Distraught with Step 1 Score. Can I still apply IM?

[LatteColoredDO]

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Hey everybody! Just got my Step 1 score today. I got a 209. I am frustrated and sad. I scored really well on all my NBMEs (16- 223, 17- 236, 18-273, UWSA1 - 228, UWSA2 - 247). We just started third year rotations and I am determined to study hard all year and perform way better on Step 2.

I'm worried about my chances of matching. I think I did way better on Comlex so there is some hope. Is there any chance I can match into an IM residency? I'm planning to apply broadly and keep my options open. I want to specialize later on. I took a medical leave during the first few months of M1, came back and completed M1 and and M2 again.

Can anyone give me any advice? I'm really scared. I've already started doing UWorld and ComQuest.

 

[BorntobeDO?]

Wow, thats really off. I am sorry that must have sucked. IM is still open to you tho. I think you are doing the right thing with uworld and comquest, as those are the two best banks for a DO IMO.

It looks like you just had a bad day, do well on your shelfs, do all the little things in rotations, get some solid letters and I think your just fine tho. Low tier university and maybe some mid tiers depending on step II are still in play.

 

[rg2o3]

N=1 but a friend of mine (IMG) matched IM with the same score last cycle.

 

[deleted610572]

A 209 will match you in IM somewhere. It may not be your first choice but even some of the low tier academic programs might take you

 

[DennisReynolds]

Welcome to the party homie! I had a drop of 20-30 points on my step 1 from UWSA 1 and 2.

Hit this year with full force. Kill every shelf.

RUN THROUGH UWorld 2-3 times before dedicated. You'll be good.

 

[Gurby]

How in the world did you get a 273 on NBME 18? I can't recall seeing anyone score that high on 18 on SDN before.

 

[Splenda88]

How in the world did you get a 273 on NBME 18? I can't recall seeing anyone score that high on 18 on SDN before.

Maybe OP meant to write 237

 

[LatteColoredDO]

How in the world did you get a 273 on NBME 18? I can't recall seeing anyone score that high on 18 on SDN before.

It was honestly a fluke so I don’t think it was a good indicator of the trend I had. I feel like UWSA 2 was more reliable of where I felt like I was at.

 

[LatteColoredDO]

A 209 will match you in IM somewhere. It may not be your first choice but even some of the low tier academic programs might take you

Okay that makes me have some hope.

 

[UnderdogDO7862412]

Okay that makes me have some hope.

208 over here, applying this year. Let's see what happens...

 

[Mr. D.O.five]

I just don't see how 18 can be a "fluke." People who score in the 260s ands 270s don't even get a score on NBME 18 like that. IMO, either you looked up all the answers beforehand or you've spoiled yourself on the questions on most of NBME 18. The probability of guessing that many right seems near impossible.

 

[drducky.]

I just don't see how 18 can be a "fluke." People who score in the 260s ands 270s don't even get a score on NBME 18 like that. IMO, either you looked up all the answers beforehand or you've spoiled yourself on the questions on most of NBME 18. The probability of guessing that many right seems near impossible.

Unlucky.

Wouldve been insane if OP had instead guessed his way to 270 on the real deal instead.

 

[libertyyne]

You are going to be ok , be realistic towards the programs you apply to community programs with in house fellowships that you want are the best option.

 

[LatteColoredDO]

I just don't see how 18 can be a "fluke." People who score in the 260s ands 270s don't even get a score on NBME 18 like that. IMO, either you looked up all the answers beforehand or you've spoiled yourself on the questions on most of NBME 18. The probability of guessing that many right seems near impossible.

I'm sorry if it seems that way but I don't look up answers; it defeats the purpose of taking practice tests. Yeah it's great that I did great on NBME 18 but I don't give a **** about it because it didn't reflect on my board score. **** happens and I'm gonna leave it at that. I'm just gonna keep working hard and do better on Step 2.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

You choked. But it's alright. Boards aren't an end all.

Internal Medicine is largely not competitive and there are many good solid community programs that you can apply to. When you get around to ERAS time have a healthy list and chances are you'll more than likely find a program that you like and likes you.