Low step 1 - any hope for rads?

[qt3141592]

Hi SDN,

I'm currently an MS3 seriously considering diagnostic radiology, but my step 1 score is low--220 to be exact. I'm aware that 220 is far from the 241 step 1 average for DR, which is making me very nervous about applying to DR. I would be content going to any program in the US, as long as the clinical training is good.

Some background:

-Grades during MS3 have been all high pass so far, with one pass. I expect to be able to high pass the rest of my rotations. (My school does H/HP/P/F).
- 1 research activity during summer of MS1, but no publications or presentations unfortunately
- I attend a US MD school (top 10)
- I haven't taken step 2 yet, but hopefully will improve (!)

Is it possible for me to match into radiology with a 220 step 1, average clinical grades, and no radiology research? Or should I let go of this dream and focus my effort on a more realistic goal?

Thanks for the input!

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[Tenk]

Possible yes, probable eh. You need to network.

 

[Lexdiamondz]

Hi SDN,

I'm currently an MS3 seriously considering diagnostic radiology, but my step 1 score is low--220 to be exact. I'm aware that 220 is far from the 241 step 1 average for DR, which is making me very nervous about applying to DR. I would be content going to any program in the US, as long as the clinical training is good.

Some background:

-Grades during MS3 have been all high pass so far, with one pass. I expect to be able to high pass the rest of my rotations. (My school does H/HP/P/F).
- 1 research activity during summer of MS1, but no publications or presentations unfortunately
- I attend a US MD school (top 10)
- I haven't taken step 2 yet, but hopefully will improve (!)

Is it possible for me to match into radiology with a 220 step 1, average clinical grades, and no radiology research? Or should I let go of this dream and focus my effort on a more realistic goal?

Thanks for the input!

You'll probably match. 46/59 US MD applicants with a 211-220 Step 1 score matched in 2018, and coming from a T-10 you'll have a bit of an advantage on the interview trail. Just do better on Step 2, network aggressively and try to get a few pubs out and you should be fine.

 

[mrbreakfast]

I think rads' high step scores are a product of self-selection, i.e. the type of people who are interested in rads are also the type of person to do fairly well on step 1. The "probably of matching" curve puts a 220 above 85%, so just continue to work hard and don't let one downside hurt your entire application.

 

[CyrusHabs7695]

you'll be ight

 

[qt3141592]

Thanks for the help! How bad would it be to go to a community program for my training? I know it will vary by institution, but if am only able to get into a "low-tier" radiology program, would my training there be sufficient in order to be a good radiologist and gain employment, preferably in California?

 

[nimbus]

Thanks for the help! How bad would it be to go to a community program for my training? I know it will vary by institution, but if am only able to get into a "low-tier" radiology program, would my training there be sufficient in order to be a good radiologist and gain employment, preferably in California?

Fresno or Newport Beach?