My Score: My Options? :(

[jonny_little]

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I got my score back, well above predicted USMLE... didn't study like I should have. It was lower 220's, which after I got it is kind of upsetting...

I was interested in radiology and opthalmology and I love surgery but don't want to be a surgeon..maybe derm, and wanted to match somewhere nice, not necessarily a top program, but have SOME option of some locations. I was also somewhat interested in anesthesia and internal medicine.

Have I pretty much ruled out a decent radiology residency? I know ophtho is out pretty much. What about derm?

Please let me know what ya think.

 

[jonny_little]

*bump* lots of people readin- any inputs? 🙂

 

[trouta]

This sort of thing is really hard to predict. It depends what the rest of your application looks like. If you want to boost your chances you might try taking Step 2 early and really doing well on it. Supposedly that is a better predictor of your success in residency and many program directors will let a lower Step 1 score slide in light of a better Step 2 score.

 

[Smurfette]

If you are under the impression that a low 220s boards score rules you out of ophtho completely, I can't believe you're asking about derm at all---derm is more competitive than ophtho.

Low 220s will make ophtho/derm/rad-onc/ortho/plastics/ENT/neurosurg more difficult than if you scored 20 points higher, but not impossible...sub-220 would be tougher. I know of people who matched into some of these specialties with not-so-hot (read: below average) board scores. Though radiology is fairly competitive, gauging from my med school class low 220s probably won't impede you too much in finding a spot...IMO rads is not quite in the same category of competitiveness as the other specialties I listed (and in recent years, neurosurg has been less competitive as well), though it is definitely on the upswing.

The areas you mentioned as being interested in are really different, chances are you will get a better idea this year doing clinical rotations as to what you are REALLY interested in. So don't stress out now, it's not worth it. Once you have a good grasp of what you are interested in (i.e. late third year), then try to investigate how "competitive" you are for that particular field. There's much more to the Match than board scores.

 

[neilc]

these threads drive me nuts...sure, step 1 is important. but, there is a WHOLE application out there. do you really think PD's make us fill the whole thing out if all they want to see is a step 1 score?

the reason step 1 is so valued is that all med students have it. 220's is not a bad score at all! and, if you are worried about it, buff up the rest of your application. get strong LOR's. impress somebody enough to make a call for you. get involved in research. volunteer. get kick ass grades, especially clinicals. kill step 2.

my step 1 sucks. i am looking at places right now for residency. none of them have even cared about my step 1. i specifically ask about it. every time, they say no, why would that matter? your step 2 is great, and the rest of your application is tight. granted, i am not in some high powered specialty...but, the point is, PD's are looking for bright, talented people, people who can handle the work (physically and intellectually), people that can fit in and get along with everyone, and people who will be a welcome addition to the specialty. step 1 is not what is going to predict that.

 

[YouDontKnowJack]

I see this is another thread about Sutton's law.

Why go into rads, ophtho, and derm? cuz that's where the money is....