Chance of Matching?

[Osteoman123]

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Hello! I’m a 4th-year DO student getting ready to apply for residency this cycle. I don’t think I’m the strongest applicant, but I’ve tried to tailor my application toward neurology as much as possible.

Stats:

• COMLEX Level 1: Pass (did not take Step 1)
• COMLEX Level 2: 498 (did not take Step 2)
• 3rd-year rotations: all “B’s” (equivalent to 'high pass')
• Research: 4 total (2 abstracts, 2 poster presentations; none neuro-related)
• Auditions: 2 neurology rotations lined up, hoping to secure a 3rd
• Letters: 1 neurology (research mentor), 1 neurology (chair letter), 1 PM&R (professionalism + clinical skills), 1 IM (clinical skills)

Goals:

I want to practice as a community neurologist, though I’m open to fellowship later on. Matching into neurology is my top priority. I plan to use all my signals on "community-based" or "university-affiliated/community-based programs" and will apply broadly. Location doesn’t matter as much, though I’ll apply strategically with the 3 geographic preferences. My current plan is to apply to ~100–120 neurology programs and ~30 transitional year programs.

Questions:

1. What are my chances of matching?
2. If I can only submit 3 letters, which would be the strongest combination?
3. Should I consider dual applying?
4. Any last-minute application tips?
5. Any specific programs you’d recommend signaling to, given my profile?

Any advice is appreciate in advance!

 

[s5260205]

Neurology is not competitive, meaning you will most likely match given how widely you apply, barring any significant issues during interview and other red flags (which I do not see based on your profile).

The caveat is that your scores/grades are on the lower side, but this should not be a dealbreaker and can often be made up with a good interview performance.

DO applicants are disadvantaged compared to MD applicants, often due to lack of a home neurology program, and some without a 3rd year neurology clerkship. Letters are therefore quite important, and you should ideally have a letter that can comment on your clinical skills from a neurologist (an academic one even better). You should choose the letters based on this.

I would not necessarily pigeon-hole yourself into community only programs. Certainly, the "top programs" are those with heavy emphasis on research and actively select for research-minded residents. However, there are quite a few programs that are university based without as much emphasis and where graduates may often work in more clinical roles instead of being heavily into research. I would therefore recommend selecting programs for signaling based on your geographic preference (i.e., where you think you will thrive the most taking into account of local family/friend support, etc.). Also consider programs that have most subspecialty representation, even if only 1-2 attendings per subspecialty. Even for those who want to practice in community, having subspecialty training is a plus as you can claim expertise in one subspecialty while often with additional procedural skills. Having subspecialty representation within your home program would be advantageous for both fellowship application and being more informed in the kind of career/practice environment/patient population you want to have in the future.