How much does class rank matter for academic IM in northeast?

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prospectszn

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I'm an M1 at a school that does pass/fail with ranking. Medians are almost always around 90 for our exams so I'm fighting over like 2 questions each exam to be in the upper quartiles. I was wondering if it's even worth worrying about. Or should I focus more on publishing and making sure I'm learning things well enough to be good on Step 2?
 
Depends on what you mean by academic. If you’re talking BWH or MGH, then very important unless you go to a T10 school. For any academic program, probably doesn’t matter too much
 
it matters more for AOA than it does in itself. Being AOA from low tier MD school will get you interviews at T20s
 
Hey there! You’re in a great position already, and it’s smart that you’re thinking about how to prioritize your efforts early on. Here’s my take:

- Prioritize Step 2 CK and aim for a strong score. Since Step 1 is now pass/fail, Step 2 CK has become a major differentiator. A high score requires an early start on both Step 1 and Step 2 concepts, so focus on building a solid foundation now.
- For highly competitive specialties, research and extracurriculars matter. Publications, leadership roles, and meaningful clinical experiences can help strengthen your application. If you’re considering a competitive field like Derm, Ortho, or ENT, getting involved in research sooner rather than later is a great idea.
- Class rank is important, but don’t stress over small percentage differences. If you’re consistently performing well, obsessing over a couple of questions per exam may not be the best use of your time. Instead, focus on deep understanding and retention, which will benefit you long-term.
Balancing academic performance, Step prep, and extracurriculars is key. What specialty are you leaning toward? That could help fine-tune your priorities!
 
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