outgolfing26 said:
I hear that a lot from people who do well on boards. What about those people who didn't pass comlex and usmle? What did you do the second or third time what would help you pass the test.? Do residencies get your non passing scores..? And how will that affect your match process? Will you be considered lower on the totum pole? Thanks.
Failing is not the end of the world. Its a huge blow to your ego for sure but not a disaster. I failed step 1 the first time and passsed with a score well over 200 on the second try. I think it was partially because I had only 3-4 weeks between the end of my classes and start of my clinicals during which to relax and take the exam. I was exhausted when I took the exam. Thats how many US schools structure the school year unfortunatly for us.
I just took a time out, studied for 2 months, took a review course, and retook the exam. I was still able to graduate on time, just had to give up an elective. I decided to go into primary care because I enjoy the field very much. I addressed my Step 1 retake in my ERAS essay and made sure I applied with a passing Step 2 score. Honestly, it never came up in any of my interviews. Interviews cared more about who I was as a person and whether I would fit in with the other residents than what my numbers were. They just wanted to make sure I was graduating, had passing scores, and would be a functional doctor to start working on July 1st. I was able to get my first choice residency despite the failure.
I think it would depend on what field your applying in as well as university vs community program. Definitly the US grads get more leeway on retakes than foreign grads. From what I heard, foreign grads have to prove they can pass on the first try. But then again, I don't know many foreign grads.
Dont believe anyone who tells you that its the end of the world, because its not. It has no bearing on whether you will be a good doctor or not....and in the end, that's all that matters, not the test.
