Matching academic IM programs in California

[unicornsparkles85]

I am currently an MS3 at a non-California USMD school doing clinical rotations. As a California native, I am especially interested in matching to a program in CA. Currently, I am interested in various IM subspecialties including the more competitive ones so am very interested in academic IM programs. Anyone have experience applying to academic IM programs in CA and can speak to how to increase your chances of matching there? In particular what Step 2 score ranges to shoot for and how much research is expected at these programs? And if having personal ties to the area helps at all?

Edit: I passed Step 1 in March this year; research so far includes 1 basic science pub from undergrad (not first author) + 3 poster presentations during medical school (2 of them are presenting/first author; 2 are from national conferences). How much more research should I do before applying?

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[NotAProgDirector]

I hate to say this, but getting into a competitive program anywhere, the formula is the same. Do as well as you can in medical school. For graded rotations such as clerkships, try to get the highest grade possible. Score as well on S2 as you can, and don't fail S1. On top of your medical school work, do something else of note -- either research, or some sort of true leadership role. Better to have one really good project / role than a smattering of noise. Use your signals wisely. Select a geographic interest in the region, and if you're from Cali, set that as your hometown also.

 

[eteshoe]

California has a ton of programs. They have a good amount of academic programs and academic-adjacent programs. As @NotAProgDirector said the formula for matching in Cali isn't rocket science but if you're dead set on UCSF or UCLA then it'll take a bit more work than some of the other programs. The better your numbers (e.g. 250s+, a couple H or HP, 8-10 research products) - the more options you'll have. I say all that as a non-california native, who didn't go to school there but landed a few interviews at the major academic powerhouses.