Official 2014-2015 IM WAMC Thread

[IM2GI]

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Yeah I'm a DO. Do you think I have a chance at any of the ACGME programs in this area? DO is pretty limited geographically.

I don't know a lot about advising DOs unfortunately. You have below-average board scores which is not going to help you.

 

[laconfidential]

Need some help with making a list,

Here's my stats
Step 1: 227
Step 2: 228
COMLEX 1: 609
COMLEX 2: 564
Class rank: top third
3rd year grades: All honors
Have a little bit of research too in between 1st and 2nd year, but no posters or publications.

Would I be able to stay in the DC/Maryland/Northern VA area for residency? Not sure what fellowship I want to do, but probably not Cardio/GI. Do you guys think I have a shot at matching at a program in this area with the chance to get a fellowship afterwards?

Thanks a lot!

I would think your chances are not awesome given your geographical limitations. Maybe Washington hospital center, Inova fairfax (new program) and Sinai in bmore. Your scores are not really competitive for the big university programs, and nobody in bmore is DO friendly. Have you considered philly? There are some good options there.

 

[IM2GI]

IM2GI, so what programs on my list will I still be competitive for? Do you think Yale will screen me out even with a great away elective performance? I've heard of several people matching with HPs at my school, and what about the PC tract at Yale? Anyone know how hard it is to match there?

Who knows? This game is harder and harder to play every year. Board scores on average are up, IM competitiveness is up. A 240 is not what it used to be.

I think your step 1 is fine, your pass will hurt you. They are looking for any reason to screen people out to get down to a reasonable pile of people to interview.

You got a pass in two critical, core rotations.

I don't think of Brown or Yale as top tier, and if you impress them on your aways you have a shot.

 

[Kchen22]

Thanks IM2GI, really appreciate your input. Do you think my research will have an effect at all (2 first author papers) in scoring interviews? I know some schools are big on this.

 

[IM2GI]

Thanks IM2GI, really appreciate your input. Do you think my research will have an effect at all (2 first author papers) in scoring interviews? I know some schools are big on this.

Certainly that will help. Academic programs want to train academic physicians, and having a track record of scholarly activity is important.

Primary research? Review article? Case report?

Regardless, you better know your research on your interview days.

 

[Kchen22]

Both primary clinical research papers and all my co authors were attendings in their respective fields.

 

[dadada1]

Thanks a lot for the responses guys. I guess I'll have to broaden my search a bit.

Also, just wondering, what about the community programs in that area? I'm assuming less competitive than the university programs but poorer fellowship opportunities?

 

[IM2GI]

Both primary clinical research papers and all my co authors were attendings in their respective fields.

nice, know your stats

 

[IM2GI]

Thanks a lot for the responses guys. I guess I'll have to broaden my search a bit.

Also, just wondering, what about the community programs in that area? I'm assuming less competitive than the university programs but poorer fellowship opportunities?

Yup. There are not really any super strong programs in the DC area though, so there is less competition other than folks who really want to be in the area

 

[Kchen22]

Do any of you guys know anything about Hopkins Bayview? I know it's a community program but I just saw their match list and was blown away and I heard the faculty and teaching are top notch. Is this one of those AOA or nothing programs?

 

[kuuj3307]

Cut some of these
Musc is a keeper bc charleston rocks
Bu, ky, vcu, umd, wake, utsa rush tulane and utah are the ones you should consider. Of these you probably need at most 5.

Loyola ucincy osu prolly should be dropped

Any reasoning for cutting those schools? Any idea on my prospects for the top tier schols?
thanks for your help.

 

[Instatewaiter]

Any reasoning for cutting those schools? Any idea on my prospects for the top tier schols?
thanks for your help.

No specific reason other than less well known names and less strong training than some others. That said if you want to end up in those areas, keep them.

The top tier is a crap shoot. You will likely get a few interviews but who knows where. It has become more competitive in the last few years.

 

[Raryn]

I don't know a lot about advising DOs unfortunately. You have below-average board scores which is not going to help you.

The step 2 is below average, but last I had checked 227 was still about average for step 1. Based on recent trends it might be a point below average or right dead even there. The IM average is usually right around the overall average, so I'd highly doubt if a Step 1 of 227 was low enough to knock you out of the running from any IM programs outside of the very top tier. It beats my score by a not insignificant amount and I didn't exactly have trouble getting interviews.

That said, if the poster wants to go to Hopkins specifically (for example), they're pretty much dead in the water, but there's a hell of a lot of other programs as well.

 

[gutonc]

Do any of you guys know anything about Hopkins Bayview? I know it's a community program but I just saw their match list and was blown away and I heard the faculty and teaching are top notch. Is this one of those AOA or nothing programs?

It is probably the top "community" IM program in the country. It's sort of the Hopkins Primary Care program (not really, but it's one way to think about it). Less competitive than Big Johnny's but probably more competitive than a large proportion of the University IM programs out there.

 

[gutonc]

You can't overcome a pass in medicine. The way to overcome it was to work harder at the time. Some programs will screen you out, nothing you can do about it.

Away rotations are overrated, unless you have your heart set on one program and do a great job when you do your away.

I just want to confirm both of these issues. Pass in IM is a major stumbling block. If you do an early SubI and Honor it, you might be able to bump your chances up a little. About the only other thing that will help you much is a few stellar LORs. The problem with that is that you're going to need to get past the initial screening and that's going to be tough.

And away rotations are dumb unless you're a DO (they're expected in the AOA world) or, as @IM2GI said, you're targeting one single program...which is also dumb.

 

[Kchen22]

Gutonc, I know my pass will put me at a disadvantage at the very top tier programs (which I'm not interested in). I was wondering if I can get your input on where I'll likely to survive the initial cut and get an interview at the programs I listed in my first post (most are mid tier programs with a just a few more selective programs like Yale/Cornell/UCLA)? I've been told my LORs are very strong and along with 2 first author pubs and decent STEP I score (244) would I have any shot at those programs? Or is the Pass in IM a complete deal breaker? Also would a killer CK score make a difference in my case?

 

[IM2GI]

Gutonc, I know my pass will put me at a disadvantage at the very top tier programs (which I'm not interested in). I was wondering if I can get your input on where I'll likely to survive the initial cut and get an interview at the programs I listed in my first post (most are mid tier programs with a just a few more selective programs like Yale/Cornell/UCLA)? I've been told my LORs are very strong and along with 2 first author pubs and decent STEP I score (244) would I have any shot at those programs? Or is the Pass in IM a complete deal breaker? Also would a killer CK score make a difference in my case?

You want answers to unanswerable questions. Unless the Yale PD is reading this thread, no one can tell you if you will get an interview there.

All we can share is the process: There are certain criteria that programs can select, and then they will subsequently download and review those applications for further review.

For example, program A says: I want to see all applicants with Step 1 >230 who are AOA. The rest of the applications will not even be looked at.

You are at the mercy of whatever the programs screening criteria are. I suspect that the rest of your application is strong enough and will get you an interview if human eyes ever review your application.

It is not a perfect system, but programs need a way to filter down the thousands of applications to a reasonable number to review in depth.

 

[Instatewaiter]

It is probably the top "community" IM program in the country. It's sort of the Hopkins Primary Care program (not really, but it's one way to think about it). Less competitive than Big Johnny's but probably more competitive than a large proportion of the University IM programs out there.

Agree. It is a strong community program with a good match list. It sees a lot of bread and butter IM cases and has a good outpatient training set up. It is competitive for a community program and their residents come from some big names. Their training is pretty good but has more of an outpatient focus compared to many bigger name programs.

It is a kindler, gentler program than JHH down the road. The IM residents at JHH do rotations through the Bayview ICUs to prepare for running the downtown ICUs. The residents at Bayview do a rotation on Leukemia at JHH. All bayview faculty are appointed at Hopkins (cant say the same thing about the "Johns Hopkins" Sinai program).

 

[Bagheera]

Hi,

ok, another one of my questions LOL.....Thank you everyone for baring with me as I know some of my questions might seem like minutia or dumb questions...but dont have any guidance from anyonelse.

I am US IMG graduated 2013 from non Caribbean medical school. My school is not a prestigious medical school abroad.
Step 1: low 230s 1st attempt
step 2: high 240 2nd attempt
CS: pass 1st attempt
US exp: 8 months
ECFMG certified 2014
LOR: 4

While money is a factor, I'd rather spend more now and apply to more programs than necessary to give myself a higher chance to match. I see some guys on here that didn't match the first time because they were too conservative the first time, and then the 2nd time, I see them applying to 200+ places and going on like 25-30 interviews. Here are a few questions...

1. How many programs should I apply to to try and get 20 interviews for internal medicine? Based on my scores and my info as an applicant which I listed above, what ratio of interviews should I be expected for the number of places I apply to. I am open to any locations.
2. Should I have back up specialty in mind when I am applying? While I really want internal medicine, if I did not get in that, I would be open to family med or even psych as they seem a lil easier to get than internal med. I am open to whatever I can get as a IMG as long as I can see patients and practice medicine. It is really is horrible not seeing patients right now.
3. Besides back up specialty, is it wise to also apply to pre lim positions? I want categorical of course, but maybe its easier to get a prelim position, and I could rank those at the bottom of my rank list so that I end up with a spot in a worse case scenario.
3. How much does where you graduated from medical school matter? I know the big 4 carib schools are well known as well as some schools in europe, australia, and some of the other more prestigious medical schools in the world in first world countries. But if you graduate from unknown medical schools abroad that are non Caribbean, are you on the same playing field as everyone as an IMG who did not attend the better known schools listed above? For example, a student who attended a lower end Caribbean school versus a student who attended a school in Ecuador.

Thank you in advance everyone for always helping out and answering questions.. I know I may seem like I am going overboard, but just the thought of not matching has me on my toes and I am trying to play my cards the best I can.

 

[gutonc]

You want answers to unanswerable questions. Unless the Yale PD is reading this thread, no one can tell you if you will get an interview there.

All we can share is the process: There are certain criteria that programs can select, and then they will subsequently download and review those applications for further review.

For example, program A says: I want to see all applicants with Step 1 >230 who are AOA. The rest of the applications will not even be looked at.

You are at the mercy of whatever the programs screening criteria are. I suspect that the rest of your application is strong enough and will get you an interview if human eyes ever review your application.

It is not a perfect system, but programs need a way to filter down the thousands of applications to a reasonable number to review in depth.

Both aPD and I have explained the way that screening works multiple times. This is one example. But it's rarely/ever a static thing outside of the top X programs. Typically the screens are iterative...run a filter, see how many apps fall through it, if not enough, change the criteria in some way and do it again...and again...and again.

And to reiterate, they're just a screening tool. My (fellowship) program has pretty broad criteria (no visas, no course failures, no step failures) which typically gets somewhere in the neighborhood of 250 apps, but still only interviews 25 or 30 people for 3 spots. The remaining criteria for getting an interview offer are vague and variable (but not capricious).

 

[Stedari]

I incorrectly posted this on last year's but it is actually relevant now. Thanks for any input you guys have to offer. I have thick skin so be frank. The most helpful advice would be if there was anything I could do to increase my chances at this point or if there were strong Midwest programs I left out.

DO Student
Step 1: 249
Step 2 260
CS/PE: Pass first time
Class Rank: Top 5%
LoR that speak well of me but aren't from big names/programs
Mostly Honors including IM
My school just decided to not allow any fourth year Honors (or HS) grades including Sub-I's <- won't this be a negative factor?
Unpublished hematology, bench work research experience. Strong involvement/community service.
I am hoping to pursue a fellowship .

Hopefuls: U of I Chicago, VCU, Rush, Temple, Wake Forest, Loyola, Arkansas, Minnesota, Tennessee, Indiana, GWU
Dream Programs: OHSA, Dartmouth, Georgetown, USC, Any worth adding?

 

[Muhammad SAW1]

My credentials are:
USMLE Step 1:231
USMLE Step2CK:203
USMLE Step2 CS Pass (2nd Attempt)
USMLE Step3:187(Pass)
ECFMG Certified
MCCEE:330
MCCQE1:438
PLAB 1Pass
PLAB 2Pass
AMC MCQPass
Full Registration with: Medical Board of Australia/MCNZ
Experience :3 years in Australia with 6 months in Medicine and remaining in ED,O&G,etc.
4 years in another country.
Graduation Year:2006.
What are my chances of IM residency in the US ?
I can get into a physician training program in Australia in 2015 as well.
Thanks!

 

[gutonc]

My credentials are:
USMLE Step 1:231
USMLE Step2CK:203
USMLE Step2 CS Pass (2nd Attempt)
USMLE Step3:187(Pass)
ECFMG Certified
MCCEE:330
MCCQE1:438
PLAB 1Pass
PLAB 2Pass
AMC MCQPass
Full Registration with: Medical Board of Australia/MCNZ
Experience :3 years in Australia with 6 months in Medicine and remaining in ED,O&G,etc.
4 years in another country.
Graduation Year:2006.
What are my chances of IM residency in the US ?

Very, very, very small. Your YOG 9 years ago (at the time you start training) and lack of USCE are a real problem, as is your downward trend on the Steps (which get easier as you go from 1-->3). And everything below "ECFMG Certified" above is irrelevant to a US residency program.

I can get into a physician training program in Australia in 2015 as well.

You should probably do that.

 

[Muhammad SAW1]

Very, very, very small. Your YOG 9 years ago (at the time you start training) and lack of USCE are a real problem, as is your downward trend on the Steps (which get easier as you go from 1-->3). And everything below "ECFMG Certified" above is irrelevant to a US residency program.

You should probably do that.

I do have around 6 months of observerships in US Hospitals in IM.

 

[gutonc]

I do have around 6 months of observerships in US Hospitals in IM.

That makes your chances marginally less bad, but only marginally. No harm in trying but if it means you have to give up a sure shot in Oz, that would be dumb.

 

[timbuktu]

And away rotations are dumb unless you're a DO (they're expected in the AOA world) or, as @IM2GI said, you're targeting one single program...which is also dumb.

after doing an away rotation myself and speaking with many students who did them last year.....i have to agree. total waste of money unless you're a DO.

apparently lots of programs offer "courtesy interviews" during your away rotation, which is basically for the solid DOs who wouldn't get past the screening process otherwise.

i've spoken to probably ~20 people who did an away last autumn and only one of them matched to that institution (and he would've matched there regardless bc of how strong his application was).

save your cash.

 

[dadada1]

Need some help with making a list,

Here's my stats
Step 1: 227
Step 2: 228
COMLEX 1: 609
COMLEX 2: 564
Class rank: top third
3rd year grades: All honors
Have a little bit of research too in between 1st and 2nd year, but no posters or publications.

Would I be able to stay in the DC/Maryland/Northern VA area for residency? Not sure what fellowship I want to do, but probably not Cardio/GI. Do you guys think I have a shot at matching at a program in this area with the chance to get a fellowship afterwards?

Thanks a lot!

Thanks again for the responses. Also, another question. Do you guys think I should try to do away rotations at places in the DC area, or would it really matter?

 

[gutonc]

Thanks again for the responses. Also, another question. Do you guys think I should try to do away rotations at places in the DC area, or would it really matter?

Do yourself a favor...hit Ctrl+F on this page and type "away" followed by a return.

 

[bedside_exlap]

Med school: top 50 east coast
Step 1: 240
Step 2: Taking in september
Class rank: Probably third quartile based on just preclinical grades, not sure how third year grades will affect this
3rd year grades: All HP, 80s on most shelves
AOA: highly unlikely
Extracurriculars: Significant leadership experience in the first two years founding and running a volunteer program with 100+ students, worked at the student run clinic, lots of other random things
LORs: First is from a full professor who knows me well and likes me, planning to get the second from my AI which I am currently on
Research: Two posters, submitting an abstract to the ACC in the fall, hoping to start some PCCM research in the fall

Current list below. I realize a good number of these are reach places, but I met with my PD and I was surprised at the number of places he said I had a shot at getting an interview, based on people from my school with similar numbers in the past. Let me know what y'all think. Thanks!


Dartmouth

BI Deaconess
Tufts

Rhode Island Hosp - Brown U

Yale

NYU
Mt. Sinai
NYP - Columbia
North Shore - LIJ
Einstein Montefiore - Bronx
Lenox Hill

HUP
Temple
Jefferson
Drexel

Pittsburgh

Johns Hopkins
Johns Hopkins - Bayview

Georgetown

Washington Hospital Center

Duke
UNC

Northwestern
U. of Chicago
Loyola
Rush

 

[jdh71]

Oh look. It's this thread again.

I think we have enough participants now that I probably do not need chime in for every WAMC questions.

Please tag me or PM me if you'd like a specific opinion, which I am happy to provide. But I'm tired of telling people with fine stats that they will match. If I see one more person agonizing over a top 10 spot I might stroke out. Yes. Yes. I know this is "important" to some of you neurotic folks and I'm sorry I am not more empathetic or understand about the plight of the superstar (I know, I will be such a "bad" doctor because of this, I know, guilty as charged, I'm a dick).

I "specialize" in "unique" cases. Those who know, know. Don't be afraid to shoot me a PM if you don't want to post in here. I am discrete. The big holes in my knowledge are who will take DOs because I just don't know and the community programs in the NE (some seem to be sweat shops but I don't know which)

Good luck ebberrybuddu

 

[gutonc]

Med school: top 50 east coast
Step 1: 240
Step 2: Taking in september
Class rank: Probably third quartile based on just preclinical grades, not sure how third year grades will affect this
3rd year grades: All HP, 80s on most shelves
AOA: highly unlikely
Extracurriculars: Significant leadership experience in the first two years founding and running a volunteer program with 100+ students, worked at the student run clinic, lots of other random things
LORs: First is from a full professor who knows me well and likes me, planning to get the second from my AI which I am currently on
Research: Two posters, submitting an abstract to the ACC in the fall, hoping to start some PCCM research in the fall

Current list below. I realize a good number of these are reach places, but I met with my PD and I was surprised at the number of places he said I had a shot at getting an interview, based on people from my school with similar numbers in the past. Let me know what y'all think. Thanks!

Your list is really weird. But whatever, you'll match at one of those places.

 

[gutonc]

Oh look. It's this thread again.

I think we have enough participants now that I probably do not need chime in for every WAMC questions.

Please tag me or PM me if you'd like a specific opinion, which I am happy to provide. But I'm tired of telling people with fine stats that they will match. If I see one more person agonizing over a top 10 spot I might stroke out. Yes. Yes. I know this is "important" to some of you neurotic folks and I'm sorry I am not more empathetic or understand about the plight of the superstar (I know, I will be such a "bad" doctor because of this, I know, guilty as charged, I'm a dick).

I "specialize" in "unique" cases. Those who know, know. Don't be afraid to shoot me a PM if you don't want to post in here. I am discrete. The big holes in my knowledge are who will take DOs because I just don't know and the community programs in the NE (some seem to be sweat shops but I don't know which)

Good luck ebberrybuddu

And just so we're all clear, jdh and I are different people. Do NOT PM me your questions. If I'm going to waste my free time answering questions in this (ridiculous) thread, it's going to be for the benefit of everyone.

 

[dagubananas]

Might as well throw mine up here, see what people say:

DO applicant
USMLE Step I - 233
USMLE Step II - 243
COMLEX Step I - 580
COMLEX Step II - 570
First attempt pass on step II clinical exam
Class Rank = #15/150
SSP honors society
Year 3 grades = all As (we use the ABCD system)
Strong letters, though none are from IM docs (yet) because I changed my mind late (1 pulm/cc, 1 ortho, 1 obgyn)
No research
Paramedic x 8 years in a busy city
I am a real person that is fun to work with but gets **** done, hopefully will interview well.

Goals - looking for a solid university program in the northeast that has a strong pulm/cc fellowship (which is what I'd like to do). I understand pitt, BU, U Wash, penn, hopkins/MGH/harvard (lol) are in that list, but I'm just beginning to explore specific programs and I'm not sure how far I can reach being a DO with medium (?) scores. I'm not terribly worried about matching vs. not matching, just looking for some guidance on what's realistic.

 

[kdhmed]

Might as well throw mine up here, see what people say:

DO applicant
USMLE Step I - 233
USMLE Step II - 243
COMLEX Step I - 580
COMLEX Step II - 570
Fist pass step II clinical exam
Class Rank = #15/150
SSP honors society
Year 3 grades = all As (we use the ABCD system)
Strong letters, though none are from IM docs (yet) because I changed my mind late (1 pulm/cc, 1 ortho, 1 obgyn)
No research
Paramedic x 8 years in a busy city
I am a real person that is fun to work with but gets **** done, hopefully will interview well.

Goals - looking for a solid university program in the northeast that has a strong pulm/cc fellowship (which is what I'd like to do). I understand pitt, BU, U Wash, penn, hopkins/MGH/harvard (lol) are in that list, but I'm just beginning to explore specific programs and I'm not sure how far I can reach being a DO with medium (?) scores. I'm not terribly worried about matching vs. not matching, just looking for some guidance on what's realistic.

Nice step scores. No one cares about SSP it seems. Any research at all (posters, bench in undergrad)?? Even with a 270/270 on Step 1 and 2 you would not get into those programs just for the fact that you're a DO. I'm gonna go off the top of my head here for the DO friendly programs in the NE (no particular order, and in no way correlates to strength of their pulm/cc programs):

UMass, St. Elizabeths (Boston), UConn, Rutgers RWJ, UMDNJ Newark, Temple, Drexel, Albert Einstein (philly), Jefferson?, Pennsylvania hospital, Abington Memorial, UPMC Mercy/Shadyside, Christiana Care, Sinai in Baltimore, Georgetown, INOVA Fairfax (new), Washington Hospital Center?, VCU, Carolinas Medical Center, Wake.

Hope this helps.

 

[vgupta4118]

deleted

 

[dagubananas]

Hope this helps.

Well I hope you're wrong about some of the high fliers I mentioned haha, but thank you for your help! I appreciate the list very much.

 

[235009]

Well I hope you're wrong about some of the high fliers I mentioned haha, but thank you for your help! I appreciate the list very much.

you have no chance at the programs you mentioned because they don't take DOs. sorry. feel free to apply and give ERAS more money of course but you're better off applying to more programs that will consider you or buying yourself something nice instead.

 

[disorder]

Med school: top 50 east coast
Step 1: 240
Step 2: Taking in september
Class rank: Probably third quartile based on just preclinical grades, not sure how third year grades will affect this
3rd year grades: All HP, 80s on most shelves
AOA: highly unlikely
Extracurriculars: Significant leadership experience in the first two years founding and running a volunteer program with 100+ students, worked at the student run clinic, lots of other random things
LORs: First is from a full professor who knows me well and likes me, planning to get the second from my AI which I am currently on
Research: Two posters, submitting an abstract to the ACC in the fall, hoping to start some PCCM research in the fall

Current list below. I realize a good number of these are reach places, but I met with my PD and I was surprised at the number of places he said I had a shot at getting an interview, based on people from my school with similar numbers in the past. Let me know what y'all think. Thanks!


Dartmouth

BI Deaconess
Tufts

Rhode Island Hosp - Brown U

Yale

NYU
Mt. Sinai
NYP - Columbia
North Shore - LIJ
Einstein Montefiore - Bronx
Lenox Hill

HUP
Temple
Jefferson
Drexel

Pittsburgh

Johns Hopkins
Johns Hopkins - Bayview

Georgetown

Washington Hospital Center

Duke
UNC

Northwestern
U. of Chicago
Loyola
Rush

depends on what school you come from. depends on your class grade distribution. i think the below list is more conservative than generous.

yes Dartmouth
maybe- BI Deaconess
yes Tufts
yes Rhode Island Hosp - Brown U
maybe+ Yale
maybe- NYU
maybe+ Mt. Sinai
no NYP - Columbia
yes North Shore - LIJ
yes Einstein Montefiore - Bronx
yes Lenox Hill
no HUP
yes Temple
yes Jefferson
yes Drexel
yes Pittsburgh
no Johns Hopkins
yes Johns Hopkins - Bayview
yes Georgetown
yes Washington Hospital Center
maybe- Duke
maybe- UNC
no Northwestern
no U. of Chicago
yes Loyola
yes Rush

 

[CaptainCrunch7]

.

 

[235009]

Hey guys,

I recently switched career choices and will be applying IM. I'm not too familiar with the programs so I figured you guys could help give me an idea of what schools to apply to.

Med school: top 25
Step 1: 247
Step II: was going to take it in sept/oct (should I take it earlier??)
Class rank: no freaking idea (1st 2 years were pass/fail)
3rd year grades: Honors in medicine, peds, neuro, psych and surgery. High pass in family med and ob/gyn. elective and AI grades pending
AOA: highly highly doubt it
Research: 3 papers including undergrad (2nd, 4th and 5th author though), 2 abstracts (again 4th author) and a couple posters. A couple papers in the works, but not sure if they will get submitted before apps.
Extracurriculars: nothing too spectacular. interest group director, free clinic director, some teaching experience
LOR: hopefully good, idk?

Schools: east coast, west coast and Chicago.

If anyone has any input on which schools would be good places to look at (reach, safety etc) I would really appreciate it, thanks!

if you want feedback you're going to have to make an effort to come up with a list first as a starting point. you are a very competitive applicant though

 

[CaptainCrunch7]

that's fair...I added a preliminary list to the post above. If you have any insight into chances or how to cut down this list it would really help! Thanks

 

[235009]

that's fair...I added a preliminary list to the post above. If you have any insight into chances or how to cut down this list it would really help! Thanks

It looks very reasonable but way too long. You need to cut down based on location

 

[Medical-student]

..

 

[Medical-student]

Step 1: 244
Step 2: Waiting results
Class rank: Top third
3rd year grades: All Honors
AOA: junior nominee. Maybe senior aoa
Extracurriculars: Some community service
LORs: IM program director, 3 IM attending
Research: 1 paper as second author, 3 posters, 1 oralpresentation

Programs i am interested
Yale
Emory
Loyola
Northwestern
Rush
UChicago
Beth israel boston
Bost Univ
Tufts
U maryland
Mayo
Duke
Unc
Wake forest
Dartmouth
Einstein montefiore
Mount sinai
Columbia
Cornell
Nyu
Case western
Cleveland clinic
ThomasJefferson
Upmc
Brown
Vanderbilt
Baylor
Ut south western
UtHouston
Uvirginia
Vcu

wamc? Programs that I should ad or eliminate?
Thanks

 

[gutonc]

Um...OK.

 

[IM2GI]

This thread seriously has no purpose. The best a future applicant can do is to go over the interviews/matched threads from years past and look at where people actually got interviews and what their stats were.

Apply broadly, good luck.

 

[Medical-student]

Um...OK.

Thanks.

 

[IM2GI]

Thanks.

What do you realistically expect anyone to say to you? You have good stats and listed like 30 programs. I promise you will match at one of those programs, how is that?

You are a strong applicant on paper. The "top 10" is a crapshoot, and the "top 4" is even more so.

Guess what, you get the same advice as everyone else: Apply broadly, have a backup plan, interview well, don't be a tool.

Goodluck.

 

[gutonc]

Thanks.

If you had asked an actual question (and WAMC doesn't count), perhaps I could have offered more.

But as IM2GI pointed out, you appear to be a strong candidate with a range of "Top 10" to "I don't even understand why you would bother" on your list. You'll match. What else do you want?

And I agree that this kind of post is what's so frustrating about the WAMC posts. But they're like zombie vampires and I can't kill them, only hope to contain them.

 

[Medical-student]

Programs that I should ad or eliminate? I understand the list is to long and I am looking to shorten it to 20 programs.