Chances of bouncing back and residency

[NortheastUS]

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Hi all, you can give me the absolute truth. I got my Step 1 score back last week and it's a 171. This is considered "far" from the passing 188, correct? I go to AUA medical school (caribbean).

How do I go from here? I know my residency changes are severly limited now, as I am from AUA also to top it off. How high do I need to score on this 2nd time if I decide to take it again? What are the statistics for someone with a score this low to pass the 2nd time around? I understand I can't just pass, I have to blow it out of the water. Most people with "barely" passing scores of like 186 or 187 do pass the 2nd time around. I am looking for Family practice residency.

 

[SpecterGT260]

Hi all, you can give me the absolute truth. I got my Step 1 score back last week and it's a 171. This is considered "far" from the passing 188, correct? I go to AUA medical school (caribbean).

How do I go from here? I know my residency changes are severly limited now, as I am from AUA also to top it off. How high do I need to score on this 2nd time if I decide to take it again? What are the statistics for someone with a score this low to pass the 2nd time around? I understand I can't just pass, I have to blow it out of the water. Most people with "barely" passing scores of like 186 or 187 do pass the 2nd time around. I am looking for Family practice residency.

Honestly, your residency options were already limited. The nbme publishes data on all manner of things from FMG match rates to retake pass rates. Id check out their papers for specifics. Otherwise I would ask your school. Is there a counseling center or office? This isn't something that they aren't used to. There are already a significant number of Carib students who aren't even given the chance to take the test. They may have a program list of places friendly to those in your position. Otherwise look at primary care. More rural or more inner city will be more accommodating. More desired spots won't be. There is also no harm in applying places so long as you can afford it. So go nuts if you can and see what sticks.

 

[tai35]

Honestly, your residency options were already limited. The nbme publishes data on all manner of things from FMG match rates to retake pass rates. Id check out their papers for specifics. Otherwise I would ask your school. Is there a counseling center or office? This isn't something that they aren't used to. There are already a significant number of Carib students who aren't even given the chance to take the test. They may have a program list of places friendly to those in your position. Otherwise look at primary care. More rural or more inner city will be more accommodating. More desired spots won't be. There is also no harm in applying places so long as you can afford it. So go nuts if you can and see what sticks.

AUA does have a lot of success matches. Although matching for Carib students is not as easy, it is not impossible either. If you want to pursue a career in Medicine, You should try and give it your best the second time, aim for a really high score and you also have step 2 also...Do talk to AUA clinical co-ordinator and take their advice but at the end of the day, if you wish to try again and continue this profession, there should be nothing stopping you...Lots with high scores don't match and lots with low scores and 2nd time pass do match...Good Luck

 

[SpecterGT260]

AUA does have a lot of success matches. Although matching for Carib students is not as easy, it is not impossible either. If you want to pursue a career in Medicine, You should try and give it your best the second time, aim for a really high score and you also have step 2 also...Do talk to AUA clinical co-ordinator and take their advice but at the end of the day, if you wish to try again and continue this profession, there should be nothing stopping you...Lots with high scores don't match and lots with low scores and 2nd time pass do match...Good Luck

I didn't say it was impossible, did I? I said this is something the school is familiar with. Even AMGs with failing scores have difficulty. Being from a Carib school just makes it harder. I said he should ask what sorts of programs people in similar situations have gone to (which would be infinitely more useful to him than the hazy mantra of "do better on step 2 and good luck"). You need to read what was written and not what you think is being implied.

 

[dozer1]

I am in no position to give advise. But what I think, pass exams and you will find something. This mishap should not brake you. Easier said than done, but I think this is the bottom line.
Good luck

 

[Esprit00]

AUA does have a lot of success matches. Although matching for Carib students is not as easy, it is not impossible either. If you want to pursue a career in Medicine, You should try and give it your best the second time, aim for a really high score and you also have step 2 also...Do talk to AUA clinical co-ordinator and take their advice but at the end of the day, if you wish to try again and continue this profession, there should be nothing stopping you...Lots with high scores don't match and lots with low scores and 2nd time pass do match...Good Luck

I highly highly doubt that since your Step score is always the first screen and a lot of programs want it on a first pass. It's great that you're giving the OP positive feedback but let's not get delusional here. It's ALWAYS better to pass with a high score the first time. And ppl with high scores that don't match will have reasons other than their scores for not matching whereas ppl who failed the first time will have that failing score as the reason for not matching.

Anyways, OP, do the Kaplan review course and aim to blow your score out of the water. Be above average for sure and you may be able to get past it. But again remember competition is getting tougher with as more USMG's graduate from the new med schools that opened up so everything else from here on needs to be stellar. Good luck.

 

[Brain Bucket]

If I were in your position, I'd be feeling terrible...and I'd be feeling very motivated. Channel that motivation in a cold and calculated manner, and don't let it burn out.

My first question to you would be ... did you not do any online NBME forms? If you did, what were the results?

 

[Etorphine]

In no position to give out info, but that does not sound good. May not be able to recover. It may not be worth taking out additional $$$ for 2 more years of school. I have no idea what the best answer is.

 

[ravupadh]

I think if you pass your next attempt there is still a chance of you getting a Family Medicine residency in the US. However you might be restricted to certain areas such as rural or underserved areas. But you still have a chance of becoming a practicing physician. Just don't plan on going to Harvard or Mount Sinai for your residency.