Dismal Step 1 score
Started by PediatricsRocks
You'll be fine.
What about a Caribbean student with a 192 on second attempt, honoring all 3rd year rotations?
Maybe not as fine?
Before everybody starts posting their scores and asking what are my chances I want to be clear here. In PM&R, perhaps more than any other specialty, we do look beyond board scores. Although more competitive than in years past, our specialty is still small enough where we are able to look through applications a bit more closely than other fields, who in order to effectively whittle down thousands of applications need to be much more strict with score cut-offs and other screens. A 206 like the OP scored is likely sufficient to match somewhere into PM&R provided there are other aspects to the application that are supportive of his/her interest in the field and predicted positive performance in the program: rotations, LORs, research, etc. With a low score you still may not get past some programs screening process, but a good proportion of programs wont necessarily hold a below average score against you.
When I see a student with one failure and a not-so-good repeat score, but with honors in everything clinical, theres a disconnect somewhere. A red flag if you will. So I look at the application a bit closer. Whats the reason for the poor test performances? Is there a valid reason or a lame excuse? What steps (if any) did the applicant take to fix the problem? Is the applicant really that strong clinically? Do the LORs back it up? How committed is this candidate to our specialty, or is he/she thinking PM&R for a safe, easy match? If the rest of the package is strong enough, if the poor board score is the sole outlier, you just might get an interview, and a chance to defend yourself.
Before everybody starts posting their scores and asking what are my chances I want to be clear here. In PM&R, perhaps more than any other specialty, we do look beyond board scores. Although more competitive than in years past, our specialty is still small enough where we are able to look through applications a bit more closely than other fields, who in order to effectively whittle down thousands of applications need to be much more strict with score cut-offs and other screens. A 206 like the OP scored is likely sufficient to match somewhere into PM&R provided there are other aspects to the application that are supportive of his/her interest in the field and predicted positive performance in the program: rotations, LORs, research, etc. With a low score you still may not get past some programs screening process, but a good proportion of programs wont necessarily hold a below average score against you.
When I see a student with one failure and a not-so-good repeat score, but with honors in everything clinical, theres a disconnect somewhere. A red flag if you will. So I look at the application a bit closer. Whats the reason for the poor test performances? Is there a valid reason or a lame excuse? What steps (if any) did the applicant take to fix the problem? Is the applicant really that strong clinically? Do the LORs back it up? How committed is this candidate to our specialty, or is he/she thinking PM&R for a safe, easy match? If the rest of the package is strong enough, if the poor board score is the sole outlier, you just might get an interview, and a chance to defend yourself.
What was the average Step score this year?
Make sure you apply to a field where you are going to be happy and that you could see yourself doing for your entire career. I think many students forget to think long-term about specialty choice. Good luck. 👍
Be careful there. You want to get in to the best program you can. Don't sell yourself short. As Ludicolo says, in PM&R, board scores are only part of the formula, and a smaller part than many fields.
If PM&R is your chosen field and you have a passion for it, it will show through in your interviews. Go ahead and apply to "Top Tier" programs, you have little to lose. Apply to programs that offer what you think you want - inpt, SCI, TBI, pain, EMG, whatever.
Explain your test problems, and focus on your strengths. You can't ignore the elephant in the room - fail x 1 then marginal pass. But honoring all clinicals means you know how to show up on time, pay attention, take care of patients and impress your attendings. Do the same on your application and during interviews.
Apply broadly.
So I should explain this in my personal statement or just hope to in an interview. I have heard so many different opinions on this. Some say don't put any negatives in your personal statement and some say bring it up but just to acknowledge it and discuss it in an interview.
I personally would not include it in your personal statement. In my opinion, a good personal statement is an essential piece to the application. I think that you should focus on your strengths in your personal statement because that will keep the reader interested. When you get an interview, be prepared to discuss any weaknesses in your application. That's when I would bring it up.
I third it.
Its unanimous.
I have not yet seen a good personal statement that discusses a board failure or a course/rotation failure. The personal statement should be about who you are and your experiences, why youre passionate about PM&R, why you'd be a good fit for the field and our program. If there's any implication that youd be a good fit for PM&R because of a failure or poor board score
I have not yet seen a good personal statement that discusses a board failure or a course/rotation failure. The personal statement should be about who you are and your experiences, why youre passionate about PM&R, why you'd be a good fit for the field and our program. If there's any implication that youd be a good fit for PM&R because of a failure or poor board score
