I've posted about this over at the medical student forums but I thought I'd seek out your advice over here at the FM forums to get a better idea of where I stand. I'm a third year DO student, and I never took step. I didn't do that well on level 1 (scored between 500-505), I barely broke the 500. I'm at the bottom quarter of my class and my GPA, as mentioned in the title, is sub 3.0 (around 2.8). In addition to all this, there's the uncertainty of how the merger will affect those of us who never took step.
With that said:
1) What are my chances of matching into FM (no preference b/w AOA/ACGME)?
2) Any chances I can land somewhere in California?
Thanks!
1. High. Apply broadly, don't have a failure throughout the rest of the process. You got an OK Level 1 score (its not like you barely passed). Your rank doesn't help you, but the most important thing is that you show interest in the field and aren't doing just because of your scores. Be sure to know what aspects of FM you like and how/where you see yourself practicing in the future.
I'd apply primarily ACGME, because the vast majority of CA programs are ACGME accredited, and most other programs by then will likely be transitioning anyway.
I would be sure not to only apply to CA programs, but expand that search a bit. I'd also apply broadly. You'd want somewhere between 10-15 interviews. I'd lean towards the higher end of that range if you're worried or if many of them are in CA, since competition is a bit more.
Also, you've got at least 6 more months to bring up that GPA/rank, so I'd focus on doing the best I could on rotations.
2. Yes, there is a chance you could land in CA. There are about 40-50 ACGME FM programs in CA. They range from very competitive to almost brand new. If you really want to end up in CA, I'd apply to most of them (as well as some outside of CA as backup).
Having a connection to the area is pretty important. As a DO, you'll get more love from the less competitive programs, because CA in general is competitive and they get plenty of apps at every program. Look at some of the newer ones, the ones with more DOs and IMGs, etc., they'll be less competitive. Ones off the top of my head include Eisenhower, Marian, PIH, I think Northridge interviews some DOs, among others. I believe some of those programs go pretty far down their rank lists, which is not unusual.
I wouldn't have my heart set on CA, and especially not on a program in a big city in CA, but I think its a reasonable goal to try and get a program there, especially if you really want it. You might even consider applying to the handful of AOA programs, but they are variable, and the good ones are pretty selective, because as you can imagine, a ton of DOs apply to them.
...And i just dont see how you can land in cali.
No.
