Chances to match academic IM?

[Doggeronie]

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[Dwan]

Hi all, I'm a rising M4 at a lower tier US MD school. I'm interested in academic IM and possible fellowship after that but I know I'm not a stellar candidate so I just wanted to get a perspective on what my chances were like.

I have a 222 on Step 1, Step 2 CK TBD but I'm trying to beat the average for the specialty as I've studied much more intensely this time around. I understand it's not a guarantee though of course.
I go to an unranked P/F school and have passed everything. Straight passes in 3rd year, no honors thus far. No publications in med school either, only some light research with small community interventions.
I have held many leadership positions and have a lot of volunteer experience.

Is it at all possible for me to match at an academic IM program, preferably on the east coast? It doesn't need to be a top program or anything.

Definitely possible if you're not picky on location. I've known people with similar profiles who interviewed at places like Dartmouth and Montefiore. You will need to apply broadly, as the yield will be more random if your stats are below average.

 

[Doggeronie]

Thanks Dwan! Anyone else have any input?

 

[Doggeronie]

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[sharkbyte]

I'd say that maybe low and POSSIBLY some mid-tier academic programs may be in play for you. As the above poster mentioned you likely can't be picky about location. The combination of Step 1, no honors and no publications will make it an uphill battle. Improving on CK may help along with your leadership activities depending on what they were. Are you going to be able to complete a sub-I in IM before you apply? Doing really well on that with strong letter(s) would boost your app as well.

 

[Doggeronie]

I'd say that maybe low and POSSIBLY some mid-tier academic programs may be in play for you. As the above poster mentioned you likely can't be picky about location. The combination of Step 1, no honors and no publications will make it an uphill battle. Improving on CK may help along with your leadership activities depending on what they were. Are you going to be able to complete a sub-I in IM before you apply? Doing really well on that with strong letter(s) would boost your app as well.

Yes, I'll be completing an IM sub-I prior to applying!
Are my chances really that poor? I wasn't aware scoring in the 220s was considered so poor nowadays... That's very disheartening.
I really am aiming to do much better on step 2 CK. Is my outlook really as bad as you say?

My goal is really just to match in a decently populated area in the East Coast and have the opportunity to pursue a fellowship

 

[sharkbyte]

Yes, I'll be completing an IM sub-I prior to applying!
Are my chances really that poor? I wasn't aware scoring in the 220s was considered so poor nowadays... That's very disheartening.
I really am aiming to do much better on step 2 CK. Is my outlook really as bad as you say?

My goal is really just to match in a decently populated area in the East Coast and have the opportunity to pursue a fellowship

I don't think your score is "poor" necessarily. It's just that academic IM has become really competitive now and a 220s Step 1 is below average. I think you still have a decent shot at an academic program somewhere on the East Coast. I'm not very familiar with the East Coast programs so maybe someone else can offer input. The combination of straight passes + no publications makes it less likely that your app will stand out, but the leadership and volunteer activities might boost you a little.

 

[echidna001]

I think you have a decent chance. Get good letters of recommendation and apply broadly. East coast programs I'm aware of that should be within reach: Montefiore, Stony Brook, SUNY Downstate, Rutgers, Jefferson, Temple, University of Maryland, George Washington, Georgetown, VCU, MUSC (if you don't mind the southern east coast, these last two are great options!). For reaches you could throw in schools like Brown, Tufts, BU, Rochester, Hopkins Bayview. If you do really well on CK you can certainly reach higher - for me, I think my CK score had a much larger say in where I ended up. Throw in SUNY Upstate and SUNY Buffalo if you don't mind cold upstate NY. To be safe, I'd apply to some lower tier midwest/southern schools as well and maybe a couple community programs (though, I really don't think with a score in the 220's and no red flags that you'd need to go to a community program - especially if you get ~ 240+ on CK).