Is matching diagnostic radiology impossible? Many Red flags.

[UpcomingMS4444]

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Hey all.

I'm a US MD in a low tier medical school.

My red flags: I passed with all C's my first year, but failed a course and had to remediate it. Then, I failed 3 courses in my second year and had to repeat the entire year. Passed with all C's. Have no research. little to none extracurriculars/leadership.
The rest of my application: Passed step 1 on my first try, All honors in my clerkships, USMLE 2CK of 270.
Other miscellaneous things about me: I can speak multiple languages fluently and i'm into programming lol

I want to try my chances at Diagnostic radiology. I have rotated in the department and have radiology and non-rads LORs. The reason I don't have any research on is because I discovered the specialty late into my third year.


Note: I will be applying broadly of course, but I'm still unsure if radiology is just a far-off dream, especially in desirable locations (eg. California, Texas, New york, washington) I honestly don't see myself in anything else.. Maybe Path?

 

[odyssey2]

Your stellar record after your preclinical years should make up for it. If there's a story behind your failures the first two years include it on your application.

 

[ACSurgeon]

I don’t know how competitive DR is but gosh I hope someone gives you a chance with that come back story. In theory bad academics are concerning for someone’s ability to pass specialty boards after residency. But with 270 step 2 you’ve demonstrated ability to pass exams.

Good luck!

 

[operaman]

You have a unique situation so it’s hard to predict. If you have a good story for the preclinical failures then you might have a chance. Others will look at wildly disparate performance and assume there’s an underlying substance or mental health issue and pass on the applicant. There aren’t many students who go from failure to 95th percentile nationally, not to mention honoring all rotations.

The other issue is your lack of research but that’s relatively easy to remedy. Hopefully you’ve got some things cooking since you found the specialty. You may also benefit from a research year if you fail to match this time around.

Given your all clinical honors, away rotations may also be a good thing for you. Clearly people like you, so you might convince more places to give you a chance despite the issues in the past.

 

[Ho0v-man]

Tough spot. I’d try to be open to solid programs in not so desirable locations. You should really be targeting your home program.

Your preclinical performance is going to get you filtered out at competitive places. They just have too many perfect applicants with the same or better scores and no red flags. That’s just reality.

Meanwhile, your scores are high for community programs who might feel like they’re wasting an interview spot on you if you don’t signal.

High board scores, bad transcripts, and no ECs/research gives the overall impression of smart but lazy. Good clinical grades and effusive LOR’s can refute that. Especially if there’s life circumstances to explain your preclinical performance.