FAQ: What are my chances?

[2012mdc]

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Which letters to submit? Strength of letter with 10 being the best. 🙂

DR#1-East Coast: 7 (never worked with him. But saw my presentation which he really liked. I've talked to him in his office once. He's a PD at an away rotation)
DR#2-Midwest: 6 (never worked with him. Met him for 30 minutes when met him to ask for a LOR..He's our school rad dep chair)
IM: 7
Surgery:7
Psych: 8

The reason I am getting a letter for each region I plan to apply is regional bias I've been hearing about. So, I did a DR rotation in the east coast and one in the mid west.

Given above, should I use DR#1 for midwest as well?
Also, should I use Psych as a fourth letter or submit it instead of IM or surgery?

Thanks.

Is the midwest rad chair a big name? (regionally or nationally)

It sounds like you are arbitrarily rating these letters

I was told that when all things created equal - surgery > IM >> everything else. This was not specific for rads, just in general

 

[RadsPlease]

Hi,

I am a 3rd year osteopathic student and I am very very interested in Radiology.

USMLE Step 1: 224/96
USMLE Step 2: planning on taking this in June/July
Grades : 3.2
Research : nothing so far, but looking into getting involved
Clinicals : Only 2 so far but Honors in both (IMx2)

I know that I am a very poor applicant but I am a hard time letting Radiology go. I am willing to go anywhere and do whatever it takes to match but don't want to go all in for something that isn't even a possibility.

I am stressing and losing sleep over this.. Please help! 🙁

 

[a winner is you]

Same advice I would give for anyone with low step scores, just work on buffing up the rest of your resume.

Get as many honors third year as possible, crush step 2, do aways, do research. Importance in that order.

 

[badasshairday]

What are you guys doing for this part of the app? Is it bad to hit no, so I can see my Step 2 score first, before releasing it? I don't want them to think I am hiding it though.

Do you authorize the NBME to AUTOMATICALLY transmit your updated USMLE transcript to all designated programs when a new Step result becomes available? Once you select an option below, you cannot change it.

Yes




No

Select Yes if you want your previously unavailable USMLE Step result transmitted to the programs you designated. Please note that the transmission may occur BEFORE you see your new examination result. An updated transcript cannot be transmitted to only a subset of programs: if you select Yes, your transcript will be sent to every program that previously received it.
Select No if you do not want your newly released USMLE Step result transmitted to programs before you review it. You may authorize the transmission of your updated transcript by going to Documents in MyERAS and clicking on Retransmit USMLE Transcript.

 

[2012mdc]

What are you guys doing for this part of the app? Is it bad to hit no, so I can see my Step 2 score first, before releasing it? I don't want them to think I am hiding it though.

I selected no and I know it's fairly common for applicants to choose no. I think that's why on charting outcomes you'll see a large number of applicants with an unknown Step 2 score.

As far as I'm aware only a few programs require Step 2 prior to ranking. I want the option of holding my score back if I drop significantly from my Step 1.

 

[mcatsucksss]

hey guys,
I am a 3rd year at a low tier midwest school but i am very interested in radiology. I had it in mind since before i even applied to med school.
so here are my stats:
Step 1: 239/99
current cumulative GPA: 3.64
all A's except for B's in physio, path, histo and a C in biochem.
I haven't gotten back any grades from my first rotation yet but i dont think I did too well on it 🙁.
As of right now i have no extracurriculars and no research (hoping for some next year).
I was wondering what were my chances of matching into at least a decent rads program. I don't need a crazy prestigious program or anything but i was just hoping to one day get into interventional radiology.

What are my chances if i continue at this rate? and what else should i do to become more competitive?

 

[UnderPar22]

hey guys,
I am a 3rd year at a low tier midwest school but i am very interested in radiology. I had it in mind since before i even applied to med school.
so here are my stats:
Step 1: 239/99
current cumulative GPA: 3.64
all A's except for B's in physio, path, histo and a C in biochem.
I haven't gotten back any grades from my first rotation yet but i dont think I did too well on it 🙁.
As of right now i have no extracurriculars and no research (hoping for some next year).
I was wondering what were my chances of matching into at least a decent rads program. I don't need a crazy prestigious program or anything but i was just hoping to one day get into interventional radiology.

What are my chances if i continue at this rate? and what else should i do to become more competitive?

I'm not expert, but from what I've been told:

1.) Get as many honors in third year as possible (1st/2nd year grades don't really mean anything since a lot of schools are P/F 1st and 2nd years anyway...)
2.) Try getting involved in a rads project if you're interested. Otherwise, do a rads rotation as early as you can to make sure this is what you want to do, and establishing contacts with your home department.

If you do the above I'd say your chances are as good as anyone elses. Work hard and good things should happen 👍

 

[PokerDoc]

hey guys,
I am a 3rd year at a low tier midwest school but i am very interested in radiology. I had it in mind since before i even applied to med school.
so here are my stats:
Step 1: 239/99
current cumulative GPA: 3.64
all A's except for B's in physio, path, histo and a C in biochem.
I haven't gotten back any grades from my first rotation yet but i dont think I did too well on it 🙁.
As of right now i have no extracurriculars and no research (hoping for some next year).
I was wondering what were my chances of matching into at least a decent rads program. I don't need a crazy prestigious program or anything but i was just hoping to one day get into interventional radiology.

What are my chances if i continue at this rate? and what else should i do to become more competitive?

I also cannot over emphasize the importance of using any free time you can on other rotations to spend time in the radiology department. If they continuously see your face over and over when you're not expected to be there that can only help your cause.

 

[MrBurns10]

I also cannot over emphasize the importance of using any free time you can on other rotations to spend time in the radiology department. If they continuously see your face over and over when you're not expected to be there that can only help your cause.

Just my opinion, but from a resident's perspective I think I have to disagree with this. Working on research/a case report in the department is great. Keeping in touch with the PD is also a good idea. But if a med student were hanging out in the reading room while he/she was on a different rotation, I think it would come across as kind of desperate, brown-nosing, and potentially annoying. Residents will recommend applicants who are interested when in the reading room but also normal people who enjoy their free time and have interests outside of medicine. And I'm not sure your recommendation gets this across.

 

[PokerDoc]

Just my opinion, but from a resident's perspective I think I have to disagree with this. Working on research/a case report in the department is great. Keeping in touch with the PD is also a good idea. But if a med student were hanging out in the reading room while he/she was on a different rotation, I think it would come across as kind of desperate, brown-nosing, and potentially annoying. Residents will recommend applicants who are interested when in the reading room but also normal people who enjoy their free time and have interests outside of medicine. And I'm not sure your recommendation gets this across.

fair enough, although I spend my time helping in VIR with patient care more so than sitting in the reading room. But point taken. I only suggested it because it has helped me. And I don't think I've annoyed anyone by being there.

I guess part of it requires having the ability to read the situation and deciding whether being there is helping your cause or not.

 

[simpop12]

Hey All,

I decided on doing Radiology, but I was considering pathology before very seriously. I decided I could not see myself doing that in the long term. I'd already completed two rotations in it, and my deans letter comments now say things like 'Would be an excellent candidate for path residency." No time for a rads rotation before DL comes out, but managed to get a letter. Other than that,

Step 1 240, ck pending
HP throughout preclinical years
Third year: 5/7 Pass, HP in IM and OB. Dean's letter comments very good.
No research
1 strong surgery letter, 2 strong IM letters, 1 pending rads letter.

I've currently applied to about 45 programs, mostly midtier university programs in midwest, but also quite a few community/low tiers. Will my history with path harm me, and should I be adding more program?

 

[jahbrony]

Hey All,

I decided on doing Radiology, but I was considering pathology before very seriously. I decided I could not see myself doing that in the long term. I'd already completed two rotations in it, and my deans letter comments now say things like 'Would be an excellent candidate for path residency." No time for a rads rotation before DL comes out, but managed to get a letter. Other than that,

Step 1 240, ck pending
HP throughout preclinical years
Third year: 5/7 Pass, HP in IM and OB. Dean's letter comments very good.
No research
1 strong surgery letter, 2 strong IM letters, 1 pending rads letter.

I've currently applied to about 45 programs, mostly midtier university programs in midwest, but also quite a few community/low tiers. Will my history with path harm me, and should I be adding more program?

A balanced 45 seems plenty. You'll match somewhere. And I don't think your path history will harm you. Lots of people change their minds, change careers, etc. Nobody expects you to have known you wanted to be a radiologist from day 1.

That said, if I read your post correctly, you chose radiology, but didn't do an elective in it? That's a question adcoms may ask, especially given your pathology slant.

 

[badasshairday]

WAMC threads are helpful.

 

[MossPoh]

Just my opinion, but from a resident's perspective I think I have to disagree with this. Working on research/a case report in the department is great. Keeping in touch with the PD is also a good idea. But if a med student were hanging out in the reading room while he/she was on a different rotation, I think it would come across as kind of desperate, brown-nosing, and potentially annoying. Residents will recommend applicants who are interested when in the reading room but also normal people who enjoy their free time and have interests outside of medicine. And I'm not sure your recommendation gets this across.

Granted, I'm a third year, I agree. If set on doing it, I'd explain my interest in the field and try to set a time period to come in. There is less of that just hanging out and dodging work then. There is a little more structure and an understanding you want exposure.

 

[Faith84]

Hello,

I am very greatful that I found this forum, I am applying for the match this year and I have no clue if I will meet the criteria for Radiology or not!
- I am a green card holder IMG
- I got 232/99 in Step 1 & passed my CS
- CK next month (hopfully +250)
- I did one year of Radiology residency abroad
- I did couple of months of US clinical experiance in IM & Rad
- 3 solid LOR from US radiologist & 1 IM LOR also in the US
- One publication in med school but not in the field of Radiology

I applied almost everywhere..What are my chances here !!
Thanx in advance

 

[Faith84]

🙁

 

[SxRx]

Hello,

I am very greatful that I found this forum, I am applying for the match this year and I have no clue if I will meet the criteria for Radiology or not!
- I am a green card holder IMG
- I got 232/99 in Step 1 & passed my CS
- CK next month (hopfully +250)
- I did one year of Radiology residency abroad
- I did couple of months of US clinical experiance in IM & Rad
- 3 solid LOR from US radiologist & 1 IM LOR also in the US
- One publication in med school but not in the field of Radiology

I applied almost everywhere..What are my chances here !!
Thanx in advance

Let me see if I can be of any help.
Check this out from NMRP. Go to page 5. In 2011 match, 35 US IMG and 31 non US IMG matched PGY2 radiology spots. I think you'll have a decent idea of your chances if you can somehow find out how many IMG applicants applied to radiology. Also, go to NMRP website and download "Charting outcome". It tells you likelihood of matching given your step 1 score, the number of interviews you go on etc.....
Good luck!

 

[nash73]

I would like to know my chances.

Step 1 score: 260. AOA status: not known. Will get nominated but can't say about acceptance. Low-tier medical school.(Bottom 1/3 ranked school most likely) No publications. Small research involvement. But, I have lots of interest in radiology. I have extensive knowledge on the physics of imaging techniques and would like to go to a research oriented program. I was a physics major. This is really why I would like to go into radiology more than any other reason. I could probably give researchers at stanford or other research based programs 'a run for their money'. I initially wanted to go to engineering school but decided against it and went to medical school.
What are my chances at West coast and northeast programs? or simply at top programs?

 

[Faith84]

Dear SxRx,
Thank you, that was useful 😳

 

[River Rat]

Currently a 3rd year Osteopathic Student interested in Rads (Interventional Rads later.) Was wondering how what my chances were at matching into a decent ACGME program, or what my overall competitiveness is if my current track is maintained, and what I should be doing in the mean time.

USMLE Step I: 240/99
Planning on taking USMLE Step II

COMLEX Step I: 607/90

Three Rotations So Far: HP Surg, H Psych, H Family Medicine, 2 Stellar LORs from Surg and Psych M.Ds (if the M.D. matters...) Have been shadowing an Interventionalist in my down time and getting along with him fine, and hope to be able to get a LOR from him as well. Also being mentored by the Radiology Dept Chair at our D.O. school and hope to get a LOR from her as well.

Master's Degree: SMP Program at Georgetown (Physiology and Biophysics)

Research Experience: none during medical school. Multiple unpublished experiences throughout undergrad (2 Summer Internships @ NIH on head and neck cancers, and Microbio/Plant Bio research at undergraduate institution. Are these still relevant?)

Preclinical GPA: Honestly haven't checked. Probably between 3.4 and 3.5.

Extracurriculars: Air Force HPSP + milmed group, Radiology Interest Group + various random hobbies (sports/music/etc.)

I don't care for a top-name institution, but would like to know my chances at getting a solid program with great clinical training. Am interested in going to regions that I do not have ties to (southern california, new york, pacific northwest, boston, among others,) but am not too choosy.

 

[badasshairday]

Currently a 3rd year Osteopathic Student interested in Rads (Interventional Rads later.) Was wondering how what my chances were at matching into a decent ACGME program, or what my overall competitiveness is if my current track is maintained, and what I should be doing in the mean time.

USMLE Step I: 240/99
Planning on taking USMLE Step II

COMLEX Step I: 607/90

Three Rotations So Far: HP Surg, H Psych, H Family Medicine, 2 Stellar LORs from Surg and Psych M.Ds (if the M.D. matters...) Have been shadowing an Interventionalist in my down time and getting along with him fine, and hope to be able to get a LOR from him as well. Also being mentored by the Radiology Dept Chair at our D.O. school and hope to get a LOR from her as well.

Master's Degree: SMP Program at Georgetown (Physiology and Biophysics)

Research Experience: none during medical school. Multiple unpublished experiences throughout undergrad (2 Summer Internships @ NIH on head and neck cancers, and Microbio/Plant Bio research at undergraduate institution. Are these still relevant?)

Preclinical GPA: Honestly haven't checked. Probably between 3.4 and 3.5.

Extracurriculars: Air Force HPSP + milmed group, Radiology Interest Group + various random hobbies (sports/music/etc.)

I don't care for a top-name institution, but would like to know my chances at getting a solid program with great clinical training. Am interested in going to regions that I do not have ties to (southern california, new york, pacific northwest, boston, among others,) but am not too choosy.

Make sure you Honors IM, and get as many H's as possible..... but make sure Honors in IM for sure since you have HP in surgery. Where is your school? Regional ties are hard to overcome, and DO to a certain extent (unfortunate reality). You will match somewhere for sure, but west coast and Northeast are hard to break into without ties or a super stellar app.

 

[2012mdc]

Make sure you Honors IM, and get as many H's as possible..... but make sure Honors in IM for sure since you have HP in surgery. Where is your school? Regional ties are hard to overcome, and DO to a certain extent (unfortunate reality). You will match somewhere for sure, but west coast and Northeast are hard to break into without ties or a super stellar app.

To add to this.

SoCal and the pacific NW would be tough just because there aren't that many programs in those regions.

You'd have a decent shot at matching somewhere in NYC or Boston just because there are a lot of programs.

Try to do your best 3rd year and try to improve your by 20+ points on Step 2. Some pubs will help too

 

[drizzt3117]

Agree with the two previous posters, would apply to 60-80 programs with at least half being community programs.

 

[drizzt3117]

thanks for the rapid responses, guys. I'm not sure how important away rotations are for Radiology, but would you guys suggest that I just play my odds and try to set them up in 'friendlier' regions then?

I'd target programs you have a shot at in the regions you want, for example, loma Linda, cedars sinai, Tufts, mt auburn, bu, uconn, beth israel nyc, montfiore, jacobi, st lukes roosevelt, Hosp of st rapheal, etc.

 

[IDK12345]

Hey there,
Here's my story, 3rd year Osteopathic student, Top 2% Class Rank, USMLE Step 1 232/99, COMLEX Level 1 675/94, 2 Research Publications (1 first author, 1 2nd) in Neuroscience, The usual list of EC's that everyone will have. I came to Med school without any interest or knowledge in Radiology. When preparing for Step 1 I didn't really prepare for USMLE b/c I didn't think I would ever use it just took it in case (Lame excuse sorry) focused mostly on COMLEX which is why the COMLEX score is high and USMLE is only slightly above average. During one of my rotations, went down to the reading room and hung out with Rads residents thought "Wow this is not what I expected, these guys are awesome and this is interesting as F***!" Subsequently scheduled an elective in Radiology and am loving it, pleasantly surprised by all the procedures Radiologists do, had no idea. Thus, I'm starting to think about shooting for Rads but don't want to get my hopes up if it's a lost cause. Their aren't many AOA approved Rads programs and they each only take ~2 Residents/year that have been gunning since day one. So my question (finally), what are my chances at ACGME Radiology programs? Don't really care where or so called "quality" of program, just want to know if I could get into any of them. Thanks for reading.

 

[PistolPete]

You definitely have a shot at an ACGME rads place, but I will tell you something: as a DO going through this year's ACGME rads match, it has been very tough for me. Probably an additional factor is that I need a visa, so hopefully at least you don't have to deal with that. Your COMLEX is amazing, so you definitely should apply to the DO rads residencies, but the important thing for them is that you need to rotate, since they care about your personality and fit more than scores, or so I have heard.

Your USMLE is good, but nowadays in this competitive environment, it's not going to raise eyebrows. I have similar stats to you (albeit I'm not in the top 2%) and I have only gotten a few ACGME rads interviews, so I'm stressing out.

Good luck to you!

Hey there,
Here's my story, 3rd year Osteopathic student, Top 2% Class Rank, USMLE Step 1 232/99, COMLEX Level 1 675/94, 2 Research Publications (1 first author, 1 2nd) in Neuroscience, The usual list of EC's that everyone will have. I came to Med school without any interest or knowledge in Radiology. When preparing for Step 1 I didn't really prepare for USMLE b/c I didn't think I would ever use it just took it in case (Lame excuse sorry) focused mostly on COMLEX which is why the COMLEX score is high and USMLE is only slightly above average. During one of my rotations, went down to the reading room and hung out with Rads residents thought "Wow this is not what I expected, these guys are awesome and this is interesting as F***!" Subsequently scheduled an elective in Radiology and am loving it, pleasantly surprised by all the procedures Radiologists do, had no idea. Thus, I'm starting to think about shooting for Rads but don't want to get my hopes up if it's a lost cause. Their aren't many AOA approved Rads programs and they each only take ~2 Residents/year that have been gunning since day one. So my question (finally), what are my chances at ACGME Radiology programs? Don't really care where or so called "quality" of program, just want to know if I could get into any of them. Thanks for reading.

 

[UnderPar22]

Hey there,
Here's my story, 3rd year Osteopathic student, Top 2% Class Rank, USMLE Step 1 232/99, COMLEX Level 1 675/94, 2 Research Publications (1 first author, 1 2nd) in Neuroscience, The usual list of EC's that everyone will have. I came to Med school without any interest or knowledge in Radiology. When preparing for Step 1 I didn't really prepare for USMLE b/c I didn't think I would ever use it just took it in case (Lame excuse sorry) focused mostly on COMLEX which is why the COMLEX score is high and USMLE is only slightly above average. During one of my rotations, went down to the reading room and hung out with Rads residents thought "Wow this is not what I expected, these guys are awesome and this is interesting as F***!" Subsequently scheduled an elective in Radiology and am loving it, pleasantly surprised by all the procedures Radiologists do, had no idea. Thus, I'm starting to think about shooting for Rads but don't want to get my hopes up if it's a lost cause. Their aren't many AOA approved Rads programs and they each only take ~2 Residents/year that have been gunning since day one. So my question (finally), what are my chances at ACGME Radiology programs? Don't really care where or so called "quality" of program, just want to know if I could get into any of them. Thanks for reading.

I don't think you'll have a problem getting an ACGME rads position. I'm no expert (currently applying to rads myself), but I would recommend taking Step 2 early and trying to knock that out of the park. I think it's great you have publications (in a top notch journal) and a high class ranking along with a decent step 1 score. Congrats on your success thus far.

Apply broadly, however focusing more of your attention on those places in the areas of your med school and permanent address (big geographic bias for rads applicants). Keep working hard, and you'll make good things happen.

 

[dozitgetchahi]

Hello all.

I ended up at this point (like so many others) because I did a rads rotation and found that I absolutely loved every aspect of it.

Stats:

DO student. USMLE 237/99, COMLEX 588/88 (grrr)

Class rank : My school doesn't rank and if I had to guess where I fell I'd say...top 25%? I'm really not sure though.

Research - I have one 2nd author publication currently submitted.

Third year - One H (radiology) and two HPs thus far (FM and geriatrics).

I had been told I'd need at least a 250 on step 1 to stand any chance for allo rads as a DO, but after seeing some of these last posts it seems that's not the case.

So what's the best plan of action for me here? Smash step 2 and honor as much as possible from here on out? I have 4 rotations to go and another grade waiting to come back (psych, likely honors).

I'd also ideally be aiming at the midwest (esp. Chicago and Cleveland) since I have family in those towns.

 

[drizzt3117]

You need to apply really broadly, but if you do, I think you should be able to get a spot in the midwest, definitely apply to a mix of community and university programs, and apply to at least 50 programs, preferably 60.

Hello all.

I ended up at this point (like so many others) because I did a rads rotation and found that I absolutely loved every aspect of it.

Stats:

DO student. USMLE 237/99, COMLEX 588/88 (grrr)

Class rank : My school doesn't rank and if I had to guess where I fell I'd say...top 25%? I'm really not sure though.

Research - I have one 2nd author publication currently submitted.

Third year - One H (radiology) and two HPs thus far (FM and geriatrics).

I had been told I'd need at least a 250 on step 1 to stand any chance for allo rads as a DO, but after seeing some of these last posts it seems that's not the case.

So what's the best plan of action for me here? Smash step 2 and honor as much as possible from here on out? I have 4 rotations to go and another grade waiting to come back (psych, likely honors).

I'd also ideally be aiming at the midwest (esp. Chicago and Cleveland) since I have family in those towns.

 

[MossPoh]

I never thought I'd do one of these, but I'm curious at the type of programs I should apply to. I am open to any program with solid training. I'd like to end up in a bigger city being single and all, but really have no aversion to the smaller town. If you don't feel comfortable posting your thoughts about programs, pm is cool too.

Stats:
Step 1: 240s
Step 2: goal is 250+ (who doesn't aim higher, right?)
pre-clinical: first year was rough with mostly b's and a C+. MS2 was kinder with mostly A's and the scattered B+.
Clinical: (H/P/F) Surgery and Psych are honors with great comments. Family medicine may be honors, but is likely Pass. To be conservative, I will say I will get one more honors.
Other stuff: little bit of neurology research with imaging component, student member of several committees, powerlifting/strongman club on campus, other random things.
School: No rads program, "low tier" with a fairly strong match history.

I know I will match somewhere, but I'm just trying to get a picture of the level of programs I should focus on.

 

[drizzt3117]

Apply to a broad range of programs with a good mix of community and academic programs, how many programs you apply to should be based on your geographic preference. If you are applying only in the S/SE, maybe 30 or so, nationally 50-60. I'd use the rule of 1/3s.

You'll probably be competitive at any of the FL programs and perhaps many of the southern univ programs such as uab, Emory, unc, and wake. I think w/o significant research the top tier will be a stretch but this process is unpredictable so I'd definitely apply to reach programs you're interested in anywhere in the country, but i'd focus on the SE unless you have specific reasons to pursue programs in other geographic areas, in which case aways would make sense, there's a lot of regional bias in this process.

I never thought I'd do one of these, but I'm curious at the type of programs I should apply to. I am open to any program with solid training. I'd like to end up in a bigger city being single and all, but really have no aversion to the smaller town. If you don't feel comfortable posting your thoughts about programs, pm is cool too.

Stats:
Step 1: 240s
Step 2: goal is 250+ (who doesn't aim higher, right?)
pre-clinical: first year was rough with mostly b's and a C+. MS2 was kinder with mostly A's and the scattered B+.
Clinical: (H/P/F) Surgery and Psych are honors with great comments. Family medicine may be honors, but is likely Pass. To be conservative, I will say I will get one more honors.
Other stuff: little bit of neurology research with imaging component, student member of several committees, powerlifting/strongman club on campus, other random things.
School: No rads program, "low tier" with a fairly strong match history.

I know I will match somewhere, but I'm just trying to get a picture of the level of programs I should focus on.

 

[2012mdc]

Apply to a broad range of programs with a good mix of community and academic programs, how many programs you apply to should be based on your geographic preference. If you are applying only in the S/SE, maybe 30 or so, nationally 50-60. I'd use the rule of 1/3s.

You'll probably be competitive at any of the FL programs and perhaps many of the southern univ programs such as uab, Emory, unc, and wake. I think w/o significant research the top tier will be a stretch but this process is unpredictable so I'd definitely apply to reach programs you're interested in anywhere in the country, but i'd focus on the SE unless you have specific reasons to pursue programs in other geographic areas, in which case aways would make sense, there's a lot of regional bias in this process.

I agree with this assessment.

A friend of mine has a similar profile to you and applied to ~55 places. A mix of academic and community places in the SE and NE. He got more offers than he could go on and fared reasonably well in the South - did well in Florida and got other good programs like MUSC. Didn't fare as well in NC though.

PM me if you have any more specific questions (I go to a school similar to yours)

 

[MossPoh]

Yea, that is kind of what I was thinking. Thanks guys.

As a minor addendum, I wound up getting honors in family med. I have research experience in radiology, but a lot of it is before medical school. (Designed a radiology education site with an image database that could read what type of image and tag it automatically, wrote an 80 page thesis on PACS implementation and then did usability/learning/eyetracking stuff with CXR studies...none were published.)

I don't have any attachments to anywhere in particular, but I would like to end up back North since I grew up in the midwest and went to undergrad in PA....I can suck it up if I don't end up there though.

My current plan was applying to wherever past people matched, since we are such a new school, a few select places and then pretty much everything in the SE.

 

[drizzt3117]

Yea, that is kind of what I was thinking. Thanks guys.

As a minor addendum, I wound up getting honors in family med. I have research experience in radiology, but a lot of it is before medical school. (Designed a radiology education site with an image database that could read what type of image and tag it automatically, wrote an 80 page thesis on PACS implementation and then did usability/learning/eyetracking stuff with CXR studies...none were published.)

I don't have any attachments to anywhere in particular, but I would like to end up back North since I grew up in the midwest and went to undergrad in PA....I can suck it up if I don't end up there though.

My current plan was applying to wherever past people matched, since we are such a new school, a few select places and then pretty much everything in the SE.

If there's specific programs you like, you can consider doing aways and emphasizing your ties to the area. The research you have done could be valuable, you should definitely write about it in your PS and mention it on ERAS. It not being published hurts somewhat but a lot of programs are interested in scholarly projects that aren't necessarily formal papers, i.e. IT improvement projects. Several of them emphasized it during the interview day.

 

[2012mdc]

Yea, that is kind of what I was thinking. Thanks guys.

As a minor addendum, I wound up getting honors in family med. I have research experience in radiology, but a lot of it is before medical school. (Designed a radiology education site with an image database that could read what type of image and tag it automatically, wrote an 80 page thesis on PACS implementation and then did usability/learning/eyetracking stuff with CXR studies...none were published.)

I don't have any attachments to anywhere in particular, but I would like to end up back North since I grew up in the midwest and went to undergrad in PA....I can suck it up if I don't end up there though.

My current plan was applying to wherever past people matched, since we are such a new school, a few select places and then pretty much everything in the SE.

If you want to end up North then apply to any programs in that region you can yourself going to. There is a regional bias in radiology but you never know how it will play out and the risk ($25 a program) is extremely low compared to the reward (matching in a great place).

I have no ties to the Northeast and I received more invites in that region than the SE (region of my school) and I applied to a similar number of programs in each region.

 

[MossPoh]

Thanks all. Your advice is much appreciated. We are starting to get the emails and announcements about preparing CV and personal statements now, so my wheels have been turning lately. 😛

 

[MossPoh]

I also tend to be on the quiet side. I've found that I really have to make the effort to talk with my attendings and highlight that I'm quiet because it is personality and not because of a poor fund of knowledge. You need to go out of your comfort zone a bit, but it pays off when they warm up to you.

 

[ar2388]

Hey guys!
I just have a few questions about trying to maximize my chances at this point:
Step 1: 237/99
3rd yr grades: HP in surgery, ob/gyn. H in radiology. still waiting on neuro. have yet to do peds, psych and medicine.
LOR: will have a strong one from the DR with whom i worked on a case report (still trying to publish).
I am planning on doing a surgery sub-I.

I know I need to try my best to get Honors in the rest of my rotations (wish it were easier. i think only top 10% or 25% get it and on some rotations its all dependent on which attending you get. some only give H and some give P's 🙁 ). I am wondering if I should try to do the sub-I early (july?) so i can have hopefully an Honors to show for it and help make up for the HP? Or would getting a high CK score be more useful?
My dream is to match at my home institution so I definitely want to do a couple more electives around sept/oct when it could make a difference for interviews and stuff.
thanks!

 

[surge23]

I'm a third year DO student interested in radiology. I'm currently in the process of deciding how I should set up my fourth year schedule to best put me in position to attain a radiology spot, knowing that I have a relatively weak application.

COMLEX I: 604
USMLE I: 228
Pre-clinical grades: all P's (no HP's at my school; just H's), probably in top 50%
Clinical grades: P's in surgery and ob/gyn thus far
Research: I have a couple non-first author pubs in non-rads fields that I did as a pre-med

Here's my deal:
My aunt is one of the chairs at a mid-tier allopathic university program. Knowing my scores, she has told me to "work hard, be well-liked, and be intelligent" during my audition rotation at her program in order to have a chance. She had wanted me to get at least a 230. So I really don't know where this is going to go. However, I still feel like this might be a fairly decent chance at an allo residency.

Then there's the osteopathic match. I think I'm more competitive for these spots, but there are also only ~30 spots nationally. Also, there's some uncertainty given that the ACGME is considering excluding those who do non-LCGME residencies from allopathic fellowships. I hear we'll find out by February. I certainly don't want to shut the door to fellowships.

All that being said, I have five one-month electives with which I would be able to do radiology rotations. Should I put all my eggs in one basket and audition at only (low-mid tier) allopathic hospitals in case my connection doesn't work out? Would this give me a better chance at matching allo than using some of those electives for osteo residencies?

Any perspective would be appreciated on this rather convoluted situation.

 

[DreamJob]

To all of the DO med students from above:


I am a DO resident in a very good community allopathic radiology residency. I am a PGY4. I had numbers similar to what has been mentioned here and I managed to get 11 allo residency interviews. Its possible! Get good LOR, apply EARLY!, do audition rotation at places where you are competitive and consider taking step 2 early (I did not).

Do these things and apply broadly and you will have a good chance. Don't let anyone discourage you, I have several friends with similar stories as mine. Best of luck!

 

[Doctor D]

I am a 3rd year very interested in Radiology and I want to know what you guys think about my chances.

School: Relatively unknown school in Southeast without a home program.
Step 1: 254
Preclinical Grades: top 20% of class
Clinical Grades: So far A in psychiatry, A in OBGYN (we don't use honors system).
Research: Some experience in unrelated field after 1st year without pub. 1 presentation at medical school.
AOA: Probably but will be after applications are submitted.

It seems like there will be a lot of regional bias coming out of the southeast from what I have been reading. It is going to be hard to get solid LORs from radiologists without a home program but I am planning on doing a couple of away rotations. How many interviews can I expect to get?

 

[killinsound]

I am a 3rd year very interested in Radiology and I want to know what you guys think about my chances.

School: Relatively unknown school in Southeast without a home program.
Step 1: 254
Preclinical Grades: top 20% of class
Clinical Grades: So far A in psychiatry, A in OBGYN (we don't use honors system).
Research: Some experience in unrelated field after 1st year without pub. 1 presentation at medical school.
AOA: Probably but will be after applications are submitted.

It seems like there will be a lot of regional bias coming out of the southeast from what I have been reading. It is going to be hard to get solid LORs from radiologists without a home program but I am planning on doing a couple of away rotations. How many interviews can I expect to get?

a lot. or a few. depending on how broadly you apply. you will be more than fine.

 

[2012mdc]

I am a 3rd year very interested in Radiology and I want to know what you guys think about my chances.

School: Relatively unknown school in Southeast without a home program.
Step 1: 254
Preclinical Grades: top 20% of class
Clinical Grades: So far A in psychiatry, A in OBGYN (we don't use honors system).
Research: Some experience in unrelated field after 1st year without pub. 1 presentation at medical school.
AOA: Probably but will be after applications are submitted.

It seems like there will be a lot of regional bias coming out of the southeast from what I have been reading. It is going to be hard to get solid LORs from radiologists without a home program but I am planning on doing a couple of away rotations. How many interviews can I expect to get?

Regional bias does exist but I'm at a southeast school and I've gotten great interviews out of my region. As long as you apply broadly and don't have your heart set on a few particular programs (the process can feel very random) you will be fine. I applied to almost exclusively university programs with a few comm ones in competitive locations. Almost all of the programs are in the top 25 or in a competitive location or both. Considering that I felt like I had a good return (~33%) coming from a smaller school in the southeast.

Feel free to PM me if you want to talk more specifics

 

[Zuckman]

Hey Guys,

I've just recently gained an interest in Radiology. I'm in my 3rd year now. I have no idea if I even have a chance...

School: Sackler in Tel-Aviv, Israel
Citizenship: non-American - will need Visa
Step 1: 242/99
Preclinical grades: top 20% of class
Clinical grades: mostly P's, some H's so far
Research: none - I don't have a strong interest in research

So, basically as an IMG and not being American with these stats, do I have a chance at all? I think I can make the Step 1 cutoff for a lot of programs, but that doesn't mean I really have a good chance. I've heard that radiology is insanely competitive. Thanks for any help you guys can give me!

 

[NdFrSpd]

Didn't think i'd ever write one of these but figured whats the worst that could happen?

US-IMG (from a Caribbean school most people have heard of)
GPA (basic sciences): ~3.5 (from memory)😴
step 1: 258
step 2: taking in ~ 4 months (expecting at least to match step 1 score)
Clinical grades: Ob/gyn-A; Psych-A; FM-A; IM (just started)

Not sure if this would matter but some Extracarriculars during basic sciences; TA for anatomy and tutored physio and some other subjects can't remember all of them off the top of my head.

LOR: can get a great letter from 3 sources but i'd say only one of them would make any significant impact.

Research: none 🙁 (not even sure how to get involved as an IMG)

Very analytically, spatially oriented with a strong liking for physics which is part of the reason I loved radiology, but also love clinical contact and intervention so i'm strongly considering IR.

I know it'd be hard enough to get a DR spot being an IMG but wanting to do IR, with it being such a hot subspecialty, would mean even more competition. With all that said...

1) Do I have a chance at a decent program?
2) What can I do now to improve my app?

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[drizzt3117]

A year of research would help (or a couple 4th year research electives).

 

[EightyDeuce]

Hey Man, I'm also an IMG, went to AUC. I had a 258 Step 1, 264 Step 2, applied to 55 rads programs and got 21rads interview invites, most at University programs in the south and in the Midwest. I didn't apply to the NE except for 1 or 2, and nothing west of the Mississippi except UT San Antonio (because I like the town). It's definitely possible.

PM me if you have any questions, I'd be happy to help you out.

 

[3djd3]

I know the consensus is that west coast and certain areas like NY are near impossible to for non-stellar applicants from outside those regions. However, I personally would like to match somewhere in California (along with thousands of others, I know), I understand that realistically my chances of landing a rads spot at places like UCSF, UCLA, or Stanford are slim to none but I would be more than ecstatic to be able to even have a shot elsewhere, but preferably in the UC system as I am quite interested in matching at an academic institution. I've been looking into Irvine, Davis, SD and a few others but I'm having a hard time finding much information for a good way for an outside applicant to approach a match there. I will likely do an away somewhere in CA but have not decided where yet. Does anyone have suggestions as to what sorts of things an applicant from another region could do or say, if any, to show a strong interest or improving likelyhood of match? Sadly landing a 270 for me is no longer an option so I'm looking for other factors.

My stats as of now are:
Step 1 - 237
preclinical GPA: 3.8ish? from a mid/low-tier institution
Clerkships: HP FM only
Research: Single publication from undergrad with involvement in 3 research projects at respected institutions, but have done several presentations. Will soon meet with rads chair to discuss more opportunities for case studies/research
Still working on finding good sources of LORs.

I've also met with the radiologist who conducts all the interviews at our program and he said that I will match if I apply to 15-20 programs... which I think may have been slightly underestimated.

Thanks!

 

[drizzt3117]

I wouldn't say near impossible but it'll be tough. Apply very broadly (ie every single program in the areas you're interested in) and do at least one away. UCs will be tough. The UCI PD told me their step 1 average for interviewees was almost 260 when I interviewed there fwiw.

I know the consensus is that west coast and certain areas like NY are near impossible to for non-stellar applicants from outside those regions. However, I personally would like to match somewhere in California (along with thousands of others, I know), I understand that realistically my chances of landing a rads spot at places like UCSF, UCLA, or Stanford are slim to none but I would be more than ecstatic to be able to even have a shot elsewhere, but preferably in the UC system as I am quite interested in matching at an academic institution. I've been looking into Irvine, Davis, SD and a few others but I'm having a hard time finding much information for a good way for an outside applicant to approach a match there. I will likely do an away somewhere in CA but have not decided where yet. Does anyone have suggestions as to what sorts of things an applicant from another region could do or say, if any, to show a strong interest or improving likelyhood of match? Sadly landing a 270 for me is no longer an option so I'm looking for other factors.

My stats as of now are:
Step 1 - 237
preclinical GPA: 3.8ish? from a mid/low-tier institution
Clerkships: HP FM only
Research: Single publication from undergrad with involvement in 3 research projects at respected institutions, but have done several presentations. Will soon meet with rads chair to discuss more opportunities for case studies/research
Still working on finding good sources of LORs.

I've also met with the radiologist who conducts all the interviews at our program and he said that I will match if I apply to 15-20 programs... which I think may have been slightly underestimated.

Thanks!

 

[3djd3]

UCI PD told me their step 1 average for interviewees was almost 260 when I interviewed there fwiw.

Wow. That's pretty serious! I guess that's why they never claim averages... nobody would apply.

Thanks!