out. Step one is excellent. I like one letter from a surgeon, world renowned doesn't hurt. So far, you sound like the kind of guy Hopkins might take a look at . . . unless you clinch the AOA and IM rotation Honors, I doubt Mass Gen or B&W takes a look, and your school ranking hurts you at UCSF (but, I think the community project helps you there too) and B&W. Make sure you get the research project moved forward, you will need a letter from your mentor, make sure it's good.

You shouldn't have problems getting interviews at any of the other places outside of Stanford and UCLA, both places surprise me sometimes, but I still think you get interviews there.

No interest in UW, Penn, WashU or Vandy?

 

[neopentanol]

nm

 

[EaglesPA]

Well, you are one year away from your applications but good thinking ahead - you might find as the year progresses that maybe you like some other specialty anyway, but if still going into IM,
Goals for this upcoming year should be:
- honoring as any clerkships as possible (and definitely Medicine)
- Impressing potential letter of recommendation writers
- your upcoming research project
- for beginning of 4th year, take and honor Medicine subI

If you do this, I think you will definietly match at one of the places on your list (and have a very good shot at one of the so-called Big4 as well).
I don't think taking step 2 will add anything given your 250/99 step 1. Infact I would probably take it after your application is submitted.

gl