Chances of matching to PCCM with a low step 3 score

[okudasai]

Hello all, I am a USMD PGY2 applying this cycle to pccm fellowship; I had a 219/240 for my step 1/2 but my step 3 score came back as a 214. I have a decent amount of research published and presented at ATS, CHEST, and AABIP that is mixture of case reports and abstracts, some of which I am first author on and others that I am just a co-author on; in total I have about 8 or so things published that are in PCCM specifically, 2 random cardio projects (1 manuscript and 1 case report), and 2 more projects - a case report to CHEST and a manuscript in progress.

I was wondering what my chances would be to match to PCCM considering my low step 3 score? I was also debating including an explanation as to why my score was lower than expected in my personal statement but was unsure if that would make much of a difference. I have no restrictions in terms of applying and had always intended on applying broadly to both pccm and ccm.

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[tartesos]

Who gives a damn about step 3?

 

[kacelius]

I did not do PCCM. So take this advise with a grain of salt. But I am aware of my close friends who did do PCCM, Nephro/crit and I know what they went through, so I am not totally outdated.
There are some competitive fellowship specialties where they still filter candidates based on USMLE scores. You may think your step 3 is lower, but I would say your step 1 is the lowest. Any case I would not worry about what is done already as you cannot fix any of those. Being US MD and your publications, LOR should carry you more than your step scores.

With your profile, proper connections will most likely will get you matched. Don't fret too much. Apply!

 

[Espressso]

I just went through last years cycle and matched near the bottom of my list but had a decent amount of interviews I thought. I can't say for certain but I would tend to lean in the camp that believe rograms don't care too much about step 3 and actually your step 1 score will keep you filtered out of some programs more than anything else. Your research is solid for the application. I would focus efforts on creating a very good and solid/detailed program/application list and make sure youre doing your homework on seeing which programs have strict step one filters and make sure you apply broadly and to enough "shoe in places" that are lower ranked programs but should easily offer you an interview.

 

[Deecee2DO]

What carries more weight Step 1 or 2 for 2024-25 fellowship cycle when our class (2022 grads) was in med school Step 1 was the holy grail