Leave of Absence to study for Step 1?

[Bingo87]

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Okay, so I'm a week away from the real thing, but I was only able to score a 207 on NBME (taken just yesterday). I'm pretty sure that I can pass the damn thing, but with such low score...I'll be screwed for residency application.

So I talked to my med school admin, and was told that I can take a Leave of Absence and delay entry into 3rd Year by two month. I'll still be graduating with the rest of my peers, but there will be a big fat "LoA" written on my transcript.

So here's my dilemma; to take or not take the LoA. From what you guys have heard, which one reflects more negatively on residency application; low Step 1 score or LoA with average score (~220)?

Any comments/suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[hrandani]

Sort of depends on what you specialty want to end up doing and where you want to end up doing it, doesn't it?

If you're an American medical student it's highly unlikely, even if you fail your first try, you will be unable to get any residency. But in my opinion a higher score will at least get you the interview to have a shot at explaining the LoA. Who knows for sure though.

 

[Bingo87]

I'm going for the less competitive specialties like Neurology or IM, but at one of the better programs.

Anyone heard of or experienced residency application with LoA?

 

[fahimaz7]

I'm going for the less competitive specialties like Neurology or IM, but at one of the better programs.

Anyone heard of or experienced residency application with LoA?

I haven't heard of anyone getting stamped with a LoA from doing what you're talking about. Several of my classmates matched into a sequence that allowed them to elect to not take an elective first, thus allowing them to study for another month before starting third year.

I think if it was me I wouldn't take a LoA for this test. What has your testing scores looked like? Are you done with uworld and the such? What is your goal score? Is it reasonable?

 

[winkleweizen]

If you arent prepared take the LOA, i think. Not sure why they would label you as a LOAer if you are able to graduate on time..thast stupid

 

[Bingo87]

I haven't heard of anyone getting stamped with a LoA from doing what you're talking about. Several of my classmates matched into a sequence that allowed them to elect to not take an elective first, thus allowing them to study for another month before starting third year.

I think if it was me I wouldn't take a LoA for this test. What has your testing scores looked like? Are you done with uworld and the such? What is your goal score? Is it reasonable?

Testing scores? If you are referring to my overall class rank, I'm somewhere right in the middle (not low, but not high). I'm already done with UW, with cumulative of 57% (all random timed). My goal is to score 225+. My biggest problem is that I haven't even completed my first pass of FA...I've been concentrating too much on UW.

Since a LoA will give me two month extra, I'm planning to use the second month to finish an ongoing research project and get a publication out. I've heard that people plateau in their studying, so I don't think I will be using the full two month for Step 1 prep. Hopefully, a publication will lessen the effect of "LoA." But I honestly have no idea how residency directors view LoA... I'm just hoping that it won't cause me to automatically go in the rejection pile for the higher ranked programs...

 

[DarkHorizon]

I have never heard of LoA being a something that may limit you from competitive residency. It's the first I have heard, I go to a DO school though. Is there any truth to it?

 

[Bingo87]

I have never heard of LoA being a something that may limit you from competitive residency. It's the first I have heard, I go to a DO school though. Is there any truth to it?

Taking a LoA for research or medical reasons wont hurt your application. But taking a LoA so that you can have more time to study for Step 1 is a different story.

 

[hyrule]

Taking a LoA for research or medical reasons wont hurt your application. But taking a LoA so that you can have more time to study for Step 1 is a different story.

I doubt his transcript will say "LOA due to unpreparedness to take STEP 1"
It'll just say LOA and OP is able to fill that time however he wants.

 

[Bingo87]

I doubt his transcript will say "LOA due to unpreparedness to take STEP 1"
It'll just say LOA and OP is able to fill that time however he wants.

According to my school admin, it will say ALOA (administrative LOA) as opposed to MLOA (medical LOA). So the residency programs will immediately know that my LOA was not for a medical reason. Also, I'm not sure how my Dean's letter will reflect on my LOA. It may or may not detail on the reasoning behind my LOA.

 

[qmcat]

I'm still studying for the boards like you are, so I don't really know what's best to do, but from what I've heard, there is supposed to be a space on the residency application for you to explain any LOA that you took and why you took it. And as long as you have a good reason to take the LOA, it should be okay. FWIW, if you are worried about passing the boards on your first shot, I would take the time off. Since it's only a couple month LOA, it shouldn't be a big deal. Again, I don't have much experience with this, but I hope my thoughts help somewhat.

Also, this thread might help, although it is a few years old.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=511888

 

[MedChic]

Taking a LoA for research or medical reasons wont hurt your application. But taking a LoA so that you can have more time to study for Step 1 is a different story.

I need to express how ridiculous all these little rules are. For God's sake, if one needs an LOA to have a better career opportunity what does it MATTER? I am befuddled by the ridiculousness of these theories. Who is this God that designed this crazy idea that states: "Everything must be done in a stepwise fashion...or DIE!!!" I mean really?! For god's sake, people have kids, have issues, need to take time off - why must it matter if one does it to study for the test or not. IMG's get unlimited time to study for this thing - like 6+ months, so why must we be limited??

I just don't understand the ridiculous rules. Everyone is different, everyone works at a different pace - why should residencies care whether you take time off or not from school?? 1.) You're paying for it yourself or taking out loans to get there so it's not like they own you yet and 2.) is it not better to have a well rounded applicant with a better score?

I am starting to wonder whether people on here try to scare you into thinking it's that way when it really isn't. It's just not logical to say that taking a year off school is the end of your competitiveness in a program. I mean you have one shot to do well on this thing. Shouldn't you be the boss of how you want to go getting the best possible score for all the money you invest in this career?

😡

 

[mymembernames]

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