Applying with "red flags" - any advice?

[moonlightmedicine]

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Hey all! I'm a USMG applying with a retake on Step 2 CK. Unfortunately I'm currently prepping for my retake which will be scored in December. Overall, I think have a fair application otherwise with a strong commitment to psychiatry. I've done psych research throughout med school + my letters and personal statement reinforce this. I applied to 40+ programs and I've heard back from <5. I'm wondering if sending emails is a good strategy here. Or if the red flags will have already done their damage... I have a couple interviews so far - so I'm hopeful that I might be an applicant that programs consider for interview later in the cycle (i.e wishful thinking!). Just wondering if anyone has any experience with this or if any of the application cycle veterans have any advice. Thanks!!

 

[nexus73]

What kind of red flags, besides failing step 2ck?

 

[moonlightmedicine]

What kind of red flags, besides failing step 2ck?

Oops. I also took a year extension (did research and worked in between) which I have seen can be a plus/minus for some programs...

 

[TexasPhysician]

Did you release your failed ck to schools or is it still hidden from them?

 

[moonlightmedicine]

Did you release your failed ck to schools or is it still hidden from them?

I've released it. I figure full disclosure is the best policy here.

 

[nexus73]

I'm not in academics but what you describe doesn't seem that bad, as long as you past the test. Did you submit your app late?

 

[moonlightmedicine]

I'm not in academics but what you describe doesn't seem that bad, as long as you past the test. Did you submit your app late?

Ok, thanks for your input! I applied when ERAS opened. I'm just unsure about the timing of the test re-take. I've heard from a couple residents that there are tons more applicants across the board this application cycle. My concern is whether programs are less inclined to offer interviews while waiting on board scores from applicants, rather than get all the invites out of the way early in the season.

 

[psychEpath]

Sorry you and I are in the same boat. I had a step 1 repeat, applied last year to 30, mostly CA programs. 9 interviews (8 in CA, 1 oos), no match. Reapplied this year to many more programs (>50), I have 10 interviews so far with many more applications out there. I just found out I passed step 3 today, I think that will help.

Advice...honestly...is to apply to a lot more programs now!!! I had about 5 interviews this time last year. Good luck. Remember this is just my experience (n=1).

 

[moonlightmedicine]

Sorry you and I are in the same boat. I had a step 1 repeat, applied last year to 30, mostly CA programs. 9 interviews (8 in CA, 1 oos), no match. Reapplied this year to many more programs (>50), I have 10 interviews so far with many more applications out there. I just found out I passed step 3 today, I think that will help.

Advice...honestly...is to apply to a lot more programs now!!! I had about 5 interviews this time last year. Good luck. Remember this is just my experience (n=1).

Thank you for the advice! Congratulations on passing Step 3!

 

[pitupua]

Anyone else has any advice on this?
I'm in a similar position to OP and I don't know whether to email programs informing them I'll be re-taking soon or just let it be... ?

 

[666357]

Apply to some family medicine programs as a back up...

 

[BXPSYCHMD]

Hey all! I'm a USMG applying with a retake on Step 2 CK. Unfortunately I'm currently prepping for my retake which will be scored in December. Overall, I think have a fair application otherwise with a strong commitment to psychiatry. I've done psych research throughout med school + my letters and personal statement reinforce this. I applied to 40+ programs and I've heard back from <5. I'm wondering if sending emails is a good strategy here. Or if the red flags will have already done their damage... I have a couple interviews so far - so I'm hopeful that I might be an applicant that programs consider for interview later in the cycle (i.e wishful thinking!). Just wondering if anyone has any experience with this or if any of the application cycle veterans have any advice. Thanks!!

I feel your pain. I had to re-take Step 2 last year and didn't receive my score until January. I do not think that it would hurt you to call programs and let them know of your situation (especially your home school, that is if you didn't get an invite from them yet). Best wishes!