board scores and residency applications

[nancysinatra]

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So, I hate to post about this dreadful subject, but I looked and couldn’t find another thread that really answered my question.

Anyway, if someone gets a horrible Step 1 score (and I mean horrible, way below the mean), but they had extenuating circumstances around the time they took the exam--an exacerbation of a bad illness, say--what happens when they are applying for residency (specifically in psychiatry)? If other parts of their application are strong, will some programs still screen them out for sure? Is there any recourse after that? I assume there’s no graceful, dignified way to explain that something happened that was outside the applicant’s control at the time of the test? Does anyone know anything about this? If so, I'm very curious. Thanks!

 

[OldPsychDoc]

So, I hate to post about this dreadful subject, but I looked and couldn’t find another thread that really answered my question.

Anyway, if someone gets a horrible Step 1 score (and I mean horrible, way below the mean), but they had extenuating circumstances around the time they took the exam--an exacerbation of a bad illness, say--what happens when they are applying for residency (specifically in psychiatry)? If other parts of their application are strong, will some programs still screen them out for sure? Is there any recourse after that? I assume there’s no graceful, dignified way to explain that something happened that was outside the applicant’s control at the time of the test? Does anyone know anything about this? If so, I'm very curious. Thanks!

The recourse is to show a decent passing score on the retake.

 

[RaistlinMajere]

The recourse is to show a decent passing score on the retake.

I didn't think you could retake step 1 if you passed it. OPD, do you mean improve on step 2?

 

[nancysinatra]

That's right--we can't retake Step 1 if we passed it. The score is set in stone. I plan to take Step 2 somewhat early, and hopefully will do better with that one, but if I'm correct, even a decent Step 2 score can't always make up for a bad Step 1 score, at least at some programs?

 

[RaistlinMajere]

That's right--we can't retake Step 1 if we passed it. The score is set in stone. I plan to take Step 2 somewhat early, and hopefully will do better with that one, but if I'm correct, even a decent Step 2 score can't always make up for a bad Step 1 score, at least at some programs?

I'm by no means an expert as an MSIII, but my understanding is that for the "top" programs you need to have few deficiencies in your application (e.g, step 1 scores, 3rd year grades, good interpersonal skills, etc). That said step 1 score is but one feature of your application. If you are strong in other areas and do well on step 2, I would think it's possible, albeit still unlikely to math at a top program. There is always hope.

 

[OldPsychDoc]

OK my bad--being at a "mid range" program, "Just pass" still carries some weight here. So therefore, I assumed that if you were complaining about the score, you must have failed!

I've seen a couple of schools actually address this for students in the Dean's letter--e.g. "Student's USMLE score was somewhat lower than expected given their high grades/sparkling personality/outstanding rotation comments/etc., but it should be acknowledged that they endured the extenuating circumstances of _______". Some applicants feel compelled to explain it in the personal statement, and it usually just ends up sounding defensive, but OTOH, it at least shows that you're willing to have us ask about it.

Just apply--as an AMG you'll get more than enough interviews. I guarantee it.

 

[nancysinatra]

There is always hope.

Do you think so?

OK my bad--being at a "mid range" program, "Just pass" still carries some weight here. So therefore, I assumed that if you were complaining about the score, you must have failed!

OldPsychDoc--I can't tell you how nice it is to hear the words "Being at a 'mid range' program." Said like only a person from a certain state could say it! In the part of the country where I go to school, everything is always "top," or "best," or "center of the universe"--otherwise, it's like it doesn't count! ;-) (I have learned here, for sure though, why Americans fall so hard for advertising. If you tell people something is "the best" they will believe it! But how do they KNOW??) My entire third year class is panicking about whether they'll match next year at the "top" places on the coasts. Sometimes I want to apply in, oh, I don't know--South Dakota? Saskatchewan?--just to annoy everyone here and bring some shame upon their fancy match list. They would remember me then. Oh well. I really do want to match at a nice place. Yes, I passed Step 1 but failing would have been better because then I could potentially have improved my score from being the third or fourth worst in the world to something more mid range.

I don't think I'll ask the dean to explain my score. It's FINE with me if programs ask. However, is it showing a lack of pride and professionalism on my part to briefly explain what happened if they DO ask, rather than letting the events speak for themselves?

 

[RaistlinMajere]

However, is it showing a lack of pride and professionalism on my part to briefly explain what happened if they DO ask, rather than letting the events speak for themselves?

I think if you have a good reason for why things went poorly then go for it. I mean anyone can have a bad test. It's kinda like basketball. I remember one game when Michael Jordan scored only 7 points because he had the flu. Just do not over explain it. I would keep it to 2-3 sentences. If you write too much it will sound defensive. Good luck.

 

[sikegeek]

I wouldn't even bring it up. They'll bring it up if it's important. My board scores are rotten and it wasn't mentioned by anyone. I got interviews at every place I applied. At least one was a big name place. Albeit, I didn't get the interview before dean's letters came out when I know that some did. I canceled it anyway.
It seems like talking about it in the PS would draw attention to it when it may not be a huge factor for that program if they like other things about you. Just have confidence that you have things to offer that can't be reflected in such scores.
I think if there is screening with psych programs, it's for USMG vs FMG and board score failures.

Seriously, don't dwell on it 🙂 The interviews will roll in 😉

 

[Heathcliff]

I had to take Step 1 three times before I passed it with a 186.

I took Step 2 CK early, failed it, and then submitted my ERAS application for residency. I applied to seven programs, but only one offered me an interview.

Passed Step 2 CS on the first attempt.

Retook Step 2 CK on February 28th.

Matched in Psychiatry on Monday (got my #1 choice, obviously 😉). Received my Step 2 CK score two days later. This time I passed it, with a 185.

Yes, NancySinatra, there is always hope.

 

[masterofnone]

congrats on matching heathcliff- I am sure you are relieved!

Nancysinatra- I concur w/heathcliff. I too 3-peated step 1. During 3rd and 4th year I refocused, made all A's, and smoked step 2. I was still paranoid about my competitiveness and applied to 12 programs and promptly got 12 offers to interview. I declined 6 interiviews and, after the interview season, was contacted by 5 of the 6 PDs or Chiefs saying I'd be ranked to match 🙂.

I was asked by about 50% of the interviewers some question about my failures but most questions were benign - "what did you change that allowed you to perform so much better on step 2?" or "that was an impressive recovery. what helped you stay focused."

big picture- you'll be fine!