hard worker low boards (comlex)

[jakstat]

I'm a 3rd year right now just starting my rotations but I'm already anxious about applying for residency. I failed my comlex the first time and passed the 2nd time but barely. So far I'm doing well in my rotations. I'm the type that works hard, stays low key. My interns/ residents/attendings seem to like me. My question is how realistic should I be in choosing what I want to go for? Theres always the idealist advice about going for what you've always wanted to do, then there's the realist (program req., board scores, competitiveness). Also, does having a +ve repore with the program directors/attendings have much weight when it comes time to apply?

 

[dragonfly99]

OP, there's nothing to do now but forge ahead and work hard. Keep up the good attitude and don't cry over the milk that is already spilled. By the way, it's "rapport".

I don't know how it works for the COMLEX, but for the USMLE failing or getting a low score would keep you out of all the ultracompetitive specialties (ortho, derm,plastics, etc.), and would hurt for the medium competitive ones also (anesthesia, ER, etc.). However, if the only bad thing on your transcript is one failing standardized test grade, which you remediated, getting into one of the less competitive specialties like fp, IM, psych, physical med/rehab, etc. would not be a problem. You won't be going to Harvard or something, but someone will take you for sure. People do care about your personality, work ethic, etc. However, they also have applicants with good LOR's and nice personalities who got top 20% on their board exams so you have to be kind of realistic (i.e. you're not doing derm).