Advice needed please - 205 on step 1, match in NE US?

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The issue is that you both have a low score AND are limiting yourself geographically. Charting the Outcomes says you would have had about a 90% chance of matching peds somewhere in 2016 with that 205, but that isn't what you are asking.

While I have no idea what your odds are of matching east coast peds, I'd certainly apply broadly (like I'm sure your 2016 205 cohort did) to maximize your chances of getting a job somewhere.

Peds isn't "below average" anymore. The average applicant matching peds had the national average Step 1 score. Shoot, even the average person who didn't match peds had a higher step 1 score than 205.

You might want to consider less competitive specialties like FM or psych as a backup.
 
I think you'll be fine, I don't know why people are acting like you should have doubt or apply to a backup...Seriously, a backup for peds for a USMD who passed step 1 the first time? This is SDN neuroticism at its finest. At your step range 96% matched peds last year. Ok, so you want to limit your region, but the NE has a broad range of programs and they aren't all competitive. If you said you only wanted to be in a specific city like Boston, or only wanted Cali, then I'd probably recommend you apply outside of your region.

Just focus on your peds app. Apply broadly within the NE...don't expect to stay at a top 20 school, unless it's your own program and they love you after rotating there. Don't look at a program full of IMGs and DOs and be too proud to apply there. Take step 2 early. Do your best, but realize the most important thing is that you pass it, don't think you won't match peds because you make a below average step 2. The main reason you're taking it early is so that programs think you can pass your boards, which they may be worried about with your step 1. Do a sub-I early and get strong LORs. Don't just rely on your m3 rotations for letters. Finally, don't be a weirdo on interviews.
 
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I feel you bro. The agony that test hath borne upon me. My daily grief and sorrow cannot be eradicated despite my best intentions. I hope someday to be freed of my Step 1 score, and that it just becomes a bad dream of the past.

-I.P. Daily
 
I feel like people forget that scoring below average on Step 1 is not the same as scoring below average on the MCAT. You passed on your first try, you didn't fail any pre-clinical courses, and you go to a school with name recognition -- you're going to easily match as long as you don't try to have sex with hospital staff during your interview.
 
Apply broadly and you'll match somewhere. Don't applu to a backup specialty lol
 
Based on step score alone she falls within the 201-210 category, which gives here a 96% chance of matching peds. Literally less than 50 people out of about 1,700 didn't match peds this past cycle. Peds is seriously non-competitive. Plus the fact she goes to a "top 20" med school most certainly will help her case.
 
failedatlife said:
I feel you bro. The agony that test hath borne upon me. My daily grief and sorrow cannot be eradicated despite my best intentions. I hope someday to be freed of my Step 1 score, and that it just becomes a bad dream of the past.

-I.P. Daily
Click to expand...

Till death do us part, could be applied to your step 1 score just as well as your marriage. You get a guaranteed divorce after your done with residency/fellowship in this case though.
 
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