Bad call?

[ajtrau]

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So I got pretty deep into my Step 2 CK prep in July before realizing that maybe I would be better off waiting to take it until after ERAS season. I got a 236 (99) on step 1, which I know is good, but I wasn't convinced it could stand alone. So, I took step 2 and got a 233 (82). Is that bad?? I'm afraid I detracted from my step 1 score, but I don't really know how the two scores compare.

In reality, what's done is done so I guess it doesn't really matter if it was a bad call or not. BUT, (and here is the second issue) I have no idea which EM programs I am competitive for and which I am not and if that score is a big negative it may change where I apply. Other info besides those scores is that I'm a D.O. but applying only allopathic.

Also, anyone have any insight on how to choose programs? Right now I'm going on location, if the program has any current or past D.O.'s, and anything I can glean from the program's website about how much trauma/high acuity they see and how many patient visits per year. Any other factors I'm missing?

Sorry for the 500 questions in this post...I just feel very lost right now. Considering applying to all 159 programs haha 😛

 

[zinjanthropus]

your scores are fine

 

[StevieStud]

Also, anyone have any insight on how to choose programs? Right now I'm going on location, if the program has any current or past D.O.'s, and anything I can glean from the program's website about how much trauma/high acuity they see and how many patient visits per year. Any other factors I'm missing?

You do realize that Granny with sepsis is the same whether she lives in the big city or out in the burbs? Tractor Roll-over pretty much looks just like SUV roll-over and the treatment plan will be the same?

Oh, and the patients visits per year is meaningless... the real number to be concerned with is the # of patients per resident per year. Once you factor in class size the patient to resident number will be approximately the same across most programs because of the various academic and working hour requirments.

In other words you are going to see approximately the same number of X patients in big city as small town. Yes, you may have less of a chance to see a galloping zebra in the small town (simply a factor of population) but you might be more involved in the care and feeding of the zebra versus the big town with 300 fellows eager to snag a zebra to meet their publication requirements.

So pick locations that you may like and may be willing to accept you.

 

[chasingdaylight]

It's tough as a DO applying to allopathic programs and pretty unpredictable. You are wise to look at a program's past record and see if they have a history of taking any DO students or if they have any DO's on staff.

Your scores are in the B+ range for EM imho, and you will likely match into an allopathic program. I would apply broadly.

 

[trackrunner321]

You are more than fine. I am was an MD grad that did poorly on my Steps. As in less than 220 on Step 1 and less than 230 on Step 2. I was ranked in the top 25% of my class and did well on my EM rotations. I ended up getting interviews at almost every program I applied (such as Denver, Carolinas, Pitt, Duke, Christ, etc.). I ended up matching at one of the "competitive" programs which was my #1 choice. I only use this as another example that STEP scores are not everything. Focus on what you can do from here on out. Your EM rotations and SLORs are extremely important and will compensate for another weak part of your app.