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

[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?

 

[voxveritatisetlucis]

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

 

[MatchpalResidencyAdvising]

Definitely will be factored in but weighted less than Step2CK, LORs, publications, and general 3rd year grades

 

[voxveritatisetlucis]

it matters more for AOA than it does in itself. Being AOA from low tier MD school will get you interviews at T20s

 

[Bestaidreviews]

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!