need advice about applying IM with low board scores

[UnderdogDO7862412]

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I'm putting this out into the ether... not sure how responsive this forum is but I can't focus..



Took Step 2 CK yesterday, feel terrible (worst then I felt after step 1)



4th year DO student
Step 1: 208
Level 1: 445
Red flag (year off, between M1 and M2 due to medical issues)
A/High Pass in all but 2 rotations (peds, ob)



I take Level 2 in 5 days. I feel broken after step 2, it was supposed to be my one last shot at turning things around. I know I know, wait for my score but I know it didn’t go well.

I want to match into IM. My fiancé is a PGY-1 at a mid-tier IM program and it would be amazing if somehow I could match at that program. Tried to get a Sub-I there, but they rejected my VSAS application (probably due to my low scores :/ ). What do? Am i being realistic about my goal of matching into IM. FM rotation was alright but I have no interest in peds/ob and it would be nice to have some fellowship opportunities (like endo, ID)

Thank you to anyone in advance who can calm me down… Much love

 

[acapnial]

VSAS is usually more of a first come, first serve deal, I don't think they think about board scores for that.

However, if it is indeed a mid-tier IM residency, that's going to be a really tough hill to climb. Tough to say without knowing which program, but that might not work out. Are there any nearby community IM programs you can apply to? Lots of people live halfway between 2 residency programs and that works out great.

 

[BorderlineQueen]

I don’t think with your scores you can afford to set your bets on only one program . If you really want IM apply as broadly as possible and to a lot of community programs.

 

[Angus Avagadro]

Maybe consider doing a research year at his program? This might strengthen your app of you dont match. Maybe apply to match and also for research position? I sympathize with the spot your in. Have you done any rotations or a sub I at his program? That might help you match if they liked you and your performance. Good luck and best wishes.

 

[UnderdogDO7862412]

Yeah I am definitely going to apply broadly. All the IM programs in definitely a 50 mile radius of her program. If step 2 goes as bad as i think it did(didn't get to do a single stats question because I was always rushed for time), then I guess I should just be happy/lucky to get a residency and apply FM heavy ~sigh~

I did apply for all the Sub-Is and IM subspeciality electives at her program. Couldn't secure a single Sub-I. I did however get a cardio elective there for February and a ICU/CC elective for March there. But isn't that too late in the cycle to have any impact? @Angus Avagadro @BorderlineQueen @acapnial ? Also, don't know how I feel about doing that ICU elective in March, not matching there and still having to go to complete the elective post-match/SOAP(scramble, whatever)

Also, how much of an asset is it that she's there? She's a PGY-1, like just started a month ago. It's a big-ish program (26 residents per class), and I know I'm not the only SO of a resident that is vying for a spot there. She overheard one of her co-interns saying her husband would love to join the program next year(like me). Also I don't want to be that person who didn't get in on their own merit, you know?

Will definitely consider research, actually have some feelers out right now about doing a possible research month this fall.

What has me bummed over anything else is I know its not a lack of knowledge (was able to impress most of my attendings/got solid evals during M3). I did well on UW and practice tests (~235) I'm just a really crappy test taker, I don't know what to do about that. Especially in this field where everything is determined by a single score... smh..

Thanks for everyone's input, it has been very helpful! Passing good vibes y'alls way

 

[Angus Avagadro]

Yeah, March is too late as candidate rankings should be in by then, not sure of precise date. If they like your fiance, that could very well get you some extra love. Who cares if you were that guy? You got in. It may take a little to prove yourself, so what? You will always be recognized for your merits and abilities rather than where you went to school, or gender, etc. I have done the long distance relationship and it sucks. Would be doubly hard as a pg1. I dont see an easy answer. I think letting it be known her fiance is applying to the program might help. Good luck and. Best wishes

 

[UnderdogDO7862412]

@Angus Avagadro seriously, thank you so much for what you just said. It has totally shifted my perspective! You are so right!

 

[ciestar]

I felt terrible after both step 1 and step 2.
Didn’t do much better than you on step 1 and I improved signficantly on CK, don’t count yourself out just yet

 

[UnderdogDO7862412]

I felt terrible after both step 1 and step 2.
Didn’t do much better than you on step 1 and I improved signficantly on CK, don’t count yourself out just yet

Thanks for that, good to know I'm not alone! And you're right it's not over till its over, we're still in this fight!