chances at neuro residency

[Piston95]

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Hey everyone, just had a quick question for anyone who would be interested to offer some advice...I'm currently a 3rd year medical student at a US allopathic school. I got through the first 2 years of school and did ok at best, around the top 40% of my class or so. I was fairly involved in extracurriculurs/volunteering and all that. The main issue is my step 1 score, which is definitely low. Had some nerves during the exam and it was also undoubtedly a tough exam...anyways ended up with a 213. I am really interested in doin neuro or psych, but I think i would rather want to go into neuro....Is there anything (other than getting through third year with no hiccups and doing better on step 2) that I should focus on to improve my chances? I think I will be involved in a research project later on this year. I will appreciate any advice you guys have.

 

[95439]

Hey everyone, just had a quick question for anyone who would be interested to offer some advice...I'm currently a 3rd year medical student at a US allopathic school. I got through the first 2 years of school and did ok at best, around the top 40% of my class or so. I was fairly involved in extracurriculurs/volunteering and all that. The main issue is my step 1 score, which is definitely low. Had some nerves during the exam and it was also undoubtedly a tough exam...anyways ended up with a 213. I am really interested in doin neuro or psych, but I think i would rather want to go into neuro....Is there anything (other than getting through third year with no hiccups and doing better on step 2) that I should focus on to improve my chances? I think I will be involved in a research project later on this year. I will appreciate any advice you guys have.

Research and get a great LOR on your neurology rotation(s). Your step 1 score is only slightly below average. Don't sweat it but definitely try to do better on Step 2 (which is very doable)

Just in general, here are the things that residencies look at (IMHO):
1) School attended
2) Step score
3) Research
4) LOR/Grade on intended specialty rotation
5) GPA
6) Extracurriculars

This is somewhat in order of importance, but if you have some amazing research project, that can trump your step score, etc.
Currently, you're a good, but not a 'great' applicant. You'll definitely get in to a majority of neurology programs, but not the top ones, and may not get your top choices. Where you end up is up to you at this point, you still have the opportunity to become a 'great' applicant...good luck!!

 

[Piston95]

Hey bblue, thanks so much for your response, I'm definitely going to try to do those things to try and overcome my step score which I was really disappointed in...thanks again. If anyone has any more advice, i'd really appreciate it as well