Assistance needed.

[Einstein30]

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hi Guys, I have been invited for an IV at a program that specifically states on their website that they only offer interviews to applicants with first attempt on USMLE Exams. I had a second attempt on step 2ck, but impressive resume though.
Do you think I should offer that information during my interview?( if not asked). I am sure when the committee meet to discus my candidacy it will come up.

Any input will be very much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Smurfette]

1. It will likely be brought up by at least one interviewer, if not all of them. Expect someone to bring up the fact they have that policy, and that you are an exception (with associated question like "so why should we take you when everyone else passed on their first try?"). Don't appear shocked or unprepared to discuss the topic.
2. If the topic doesn't come up, it is probably in your best interest to not awkwardly bring it up and talk about it or point it out to them.
3. Have a concise, well thought out explanation for why they should not be worried this could happen to you again in the future with step 3 or your specialty boards.

Moving to ERAS forum.

 

[Einstein30]

sure. Thanks for your response Smurfette.

 

[organdonor]

As said above expect to be asked about it. Have an answer ready that doesn't ramble on and ideally brings up some positive from the situation ( "I learned where I needed to improve, I did _____ and then I scored very well"). Don't blame anyone else.

Do not bring up the subject. I assume your scores and your failure is on the transcript they have already. Therefore they have seen it and still deem you worthy of ranking.

You may also be asked a question along the lines of "tell me about a hardship in medical school" or "an area in which you improved" or something along those lines. Have answers prepared for those as well and especially decide whether or not to disclose your failure during those q's. that would probably depend on the strength of your response to the first question

 

[Einstein30]

thx

 

[HelpPleaseMD]

As said above expect to be asked about it. Have an answer ready that doesn't ramble on and ideally brings up some positive from the situation ( "I learned where I needed to improve, I did _____ and then I scored very well"). Don't blame anyone else.

Do not bring up the subject. I assume your scores and your failure is on the transcript they have already. Therefore they have seen it and still deem you worthy of ranking.

You may also be asked a question along the lines of "tell me about a hardship in medical school" or "an area in which you improved" or something along those lines. Have answers prepared for those as well and especially decide whether or not to disclose your failure during those q's. that would probably depend on the strength of your response to the first question

for sure. if they are asking if you had any hardships in medical school, they are asking for your redflags and asking it in a nice open ended non judgmental way.