Anyone out there without stellar grades/step 1 still match?

[nope80]

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Anyone know of people that have matched into derm without top step 1 or honors grades? I wonder because for those of us that are really passionate about dermatology (and derm research) but aren't top of the class gunners, is there hope? Would doing research after med school in derm help or is it not enough if you don't have the numbers to begin with? Any stories or input?

 

[asmallchild]

Anyone know of people that have matched into derm without top step 1 or honors grades? I wonder because for those of us that are really passionate about dermatology (and derm research) but aren't top of the class gunners, is there hope? Would doing research after med school in derm help or is it not enough if you don't have the numbers to begin with? Any stories or input?

I had an excellent Step 1 and +research experience but not the stellar grades you typically hear about among derm applicants. It can be done, I've always felt that connections are the most important thing in a small field like dermatology. Having someone "bat for you" is key.

 

[Urticaria]

Anyone know of people that have matched into derm without top step 1 or honors grades? I wonder because for those of us that are really passionate about dermatology (and derm research) but aren't top of the class gunners, is there hope? Would doing research after med school in derm help or is it not enough if you don't have the numbers to begin with? Any stories or input?

I have a good friend who got in the range of 225-235 step 1 score and average-to-good grades that matched. No advanced degree, no time off, some research during school. It can be done. 🙂

 

[N-Surge]

201

 

[Siamese]

Did you get a 201 on Step 1, and match in Derm?

 

[opencomedo]

N-Surge is smart, and has a PhD, and tons of pubs (If I remember correctly)

 

[Cheebs09]

My grades weren't great but I compensated with high Step 1, research, pubs.

Asmallchild mentioned and I've heard that it's helpful to have someone "go to bat" for you. But don't concern yourself if you're not BFF's with your department head, or if you don't have a derm text author making calls on your behalf.

Strong derm LORs are very important, but in the end it didn't hurt me that I didn't have a "big name" associated with my application, or even someone making calls on my behalf. I raise this point because at one point during interviews I was worried that I was "missing" this - it was not a problem.