Good board scores but low class rank, what are my chances for path in cali?

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I have a decent board scores (Step I: 240 and II: 247) but low class rank (4th quartile with only one honor during M3). I appreciate some input escpecially from those who have already matched about my chances for a path residency in general and for competitive programs (California and etc.)
Thanx

 

[sequela]

I have a decent board scores (Step I: 240 and II: 247) but low class rank (4th quartile with only one honor during M3). I appreciate some input escpecially from those who have already matched about my chances for a path residency in general and for competitive programs (California and etc.)
Thanx

your scores are great. i wouldn't stress rank...i'm not sure how impotant the clincal grades are but maybe more experienced folks can speak to this.

my best advice is to aqcuire an extensive understanding of pathology (in practice) and the ways in which you are best suited for this specialty. then, show that on paper. demonstrate that you know it, love it, and will be good at it.

in essence, i suggest an away rotation at the programs you are most interested in.

and another thing, don't kill yourself over numbers, rank, school rank or any of that stuff because ultimately, if you're bright, have a strong work ethic, are passionate about your work and are a pleasure to be around, you'll get where you need to go.

i hightlight the last point...don't underestimate the stuff that can't exactly be put on paper.

good luck.

 

[yaah]

My school didn't even rank people. On our deans letter we got a standard recommendation category like "Recommend highly" or whatever, but it wasn't ranked. Almost everyone in the class probably got a great ranking on this. Med schools aren't stratified that much like they used to be. Once you're in, they try to keep you there and they realize that almost everyone is a superior student and has the capability to be a great resident. Grades are important but much less so than you would think (unless you fail stuff).

 

[b&ierstiefel]

Your scores are really good. You'll get plenty of interviews based on them. Don't sweat the class rank. Just get strong letters from people who know you well. My class did get ranked but the Dean's Letter didn't mention your exact class rank. Dean's Letters are pretty standard so I doubt your Dean's Letter will mention your exact class rank or quartile.

 

[deleted113029]

your scores are great. i wouldn't stress rank...i'm not sure how impotant the clincal grades are but maybe more experienced folks can speak to this.

my best advice is to aqcuire an extensive understanding of pathology (in practice) and the ways in which you are best suited for this specialty. then, show that on paper. demonstrate that you know it, love it, and will be good at it.

in essence, i suggest an away rotation at the programs you are most interested in.
and another thing, don't kill yourself over numbers, rank, school rank or any of that stuff because ultimately, if you're bright, have a strong work ethic, are passionate about your work and are a pleasure to be around, you'll get where you need to go.

i hightlight the last point...don't underestimate the stuff that can't exactly be put on paper.

good luck.

+1

sequela, correct me if i'm wrong...didn't you did an away at Stanford? that's something that they take very seriously from speaking with the current residents and chair.

take sequela's comments seriously OP. he matched at stanford when it was extremely difficult to do so.

dean's letter contains quartile rank (for most schools) disguised as strength of candidate for postgrad training; outstanding, excellent, very good, good. this is the last/one of the last sentence in the dean's letter.

 

[sequela]

+1

sequela, correct me if i'm wrong...didn't you did an away at Stanford? that's something that they take very seriously from speaking with the current residents and chair.

take sequela's comments seriously OP. he matched at stanford when it was extremely difficult to do so.

dean's letter contains quartile rank (for most schools) disguised as strength of candidate for postgrad training; outstanding, excellent, very good, good. this is the last/one of the last sentence in the dean's letter.

yes i did do an away elective at stanford. when i had first decided to an away there, i had no idea how impactful it could be. i also had no idea how much i would love the people and the program.

perhaps other programs don't put as much importance on a visitng elective but i just can't imagine how it could not work in your favor (assuming there are not interpersonal conflicts). it distinguishes you from other applicants...it basically answers the question "does this person fit in here?" which is probably the most impotant part of the process once an interview has been granted.

more importantly, though, you can better assess how much YOU like it and if it's a good fit for you.

ps i'm a she not a he. 🙂

 

[deleted113029]

yes i did do an away elective at stanford. when i had first decided to an away there, i had no idea how impactful it could be. i also had no idea how much i would love the people and the program.

perhaps other programs don't put as much importance on a visitng elective but i just can't imagine how it could not work in your favor (assuming there are not interpersonal conflicts). it distinguishes you from other applicants...it basically answers the question "does this person fit in here?" which is probably the most impotant part of the process once an interview has been granted.

more importantly, though, you can better assess how much YOU like it and if it's a good fit for you.

ps i'm a she not a he. 🙂

😳 my apologies for assuming you were a he, not for being female.😉

 

[DarksideAllstar]

+1

sequela, correct me if i'm wrong...didn't you did an away at Stanford? that's something that they take very seriously from speaking with the current residents and chair.

take sequela's comments seriously OP. he matched at stanford when it was extremely difficult to do so.

dean's letter contains quartile rank (for most schools) disguised as strength of candidate for postgrad training; outstanding, excellent, very good, good. this is the last/one of the last sentence in the dean's letter.

+2.

Aways (particularly at the "big name" places) will put you in a much better situation than just having great numbers (ie AOA), everything else being equal. Check out the "post match" thread for an idea of where people match and what kind of numbers that they had. I don't think you will have any problems staying in CA generally speaking. There are a few programs that are definitely not competitive and just with your boards alone you should be able to land them as long as you can function during your interview (ie articulate why you want to do path) and you don't have any red flags on your app. If you want Stanford or UCSF you should probably do an away there and check it out and let them check you out. IMO, fewer spots in a program= better to do an away to have a legit shot. For an anecdote, PM me.