Lower than avg applicant..here's my plan

[Blondnuttyboy]

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Hey everyone,

I'm interested in heading to ENT - I'm MSIII, non-stellar pre-clinical grades (definitely no AOA), step I was 233 (don't ask, my lowest of all practice tests, etc), I've research in cardiology, presented at a couple national conferences.

My only real assets are my extra-currics but to be honest, I hear surg-sub spec. care more about numbers, letters, research. Cut and dry.

My plan is to take a year off, research like a dog in ENT, hopefully at a huge academic center and apply a year later. Or do you guys think I should just attempt to apply and if don't match, reapply/do research?

or do you think im screwed? lol

thanks! hope everyone is having a great holiday

 

[ORLHNS41]

Have you thought about doing research between your MS3 and MS4 years? I don't think it makes a big difference, but that way you will still be based at your school while you are applying as an MS4. Even though it's getting close to the summer, you might be able to find a research opportunity for this coming academic year. That way, you will have had a full year of research before applying. If you do research the year after you graduate, you'll be applying very shortly after starting the research, and likely won't have anything substantial to put on your application.

Maybe others on here can talk about the pros and cons of applying after already graduating from med school, vs taking a year off to do research and applying as an MS4.

Either way, a 233 definitely doesn't kill your chances. Just work hard on clinical rotations and get along with everyone.

 

[Fah-Q]

Yes, you are below average but at least you have recognized that beforehand.

I would plan to take step II this spring/summer and knock it out of the park. You didn't tell us about your clinical grades which are much more important than your pre-clinical grades. Honors in surgery and medicine are key.

Get involved with a research project NOW. No reason to wait on this. Talk to the department at your school and get involved with research and start going to grand rounds and other lectures as much as possible. They need to see your face and know you.

Apply broadly both in terms of geography and program prestige. You might not match at a top-notch program and but there are very few bad residencies out there in ENT. I would give it a shot this year. The extra year of research won't change your numbers.

 

[gstrub]

FYI, I am a MS4 (well 8 really) and I have very similar numbers. Granted, I have the research advantage from MD/PhD that sets me apart a bit, but I am a non-AOA, below avg step I candidate with decent (but not stellar) clinical grades. I have been very successful in obtaining interviews.

I am not sure I would take a year off preemptively. As long as you have no major red flags (like a marginal pass in surgery or a poor LOR) I would go ahead and apply. But apply broadly...I am not talking about 50...I mean 70+. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it is the best way to stack the deck in your favor. It's what I did, and I don't regret it.

Also, focus on your LORs; they can really set you apart. If you are not at a top place with a big ENT name, it can be extremely helpful to get a LOR during an away rotation from a big name. This is the approach I took, and have been told during interviews that it was the correct one.
Best of luck,
G

 

[Blondnuttyboy]

Thanks so much for the insight - My damn school does not have an ENT department...huge blow for me. There are plans to get one and we have a couple faculty ENT's.

I was actually planning on taking that year off between MS3/MS4, I know people say to apply anyway but I figured if I took a year off, I could actually land a huge brand-name program 🙄

My dream, vision, plea to heavens is to be at some bad ass academic program. I'm an East coast dweller and tired of it.

Oh yeh..definitely did not honors medicine, honored peds, will see what happens soon.