do i have a shot?

[almond joy]

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hey everyone.. im a third yr med student at a respectable university in the US.. im interested in pmr but im not sure if my credentials live up to it.. i failed my step 1.. with a 182 and decided to take a yr off during which i studied and worked.. i retook it a few months later and got a 190.. ive done ok in all of my clerkship except the first one.. ob/gyn i had to retake the shelf and did very well on the retake but unfortunately the school is not willing to put my new grade into the narrative.. since then ive passed everything w/o any probs.. and all of my narratives describe me as a very hardworker/enthusiastic/lots of potential.. but unfortunately my shelf exams are a little below average.. usually in the 70s.. i have spoken to the pmr director at my school who is a bit standoffish (confirmed by the student affairs director who told me not to speak to him again because he has a personality problem).. i am doing a pmr elective at my school in july.. but do not have any time to do an away elective.. i would really REALLY like to get into a program in new york city (that is where my family is).. im planning on taking my step 2 before my apps go out and hopefully will kick butt on that.. other than that.. i have a few random extracurricular/volunteer activities.. im a member of a few orgs w/in the school.. i am involved in some community outreach programs.. but no real leadership positions.. no research and no awards.. im not aiming for rusk.. but just a decent program.. maybe lij/north shore or suny downstate.. what do u guys think.. do i have a shot or should i just stick to internal which is my back up.. any and all advice will be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[CasaElGato]

I'm not sure I have a lot of value to add but here's a lame attempt.

I thought a 182 was passing for steps 1 and 2 (184 for 3).
Seems like there is a wider variation in step scores in pm&r programs, even top ones than in other fields that are similarly competitive, so while not the best situation, it's not unsalvagable.

Is SUNY Downstate still on probation?

Really push to have your narrative addended. Do they put them in word for word in the dean's letter? I thought most places just put selected "snippets" in your letter, otherwise they would be too long and they try to paint their candidates in the best light.

If you're nervous just apply to both programs and rank both in the end. I don't think PM&R is that super competitive for US students, probably on par with anesthesia or emergency.

Go out and ace some (1-2) away electives. Doing well away from home tells people that you can do well even when it's not your faculty that's looking at you (your home faculty are often your cheerleaders so people expect great comments).

The good thing for you is that there are more slots in New York than the entire Mountain and Pacific time zones.

There's no reason you can't start some activities now. An interest group? Teaching activity? Volunteer clinic? Start some research now. Get on a case report. It doesn't have to be directly related to rehab. Get creative. And only look forward. Remember your future's so bright you've got to wear blinders! 🙂

 

[MeeraDO]

My friend is from an osteopathic school and failed step 1 twice before barely passing...and took Step 2 in April of her 4th year. She did ok in school. She rotated at her first choice hospital and matched there. Grades and boards are not as important in PM&R for some reason. Good luck!!
By the way, she's going to NYU

 

[axm397]

hey everyone.. im a third yr med student at a respectable university in the US.. im interested in pmr but im not sure if my credentials live up to it.. i failed my step 1.. with a 182 and decided to take a yr off during which i studied and worked.. i retook it a few months later and got a 190.. ive done ok in all of my clerkship except the first one.. ob/gyn i had to retake the shelf and did very well on the retake but unfortunately the school is not willing to put my new grade into the narrative.. since then ive passed everything w/o any probs.. and all of my narratives describe me as a very hardworker/enthusiastic/lots of potential.. but unfortunately my shelf exams are a little below average.. usually in the 70s.. i have spoken to the pmr director at my school who is a bit standoffish (confirmed by the student affairs director who told me not to speak to him again because he has a personality problem).. i am doing a pmr elective at my school in july.. but do not have any time to do an away elective.. i would really REALLY like to get into a program in new york city (that is where my family is).. im planning on taking my step 2 before my apps go out and hopefully will kick butt on that.. other than that.. i have a few random extracurricular/volunteer activities.. im a member of a few orgs w/in the school.. i am involved in some community outreach programs.. but no real leadership positions.. no research and no awards.. im not aiming for rusk.. but just a decent program.. maybe lij/north shore or suny downstate.. what do u guys think.. do i have a shot or should i just stick to internal which is my back up.. any and all advice will be greatly appreciated!!!

Am not sure why you wouldn't have time for away electives - but even if you can't do an official elective, would highly recommend taking some vacation time to visit programs you may want to consider to show some interest. As others have said, work on your personal statement, letters of recs, and even look into doing a small research project in PM&R. Apply to preliminary internal medicine internships so if you don't match into PM&R, you may have the option to stay at your intern program.

 

[Gauss]

most programs post their requirements on their website
Spaulding has a minimum board score and others are posting they don't consider those that have failed a step.
honestly, you're gonna have to prove yourself on 4th year rotations or maybe even internship.

 

[latinman]

My friend is from an osteopathic school and failed step 1 twice before barely passing...and took Step 2 in April of her 4th year. She did ok in school. She rotated at her first choice hospital and matched there. Grades and boards are not as important in PM&R for some reason. Good luck!!
By the way, she's going to NYU

Wow, she got accepted into NYU this year with those stats? Hmm, unbelievable...