How to improve chances at top programs?

[forsparta]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey yall,

I want to improve my chances (or see if I have any) at the top tier programs for gen surg.

I did poorly on step 1, getting a 220. In terms of research, I have 8 published papers with 3 papers in surgery which will be coming out soon. I have ECs in community service, ect. I should finish year three with a mix of HP and H, with honors in surgery and OB (surgical fields).

I am at a top 25 medical school.

I know killing step 2 will be an integral part of my application, and I will try and clear 250.

What else can I do to improve my chances at the top programs? If I got the 250+, do I stand any chances at the following programs: Cornell, JHU, MGH, Columbia, Mayo, NW, Vanderbilt, Yale, Brown, Stanford?

Thanks!

 

[Frederica]

Hi forsparta,
In terms of your clerkship grade, it's not you should finish, you have to finish with HP and H. Letters of recommendation are also going to be key. Rotate with the experts in your field at your institution, or with an expert at another institution. Letters of recommendation from experts are gold. Also, if you don't already have a mentor in your field at your institution, find one. Letting faculty at your institution know you are interested in their field will also help.

With regards to your step 1 score, I recommend you have a reason for why you performed poorly on step 1 as I know faculty have asked applicants about their scores. And yes, kick it on step 2.

How are your test taking skills? How are your test taking skills on a computer? If you have not practiced taking step 2 on a computer, you may want to start doing so. Though I bet you already are.

If you can, and I know you are probably already strapped for cash and time, attend meetings in the specialty you are interested in. Even better, present posters at those meetings.

I cannot guarantee that all of this will land you a position in one of the institutions you mentioned, but it will not hurt you.

Good luck!

Freddie
Residency Program Coordinator