Barely passed the USMLE...options?

[Lonnie]

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I took Step 1 for the first time, and passed it, but just barely at a 190. I know this isn't the best, but I PASSED, and I'm so sick and effing tired of studying for this crap that the thought of doing it again makes me want to gouge my eyes out with a spork.

Do I need to take this **** again? It's below average, I know, but it seems to me like it's similar to the whole SAT/MCAT thing with standardized tests. A low score alone doesn't define the student....and I'm assuming that a low step 1 score doesn't define the med student.

Can you make up for a low score with bang up 3rd/4th year grades, research, etc? I don't care about going to a "top" residency or a "name", I have no interest in academic medicine or teaching. But it would be frustrating to have no chance at some specialties (i.e. ortho or anesthesia) simply because of this test, when other areas might be strong. My ex-girlfriend barely passed the boards and is getting all kinds of interviews and attention in dermatology, because she has great 3rd/4th year grades (and great boobs)...so obviously there's a chance. Any thoughts?

 

[Gimlet]

I took Step 1 for the first time, and passed it, but just barely at a 190. I know this isn't the best, but I PASSED, and I'm so sick and effing tired of studying for this crap that the thought of doing it again makes me want to gouge my eyes out with a spork.

Do I need to take this **** again? It's below average, I know, but it seems to me like it's similar to the whole SAT/MCAT thing with standardized tests. A low score alone doesn't define the student....and I'm assuming that a low step 1 score doesn't define the med student.

Can you make up for a low score with bang up 3rd/4th year grades, research, etc? I don't care about going to a "top" residency or a "name", I have no interest in academic medicine or teaching. But it would be frustrating to have no chance at some specialties (i.e. ortho or anesthesia) simply because of this test, when other areas might be strong. My ex-girlfriend barely passed the boards and is getting all kinds of interviews and attention in dermatology, because she has great 3rd/4th year grades (and great boobs)...so obviously there's a chance. Any thoughts?

As far as I know, you CAN'T retake the boards if you pass them and aren't satisfied with your score. You are only allowed a re-take if you FAIL Step 1. Just rock 3rd and 4th year and make the best of your situation.

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

The above poster is correct. You are NOT allowed to take Step 1 over again if you passed. Your options at this point:

1) Try to get as many H's as possible 3rd year.
2) Study like a mad-man for Step II and try to get 230+
2) Strategize in terms of where you do your electives.
3) Get involved in research asap. (can only help)
4) Get a boob job and apply for derm. That's all it takes, right?

G'luck bro.

 

[Lonnie]

Don't deny that boobs help. Refer to: South Park, ep. 610 "BeBe's Boobs Destroy Society".

 

[Gut Shot]

One of my friends faced a similar problem. She worked her ass to the bone 3rd year, racked up a bunch of H's, studied like all Hell for Step 2 and her score went up 46 points. Yes, that's right, 46 points. She landed a kickass match in a moderately competitive specialty.

So it's not hopeless, but if you want to claw your way up it's going to take a ton of work.