M3 With Low STEP I/Rank, Passes on all Clinical, Considering IMED

[TripleOpIMXD]

USMD M3 at a low tier TX medical school
Rank: Bottom 1/4 Quartile
STEP I: 220
STEP II: Predicting 230
Research: 1 basic science research publication due in med school

Our school grading is H/P/F
Passes on Pediatrics, OBGYN, IMED, FM, Surgery
Currently on PSYC but expecting a P as well
I have great clinical comments but NBME scores of 10th-30th percentile consistently in all exams which tanked my final grade.

Through the course of the year I was really open to all specialities. However I am starting to be more interested in IMED. Everyone around me going into IM have 230+ STEPs, middle of the road ranking, or H on their IM rotation. I have neither. I was thinking of pursuing fellowship later on. Have I dug myself a big hole?

1) Can I still match into an academic IM program?
2) How bad does a IM NBME score of 10th percentile and a P in IMED look to program directors?
3) Has my bottom 1/4 quartile rank at a low tier school, low IMED final grade, and below average STEP I doomed me for match at urban cities in TX and NY??

I am really anxious and don't know if this is the right decision anymore. Just wanted to hear some feedback. Thanks in advance

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[Daodejing]

You're fine. Apply broadly. Make sure your letter writers go to bat for you. Do your IM SubI early and honor i, which is manageable because there's no nbme. I was in a similar position and punched above my weight, interviewing at great programs and ultimately matching to a upper mid tier academic program. It can be done.

 

[IM2GI]

Official Eternal IM WAMC Thread

 

[gutonc]

Yup...there's a thread for that.