Average Student to Top Program

[glenoid fossa]

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This isn't meant to be a self-depricating post or a plea for reassurance about my qualifications, but I would like to get some honest opinions. I am truly a very average student at best (middle of class, below average Step1 score, average Step 2, often scored poorly on shelf exams but got "pass" on all 3rd year rotations, commonly felt like most of my classmates knew more than me) who has managed to get some interviews at a few places that many consider "top programs." I have some interesting stuff on my application, and I wrote a very good personal statement that I honestly think got me several interviews that I was otherwise unqualified for.

Obviously you never know how the match will turn out, but I think I have a good shot at matching at one of these very reputable places based on what I have been told. I really liked the program, but I am a little worried about being out of my league. I don't want to feel insecure or out of place if the rest of the residents in my program are all much stronger than me, and I don't want to be overwelmed all the time because lectures and assigned readings are over my head. However, I want to go to the best place I can if it means better training so that I can become a good physician. Would I be better off at a middle tier program where the residents are at a more comparable academic caliber as myself or should I shoot for the top?

 

[Salt Creep]

They wouldn't have interviewed you if they didn't think you could hack it.

You should rank more highly the program you'd rather be at. If you think you'll get better training at the "top program" then go for it. You don't want to look back and wonder what might have been.

 

[UMMS FMD]

If (as you say) you're an average student who got an interview at a 5-star program, I have to imagine you're not the only one in this situation. Besides that, in any program there will always be people you perceive to be more intelligent than you and some you feel are less intelligent - even at a top program. Besides, you landed the interview - they're obviously interested in you and think you'd be a good fit.

Don't sell yourself short - shoot for the top. 👍

 

[jennyboo]

The thing you have to realize is that average students get top residency interviews (and jobs) all the time.

From what I've seen of our program and from what I've eavesdropped from discussions by our various surgical programs in the OR, residency programs hire new residents with a lot of trepidation. There is no program that hasn't gotten burned at least once by hiring a resident who looked great on paper and turned out to be a loser (no sense, lazy, leaves the hospital without telling anyone, etc) once they started working. They need someone they can work pleasantly with far more than they need good grades, test scores or research publications. You don't have to be super-smart, you just have to be decent to work with.

 

[anestheticman]

I'm pretty average and got a few top interviews too.

Most of which are below number 10 on my rank list.

Who cares?