Can I be a competitive applicant?

[pmandrhopeful]

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Hi All,
I hope this isn't too redundant! My Step I score was 216/91, not nearly as high as I was hoping for since I needed to make up for the fact that I had to repeat one of my medical basic science courses (booo).
That said, PM&R is absolutely what I want to do! I have done a lot of research throughout medical school, including PM&R and neurology (with a poster and a couple of publications in the works). I have also shadowed extensively in PM&R. I am hard pressed to think of a field that is a better fit for me. I love the idea of being able to improve my patients quality of life significantly. I also really appreciate how research driven the field is and the variety it offers. There has not been another area of medicine yet that has made me feel so welcome and comfortable when I am shadowing. I cannot imagine any rotation this year changing my mind.
I would love to be competitive at a top program. I know that clinically I have what it takes to be competitive, but I am worried my basic science grades and Step I don't entirely reflect that and might ruin my chances.
I greatly appreciate any advice/help/opinions and please be honest!

 

[PMR 4 MSK]

Hi All,
I hope this isn't too redundant! My Step I score was 216/91, not nearly as high as I was hoping for since I needed to make up for the fact that I had to repeat one of my medical basic science courses (booo).
That said, PM&R is absolutely what I want to do! I have done a lot of research throughout medical school, including PM&R and neurology (with a poster and a couple of publications in the works). I have also shadowed extensively in PM&R. I am hard pressed to think of a field that is a better fit for me. I love the idea of being able to improve my patients quality of life significantly. I also really appreciate how research driven the field is and the variety it offers. There has not been another area of medicine yet that has made me feel so welcome and comfortable when I am shadowing. I cannot imagine any rotation this year changing my mind.
I would love to be competitive at a top program. I know that clinically I have what it takes to be competitive, but I am worried my basic science grades and Step I don't entirely reflect that and might ruin my chances.
I greatly appreciate any advice/help/opinions and please be honest!

You'll be fine. PM&R concentrates more on the individual than your numbers. If you are that driven and it shows in applications and interviews, you'll do well.

 

[pmandrhopeful]

Thank you!! 🙂