Hello all,
Many apologies if this is the wrong place to post this.
I am a 4th US DO medical student that will be applying psych in the upcoming cycle.
Under extenuating circumstances, I have several red flags on my application (multiple class remediations, Comlex 1 level fail, second attempt sub 450, Comlex 2 sub 500 first attempt), and I am really trying to figure out what my best plan of action is for applying psych.
I am very passionate about the field, as I have overcome my own mental health road blocks and have received treatment for my recently diagnosed ADD. I am also painfully aware that I am not competitive whatsoever for the upcoming season.
Due to my low board scores, I have been virtually unable to be accepted to any audition rotation and I have had a lot of difficulty finding electives in general. I will have the letter requires due to 3rd year rotations and working with my school's chair on research.
I have several job experiences (psych related) as well as having contributed to 2 published articles, and 1 psych abstract so far. I plan on taking 1-2 psych research months to expand upon this aspect of my application, since I will most likely continue to struggle to find rotation experience (citing COVID and scores).
Regarding step 1, that is really a mixed bag for me. I'm very aware that I do not do well on standardized tests, and that every practice exam I have ever taken has over-predicted my score significantly. I also understand the importance of the exam for applications. Prior to receiving my Comlex 2 score, I had scheduled Step 1 for end of September, but now believe I should postpone (at the very least) if I decide to take it at all.
I have also read posts here regarding applying to a transition year or something, but the research I have done on that shows very limited PGY2 spots for psych. I could be very incorrect on this, so please correct me if I am.
If anyone has been in a situation similar to this, taken time off, or has been accepted etc, please reach out. If you did not take step 1, or can recommend specific programs, that would awesome, as well.
I understand that I have a lot going against me, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Many apologies if this is the wrong place to post this.
I am a 4th US DO medical student that will be applying psych in the upcoming cycle.
Under extenuating circumstances, I have several red flags on my application (multiple class remediations, Comlex 1 level fail, second attempt sub 450, Comlex 2 sub 500 first attempt), and I am really trying to figure out what my best plan of action is for applying psych.
I am very passionate about the field, as I have overcome my own mental health road blocks and have received treatment for my recently diagnosed ADD. I am also painfully aware that I am not competitive whatsoever for the upcoming season.
Due to my low board scores, I have been virtually unable to be accepted to any audition rotation and I have had a lot of difficulty finding electives in general. I will have the letter requires due to 3rd year rotations and working with my school's chair on research.
I have several job experiences (psych related) as well as having contributed to 2 published articles, and 1 psych abstract so far. I plan on taking 1-2 psych research months to expand upon this aspect of my application, since I will most likely continue to struggle to find rotation experience (citing COVID and scores).
Regarding step 1, that is really a mixed bag for me. I'm very aware that I do not do well on standardized tests, and that every practice exam I have ever taken has over-predicted my score significantly. I also understand the importance of the exam for applications. Prior to receiving my Comlex 2 score, I had scheduled Step 1 for end of September, but now believe I should postpone (at the very least) if I decide to take it at all.
I have also read posts here regarding applying to a transition year or something, but the research I have done on that shows very limited PGY2 spots for psych. I could be very incorrect on this, so please correct me if I am.
If anyone has been in a situation similar to this, taken time off, or has been accepted etc, please reach out. If you did not take step 1, or can recommend specific programs, that would awesome, as well.
I understand that I have a lot going against me, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you