Failed step2

[furosemide]

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Long time lurker, first time poster.

So, I failed the Step 2. Two reasons I can think of thus far: 1) lack of sleep and 2) did not put enough importance on it. I just thought that I needed to pass Step 2, especially for psych, so I didn't study hardcore for it like Step 1. (Step 1 score 217)

So, the question of my day is: Can I get into a decent psych residency? I'm an average student from a non-competitive US medical school without any outstanding achievements. But I love psych. Really love it. Do I have any chance at Longwood, UPenn, Cali schools, etc.? Or am I wasting my money?

I figure it's gonna be too late to take the exam again before they offer interviews. I have another rotation I need to do first and considering I'll probably take 4 weeks to study for it, and another 3-4 weeks to get results, I won't get results until end of December at the earliest. So I'm stuck. Any suggestions? Perhaps mre importantly, any shoulders to lean on??? Please tell me I haven't just limited myself non-coastal programs.

 

[Solideliquid]

Where are you on Step 2 CS?

 

[mosche]

Hey Furosemide, I'm sorry to hear about your Step 2 results. Unfortunately, you were correct with your asessment that it is late in the game, and that it would be difficult to get a new set of scores before December. So let's be proactive!

First, apply to ANY school that you think that you would be interested in for residency. At this point in the game, you have already invested huge amounts of money--what's a few extra bucks to apply to the schools/programs that you really desire!?

Second, remember this: psych. is not an uber competitive specialty--typically ~40% of positions are filled by non-AMGs. Moreover, even the programs that are considered to be "top programs" often have non-AMGs; so, even they are not fortresses!

Third, even the top programs in psych. often have to go deep into their rank order list, or they risk not filling. Any doubts? Duke did NOT fill a couple of years back and had to fill through the scramble. Further, the top programs typically interview around 90 applicants (according to FREIDA); while that may sound insurmountable, many of those applicants are interviewing at all the so-called "top programs". Since candidates can only match at one school, the programs have to rank extra candidates.

Finally, your Step 1 score is solid for psych.; so, as long as you can explain your poor performance in your PS (DON'T ADMIT THAT YOU DID NOT STUDY), programs will likely weigh it less. When you do receive your new Step 2 score, call the PD's and inform them of the new score! 👍 That will assure them that you are a safe investment, in addition to convinceing them that you are genuinely interested in their program.

Hope this helps. Best of luck!

 

[furosemide]

Thanks mosche. My day's been horrible so far. Although I think I kind of was expecting it. The night before the test I only got a couple of hours of sleep and I wasn't able to concentrate on the day of the test. Anyway, your words were encouraging.

I just want to take the damn thing tomorrow to prove to the PD's that it was just a fluke. I mean, I've never failed anything before and I'm a decent student with good-to-strong letters. I would hate it if I were summarily dismissed from consideration based on one day's performance. Anyway, just venting a little.

Solidliquid, I hadn't planned on taking the CS until much later.

So, anybody else out there want to talk me from the ledge?.....