FAQ: What are my chances?

[deleted103644]

---

Members do not see this ad.

step 1: 234
step 2: in december
clinical grades: all HP's (in the "important" rotations)
got honors in radiology and family med rotation, not sure if anyone cares about that.
school: avg. school in the midwest
research: couple abstracts in non-radiology field
standard ec's

I'm planning on applying to 50 programs, but a resident told me that's overkill for rads, no matter what your stats. Is he wrong, or am I? I want to stay near home in midwest, and want to go to a "decent" program.

He's wrong.

Apps are cheap, relatively speaking. You do yourself no favors by artificially restricting yourself.

I'd say if you could see yourself going to a program, apply. Don't worry about limiting yourself until you start getting interviews.

 

[drizzt3117]

I'd apply to 60-80 programs.

step 1: 234
step 2: in december
clinical grades: all HP's (in the "important" rotations)
got honors in radiology and family med rotation, not sure if anyone cares about that.
school: avg. school in the midwest
research: couple abstracts in non-radiology field
standard ec's

I'm planning on applying to 50 programs, but a resident told me that's overkill for rads, no matter what your stats. Is he wrong, or am I? I want to stay near home in midwest, and want to go to a "decent" program.

 

[Stuckhere]

Hey guys, first time poster here..got nervous enough to inquire as to what my prospects were:

Mid-lower tier MD school in the midwest
Step 1: low 250s
Step 2: taking at end of this month
Pre clinical: mediocre, honored one class
Clinical: Honors in peds/family/psych/rads elective, high pass: IM/surg
research: no pubs, I did some ultrasound research that didnt go anywhere due to lack of data, I'm currently working on a case report with plans of submitting. Other than that, I'm working on a database with the neurointerventional department at my home hospital
ECS: nothing special, I had one big leadership role during my third year that I was pretty proud of

I would love to end up in Chicago, Philly, D.C (is it competitive there? haven't seen much talk of it on this forum), NYC, Florida..I was thinking of applying to Cali/Texas too, but that's more of a pipe dream. I was mostly wondering how many places I should apply/programs that would fit in my range. Also..any ty/prelim in those areas/midwest that you guys would recommend? Our school leaves us on our own in that regard. Thanks for your help!

 

[drizzt3117]

If you're applying nationally I'd pick 50-70 programs, running the gamut of tiers.

Hey guys, first time poster here..got nervous enough to inquire as to what my prospects were:

Mid-lower tier MD school in the midwest
Step 1: low 250s
Step 2: taking at end of this month
Pre clinical: mediocre, honored one class
Clinical: Honors in peds/family/psych/rads elective, high pass: IM/surg
research: no pubs, I did some ultrasound research that didnt go anywhere due to lack of data, I'm currently working on a case report with plans of submitting. Other than that, I'm working on a database with the neurointerventional department at my home hospital
ECS: nothing special, I had one big leadership role during my third year that I was pretty proud of

I would love to end up in Chicago, Philly, D.C (is it competitive there? haven't seen much talk of it on this forum), NYC, Florida..I was thinking of applying to Cali/Texas too, but that's more of a pipe dream. I was mostly wondering how many places I should apply/programs that would fit in my range. Also..any ty/prelim in those areas/midwest that you guys would recommend? Our school leaves us on our own in that regard. Thanks for your help!

 

[greg1184]

On Aunt Minne, Dr Tan Lucien Mohammed provides some great advice for applicants, including a rough guideline of the minimum amount of schools each score range should apply to. He also discusses each part of the application.

 

[Magillicutty]

.

 

[Illusive Man]

Magillicutty, I think you will be a strong candidate. You should have a good shot at academic programs nationwide as well.

 

[radmed]

Medical school in Midwest
Step1: Low 250s, AOA
Step2: In Nov
2nd year - Most Honors
3rd year - All honors
4th year - 3 away rotations in Rads - all honors
No research in med school
LOT of extracurricular activities and volunteering.
Applying to most of the programs in Midwest, and some scattered ones in East coast.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Doctor D]

I have similar stats to you. I think our success will depend on the number of applicants this year. If the numbers are down we are outstanding applicants. If not, we are still above average and should hopefully match well.

 

[bravesfan113]

nt

 

[deleted103644]

DO applicant
Top 5% in class
All Honors 3rd year
Step 1 245
Step 2 259
Did research between 1st/2nd year but wasn't published
Minimal ECs

Want to match at an ACGME program. I would love an academic program, but location is important to me and I would like to be in a decent city. Applying in the Midwest, Southeast, and places that seem relatively D.O. friendly in nice locations. Applying to around 50.. should I be applying to more?

As I say to everyone, apply to every program you would be willing to attend. Don't look for a specific number.

If you have limitations on location and are a DO, apply to every program that is geographically acceptable to you and is not on probation.

I can't imagine that would be more than 80 programs, considering there are only 200 in the country.

You might save $750 by not applying to those 30 programs, but is it worth the risk (even if small)? Compared to other costs associated with medical school, this is the wrong time to be cheap.

 

[nyrads]

So after reading through the thread, my big question is this: does it really matter if you go to an academic program or a community program? I'm talking about well respected community programs, like Sinai or Einstein.
The reason I ask is because the most important factor for when I apply next season will be location. For family reasons it's important for me to be in the NYC area. My application is relatively competitive but I think I'm far from assured to match at one of the academic programs. My career aspirations aren't to invent the next imaging modality but it's important to me to be successful.
Anyway I'd be curious to hear your opinions.
That said... maybe you guys will tell me if I'm better than 50/50 at any of the NYC academics.
Mid tier northeast state school
Step 1: mid 250s
Preclinical: predominantly H, the rest HPs. TA'd a few classes as an MSII.
Clincal: H in my first rotation. My guess is I'll get a mix of Hs and HPs.
Research: more or less all before medical school (does this matter?). 5 publications 1 of which is first author, several posters, etc.
Not much volunteer experience. President of a few clubs blah blah and other such nonsense.

 

[chet]

This thread has provided me with a lot of great information, and I could probably just deduce what "my chances" are from students with similar stats, but since I've got some specific questions, I'll give my stats for completeness.

DO applicant
USMLE I: 254 COMLEX I: 689
Very good grades in preclinical years, class rank top 5%
No research: not really interested in research (just being honest here)
No 3rd year grades yet, hopefully I'll continue to do well
EC: I've got some leadership positions, tutoring/TAing, and volunteer stuff, I'm an older applicant so I have about 6 years of health care experience (nothing in rads), not sure if this will help or not

I was one of those students dead set on a certain specialty upon entering school, in my case EM. So my application is loaded with EM related stuff including my leadership positions and healthcare experience. It wasn't until about a month ago that I started to consider Radiology, and after this month of looking into it I'm getting excited about this as a career.

So, I'm hoping I can get some advice as to how to go about building up evidence of interest in Radiology, while also giving me a little more exposure to the field. For example, would going to the RSNA conference be a valuable experience? I'm in chicago so the travel isn't a big deal. Shadowing on weekends during my core rotations (won't be able to get an elective till next year)? I've joined my schools interest group, but it doesn't appear to be very active.

Anyways, extremely long post, sorry. Best to luck to everyone waiting on interviews, any advice/wisdom/ and chances comments would be appreciated. Cheers.

Chet

 

[radsbrah]

Not really a What are my chances post but, I got a 230 on Step I. I was hoping for a 250+ on CK, but I ended up getting a 225. Guess medical school standardized tests aren't my thing (annihilated the MCAT). No idea wtf happened on both of them.

Regardless, Top 20 school, 1 first author pub, lots of other rads research. HPs across the board.

So far, this week, I've gotten 3 rads interviews, all at academic programs (midwest and south). I'm wondering: should I just NOT send my CK score yet? Will programs know I took it? How do I go about this? I mean I'm getting interviews, so my application doesn't absolutely suck. Why ruin it? Should I expect programs to ask if I've taken it?

 

[dude1344]

Not really a What are my chances post but, I got a 230 on Step I. I was hoping for a 250+ on CK, but I ended up getting a 225. Guess medical school standardized tests aren't my thing (annihilated the MCAT). No idea wtf happened on both of them.

Regardless, Top 20 school, 1 first author pub, lots of other rads research. HPs across the board.

So far, this week, I've gotten 3 rads interviews, all at academic programs (midwest and south). I'm wondering: should I just NOT send my CK score yet? Will programs know I took it? How do I go about this?

Check to see if the programs want/need them for ranking. Congrats on your interviews, mind posting them in the interview thread if you haven't already?

 

[navmil]

I am being very proactive and going to meet with radiology resident director tomorrow, just started med school. Any suggestions for what to ask him?


1st year DO student
Masters in Radiology
Graduate research in MR, thesis in MR
Worked in radiology for 4 years prior to med school

Thanks!

 

[Jdoc321]

Mid-tier medical school.
Step 1: 250
Step 2: 261
Honors: IM, peds, psych, ob. Pass in others.
Not AOA.
Research: Several research experiences. 6 presentations (1 in rads), 1 accepted IR case report, no pubs
Typical ECs

What are my chances of getting into a top academic program in the midwest or south?

 

[RazorMan]

Low tier medical school
Step 1 - 245
Step 2 - 250
Pre-Clinical: Half A's, Half B's, one C.
Clinical: All A's except OB-Gyn.
Class Rank: Upper fourth
Research: none.
Extracurriular: limited volunteering
Letters: 1 Family Medicine, 1 Psych, 1 Pathology
Bonus: BS in engineering field.

What are my chances?

 

[killinsound]

Mid-tier medical school.
Step 1: 250
Step 2: 261
Honors: IM, peds, psych, ob. Pass in others.
Not AOA.
Research: Several research experiences. 6 presentations (1 in rads), 1 accepted IR case report, no pubs
Typical ECs

What are my chances of getting into a top academic program in the midwest or south?

Good shots at UMich, Mayo, MIR, Hopkins, UTSW, etc.

I would say you would probably get interviews for sure in most programs except for ucla, ucsf, ucsd maybe, stanford, and the boston programs...

 

[radmed]

Medical school in Midwest
Step1: Low 250s, AOA
Step2: In Nov
2nd year - Most Honors
3rd year - All honors
4th year - 3 away rotations in Rads - all honors
No research in med school
LOT of extracurricular activities and volunteering.
Applying to most of the programs in Midwest, and some scattered ones in East coast.

Any help would be appreciated!

So I posted this a while back, but nobody has replied. Can anyone of you comment on this? Thanks!

 

[drizzt3117]

So I posted this a while back, but nobody has replied. Can anyone of you comment on this? Thanks!

Looks good, should be competitive.

 

[Radiola]

Thanks

 

[deleted103644]

IMG graduated less than 5 years ago
Step1: 233
Step2: 244
Master of health administration
a publication, 3 oral presentation, 1 case report(submitted) non first author
Strong US LOR, extracurricular activities and volunteering.
Do I have any chance getting into radiology or am I waisting my time!!!
Thanks

Next to nil.

Before the all in policy, maybe prematch at a probationary program.

If you have a visa it might be slightly less grim, but still doubtful.

I would apply to literally every community program.

 

[Prtz]

This is amazing thread. I have one question about getting into Radiology. I am a doctor from India with residency in radiology- and I have 3 years experience in radiology. I have avg USMLE score. I wonder if my experience of working in the same field is going to help me get the interview?

 

[hal9000]

This is amazing thread. I have one question about getting into Radiology. I am a doctor from India with residency in radiology- and I have 3 years experience in radiology. I have avg USMLE score. I wonder if my experience of working in the same field is going to help me get the interview?

Given that your status is that you're a pharm student, you'll probably have to quit pharm school and enroll in med school first. That, or figure out how to use drop down lists in an internet browser.

In all seriousness though, last month you stated you're a pharm grad in NJ, and now you're claiming you're a radiologist in india? 😕

 

[Docbp]

Midwest medical school (originally from NE)
Step 1: 232
Step 2: not yet taken
Per-clinical: Half H's, Half HP's
Clinical: assuming Half H's and half HP's
Research: 10+ Pubs non-rads (maybe 1 IR), 2 case reports (1 IR), 20+ abstracts, 1 RSNA poster, working on 2 book chapters.
EC's - good leadership,and volunteer experience

Any chance of matching in the NE??

Would appreciate any advice.

Thanks.

 

[ar2388]

Midwest medical school (originally from NE)
Step 1: 232
Step 2: not yet taken
Per-clinical: Half H's, Half HP's
Clinical: assuming Half H's and half HP's
Research: 10+ Pubs non-rads (maybe 1 IR), 2 case reports (1 IR), 20+ abstracts, 1 RSNA poster, working on 2 book chapters.
EC's - good leadership,and volunteer experience

Any chance of matching in the NE??

Would appreciate any advice.

Thanks.

that research/publication experience I think will serve you very very well.

 

[MossPoh]

Low tier medical school
Step 1 - 245
Step 2 - 250
Pre-Clinical: Half A's, Half B's, one C.
Clinical: All A's except OB-Gyn.
Class Rank: Upper fourth
Research: none.
Extracurriular: limited volunteering
Letters: 1 Family Medicine, 1 Psych, 1 Pathology
Bonus: BS in engineering field.

What are my chances?

Your random letters seem like the biggest disadvantage. It seems that most prefer letters from surgery/IM/Peds and one one radiology letter.

Stat wise we are pretty similar, except my step 2 is higher. I've gotten a comfortable amount of interviews so far.

 

[Pills Of Soap]

Lower ranked school
Step 1: 260's
Step 2: not yet taken
Pre-clinical: H's
Clinical: H's so far on Peds, OB
Research: none in med school
EC's: some, nothing outstanding

From California. Only a third year, but just to see what my chances are of getting back to Cali.
Of note, I havnt seen anyone in my school's recent match list match rads in cali (maybe no one tried-who knows)

 

[R4nsom]

Cali Resident
Mid-Tier School
Step 1: 240
Step 2: 230
Clinical: 1 Honor in Surgery

I want to go back to Cali. What are my chances and what programs will I be looking to get into?

 

[james7it]

Top 25 med school

Step 1 - High 240s
Step 2 - Pending
Pre-Clinical: A's and B's. Honestly probably more B+ than A's.
Clinical: Mix of H and HP
Research: 2 papers (neither as first author), one abstract as first author, one poster presentation
Extracurricular: Not much at all.
Letters: 2 IM. 1 Rads.

I want to go to an academic program, but feel like my grades and class rank (probably 3rd quartile) will be hampering.

 

[drizzt3117]

Lower ranked school
Step 1: 260's
Step 2: not yet taken
Pre-clinical: H's
Clinical: H's so far on Peds, OB
Research: none in med school
EC's: some, nothing outstanding

From California. Only a third year, but just to see what my chances are of getting back to Cali.
Of note, I havnt seen anyone in my school's recent match list match rads in cali (maybe no one tried-who knows)

Your chances are good.

Cali Resident
Mid-Tier School
Step 1: 244
Step 2: 266
Clinical: 1 Honor in Surgery, rest high pass
Research: 1 poster at SCBTMR, 1 poster at RSNA, 1 ongoing project (no submissions yet)
LOR: 2 radiologists, 1 surgery

I want to go back to Cali. What are my chances and what programs will I be looking to get into?

Decent for comm programs, poor for academic.

Top 25 med school

Step 1 - High 240s
Step 2 - Pending
Pre-Clinical: A's and B's. Honestly probably more B+ than A's.
Clinical: Mix of H and HP
Research: 2 papers (neither as first author), one abstract as first author, one poster presentation
Extracurricular: Not much at all.
Letters: 2 IM. 1 Rads.

I want to go to an academic program, but feel like my grades and class rank (probably 3rd quartile) will be hampering.

You'll match at an academic program, just probably not top 25 or in the NE/Cali.

 

[R4nsom]

Your chances are good.



Decent for comm programs, poor for academic.



You'll match at an academic program, just probably not top 25 or in the NE/Cali.

I guess all I want is a good chance at staying in cali. Does loma linda or cedar count at community or academic?

 

[drizzt3117]

I guess all I want is a good chance at staying in cali. Does loma linda or cedar count at community or academic?

Llu is academic, cedars is community. Programs not directly affiliated with a medical school are community, as a general rule. Cedars is a UCLA affiliate but UCLA has its own rads program.

 

[R4nsom]

Llu is academic, cedars is community. Programs not directly affiliated with a medical school are community, as a general rule. Cedars is a UCLA affiliate but UCLA has its own rads program.

Oh ok thanks for the clarification. Would my chances still be poor with programs like LLu or UC davis as well?

 

[drizzt3117]

Oh ok thanks for the clarification. Would my chances still be poor with programs like LLu or UC davis as well?

With UCD yes, with LLU not sure. The people who matched there last year were still pretty strong.

 

[R4nsom]

With UCD yes, with LLU not sure. The people who matched there last year were still pretty strong.

Oh well things aren't looking good anyway. I missed ucla harbor, santa clara and LLU first wave =(

 

[deleted103644]

Oh well things aren't looking good anyway. I missed ucla harbor, santa clara and LLU first wave =(

If you miss the first wave, little harm in contacting your favorite programs directly and expressing interest.

Use your best judgment though... Don't want to come across as a PITA.

 

[drizzt3117]

Oh well things aren't looking good anyway. I missed ucla harbor, santa clara and LLU first wave =(

Santa Clara is more competitive than LLU or UCD. Harbor is a bad program. I wouldn't go there unless you have absolutely no choice.

 

[ziggyzow]

Hi there,

Can someone tell me what my chances are:
step 1 235
3rd year: all P's so far (I could never get my stuff together for some reason.)
Research: 1 first author paper, 4 posters/abstracts.
Any shot at an academic program? Any shot period?

Thanks

 

[matt0126]

Do I have a shot.....just finished 3rd year. I'm a US born, Caribbean med student.

Basic Science GPA: 3.65
Clinical Sciences GPA: 4.0 (so far)

USMLE Step 1: 227/98
USMLE Step 2cs: Pass (1st attempt)
USMLE Step 2ck: 260/87

I am applying for 2014 match and will have TWO research papers published in Rads (1st author) and possibly one abstract (not 1st author)

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated...thanks!

 

[killinsound]

Depends on how good your research is

 

[Prtz]

Given that your status is that you're a pharm student, you'll probably have to quit pharm school and enroll in med school first. That, or figure out how to use drop down lists in an internet browser.

In all seriousness though, last month you stated you're a pharm grad in NJ, and now you're claiming you're a radiologist in india? 😕

"Hey Sorry about confusion. This profile is created by my frined and she is Pharmcist now and I am her best friend. I am working as a radiologist and as I asked questions she told me about this site and give her ID to use it temporarily. "

 

[Toodge]

Hi there,

Can someone tell me what my chances are:
step 1 235
3rd year: all P's so far (I could never get my stuff together for some reason.)
Research: 1 first author paper, 4 posters/abstracts.
Any shot at an academic program? Any shot period?

Thanks

I have similar stats and have nearly 20 radiology interviews right now from a few big name places and have started turning some down...I did well on ck but not sure that matters anyway (though programs have brought it up) good luck

 

[Hitman1187]

I have similar stats and have nearly 20 radiology interviews right now from a few big name places and have started turning some down...I did well on ck but not sure that matters anyway (though programs have brought it up) good luck

would you mind sharing your Invites ????

thanks........🙂

 

[Toodge]

would you mind sharing your Invites ????

thanks........🙂

I guess I didn't mean "big names" but I got all the interviews I wanted...Baylor Houston, UT Houston, New Mexico, uab, Jackson memorial, Baylor Dallas, etc...

 

[Hitman1187]

I guess I didn't mean "big names" but I got all the interviews I wanted...Baylor Houston, UT Houston, New Mexico, uab, Jackson memorial, Baylor Dallas, etc...

Thank you.........🙂

 

[MossPoh]

I guess I didn't mean "big names" but I got all the interviews I wanted...Baylor Houston, UT Houston, New Mexico, uab, Jackson memorial, Baylor Dallas, etc...

We may have an interview run in. Have a couple similar places.

 

[DirtyJustice]

.

 

[rolen05]

Can someone tell me what my chances are? I just recently started considering radiology, I know it's competitive but don't know much else.

I'm in my 3rd year

Step 1:255
Research: not much...two publications (not first author) with manuscripts submitted but not published...
Rotations: mix of pass and honors..

Boards score good...everything else not so much?