Low Step I.. a few Qs

[studentdoc911]

This is not really a chances post... but more of a concern one. I just got my Step I scores back, 228/98.. extremely disappointed. I was expecting over a 245+ since I was consistently well over that on all my NBMEs. I am totally shocked. I just finished M2.. here are some other stats if they matter

Top 20 School
1 abstract + oral presentation in Ophtho
1 possible 1st author pub in Ophtho -- was submitted
2 RADS abstracts accepted at RSNA/ARRS
Currently doing RADS summer research at a top 5 school/hospital (not sure if this matters):
- will likely result in 1st author publication + possible abstract

Do I even have a realistic shot at RADS? I've been doing rads research this whole summer and my self-esteem has been shot down bigtime... ever since I opened my score report this morning. I haven't started real rotations yet so not much experience with that. But should I even attempt away rotations with my score? I was originally planning away rotations at the hospital I'm currently researching at... however, I'm pretty sure their average Step I is well over 240. I don't really know what to do. I know I had a bad test day, and I've done well on standardized tests until now. Considering I'm 10 points below the 238 mean of matched applicants last year, I don't really know what to do.

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[bob1988]

This is not really a chances post... but more of a concern one. I just got my Step I scores back, 228/98.. extremely disappointed. I was expecting over a 245+ since I was consistently well over that on all my NBMEs. I am totally shocked. I just finished M2.. here are some other stats if they matter

Top 20 School - strict P/F first 2 years
1 abstract + oral presentation in Ophtho
1 possible 1st author pub in Ophtho -- was submitted
2 RADS abstracts accepted at RSNA/ARRS
Currently doing RADS summer research at a top 5 school/hospital (not sure if this matters):
- will likely result in 1st author publication + possible abstract

Do I even have a realistic shot at RADS? I've been doing rads research this whole summer and my self-esteem has been shot down bigtime... ever since I opened my score report this morning. I haven't started real rotations yet so not much experience with that. But should I even attempt away rotations with my score? I was originally planning away rotations at the hospital I'm currently researching at... however, I'm pretty sure their average Step I is well over 240. I don't really know what to do. I know I had a bad test day, and I've done well on standardized tests until now. Considering I'm 10 points below the 238 mean of matched applicants last year, I don't really know what to do.

I'm in a similar position as you - I got a 230/99. It's definitely an uphill climb now but I do know you are still a competitive applicant. Do well on step 2 and your rotations. I know someone who matched (a community program) with a 218 on step 1 and a 228 on step 2 so rads is absolutely doable - mgh may be out of reach but rads is def not.

 

[studentdoc911]

I was looking at this: http://radiology.matchapplicants.com, and people have matched

Just wanted to know what the strategy would be from now on... what to do from here on

 

[Rzarecta]

You guys will be fine. Seriously. Doing well in 3rd year, having STELLAR letters of recommendation, coming from a good school, killing Step 2 will make you a strong applicant even with a 228-230.

 

[MrBurns10]

Yes, you have a good chance at matching. Your step 1 isn't bad by any stretch of the imagination and it's only one portion of your application, albeit an important one. We had three people in my class (of the ones I know) with step 1 in the 220s, one matched at a top 10 and the other two in the top 30 or so--if you go by p53's list...which many don't, but it's at least a starting point of notable programs.

Do well in 3rd year and you'll be just fine.

 

[MossPoh]

It is an AVERAGE and isn't the only thing factored into the equation. Your chances at an elite program may be on the lower end, but you have to remember that to be an average, people score below that.

 

[studentdoc911]

I'm in a similar position as you - I got a 230/99. It's definitely an uphill climb now but I do know you are still a competitive applicant. Do well on step 2 and your rotations. I know someone who matched (a community program) with a 218 on step 1 and a 228 on step 2 so rads is absolutely doable - mgh may be out of reach but rads is def not.

Thanks for the advice guys... and seeing this made me feel a little better

 

[st0w]

I think the graph is a LOT more meaningful than the average score. Averages can be thrown off a lot by outliers and I would think this could be one case in which the average could be right-shifted.

The graph gives you a much better idea of the likeliness of matching. It looks like a 228 still gives you roughly a 90% chance of matching into rads, and like everyone else has said, PLENTY more things go into your app. 👍

 

[cowme]

I think the graph is a LOT more meaningful than the average score. Averages can be thrown off a lot by outliers and I would think this could be one case in which the average could be right-shifted.

The graph gives you a much better idea of the likeliness of matching. It looks like a 228 still gives you roughly a 90% chance of matching into rads, and like everyone else has said, PLENTY more things go into your app. 👍

There are so many radiology spots and programs, with such a wide range of competitiveness, that most US seniors should match with even a very average application.

 

[MossPoh]

That graph is a great illustration of the diminishing returns after a 235-240. Someone could get a friggin 260 and still only have a 4 or 5% increased chance over someone with a 240. Granted, the relative "quality" of the programs may differ, they will all get you to your end goal. I've met great doctors from mediocre programs and crap doctors from world renowned programs.

 

[cowme]

That graph is a great illustration of the diminishing returns after a 235-240. Someone could get a friggin 260 and still only have a 4 or 5% increased chance over someone with a 240. Granted, the relative "quality" of the programs may differ, they will all get you to your end goal. I've met great doctors from mediocre programs and crap doctors from world renowned programs.

Yea, on average higher scores=more quality program interviews, but there is no data on how many actually MATCH at top programs. Matching, somewhere, is all that really matters.

Agree with your last sentence. In radiology, this is probably most true, because most of the learning is really based on reading and self motivation, rather than someone teaching you the MGH secret of how to look at an MRI.