I have a 245 step 1 and 255 step 2. Are these good enough for derm? Help!
Can I match dermatology?
- Thread starter introp445
- Start date
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2014
- Messages
- 63,099
- Reaction score
- 154,754
I have 8 papers with 3 as first author. I’m 2nd-4th on the others.
For my clerkships I got 5/8 honors, 2 HP, 1 P
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2018
- Messages
- 1,210
- Reaction score
- 1,749
Any connections with dermatology attendings? Who are writing your letters of rec?
It depends, how are your letters, you have any well-known mentors, aways scheduled to audtion, AOA, research, school tier, etc.....so many variables. Applications are looked at holistically, that is of course you have at least a step 1/2 score that's above some cutoffs.
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2006
- Messages
- 10,709
- Reaction score
- 15,519
You've asked this exact same question before: Just got my step score. 244. Can I match into the more competitive specialties (optho, ortho, ent, derm)?
Per your post history, you're at Jefferson.
The answer this time will be the same as last time. Those scores are fine for derm. Now you need a well rounded application with research and support from your local Derm dept. There's no guarantee you'll get a derm spot, but if you don't it won't be your scores that were the issue.
Per your post history, you're at Jefferson.
The answer this time will be the same as last time. Those scores are fine for derm. Now you need a well rounded application with research and support from your local Derm dept. There's no guarantee you'll get a derm spot, but if you don't it won't be your scores that were the issue.
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2009
- Messages
- 3,402
- Reaction score
- 3,338
It sounds like you are in good shape. A 245 Step I should get you past all of the program cut offs I know of. Your research portfolio sounds like it's in good shape as long as they're not all published in throw away journals.
Clerkship grades are good (although the part I personally put the least amount of weight on as long as there are not red flags).
So yeah, the last piece is your letters. Go for the biggest names you can find who can also write you a good letter promoting your strengths. It's tough to do so during Covid, but see if you can make any connections through Philly Derm/Grand rounds. I'm not sure if it goes on through the summer or not, so that may be another wrench in the gears.
AOA will help but not necessary by any means. I wasn't AOA and still got 16 or so interview invites.
How did your interview process go for med school (meaning your interview skills)? If you suspect anything less than optimal, make sure you hone your interview skills before the season starts (I believe interview skills was my problem that I left unaddressed).
Also for anyone else reading this in the future, there is a thread on the Derm forum for this sort of thing.
Clerkship grades are good (although the part I personally put the least amount of weight on as long as there are not red flags).
So yeah, the last piece is your letters. Go for the biggest names you can find who can also write you a good letter promoting your strengths. It's tough to do so during Covid, but see if you can make any connections through Philly Derm/Grand rounds. I'm not sure if it goes on through the summer or not, so that may be another wrench in the gears.
AOA will help but not necessary by any means. I wasn't AOA and still got 16 or so interview invites.
How did your interview process go for med school (meaning your interview skills)? If you suspect anything less than optimal, make sure you hone your interview skills before the season starts (I believe interview skills was my problem that I left unaddressed).
Also for anyone else reading this in the future, there is a thread on the Derm forum for this sort of thing.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2008
- Messages
- 41,135
- Reaction score
- 25,219
Yes, you *can* match. Doesn't mean that you will. Depends on your connections, and to a certain extent probably dumb luck. Anyone applying to derm is taking a risk.
Similar threads
