Can one match or interview w/o step one

[jdig]

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Hello all 🙂
I am a carribean grad, have passed CK and CS, but have failed step one.. ugh.
Long story short, I plan to sit step one in December and hopefully will get scores back in time..
But my real question is: Do I even need to realistically apply anywhere, would anyone even interview me, (family med) with only CK and CS?
The only reason i ask is as I read the NBME's 2007 numbers, there were instances where folks had matched with step one scores under 180, (ie failures) one can only assume they passed eventually prior to starting residency. At the very least one must assume they interviewed and actually matched, as its there in black and white.
Any help is GREATLY appreciated!!

 

[Top Gun]

Sorry, but I'm afraid not. Because you come from a Caribbean school, the residency programs can't compare your grades to those of students from US schools, since the Caribbean school is not a known quantity. You've got to at least have Step 1. That's the way that residency programs compare us to US students. Also, I'm pretty sure every program will require at least a passing score on Step 1 before they will even consider interviewing you. I would suggest you go back and take at least Step 1, and then reapply.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I agree with Top Gun that it highly unlikely you will be successful in the match without passing Step 1. All applicants, with the exception of some programs that will take the COMLEX in place of the USMLE, should have Step 1 as this is the measure of comparison. Not everyone has taken Step 2, the education and reputation of the applicant's medical school differ, so Step 1 serves as the only measure which everyone has.

NRMP data which show people with less than a 180 matching may reflect people who subsequently took it and passed, DOs who did not pass but matched at programs who accepted their COMLEX scores in lieu of the USMLE, or independent applicants who were not DOs but took Step 1 when 180 was a passing score.

While I'd never say never, the chances of you being "that guy" that a program is willing to interview without a Step 1 score is pretty slim, IMHO.

Depending in the field you are contemplating, they may be positions open outside the match - before or after - which may mean you wouldn't have to sit out a year.

 

[jdig]

thanks you guys for your quick response. i think your opinions are accurate, and i am going to knock out step one so my file is complete before applying. thanks!

 

[mlw03]

i'm a little confused about how you took CK and CS w/o passing step 1? i thought that was an NBME requirement to sit for Step 2. in any case, i agree that you have you a better shot outside the match than in it. maybe wait until after match day and try to find a program that didn't fill even after the scramble. by that point you should have your step 1 passed, and you would then have a shot at a program who doesn't want to screw their other PGY-1s by having a smaller than usual class.

 

[jdig]

good point, and appreciated.
fyi: nbme has no rules as to the order of your testing for step one, step 2ck, and step 2 cs. in fact, i took cs first. it was a breeze but i am very personable, albeit somewhat dyslexic!