applying as an osteopathic student

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I'm an MS3 who did not take the USMLE but scored low 600s on COMLEX step 1. I'm looking at trying to match an ACGME residency while my SO couples matches family. I'm just wondering if I have decent odds at an Allopathic match without having taken the USMLE with my step 1 scores; I'm not looking for a top 10 program, just a solid neuro residency somewhere in the northeast.

I realize that this is sort of a watered down "what are my chances" thread but I have a hard time finding info on osteopathic students matching into ACGME programs.

Thanks in advance.

 

[seap3]

I'll let you know in March...lol. I also didn't take the USMLE, and I only applied to ACGME Neuro programs. I'm not sure about the Northeast, but I think it's a pretty competitive area compared to where I applied. On the interview trail I heard many other applicants saying they wanted the Northeast. Couples matching might make it more difficult.

I think it's possible, but I'd also be open to other areas of the country too.

 

[arewethereyet...]

I'll let you know in March...lol. I also didn't take the USMLE, and I only applied to ACGME Neuro programs. I'm not sure about the Northeast, but I think it's a pretty competitive area compared to where I applied. On the interview trail I heard many other applicants saying they wanted the Northeast. Couples matching might make it more difficult.

I think it's possible, but I'd also be open to other areas of the country too.

Any luck with the match? I cancelled my usmle last week and now I'm freaking out that it was the wrong choice, would love to know if you have any advice!

 

[NeuroDO3536]

Any luck with the match? I cancelled my usmle last week and now I'm freaking out that it was the wrong choice, would love to know if you have any advice!

I definitely recommend taking both Step 1 and 2 USMLE.

 

[postbacpremed87]

I definitely recommend taking both Step 1 and 2 USMLE.

I agree. Even if OP can get into the 220s it would go a long way and open a lot of doors.

 

[KH8819]

Obviously the best option is to have usmle. I totally get that but if we are heading into the match this year with strong comlex scores is that not going to be enough to match? Most programs I have looked at say that they accept comlex...at least most of the middle of road programs! And would there be any benefit in taking step 2 without having step 1 scores?

 

[NeuroDO3536]

Obviously the best option is to have usmle. I totally get that but if we are heading into the match this year with strong comlex scores is that not going to be enough to match? Most programs I have looked at say that they accept comlex...at least most of the middle of road programs! And would there be any benefit in taking step 2 without having step 1 scores?

I don't know anyone who took USMLE Step 2 but not Step 1, so I'm not sure about that. Just from interviewing this past year I know of several DO residents at very good programs who did not take the USMLE. As long as you aren't set on going to a specific program and have no red flags, I think you can definitely count on matching with just COMLEX scores.

That being said, even if a program "accepts" COMLEX scores, that doesn't mean that they compare them favorably to USMLE scores. The majority of people applying have that one important piece of information on their applications, so that's something that they can't use to compare you to the rest. Even if they have no problem with DOs they just can't compare you to MD applicants on the same scale like they could if you had USMLE scores.

I would recommend applying broadly. It isn't much extra money in the end, it increases your chances, and you'll probably end up with more interview offers than you anticipated.

 

[postbacpremed87]

I don't know anyone who took USMLE Step 2 but not Step 1, so I'm not sure about that. Just from interviewing this past year I know of several DO residents at very good programs who did not take the USMLE. As long as you aren't set on going to a specific program and have no red flags, I think you can definitely count on matching with just COMLEX scores.

That being said, even if a program "accepts" COMLEX scores, that doesn't mean that they compare them favorably to USMLE scores. The majority of people applying have that one important piece of information on their applications, so that's something that they can't use to compare you to the rest. Even if they have no problem with DOs they just can't compare you to MD applicants on the same scale like they could if you had USMLE scores.

I would recommend applying broadly. It isn't much extra money in the end, it increases your chances, and you'll probably end up with more interview offers than you anticipated.

I know the USMLE is recommended to maximize your chances. How many of your classmates had research? I really do not want to do research. I don't mind being a general neurologist in a town of 100k.

 

[67552931811]

I know the USMLE is recommended to maximize your chances. How many of your classmates had research? I really do not want to do research. I don't mind being a general neurologist in a town of 100k.

+1. Neuro is high on my list of possible fields but, ironically, I absolutely despise bench research.

 

[postbacpremed87]

+1. Neuro is high on my list of possible fields but, ironically, I absolutely despise bench research.

I love the neuro exam because of its interactive nature. I'll let some big wig come up with new diagnostic criteria/treatments and I will execute their findings as a great clinician.

 

[Postictal Raiden]

I was under the impression that in private practice, research is not common. Therefore, unless you are planning on having a career in academia, I can't see why one would need to do research.

 

[NeuroDO3536]

+1. Neuro is high on my list of possible fields but, ironically, I absolutely despise bench research.

Research is not necessary, but I think most people have at least a couple of projects to list even if there hasn't been a publication. I listed several, but no publications. Bench research is definitely not required.

 

[67552931811]

Research is not necessary, but I think most people have at least a couple of projects to list even if there hasn't been a publication. I listed several, but no publications. Bench research is definitely not required.

Right on. Thank you for the reply-- appreciate it.

 

[67552931811]

I was under the impression that in private practice, research is not common. Therefore, unless you are planning on having a career in academia, I can't see why one would need to do research.

O, I got you. I can't speak for @postbacpremed87 , but I was more or less just talking about being competitive for residency (as I believe neuro is, on average, one of the higher research centric fields). But, @NeuroDO3536 was nice enough to give some input, so that was nice of him/her.

 

[postbacpremed87]

O, I got you. I can't speak for @postbacpremed87 , but I was more or less just talking about being competitive for residency (as I believe neuro is, on average, one of the higher research centric fields). But, @NeuroDO3536 was nice enough to give some input, so that was nice of him/her.

Same.