Hey I know a bunch of people post this kinda stuff a lot but just wanted to throw it out there. I am currently a 3rd year at an ehhh not so highly ranked medical school. 255 on part 1 and have recently fell for Derm after working with a few docs. Basically want to know what my chances are. I wasnt a derm gunner from Day 1 and have no research. What needs to be done for me to have any shot in the dark besides crush step 2 etc...Any advice would be great
Derm chances (I know there a bunch of these)
- Thread starter SaifZ14
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1. forget about step 2, you did fine on step one... don't even take 2 until january of 4th year so it won't show up on your application
2. Rock your clinical rotations if you can... honor as many as you can
3. Get to know your home derm dept if you have one, get good letters from well-known people.
4. Don't be a weirdo.
That's about it.
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I am under the impression that some programs may now actually be using STEP 2 as part of the metric for whether or not one gets an interview. I could be wrong. But I wouldn't put this past any program considering they must find new ways to help differentiate between all the wonderful applicants...
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It's possible but with a Step 1 score of 255, just isn't worth risking a lower Step 2 score
A Step 1 score that high + plenty of clinical honors + a normal personality and the OP should be in excellent shape
Step 2 is often used in some way if the score is available. If it wasn't taken, pretty much no one uses its absence against you.
I didn't take step 2 until after interviews. I had 30 derm interview offers, went on 18, and only 1 place even asked me if I had taken it yet.
If you have a Step 1 score you're happy with, I suggest taking Step 2 in January. Instead spend your time working with potential letter-writers, writing a derm case report, etc.
If you have a Step 1 score you're happy with, I suggest taking Step 2 in January. Instead spend your time working with potential letter-writers, writing a derm case report, etc.
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While I didn't have that stunning level of success, I was also not asked a single time about my Step 2 score during derm interviews (and just once during a prelim interview)
A middle ground could be to take the test in early December as I did while withholding the score. If your score is higher than your Step 1, feel free to release it (and it will come back in time for some of your later January interviews)
If not, it's still hidden and there shouldn't be any record of you having taken it since the programs downloaded your ERAS application earlier in the year.
Great advice, def going to see if I am ready and feel like I need all the juice I can get because I am not coming from a Top school. Hopefully can get the elusive 260 on part 2 and release it. I know they will not ask but it cannot hurt. I do not have a Derm residency at my school So I am hoping to get some Sub-I's at the 2 other med schools in my state.....is that a proper thought? Also do a couple of Away derm rotations at schools with derm residencies. When is the best time for me to do research? I am in my 3rd week of my 1st rotation (IM). Im frantically contacting every1 I can for some research....Thanks again for all the advice. I feel like a lost child in the woods its def nice to get some guidance.
