Is Psychiatry realistic for me

[jets46]

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So, I'm a 3rd year osteopathic medical student who has always had an interest in Psychiatry. Before third year, I didn't realize how competitive it has become until speaking with some residents at one of the hospitals I am rotating at. My Comlex Level 1 is between 460-480 and I have been High Passing and Honoring all of my rotations thus far. Do I have any chance of matching if I apply broadly enough?

 

[PikminOC]

IDK as wouldnt it be a DO match?

 

[jets46]

IDK as wouldnt it be a DO match?

I'll be applying post-merger.

 

[PikminOC]

I'll be applying post-merger.

Not sure if that's good or bad for you. Then youll be competing with the MD's

 

[jets46]

Not sure if that's good or bad for you. Then youll be competing with the MD's

I know. And I am not picky regarding location. I just want to be able to match somewhere.

 

[Sushirolls]

Apply broadly and find out.

 

[TexasPhysician]

Apply broadly. I’d say chances are quite reasonable based on the limited data provided.

 

[downwithDTB]

The advice is always the same:

1) check your chances via DO charting outcomes in the match.
2) don't apply "broadly," apply smart (which will be a lot of but definitely not all programs). Apply exclusively to programs that have at least a few DOs or carribean grads. Spend time crafting a few good PS and customize them for as many programs as you can. Instead of waiting until you don't get interviews to tell programs why you'd consider them (looking desperate), tell them when you apply (looking mature and genuinely interested).
3) spend the rest of your time in med school correcting your weaknesses. Since part 1 isn't great (but not terrible) do your best to do better on part 2 before your applications go out. Just by doing this you'll set yourself apart from many peers.

 

[jets46]

The advice is always the same:

1) check your chances via DO charting outcomes in the match.
2) don't apply "broadly," apply smart (which will be a lot of but definitely not all programs). Apply exclusively to programs that have at least a few DOs or carribean grads. Spend time crafting a few good PS and customize them for as many programs as you can. Instead of waiting until you don't get interviews to tell programs why you'd consider them (looking desperate), tell them when you apply (looking mature and genuinely interested).
3) spend the rest of your time in med school correcting your weaknesses. Since part 1 isn't great (but not terrible) do your best to do better on part 2 before your applications go out. Just by doing this you'll set yourself apart from many peers.

I appreciate the feedback! Even going back to the SAT and ACT, I've never been able to hack standardized exams. And I have been looking intensely at residency explorer trying to narrow down programs near my hometown, as well as "less desirable" locations. Do you know of any specific region that would be less competitive? Midwest? Southeast?

 

[jets46]

Apply broadly. I’d say chances are quite reasonable based on the limited data provided.

Other data I have is I didn't do so well in my pre-clinicals. I went through a lot of mental health stuff during that time, but I've learned a lot from it and can handle these life stressors very well, now. I don't have any red flags and passed all of my classes the first time around, but nothing astonishing. I'm probably around the 20-30th percentile in my class.