FMG with very low score interested in IM. Should i even proceed?

[deygonsan]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I'm an FMG, graduated last year (November, 2013), recently took step 1 and got a horribly low score (219) that I hadn't expected. I'm currently doing research in the field of colorectal cancer (hoping to get published in another 2 months), and don't have any USCE. I'm interested in IM but I don't know if I should proceed with Step 2 ck given such a low score for IM? If I proceed, I will definitely get some form of USCE for 3-4months (observerships, externships). My only other alternative is to head to Europe for specialty training.

I'm not a GC holder/US citizen (even though i went to both middle and high school in the US)

 

[DrBacchi]

Just curious, what were your NBME scores before the test?

 

[Macaroon_Berry]

I'm an FMG, graduated last year (November, 2013), recently took step 1 and got a horribly low score (219) that I hadn't expected. I'm currently doing research in the field of colorectal cancer (hoping to get published in another 2 months), and don't have any USCE. I'm interested in IM but I don't know if I should proceed with Step 2 ck given such a low score for IM? If I proceed, I will definitely get some form of USCE for 3-4months (observerships, externships). My only other alternative is to head to Europe for specialty training.

I'm not a GC holder/US citizen (even though i went to both middle and high school in the US)

Doing research and especially getting it published will definitely help your chances of getting in. Also, even though it is a negative point that you aren't a US citizen or GC holder, at least you went to school here for a while. You should definitely study lots and lots and get a higher score for Step 2 CK (don't do the USCE yet, because your Step 2 score will matter more so focus on that). You may not get into the best program, but I think if you show significant improvement on your Step 2 and impress in interviews, plus have published research - you have a chance of getting IM.

 

[deygonsan]

I'm sorry I forgot to mention that the research is in my home country (but it's a well known institution).

I also forgot to mention that I'm also interested in Psych (but I have to do some observerships to see what the field is like in the US.

Regarding my poor step 1 score, it was a shocker as my NBMEs were all above 230s (2 even in 240s). I think anxiety is what ruined my performance. I used to take SSRIs long time back to control my anxiety but after having stopped them, it seems to have creeped back in. So the exam day was a nightmare and I blacked out after the 5th black during the break, which wasn't fun at all. I had to load myself with more glucose to get through the exam. I'm going to the gym now regularly, so I feel like that is slowly helping with my anxiety, but I might have to get back on tx.

 

[Phloston]

I'm an FMG, graduated last year (November, 2013), recently took step 1 and got a horribly low score (219) that I hadn't expected. I'm currently doing research in the field of colorectal cancer (hoping to get published in another 2 months), and don't have any USCE. I'm interested in IM but I don't know if I should proceed with Step 2 ck given such a low score for IM? If I proceed, I will definitely get some form of USCE for 3-4months (observerships, externships). My only other alternative is to head to Europe for specialty training.

I'm not a GC holder/US citizen (even though i went to both middle and high school in the US)

Your Step 1 isn't that low. It's actually fairly decent and you could easily match IM. If I were you, I'd apply to IM categorical and IM prelim programs. And if there's any one specialty that I would think would probably value the 2CK it would be IM.

 

[Phloston]

Just curious, what were your NBME scores before the test?

What are you trying to ascertain here?

 

[Phloston]

I'm sorry I forgot to mention that the research is in my home country (but it's a well known institution).

I also forgot to mention that I'm also interested in Psych (but I have to do some observerships to see what the field is like in the US.

Regarding my poor step 1 score, it was a shocker as my NBMEs were all above 230s (2 even in 240s). I think anxiety is what ruined my performance. I used to take SSRIs long time back to control my anxiety but after having stopped them, it seems to have creeped back in. So the exam day was a nightmare and I blacked out after the 5th black during the break, which wasn't fun at all. I had to load myself with more glucose to get through the exam. I'm going to the gym now regularly, so I feel like that is slowly helping with my anxiety, but I might have to get back on tx.

Research is always good, sure, but even without it you'd still be fine believe it or not. As I said above, your Step 1 really isn't that bad. Just apply to a bucket load of prelim and categorical IM programs. And do well on 2CK.

 

[shreypete]

Rock CK.

 

[deygonsan]

Thanks a lot Phloston. You've made my day with your advice man. So off to study CK then.

Just a quick question though, can one apply to both prelim and categorical IM at the same program? If so, would that hurt one's chances of matching into that program? Or would it be wiser to apply to categorical and prelim separately (different hospitals, different programs)?

I was wondering how people apply to more than one specialty at the same program and not get caught.