If geographically stable, you can match into a good coastal or mid west academic program. Probably you don't have a chance at big coastal programs like MGH or UCLA.
FAQ: What are my chances?
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If geographically stable, you can match into a good coastal or mid west academic program. Probably you don't have a chance at big coastal programs like MGH or UCLA.
Honors are nice, but not necessary (unless you're targeting places like UCSF or MGH). Make sure the rest of your application, especially letters and research, are good, and you'll be fine.
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Now is a case report the same as "research"?
I'm in the process of doing a case report not related to Radiology, and this is technically my only "research" project. It's just that my institution does not have research opportunities in Radiology.
I'm in the process of doing a case report not related to Radiology, and this is technically my only "research" project. It's just that my institution does not have research opportunities in Radiology.
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Technically it's not research but I'd say case reports still valuable in the eyes of selection committees, although less so than a true research project.
Research and case reports in radiology are a plus but won't really hurt you if they're not.
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My experience is that interviewers have been more interested in what I learned during research than whether it was published or not or the type of study. Obviously, radiology stuff is preferable but I've been asked more about my non-radiology research.
Hey guys, just wanted some guidance.
Step 1 - 232, medical school in the Midwest, originally from the east coast.
M1/M2 - half honors, half high pass
M3 - Ob/gyn - HP, Psych/neuro - P, Radiology - H, Anesthesia - HP, that's all I've done so far.
Research - 8 pubs non-rads, 1 RSNA poster, Working on 3 IR papers and a book chapter
EC - Good
Any chances on the east coast? Thanks.
Step 1 - 232, medical school in the Midwest, originally from the east coast.
M1/M2 - half honors, half high pass
M3 - Ob/gyn - HP, Psych/neuro - P, Radiology - H, Anesthesia - HP, that's all I've done so far.
Research - 8 pubs non-rads, 1 RSNA poster, Working on 3 IR papers and a book chapter
EC - Good
Any chances on the east coast? Thanks.
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I'd say you'd have a pretty good chance at a strong mid-tier academic on east coast.
Step 1 is the limiting factor and a few more honors would help. You may get filtered out by the programs that use 240+ as their cutoff, but I've known people who have gotten great places with your score as well.
Step 2 may help a little if you kill it.
Step 1 is the limiting factor and a few more honors would help. You may get filtered out by the programs that use 240+ as their cutoff, but I've known people who have gotten great places with your score as well.
Step 2 may help a little if you kill it.
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Agree with MossPoh - land some more honors esp in medicine and surgery and you should be in good shape. Step 2 can help if you break 250.
Just curious, what do people consider 'killing' step 2? Is it about the same number-wise as step one, i.e. 240+ considered good, average around 220? I feel like I've heard that many people have a higher step 2, such that perhaps the averages are higher?
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I believe the national average is a 10-15 point increase from step 1 (but don't quote me). Killing it depends on the person, I'd consider 250+ to be the range that would make up for a lower step 1.
I had low 240s and had a 20+ increase, which I was told helped me at a few places.
I had low 240s and had a 20+ increase, which I was told helped me at a few places.
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hey buddy did you have any research or publications ?
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If I remember correctly, the average for Step 2 CK was in the low 230s (higher than Step 1). Breaking 250 I guess would be "killing" it, but you at least want a 15 point increase from your Step 1 for it to raise any eyebrows.
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That sounds about right. My school prides itself on the increase in step 2 and we average a 15 to 20 point increase in CK, which ends up being about 5 points above national average for the increase...if they was phrased in any way that makes sense.
And thanks. You will be fine. Everyone gets the interview or two that they feel are above their averages, except for those 260 all honors people with first author research.
And thanks. You will be fine. Everyone gets the interview or two that they feel are above their averages, except for those 260 all honors people with first author research.
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Do me! Do me!
Current MS3. Became interested in rads recently. Thus, I have absolutely nothing on my application currently that is rads related at all.
Step 1: 263
Clinical grades: school takes forever to get grades back, but I've honor'd surgery and am expecting honors in neuro and psych. Have peds, OB, IM, and family left.
Research: 2 papers (1 co-first author, 1 middle author), working on a 1st author (all non-rads basic/translational stuff)
Taking a rads elective immediately once 4th year starts.
Normal human being otherwise. Top 25 school. No interest in west coast. Largely interested in midwest, east, and select places in the south (UTSW, Vanderbilt).
Where do I stand? I feel like this is a crapshoot despite my good Step 1 score so I have no idea how to gauge my competitiveness given I'm so new to the field and have no rads research.
Current MS3. Became interested in rads recently. Thus, I have absolutely nothing on my application currently that is rads related at all.
Step 1: 263
Clinical grades: school takes forever to get grades back, but I've honor'd surgery and am expecting honors in neuro and psych. Have peds, OB, IM, and family left.
Research: 2 papers (1 co-first author, 1 middle author), working on a 1st author (all non-rads basic/translational stuff)
Taking a rads elective immediately once 4th year starts.
Normal human being otherwise. Top 25 school. No interest in west coast. Largely interested in midwest, east, and select places in the south (UTSW, Vanderbilt).
Where do I stand? I feel like this is a crapshoot despite my good Step 1 score so I have no idea how to gauge my competitiveness given I'm so new to the field and have no rads research.
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Your step 1 alone should get you interviews at very good places. Research in radiology isn't as big of a deal as people make it for most places. Research experience and an understanding of the process is where the greatest benefit comes from.
All programs are random and you will get rejections/interviews from ones you wouldn't think you would. You have a good shot at the programs listed though.
All programs are random and you will get rejections/interviews from ones you wouldn't think you would. You have a good shot at the programs listed though.
I assume you have ties to Nashville or the region or you wouldn't be particularly interested in Vandy.. But if you don't, don't waste your $. They only interview people in their region regardless of what their app looks like. Also, what does "co-first author" mean? Logistically I understand 2 people may have done the majority of the work but on the article and pubmed only one author gets listed first? Not trying to be a jerk I just see people say this and I genuinely want to understand.
Anyway, agree with Mosspoh. Solid step 1 and clinical grades plus some interest in research will probably get you whatever interviews you want. Even if you only passed the rest of your rotations you will probably get serious love from UTSW and Vandy (UTSW seems to be emphasizing research quite a bit per my interview there so more research might help you there).
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You should have good shots at UTSW and Vandy. Like already said, your step 1 will get you in the door for some solid interviews. I'd try to honor your remaining rotations as well, esp medicine. It won't kill you if you don't but it may keep you out of a copule of the top tier places that put more weight on clinical grades. Rads specific research isn't a requirement, just as long as you are productive in whatever research that you do.
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Thanks for the replies! I appreciate it.
I do have ties to Nashville, which I shall emphasize as much as I can. I'd heard Vandy is pretty reject-ready so I'm nervous despite my ties. At least from what I'm hearing from you guys, numbers won't be an issue.
As far as co-first author goes, that paper has me listed second, but on the official paper itself and the manuscript that went to press, me and the other author are noted as equivalent. So essentially it's a glorified second author or a 1.5st author.
I do have ties to Nashville, which I shall emphasize as much as I can. I'd heard Vandy is pretty reject-ready so I'm nervous despite my ties. At least from what I'm hearing from you guys, numbers won't be an issue.
As far as co-first author goes, that paper has me listed second, but on the official paper itself and the manuscript that went to press, me and the other author are noted as equivalent. So essentially it's a glorified second author or a 1.5st author.
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My Situation:
Step 1 <220
Pre-Clinical and Clinical Grades: P's and HPs
Rank: Bottom 50% of my class
No Pubs as of yet
What are my chances of matching into radiology?
I am not geographically restricted and I don't care where I go (community program is fine with me), as long as I match...
Step 1 <220
Pre-Clinical and Clinical Grades: P's and HPs
Rank: Bottom 50% of my class
No Pubs as of yet
What are my chances of matching into radiology?
I am not geographically restricted and I don't care where I go (community program is fine with me), as long as I match...
Despite the fact that you are below average in every category you have told us (board scores, clinical grades, rank, possibly research), radiology is not a competitive field if your goal is to get into any radiology residency in the US. Per charting outcomes of the match 2011, over 90% of US allopathic seniors (56/61) with a step 1 score between 211 and 220 matched into the field.
That said, the radiology job market is pretty terrible by most if not all accounts, and you'd be doing yourself a disservice by not aiming for as good a program as you can get. Otherwise you might find increased difficulty finding a job after your training.
You should look into getting (staying?) involved in research, taking Step 2 early and doing well on it, and getting great clinical letters. Improving yourself in those categories is probably your best bet for doing as well as you can in the match.
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+1 to the above post. Besides taking Step 2 early and trying to get 250+, my other advice is mostly general. Try to honor the rest of your rotations, which will help for your letters of rec. See if you can't get your hands on some research or a case report - it would be a good way to get a radiology letter too, or you can find radiology mentor in one of your rads rotations. If you're not interested in research it won't hurt you, but it can help. Doesn't have to be specific to radiology either.
You'll match somewhere if you apply broadly.
You'll match somewhere if you apply broadly.
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Mid-low tier southern state school
Step 1 - 256
M1/M2 - mostly HP
M3 - Ob/gyn - P, Psych - HP, IM-HP so far
Class rank unknown (I would guess top 25-50% of my class, probably not AOA)
Research - 1imaging related publication with a few other unrelated projects
EC - Good
Chances of matching at north east academic program?
Step 1 - 256
M1/M2 - mostly HP
M3 - Ob/gyn - P, Psych - HP, IM-HP so far
Class rank unknown (I would guess top 25-50% of my class, probably not AOA)
Research - 1imaging related publication with a few other unrelated projects
EC - Good
Chances of matching at north east academic program?
I had similar stats coming from the south and have to say that regional bias is real. If you want to go to the NE you better either do an away rotation or email them about your sincere interest before they reject you based on region. App wise you should be able to compete for the top programs.
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Thanks guys, would appreciate any input
MS3, recently came to the realization that I love rads! 🙂
Top 35 Allopathic State Medical School
Step 1 252
M1/M2 mostly Honors
M3 IM-P, Neuro-HP, OB/GYN-P, Peds-HP, Surgery-HP (awaiting FM and Psych)
Class rank unsure
Research 1 imaging related project (likely publication), Some non-rads based studies from undergrad (no pubs).
Questions?: Take Step 2 before ERAS application comes out or later (Yes I know this topic is reiterated a million times, but would still appreciate input)? Currently thinking of taking in September/October time-frame.
Chances of matching into rads overall? Chances of matching at university program anywhere (though preferably in Texas)? (From western non-Cali non-Texas state school)
Since Im in the west (not west coast) do I have to do an away rotation in the mid-west or east coast to be considered by these programs due to regional bias?
MS3, recently came to the realization that I love rads! 🙂
Top 35 Allopathic State Medical School
Step 1 252
M1/M2 mostly Honors
M3 IM-P, Neuro-HP, OB/GYN-P, Peds-HP, Surgery-HP (awaiting FM and Psych)
Class rank unsure
Research 1 imaging related project (likely publication), Some non-rads based studies from undergrad (no pubs).
Questions?: Take Step 2 before ERAS application comes out or later (Yes I know this topic is reiterated a million times, but would still appreciate input)? Currently thinking of taking in September/October time-frame.
Chances of matching into rads overall? Chances of matching at university program anywhere (though preferably in Texas)? (From western non-Cali non-Texas state school)
Since Im in the west (not west coast) do I have to do an away rotation in the mid-west or east coast to be considered by these programs due to regional bias?
Based on the charting outcomes from 2011 and considering the recent decrease in applications to radiology, you should almost be a guaranteed match in radiology if you go on enough interviews. The average step 1 for radiology is around 240. Use the rule of 3s and you should do fine: 1/3rd safeties, 1/3rd target schools, and 1/3rd reaches. Your stats should be good enough to get interviews at most texas schools. UTSW is the most competitive program in texas but I think you still have a good shot there. An away rotation at a reach school out of your region would help if that is what you are aiming for.
I'm from a similar region. No aways necessary, just let programs know you are legitimately interested rather than pan-applying.
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Thanks for the input guys 🙂, it awesome to get opinions from experienced peeps in such an uncertain process. What do you guys think about taking Step 2? Should I take it before the ERAS application comes out or wait? Is there a score that I would need to hit to make it worth taking early? I am also hearing that some residencies are requiring Step 2 for interviews now is this true or just hearsay?
Hearsay. No one requires it for interviews and only UCSF requires it to rank you. You'll hear varying opinions but I think you should take it after ERAS is finalized because it can't really help you but in the extremely unlikely event that you have a bad day and bomb it, it could hurt you.
I took it after ERAS and when I got my score back it gave me an excuse to contact the programs I was interested in again.
any input appreciated!
step 1: 250+
step 2: 260+
pre-clinical: all honors
clinical: honors in Peds, pass in everything else (including IM, surg) 🙁
school: top 20 program on west coast
research:1 rads poster presentation as first author, hoping to get a couple abstracts or a full paper by the end of this year in rads stuff as well, couple nephrology related abstracts, and 2 neurosurgery-related book chapters (1 as first author, one as 3rd author). Also have 2 1st author pubs from undergrad in random journals (nothing that well-known)
ECs: some clubs but overall pretty limited
I'm currently taking a year off (doing rads research and getting a masters) so that I can couples match in 2014. My fiance is an MS3 planning to go into IM with step 1 of 250+ and honors in all her rotations so far (IM, peds, obgyn, neuro). She also has good research.
I know that couples matching can be tricky but given that I'm going into rads and she's going into IM, I'm guessing I will be the limiting factor. We're planning to apply all over, but the bulk of programs would be in CA or the northeast where there are a lot of schools nearby (to maximize our chances of being close to each other). Would prefer academic programs. Would absolutely love to stay on the west coast (especially the UCs, Stanford, UWash, etc), but given the strength of those programs and the fact that we are couples matching may make that difficult?
step 1: 250+
step 2: 260+
pre-clinical: all honors
clinical: honors in Peds, pass in everything else (including IM, surg) 🙁
school: top 20 program on west coast
research:1 rads poster presentation as first author, hoping to get a couple abstracts or a full paper by the end of this year in rads stuff as well, couple nephrology related abstracts, and 2 neurosurgery-related book chapters (1 as first author, one as 3rd author). Also have 2 1st author pubs from undergrad in random journals (nothing that well-known)
ECs: some clubs but overall pretty limited
I'm currently taking a year off (doing rads research and getting a masters) so that I can couples match in 2014. My fiance is an MS3 planning to go into IM with step 1 of 250+ and honors in all her rotations so far (IM, peds, obgyn, neuro). She also has good research.
I know that couples matching can be tricky but given that I'm going into rads and she's going into IM, I'm guessing I will be the limiting factor. We're planning to apply all over, but the bulk of programs would be in CA or the northeast where there are a lot of schools nearby (to maximize our chances of being close to each other). Would prefer academic programs. Would absolutely love to stay on the west coast (especially the UCs, Stanford, UWash, etc), but given the strength of those programs and the fact that we are couples matching may make that difficult?
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As long as you don't try to sleep with the PD's daughter or something you will be competitive wherever you want. Sounds like your SO will too. Should be easy to match close to your fiance if that is your only goal.
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Step 1: 250
AOA: No, I would say I'm top 25% though
Clinical: All H's (for now)
School: Low tier Midwest program
Research: 1 poster non-rads related
ECs: kinda weak
Wanted to know chances of getting interviews at these programs and if you could rank from most competitive to least:
UVA
U Colorado
South Carolina
Baylor Houston
UT Houston
UF
Indiana
Georgetown
Thanks!
AOA: No, I would say I'm top 25% though
Clinical: All H's (for now)
School: Low tier Midwest program
Research: 1 poster non-rads related
ECs: kinda weak
Wanted to know chances of getting interviews at these programs and if you could rank from most competitive to least:
UVA
U Colorado
South Carolina
Baylor Houston
UT Houston
UF
Indiana
Georgetown
Thanks!
UVa might be a reach. I think all of the others are fair game though. I would consider emailing programs out of the region expressing your interest around mid October. UF for example, takes a lot of people from the SE.
I am a 3rd year student, I went a met with my advisor a few months ago to "assess competitiveness."
I go to a top 20 medschool in the midwest
Step 1: 255
Preclinical grades: mostly lower 3/4 quartile of my class
Clinical grades: Medicine: H, Peds: H, Neuro: H, Psych: P
I have some non-related research, no publications but some abstracts and poster presentations
I also don't really have any volunteer work of note.
Anyways, my advisor said that my preclinical grades and lack of volunteer work were "kind of red flags." WTF?? I wasn't aware we were supposed to be doing a bunch of volunteer work... but I digress.
Thoughts?
I go to a top 20 medschool in the midwest
Step 1: 255
Preclinical grades: mostly lower 3/4 quartile of my class
Clinical grades: Medicine: H, Peds: H, Neuro: H, Psych: P
I have some non-related research, no publications but some abstracts and poster presentations
I also don't really have any volunteer work of note.
Anyways, my advisor said that my preclinical grades and lack of volunteer work were "kind of red flags." WTF?? I wasn't aware we were supposed to be doing a bunch of volunteer work... but I digress.
Thoughts?
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Is your advisor a radiologist? Your "preclinical grades" = step 1 and you destroyed it so I wouldn't put much weight into his/her advising. Few will even notice. Your 3rd year H's will overshadow whatever preclinical garbage there is on your MSPE.
I don't think volunteer stuff is that helpful unless you have a consistent, demonstrated interest in something you can highlight and focus on in your application. Being on some no-name committee and giving flu shots to old people probably won't help much. But if you can think of something you really enjoy and find some time to do it in the next bit it might help. Research would probably help more though.
At any rate, I think you'll get great interviews based on your scholastic performance alone.
After going through the match I think selection committees go something like this: What was step 1? What school is he/she coming from? Any red flags in deans letter, LORs, or in the PS? Are they in our region? Did they get along with everyone during third year (clinical grades)? Research or some interesting EC? AOA? Anyone with experience feel free to correct me.
I don't think school matters as much as everyone else on SDN thinks it does. I'm from a no name school and got interviews everywhere I applied (MGH, UCSF, Penn, etc.). I do agree with everything else you said though.
Agree
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Step 1: 254
School: Mid/lower tier mid-atlantic
1st 2 years: Mostly As (2 Bs). Honors not offered the 1st 2 years.
Junior AOA: Nominated, but not elected
3rd year: All As so far (missed honors by 1 point twice).
Research: None
ECs: Weak. Just some volunteering at local shelter and clinic.
Would like to know chances of getting an interview at these programs.
Georgetown
George Washington
UNC
MUSC
Maryland
Wake Forest
UF
Kentucky
Thanks!
School: Mid/lower tier mid-atlantic
1st 2 years: Mostly As (2 Bs). Honors not offered the 1st 2 years.
Junior AOA: Nominated, but not elected
3rd year: All As so far (missed honors by 1 point twice).
Research: None
ECs: Weak. Just some volunteering at local shelter and clinic.
Would like to know chances of getting an interview at these programs.
Georgetown
George Washington
UNC
MUSC
Maryland
Wake Forest
UF
Kentucky
Thanks!
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Your app looks pretty good. Keep up the good work in third year and make sure you have good letter writers in mind. You should be in good shape for those programs with wake probably being the most competitive. If there is any way you can start on a radiology research project it will help for a place like that. Apply broadly because getting interviews no matter how competitive you are is largely a crapshoot.
Agree with above. You never know where you're gonna get interviews. Research always looks good, but make sure you do real research, not just dabbling in it. Sometimes if you start something without finishing it, it may have a negative effect on your application.
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I didn't finish much of my research mainly due to circumstances out of my control. If they asked, I explained it but otherwise I just told them what I learned during the time and what value there was in learning about the process. That is really what most people are interested in. Publishing is just a bonus.
