I applied to only 1 Cali school (Stanford) and was able to interview there as a non-Cali resident and non-Cali medical student. I'm only speaking from my own experience.
Step 1 score is good.
As far as I'm concerned, the name of the school (top tier, etc.) means very little. I'm not from a top tier med school and I've met a lot of applicants on the trail interview at the same top rated residency programs who were not from top tier schools. What I mean by this is that a name will not guarantee an applicant to a residency in the face of poor academic performance.
Grades are ok. I'm not sure how the pass in peds will affect you. I'd ask my school acadmic advisor.
AOA is only icing on the cake. I'm not AOA and got an early interview offer at Stanford.
Research is not necessary but is a plus (my own bias).
I would take step 2 if you think you can really do well. Otherwise, I'd wait.
Have you interviewed at Stanford yet or are you waiting on an interview offer?
Good luck!
p.s. Finally got my Step 2 CS and am relieved to say that I not only passed but will not have to fork over $950 again for that exam.
