Chances at ortho?

[mariemed17]

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I just finished my second year of med school and I'm preparing to take step 1. My school requires taking it by June 30th to start M3 rotations on time. However if you take it by July 12th, you can start on the 2nd rotation. If exam is any later, you have to wait to start rotations until January of next year which will delay your intended graduation/match by a year. I'm aiming to be ready to take step 1 by July 12, but in the case that I take it later and have to start rotations in January, how would this look to ortho residency programs? I'd rather take the time to feel "ready" (I know you never truly feel ready for step) than to rush to meet a deadline with a higher risk of failing. Will they understand that or count that against me?

 

[RockClimberMed]

Why didnt you aim to take it by June 30th? Yes, ortho programs will look for any reason to toss an application as they have no shortage of stellar applicants.

 

[mariemed17]

Why didnt you aim to take it by June 30th? Yes, ortho programs will look for any reason to toss an application as they have no shortage of stellar applicants.

I did originally, but had some things come up during my dedicated study that have slowed me down. And my practice test scores still need improvement

 

[GoSpursGo]

Would this be noted anywhere on your deans letter that you started rotations late?

 

[RockClimberMed]

From what I’ve seen, ortho programs definitely value a solid Step 1 score, so taking a bit more time to do well usually helps more than rushing and risking a lower score. Starting rotations a bit later might raise some questions, but if you explain your reasoning clearly in your application or interviews - that you prioritized readiness to do your best - many programs will understand.

Step 1 is pass/fail brotha...no score anymore

 

[johnr42700]

I just finished my second year of med school and I'm preparing to take step 1. My school requires taking it by June 30th to start M3 rotations on time. However if you take it by July 12th, you can start on the 2nd rotation. If exam is any later, you have to wait to start rotations until January of next year which will delay your intended graduation/match by a year. I'm aiming to be ready to take step 1 by July 12, but in the case that I take it later and have to start rotations in January, how would this look to ortho residency programs? I'd rather take the time to feel "ready" (I know you never truly feel ready for step) than to rush to meet a deadline with a higher risk of failing. Will they understand that or count that against me?

No, it will not matter in the slightest unless your school notes it in your MSPE, which is unlikely. Programs will not likely care regardless. Even in the event you move it to a date where you require an extra year, you can join a lab and make it into a research year.

Passing the exam is more important. If you are scoring borderline on your NBME's, taking the extra time is warranted. If you are consistently passing (especially within the 97-99% likelihood of pass range on multiple consecutive exams in exam-like conditions), you should probably build up your confidence and take it.

 

[mariemed17]

Would this be noted anywhere on your deans letter that you started rotations late?

I'm not sure, but that's a great question I can ask admin

 

[VincentAdultman]

I'm not sure, but that's a great question I can ask admin

You should definitely find out but The way I see it, why take the chance unless youre consistently scoring below the threshold you need to pass.

Not passing step one is way worse than delaying rotations, but are you really in danger of failing? No one ever feels "ready" to take it imo.