Hello,
I'm a second year medical student. I just began my dedicated study period for STEP 1. However, I failed an anatomy exam recently and according to my school's policy I can meet with upper administration and explain the situation as to why it occurred. However, I also learned that I failed another exam on the MSK section.
The choices that upper admin could make are that I would repeat the entire year (if they deem that it would be better) or take a second exam for both topics (if I have a valid reason why I messed up the first time). I am already overwhelmed with STEP just coming around in a few weeks.
So, my reason for messing up the first exam was that I was depressed (I have been seeing a therapist and had this mental illness for years, but have been doing better day by day). I seriously couldn't get out of bed most days and my motivation just was beyond burnout this past month. Don't get me wrong, I love medicine but I just was tired all the time but am feeling better.
I want to keep doing this... but I don't know how it would play when I apply for residency. How do I explain that I had to repeat because I was sad? Should I not even bother?? I know that if I repeat the year I would be much better and definitely know the material inside and out for STEP... I'm mostly concerned about how do I explain my situation?
I'm a second year medical student. I just began my dedicated study period for STEP 1. However, I failed an anatomy exam recently and according to my school's policy I can meet with upper administration and explain the situation as to why it occurred. However, I also learned that I failed another exam on the MSK section.
The choices that upper admin could make are that I would repeat the entire year (if they deem that it would be better) or take a second exam for both topics (if I have a valid reason why I messed up the first time). I am already overwhelmed with STEP just coming around in a few weeks.
So, my reason for messing up the first exam was that I was depressed (I have been seeing a therapist and had this mental illness for years, but have been doing better day by day). I seriously couldn't get out of bed most days and my motivation just was beyond burnout this past month. Don't get me wrong, I love medicine but I just was tired all the time but am feeling better.
I want to keep doing this... but I don't know how it would play when I apply for residency. How do I explain that I had to repeat because I was sad? Should I not even bother?? I know that if I repeat the year I would be much better and definitely know the material inside and out for STEP... I'm mostly concerned about how do I explain my situation?
