Official 2014-2015 IM WAMC Thread

[johndoe3344]

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My story: I'm an AMG at a SE med school. On HemOnc now and I absolutely love it. Received AOA (woohooo!) and Step 2 went well- my Clerkship Director, with his encouraging hope and confidence in me, insists I apply to many more Reach schools than I had anticipated. I am not nearly as knowledgable about top tiers and schools, thus seeking advice on this. Thanks in advance for any input/ wisdom, though I get that the sentiment is "just apply".

Step 1: 254
Step 2 CK/ CS: 266/ CS score not back
School: Top 100 (?) in SE
Grades in Clerkship: H all except Family, H in IM SubI
AOA: Yes
Research/ Publications/ Extracurriculars: 1 published first author, 2 posters at natl conferences, a few power points / Strong ECs / Strong LORs in terms of content- not sure about titles
Overview of where you want to end up: I like the SE and its gorgeous weather, but also like the idea change of scenery/society. I added Reach schools that were known to have great HemOnc fellowships thinking "Why not?!" (The obvious answer being- because few/noone from your school has gotten in there for IM) (& your research is not as strong as these places would like) (& other unknown incompetencies). Lastly, I am not thrilled about the cold, but will bundle myself in layers if I get into any of the Reaches listed. (Assuming I like them).

REACH
1. John Hopkins-- Baltimore, MD
2. John Hopkins @ Bayview-- Baltimore, MD
3. Mass Gen-- Boston, MA
4. Brigham and Women's Hospital Program-- Boston, MA
5. Stanford-- Stanford, CA
6. UCSD-- San Diego, CA
7. UCLA-- Los Angeles, CA
8. Duke-- Durham, NC
9. Vanderbilt-- Nashville, TN

MAYBE A GOOD CHANCE?
1. UAB-- Birmingham, AL
2. Emory-- Atlanta, GA
3. Tulane-- New Orleans, LA
4. UNC-- Chapel Hill, NC
5. Wake Forest-- Winston-Salem, NC
6. UTSW-- Austin, TX
7. UTSW-- Dallas, TX
8. Baylor-- Dallas, TX
9. UT Health-- Houston, TX
10. Virginia Commonwealth-- Richmond, VA
11. UVA-- Charlottesville, VA
12. Georgetown-- DC
13. Georgetown- Washington Hospital-- DC
14. George Washington-- DC
15. Univ of Maryland-- Baltimore, MD

SAFER?
1. UF-- Gainesville, FL
2. UF Jax- Jacksonville, FL
3. Mayo-- Jacksonville, FL
4. USF-- Tampa, FL
5. UTenn-- Nashville, TN
6. Medical University of SC-- Charleston, SC
7. Carolinas-- Charlotte, NC

Agree with disorder. Drop the entire category of "SAFER" schools and schools at that tier, do some research (on SDN or elsewhere), and add a lot more schools at the "REACH" tier.

Edit: Actually, just do a lot more research. Your list looks very odd. You have UTSW/Austin and Baylor/Dallas lumped in the same category as UTSW/Dallas and Emory. Stuff like that.

 

[laconfidential]

Agree with disorder. Drop the entire category of "SAFER" schools and schools at that tier, do some research (on SDN or elsewhere), and add a lot more schools at the "REACH" tier.

Edit: Actually, just do a lot more research. Your list looks very odd. You have UTSW/Austin and Baylor/Dallas lumped in the same category as UTSW/Dallas and Emory. Stuff like that.

They also said "John Hopkins" which is such a rookie mistake.

If you're gonna play with the big boys you better know your stuff...

 

[JOULEZ]

Thank you, thank you johndoe & disorder! Yes indeed- more research to do. I appreciate it. It's odd when I know my stats are good but uncertain if my not-top-tier school pulls them down. I will add more Reach schools thanks to your advice!

 

[MedUK]

Any advice would be much appreciated.

IMG from the UK 2010 grad, 3 years of residency in UK, 1 year of EM moonlighting while sitting USMLEs
Green card application pending (wife), wont need visa
Step 1 >265
Step 2 >275
4 pubmed publications, 1 as first author
LORs: 3 from US physicians (one from clinical work in the UK where I happened to work with a prof from the US, 2 from observerships at academic centers in the US,)
Pretty average grades in med school, mostly Bs, being my biggest application weakness.

Aiming for academic programs in NYC: Cornell, MSSM, NYU, Montefoire
Will obv. apply to all university affiliated programs in NYC along with a good number of community ones
Also applying to LIJH and its affiliates

Any thoughts, especially as to chances at the academic programs? How much do you think my med school grades could hurt me here?

 

[chai4]

Step 1: 237
Step 2 CK/ CS: havent taken it yet
School: top 30
Class Rank: bottom 50%
Grades in Clerkship: HP Medicine, H SubI, rest are mostly HP with a few H and one P
AOA: nope
Research/ Publications/ Extracurriculars: 1 research project, no pubs, decent/avg number extracurriculars

Future residency interests: Academic program that will not close any doors for me if I want to apply for a fellowship.

I have a much longer list of programs than this but im particularly interested in what my chances are at UMich (i know it's a reach but impossible?)

Also could I get opinions on these programs in general and ideas on my chances:
-The three IM programs in detroit, I literally know nothing about them. I didn't like the Sinai Grace website. Thought Wayne State/DMC and Henry Ford looked decent.
-UPMC what are my chances (really like the program based on the website and nothing else haha)
-Boston: BU vs Tufts? Any notable differences in between these two? Is BIDMC within reach?
-And lastly, what do people think of: Univ of New Mexico, Univ of Wisconsin, UTSW

I know this is a random list, I'm obviously not at all picky geographically.

 

[greensleeves]

Med school: Respectable East coast school
Step 1: 209
Step 2: Taking soon (predicting mid 220s based upon practice exams)
Grades:

• 3rd Year HP in OBGYN, Peds, Family.
  
• 3rd Year Pass in IM, Surgery, Psych.
  
• 4th year Honors in Sub-I

AOA: Very likely not
Letters: Good ones from a Director and Assistant Chair
Research: 1 Abstract publication during medical school. 1 poster presentation
Extracurriculars: pretty strong community work with homeless community, etc

Want to go into IM. Pretty standard story - want to do Residency back home in California. Doesn't need to be university based. I'm currently doing away rotations at two hospitals in Cali (1 community, 1 university)

WAMC at ANY Cali spots? Possible list I should consider? Should I consider any specific Kaisers?
Also, I'm considering NYC and Jersey City areas if Cali is out of reach.

 

[disorder]

Med school: Respectable East coast school
Step 1: 209
Step 2: Taking soon (predicting mid 220s based upon practice exams)
Grades:

• 3rd Year HP in OBGYN, Peds, Family.
  
• 3rd Year Pass in IM, Surgery, Psych.
  
• 4th year Honors in Sub-I

AOA: Very likely not
Letters: Good ones from a Director and Assistant Chair
Research: 1 Abstract publication during medical school. 1 poster presentation
Extracurriculars: pretty strong community work with homeless community, etc

Want to go into IM. Pretty standard story - want to do Residency back home in California. Doesn't need to be university based. I'm currently doing away rotations at two hospitals in Cali (1 community, 1 university)

WAMC at ANY Cali spots? Possible list I should consider? Should I consider any specific Kaisers?
Also, I'm considering NYC and Jersey City areas if Cali is out of reach.

You'll match in either of your three geographic regions.
You should have a chance at some of the community programs back in CA without a problem. Make sure you kill Step 2.

 

[disorder]

Step 1: 237
Step 2 CK/ CS: havent taken it yet
School: top 30
Class Rank: bottom 50%
Grades in Clerkship: HP Medicine, H SubI, rest are mostly HP with a few H and one P
AOA: nope
Research/ Publications/ Extracurriculars: 1 research project, no pubs, decent/avg number extracurriculars

Future residency interests: Academic program that will not close any doors for me if I want to apply for a fellowship.

I have a much longer list of programs than this but im particularly interested in what my chances are at UMich (i know it's a reach but impossible?)

Also could I get opinions on these programs in general and ideas on my chances:
-The three IM programs in detroit, I literally know nothing about them. I didn't like the Sinai Grace website. Thought Wayne State/DMC and Henry Ford looked decent.
-UPMC what are my chances (really like the program based on the website and nothing else haha)
-Boston: BU vs Tufts? Any notable differences in between these two? Is BIDMC within reach?
-And lastly, what do people think of: Univ of New Mexico, Univ of Wisconsin, UTSW

I know this is a random list, I'm obviously not at all picky geographically.

You know this already, but this is a random list geographically and competitively.

You're a candidate for mid-tier programs with outside chances at top-tier programs.
Programs that should be attainable for you would be something like BU, Tufts, and UWisc. UPMC and UMich will probably not happen, but I can't say it won't so just apply and see what happens. You will likely not get invited to UTSW.

You sound a little lost at picking programs (based off the fact that you're deciding off websites). I'd try and get some first-hand knowledge about the programs from alumni and/or some baseline knowledge from your Medicine PD.

 

[countinglambs]

I'm a fourth year medical student setting up away rotations right now, and I would appreciate some input for which Internal Medicine Programs I am realistically going to have a shot of matching into.

Step I score: 211
Class scores: Mostly P; HP in the later half of my clinical courses (Family, Ped, IM P; Surgery, Psych/OB all HP); great evaluations from all my attendings for every rotation.
Letters of Recommendation: Two letters from Assistant Dean and Chairman of Medicine who enjoyed working with me
Publications in PNAS and Clinical Geriatrics as second authors, Developmental Neurobiology as fifth author
4 poster presentations including one at the Society for Neuroscience

I recognize I'm limited by my Step 1 score, but I've turned my life around in the last year, and everything is trending up. Should I send emails or phone calls to program directors asking them to consider me for an interview, even though my score doesn't meet their cutoff, and should I ask them to consider offering me an interview if my step 2 score far exceeds my step 1 score?

I want to attend the best residency program I can. Thank you.

 

[BertMacklinFBI]

Step 1: 237
Step 2 CK/ CS: havent taken it yet
School: top 30
Class Rank: bottom 50%
Grades in Clerkship: HP Medicine, H SubI, rest are mostly HP with a few H and one P
AOA: nope
Research/ Publications/ Extracurriculars: 1 research project, no pubs, decent/avg number extracurriculars

Future residency interests: Academic program that will not close any doors for me if I want to apply for a fellowship.

I have a much longer list of programs than this but im particularly interested in what my chances are at UMich (i know it's a reach but impossible?)

Also could I get opinions on these programs in general and ideas on my chances:
-The three IM programs in detroit, I literally know nothing about them. I didn't like the Sinai Grace website. Thought Wayne State/DMC and Henry Ford looked decent.
-UPMC what are my chances (really like the program based on the website and nothing else haha)
-Boston: BU vs Tufts? Any notable differences in between these two? Is BIDMC within reach?
-And lastly, what do people think of: Univ of New Mexico, Univ of Wisconsin, UTSW

I know this is a random list, I'm obviously not at all picky geographically.

UMich is a +/- for you. I was a 238 on step 1 but had senior AOA and a good step 2, and I got an interview...and I think I could've matched there if I had ranked it first (it's an awesome place). Pitt's average step 1 is around 240 typically. UNM has good training but is not prestigious. I had an attending who went there and spoke highly of it. Wisconsin has excellent training and has a good VA, and the PD is this cool hippie ID doc who is super smart and super nice. UTSW is crazy intense as a resident, but you see ridiculous pathology and advanced disease because there are tons if people who haven't been treated for their disease, but you have to want to spend 3 months a year in the ICU- they match well into cards and pulm. If you're wanting to stay up north look at Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana, and real Mayo. Chicago-wise look at Rush and UIC. You probably wouldn't get a northwestern or uchicago interview.

 

[greensleeves]

You'll match in either of your three geographic regions.
You should have a chance at some of the community programs back in CA without a problem. Make sure you kill Step 2.

Thanks a lot.

Do you guys have any suggestions on what specific New York programs or New Jersey programs (closer to Jersey City or Newark) I should consider? With my stats, I am figuring the "big" names are out. I'm fine with that.

I'll also be applying to all/most of the CA programs.

Thanks everyone 🙂

 

[gutonc]

Thanks a lot.

Do you guys have any suggestions on what specific New York programs or New Jersey programs (closer to Jersey City or Newark) I should consider? With my stats, I am figuring the "big" names are out. I'm fine with that.

I'll also be applying to all/most of the CA programs.

Thanks everyone 🙂

There are a lot of crap programs in the NY metro area. If you've never heard of it, you've probably got a chance (that you don't want to take). You're right that NYU, MSSM, Columbia and Cornell aren't happening for you (but all you have to lose by applying is $120 at the most), but AECOM, St. Lukes (Icahn), NSLIJ-Hofstra and Rutgers-RWJ are all good ideas.

I'm curious if you've considered the other roughly 3000 miles of country between NYC and Cali as possibilities though? You'd stand a much better chance at a "better" program anywhere that's not one of those places.

 

[johndoe3344]

Thanks a lot.

Do you guys have any suggestions on what specific New York programs or New Jersey programs (closer to Jersey City or Newark) I should consider? With my stats, I am figuring the "big" names are out. I'm fine with that.

I'll also be applying to all/most of the CA programs.

Thanks everyone 🙂

There's also Rutgers-NJMS which is in Newark itself.

 

[gutonc]

There's also Rutgers-NJMS which is in Newark itself.

There are 3 very good reasons why I didn't mention that place.

1. I kind of assumed s/he knew about it.
2. NJMS
3. Newark

 

[MedUK]

Any advice would be much appreciated.

IMG from the UK 2010 grad, 3 years of residency in UK, 1 year of EM moonlighting while sitting USMLEs
Green card application pending (wife), wont need visa
Step 1 >265
Step 2 >275
4 pubmed publications, 1 as first author
LORs: 3 from US physicians (one from clinical work in the UK where I happened to work with a prof from the US, 2 from observerships at academic centers in the US,)
Pretty average grades in med school, mostly Bs, being my biggest application weakness.

Aiming for academic programs in NYC: Cornell, MSSM, NYU, Montefoire
Will obv. apply to all university affiliated programs in NYC along with a good number of community ones
Also applying to LIJH and its affiliates

Any thoughts, especially as to chances at the academic programs? How much do you think my med school grades could hurt me here?

While we're on the topic of NYC area programs, any thoughts on my chances above would be much appreciated!

 

[greensleeves]

Med school: Respectable East coast school
Step 1: 209
Step 2: Taking soon (predicting mid 220s based upon practice exams)
Grades:

• 3rd Year HP in OBGYN, Peds, Family.
  
• 3rd Year Pass in IM, Surgery, Psych.
  
• 4th year Honors in Sub-I

AOA: Very likely not
Letters: Good ones from a Director and Assistant Chair
Research: 1 Abstract publication during medical school. 1 poster presentation
Extracurriculars: pretty strong community work with homeless community, etc

Want to go into IM. Pretty standard story - want to do Residency back home in California. Doesn't need to be university based. I'm currently doing away rotations at two hospitals in Cali (1 community, 1 university)

WAMC at ANY Cali spots? Possible list I should consider? Should I consider any specific Kaisers?
Also, I'm considering NYC and Jersey City areas if Cali is out of reach.

Thanks everyone! Ok here is my list:

CA: All community programs (Kaisers, etc) + UCR, LLU,
NY: St Lukes (Icahn), AECOM,
NJ: Newark Beth Israel (both Jersey City and Newark), Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson, Rutgers NJ medical school, Seton Hall University (elizabeth)
Illinois: Rush University, UIC Chicago, Chicago Med School/Rosalind Franklin, Loyola

I have family members in CA and NYC/NJ which is why I prefer these areas.

I would really like some more suggestion on NYC programs!! A respectable program is fine; I'm aware I probably won't catch the eyes of some big names. Thanks you guys!

 

[235009]

Thanks everyone! Ok here is my list:

CA: All community programs (Kaisers, etc) + UCR, LLU,
NY: St Lukes (Icahn), AECOM,
NJ: Newark Beth Israel (both Jersey City and Newark), Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson, Rutgers NJ medical school, Seton Hall University (elizabeth)
Illinois: Rush University, UIC Chicago, Chicago Med School/Rosalind Franklin, Loyola

I have family members in CA and NYC/NJ which is why I prefer these areas.

I would really like some more suggestion on NYC programs!! A respectable program is fine; I'm aware I probably won't catch the eyes of some big names. Thanks you guys!

You basically have no chance at AECOM (Montefiore) with those stats. Others to think about are Lenox hill, Beth Israel, Jacobi, NSLIJ (reach), Winthrop, queens hospital center, elmhurst, and depending on how masochistic you are....downstate. You can also look at stony brook if you are willing to stretch the "NYC area" definition a little farther. It all comes down to how much you're willing to compromise quality of training for location.

 

[Hoenheim]

Hey there. Long-time reader, first time poster. I've found these threads really interesting to read through and really appreciate the insight shared by everyone.

Step 1: 270
Step 2 CK: 277
Step 2 CS: Taken in late July, result sometime in October
School: Average Allopathic School, Midwest
Class Rank: Not released officially, in top quartile at least based on awards/scholarships.
Grades: All honors in core clerkships, honors in EM elective, high pass in autopsy elective. 4th year grades (MICU, EM) pending, questionable if they'll be up by MSPE release.
Junior AOA
Research/ Publications/ Extracurriculars:

• 1 poster presentation at national conference, 1 poster presented at regional meeting. Both related to medical education. Will be working on 1-2 projects this year, hopefully with manuscript potential on one. Maybe will have something developed enough to talk about on interviews.
• 2 resources published to an online med-ed database
• Written/revised 5 chapters between 2 different major review books. Student editor for major review book this year.
• Fair bit of teaching experience: 2 years as anatomy TA (received award from department) created modules for med school curriculum, lots of tutoring, etc.
• Student government, free clinic coordinator, a couple of other volunteer experiences.

Letters: 2 clinical from MS3, 1 from MS4 rotation. 1 Department, 1 from a Dean I've worked with on various non-clinical projects (might not be applicable to all/most programs).

Overview of where you want to end up:

• Would be happy in the Midwest, but also interested in looking around to explore somewhere new
• Would probably pursue fellowship. Right now my ultimate interests lie somewhere in either Pulm/CC and Cards, but definitely not wanting to get ahead of myself.

My list so far is pretty short so far. From a geographic perspective most are in the midwest, but I would really be interested in looking into some "top" programs outside of this zone. I don't want this to come out the wrong way, but I'm not so much worried about matching, but rather looking for any thoughts others might have on places to look at. Obviously its a crapshoot at some of the top programs, but there's definitely a small part of me that would love to hear what others think my chances are at some of these places.

Reaches: UCSF, MGH, BWH, JHU, UPenn
Realistic: WashU, Duke, Vandy, Michigan, Mayo
Safety: Indiana, Ohio State

 

[Trogghunter]

Step 1: 270
Step 2 CK: 277

Daaaaaayum

 

[countinglambs]

AMG at an unranked southern Allopathic school
Step I score: 211
Step 2 score: 240 (predicted right now)
rank: bottom quarter
Class scores: P in basic science; (Family, Ped, IM P; Surgery, Psych/OB all HP); great evaluations from all my attendings for every rotation.
Letters of Recommendation: 3 really strong letters from the dean, and the clerkship coordinators who I worked under
3 Publications as second author, second author, fifth author
4 poster presentations including one national
Volunteering: established monthly health screening at children's museum, tech chair of homeless clinic, Aesculapian coordinator (part of peer elected curriculum review committee), and treasurer of two student organizations.
I am pursuing academic medicine

Chances of getting interviews?
If they're drunk when they see my app: Scripps, Wake Forest, Thomas Jefferson, UPME
Reaches: UAB, UMinn, VCU, UConn, U Maryland, Carolinas Med center, Mercy PA, MUSC, UTSW, Rutgers-RWJ
Realistic: U of Ark, Mayo (arizona), Cleveland (Fl), Louisville, U Miss, UCinn, UTSA, U of Utah
Safety: LSU BR, LSU, Ochsner

I'll go anywhere. Realistically what are the better programs I can get into?

Thanks

 

[countinglambs]

Hey there. Long-time reader, first time poster. I've found these threads really interesting to read through and really appreciate the insight shared by everyone.

Step 1: 270
Step 2 CK: 277
Step 2 CS: Taken in late July, result sometime in October
School: Average Allopathic School, Midwest
Class Rank: Not released officially, in top quartile at least based on awards/scholarships.
Grades: All honors in core clerkships, honors in EM elective, high pass in autopsy elective. 4th year grades (MICU, EM) pending, questionable if they'll be up by MSPE release.
Junior AOA
Research/ Publications/ Extracurriculars:

• 1 poster presentation at national conference, 1 poster presented at regional meeting. Both related to medical education. Will be working on 1-2 projects this year, hopefully with manuscript potential on one. Maybe will have something developed enough to talk about on interviews.
• 2 resources published to an online med-ed database
• Written/revised 5 chapters between 2 different major review books. Student editor for major review book this year.
• Fair bit of teaching experience: 2 years as anatomy TA (received award from department) created modules for med school curriculum, lots of tutoring, etc.
• Student government, free clinic coordinator, a couple of other volunteer experiences.

Letters: 2 clinical from MS3, 1 from MS4 rotation. 1 Department, 1 from a Dean I've worked with on various non-clinical projects (might not be applicable to all/most programs).

Overview of where you want to end up:

• Would be happy in the Midwest, but also interested in looking around to explore somewhere new
• Would probably pursue fellowship. Right now my ultimate interests lie somewhere in either Pulm/CC and Cards, but definitely not wanting to get ahead of myself.

My list so far is pretty short so far. From a geographic perspective most are in the midwest, but I would really be interested in looking into some "top" programs outside of this zone. I don't want this to come out the wrong way, but I'm not so much worried about matching, but rather looking for any thoughts others might have on places to look at. Obviously its a crapshoot at some of the top programs, but there's definitely a small part of me that would love to hear what others think my chances are at some of these places.

Reaches: UCSF, MGH, BWH, JHU, UPenn
Realistic: WashU, Duke, Vandy, Michigan, Mayo
Safety: Indiana, Ohio State

As long as you're not a terrible human being and don't come off as pretentious and condescending during interviews, your reaches don't really seem like reaches.

 

[diabetesisbad]

Long time follower of SDN -- just never bothered to make an account. Would love it if you guys could help and give sincere advice. Thanks.

Step 1: 237
Step 2 CK/ CS: have not taken
School: top 20
Class Rank: top quartile
Grades in Clerkship:
- Honors (everything besides the 3 HP below): medicine sub-I, peds, psych, family, ortho, anesthesiology, urology, clinical cards elective, derm
- High pass: medicine, surgery, neurology
AOA: was nominated for it based on class rank, but then did not get elected
Research/ Publications/ Extracurriculars: 4 research projects but no pubs from them yet, 1 abstract from undergrad, 2 presentations from undergrad, good number of extracurriculars
LORs: solid ones

Future residency interests: cards

List: I know this list is kinda random with a lot of top tier ones that are reaches. I just want some opinions which ones to add/delete.

West coast: UWash, Stanford, UCLA, UCSF
East coast: Yale, Georgetown, Tufts, baystate Tufts, BU, Johns hopkins university, Johns hopkins bayview, Dartmouth, Cornell, NYU, UPenn, Brown
Mid: Emory, UChicago, Northwestern
Other: UMich, WashU St Louis, University of Colorado, Mayo clinic, Duke, Wake forest, Utah, U of V,
South: UT-Houston, BCM, Baylor Dallas, UTSW, UTSW-Austin, UTSA, UTMB, A&M, TT Lubbock, TT Elpaso, Methodist Houston, Methodist Dallas, University of Miami Miller, Vanderbilt


Thanks again for your help guys!

 

[throwaway_123]

.

 

[Aequanimitatis]

Step 1: 264
Step 2 CK: taking in October
Step 2 CS: Just taken, awaiting results
School: Midwest state school, not top-50
Class Rank: Top 20%
Grades: Honors in all core clerkships. Honors in cardiology, sub-I, and MICU electives M4 year. Have really good comments on my evals, which will be on my MSPE.
AOA status: Junior AOA
Research/ Publications: Total of 10 things : 1 co-first author paper, 2 second author papers. 2 poster presentations. 2 oral presentations. 3 abstracts. Some of the research is medicine-related, but a decent amount of it is not.
Extracurriculars: Lots of peer teaching experience for 3 years. Volunteering at free clinic. Apart from that, I wasn't really in any clubs or part of any student leadership roles. The teaching and research are really the main things I have, and a lot of the research was from before med school started. Hopefully, the lack of leadership roles doesn't hurt me.
Letters of recommendation: I've asked for strong letters, so I'm assuming they will be strong. Coming from an average state school, I don't know how well-known the letter writers are.

What I'm looking for in residency: strong clinical training + academic rigor, with emphasis on knowing literature. Planning on staying in academics as an attending. Don't mind getting autonomy early (ex. Hopkins). Not tied down to any location, but am mostly applying East Coast and Midwest. Don't know too much about programs in the South and West.

Specialty interests: Pulm/CC and cardio are up there.

Current list in no specific order:

1. UCSF
2. Michigan
3. Northwestern
4. MGH
5. Brigham
6. U Chicago
7. Hopkins
8. Beth Israel
9. Wash U
10. Duke
11. U Virginia
12. Wisconsin
13. Pitt
14. U Washington
15. Home program
16. Penn
17. Vanderbilt
18. Mayo

I know I'm a pretty strong candidate, but my list is also very top-heavy. And based on recent threads, the fact that I'm coming from a non-top-50 state school seems to be a big disadvantage. That's kinda what makes me a little nervous and neurotic. I'm pretty happy with the list I have currently, but I'm looking for any additional "safety" programs to add. Even after talking to a lot of residents and reading around a lot, I feel like I don't know much about many of the programs out there. So, any strong, academic "safety" programs I could add to my list would be much appreciated. Or if there are certain programs I should drop, also please let me know. Thanks.

Long-time lurker, first time poster. I am applying this year as well and my application and list is very similar to yours except for 250s Step I and strong leadership. Simply wanted to say best of luck and throw in my 2 cents that Junior AOA in addition to a very strong Step I score should have you overcome the "non-top-50- state school" disadvantage. To answer your question, if you are looking for any "strong safety" programs to add Emory and UNC may be under consideration.

Look forward to reading input from more experienced posters!

 

[greensleeves]

Do these Step 1 "minimum " considerations for interview actually apply? Or is that primarily for IMGs?

 

[gutonc]

Do these Step 1 "minimum " considerations for interview actually apply? Or is that primarily for IMGs?

If it's a published minimum (like it says so on the program's website) then it applies to everyone. If it's something somebody here on SDN made up (most likely) it's total bull****.

 

[BertMacklinFBI]

Long time follower of SDN -- just never bothered to make an account. Would love it if you guys could help and give sincere advice. Thanks.

Step 1: 237
Step 2 CK/ CS: have not taken
School: top 20
Class Rank: top quartile
Grades in Clerkship:
- Honors (everything besides the 3 HP below): medicine sub-I, peds, psych, family, ortho, anesthesiology, urology, clinical cards elective, derm
- High pass: medicine, surgery, neurology
AOA: was nominated for it based on class rank, but then did not get elected
Research/ Publications/ Extracurriculars: 4 research projects but no pubs from them yet, 1 abstract from undergrad, 2 presentations from undergrad, good number of extracurriculars
LORs: solid ones

Future residency interests: cards

List: I know this list is kinda random with a lot of top tier ones that are reaches. I just want some opinions which ones to add/delete.

West coast: UWash, Stanford, UCLA, UCSF
East coast: Yale, Georgetown, Tufts, baystate Tufts, BU, Johns hopkins university, Johns hopkins bayview, Dartmouth, Cornell, NYU, UPenn, Brown
Mid: Emory, UChicago, Northwestern
Other: UMich, WashU St Louis, University of Colorado, Mayo clinic, Duke, Wake forest, Utah, U of V,
South: UT-Houston, BCM, Baylor Dallas, UTSW, UTSW-Austin, UTSA, UTMB, A&M, TT Lubbock, TT Elpaso, Methodist Houston, Methodist Dallas, University of Miami Miller, Vanderbilt


Thanks again for your help guys!

Your west coast interviews may be few and far between, but you have a good east coast mix. The mid and other categories are good too. No honors in IM and no AOA are the only two things that aren't ideal (but you are fine, don't fret). Do well on step 2- shoot for above 250 at least. I wouldn't hesitate to apply to a lot of reaches- it can't hurt you and you might be pleasantly surprised about where you get interviews.

As it stands I could see you getting a good chunk of this group: Utah, Colorado, mayo, wake, virginia, probably wash u or mich, emory, utsw. Maybe vandy, but they like AOA a lot (it's an awesome place from what I hear). Who knows with NWern and uchicago. I don't know east coast stuff that well. I would thin out your Southern programs- keep utsw, a&m, bcm, emory, vandy, and at least one of the ut Houston, Methodist Houston, or Miami group as a safety. Add UNC, UAB if you can tolerate the south.

 

[mk8mk8]

Step 1: 235
Step 2 CK/ CS: Taking later
School: Top 5
Class Rank: No ranking
Grades in Clekship: Honor in medicine, surgery and medicine sub-i
No AOA at my school
Research/ Publications/ Extracurriculars: 1 poster presentation and an unpublished abstract (both 1st author)
Schools (in no particular order): I want to try and go to residency in California (Ca residenct). Thanks!

UCSF
Stanford
UCLA
Cedars
Harbor
UCSD
USC
UCSF/Fresno
UC Davis
UCI
Olive View
CPMC
Loma Linda
Scripps Clinic/Green
Scripps Mercy
SCVMC
UCR
U. Washington
Mayo (Arizona)
OHSU
MGH
Hopkins
Brigham
Penn
NY Presbyterian
Mayo (Rochester)

 

[John117x]

Step 1: 239
Step 2 CK: 250
School: Not Top 50 in the NE
Class Rank: Top 1/3, not AOA
Grades in Clekship:
H: Primary Care, Peds, OB/GYN, Neurology
HP: Medicine (just missed Honors by a tenth of a point), Surgery, Psych
Sub-I grade is pending, but should be Honors.
Research/ Publications/ Extracurriculars: Unpublished paper, not first author. President of ACP club, volunteer work.
Schools:
Northeast mainly, preferably Boston. Also D.C. and Northwest because of S.O. I'm applying to more schools, but these are my main targets.

BU (I think my top choice at the moment)
Tufts
UMass
BIDMC (Doing an away elective here)
Brown

Georgetown
George Washington
University of Maryland

NYU
AECOM
North Shore LIJ
RWJ

UW
OHSU

 

[235009]

Step 1: 239
Step 2 CK: 250
School: Not Top 50 in the NE
Class Rank: Top 1/3, not AOA
Grades in Clekship:
H: Primary Care, Peds, OB/GYN, Neurology
HP: Medicine (just missed Honors by a tenth of a point), Surgery, Psych
Sub-I grade is pending, but should be Honors.
Research/ Publications/ Extracurriculars: Unpublished paper, not first author. President of ACP club, volunteer work.
Schools:
Northeast mainly, preferably Boston. Also D.C. and Northwest because of S.O. I'm applying to more schools, but these are my main targets.

BU (I think my top choice at the moment)
Tufts
UMass
BIDMC (Doing an away elective here)
Brown

Georgetown
George Washington
University of Maryland

NYU
AECOM
North Shore LIJ
RWJ

UW
OHSU

Very reasonable.

I'm assuming the "more schools" include the rest of the Boston and NYC programs.

 

[John117x]

Very reasonable.

I'm assuming the "more schools" include the rest of the Boston and NYC programs.

Thanks for the reply!

You are correct - a mix of reaches and safeties. For NY - Cornell, MSSM, Lenox-Hill, Downstate. Are there any other worthwhile programs in Boston that aren't MGH or BWH? I'm starting to look more at NorCal given its proximity to the NW. Any suggestions?

 

[235009]

drop lenox hill and downstate... i'm guessing you're not one of those people who HAS TO be in NYC so you're not going to settle for a sub-par community program like the former or a malignant program in a broke hospital like the latter

 

[mk8mk8]

Step 1: 235
Step 2 CK/ CS: Taking later
School: Top 5
Class Rank: No ranking
Grades in Clekship: Honor in medicine, surgery and medicine sub-i
No AOA at my school
Research/ Publications/ Extracurriculars: 1 poster presentation and an unpublished abstract (both 1st author)
Schools (in no particular order): I want to try and go to residency in California (Ca residenct). Thanks!

UCSF
Stanford
UCLA
Cedars
Harbor
UCSD
USC
UCSF/Fresno
UC Davis
UCI
Olive View
CPMC
Loma Linda
Scripps Clinic/Green
Scripps Mercy
SCVMC
UCR
U. Washington
Mayo (Arizona)
OHSU
MGH
Hopkins
Brigham
Penn
NY Presbyterian
Mayo (Rochester)

Anyone have any feedback? Do I have too many reaches?

 

[gutonc]

Anyone have any feedback? Do I have too many reaches?

Nobody commented because there's nothing to say.

 

[John117x]

drop lenox hill and downstate... i'm guessing you're not one of those people who HAS TO be in NYC so you're not going to settle for a sub-par community program like the former or a malignant program in a broke hospital like the latter

Werd. I appreciate the straight talk.

 

[BertMacklinFBI]

Anyone have any feedback? Do I have too many reaches?

By definition you can't have too many reaches. If they don't have enough spots then you won't get an interview. The more you apply to, the more likely you'll get an interview at some top tier places (but the catch is that if everybody does that, then schools have way too many apps to sort through).

You'll get a handful of the Cali programs like USC, uc davis, but probably not ucsf, ucla. Or maybe you will- hard to say. Ohsu and mayo probably. Top 5 helps and will open doors - a 230's HMS student is more likely to get an MGH interview than a 240's from a Midwest state school. Be patient and wait for the MSPE to come out.

Words of wisdom (because ms4's are all high strung this time of year)- it is inevitable that you won't get an interview at some place while someone else you know will, even though you might think you're a better candidate. Or vice versa. Programs look for different things. It is a complete mystery how you might get an interview at UCSF but not a mid tier program, so don't be surprised.

 

[mk8mk8]

By definition you can't have too many reaches. If they don't have enough spots then you won't get an interview. The more you apply to, the more likely you'll get an interview at some top tier places (but the catch is that if everybody does that, then schools have way too many apps to sort through).

You'll get a handful of the Cali programs like USC, uc davis, but probably not ucsf, ucla. Or maybe you will- hard to say. Ohsu and mayo probably. Top 5 helps and will open doors - a 230's HMS student is more likely to get an MGH interview than a 240's from a Midwest state school. Be patient and wait for the MSPE to come out.

Words of wisdom (because ms4's are all high strung this time of year)- it is inevitable that you won't get an interview at some place while someone else you know will, even though you might think you're a better candidate. Or vice versa. Programs look for different things. It is a complete mystery how you might get an interview at UCSF but not a mid tier program, so don't be surprised.

Thanks! I appreciate the help and advice.

 

[sddh]

WAMC:
Step 1: 203
Step 2: 242
H in psych/neuro/obgyn; P in the rest
No research, publications, but lots of community service and volunteering

-Want to stay in CA.
-Prefer an academic setting for fellowship training.
-Which programs would you stratify as reach/real/safe?
-Here's the listing for all CA programs. Any help is appreciated.

1. Kern
2. Arrowhead
3. Kaiser Fontana
4. San Joaquin
5. UCSF fresno
6. Scripps (La Jolla)
7. Loma Linda
8. St. Mary Long Beach
9. Cedar Sinai
10. Kaiser LA
11. Olive view
12. UCLA
13. USC
14. White
15. UC riverside
16. Alameda
17. Kaiser Oakland
18. UC Irvine
19. Huntington Memorial
20. Eisenhower
21. UC Davis
22. Scripps (SD)
23. UCSD
24. CPMC
25. Kaiser SF
26. St. Mary SF
27. UCSF
28. Santa Clara
29. Santa Barbara Cottage
30. Kaiser Santa Clara
31. Stanford
32. UCLA Harbor Torrence

I've done my homework already, and want to confirm with you guys on the forum.
Thanks. Really appreciate your input.

 

[sddh]

also, how would you guys rank the three mayo campuses in minnesota, florida, and arizona?

 

[IMPD]

WAMC:
Step 1: 203
Step 2: 242
H in psych/neuro/obgyn; P in the rest
No research, publications, but lots of community service and volunteering

-Want to stay in CA.
-Prefer an academic setting for fellowship training.
-Which programs would you stratify as reach/real/safe?
-Here's the listing for all CA programs. Any help is appreciated.

1. Kern
2. Arrowhead
3. Kaiser Fontana
4. San Joaquin
5. UCSF fresno
6. Scripps (La Jolla)
7. Loma Linda
8. St. Mary Long Beach
9. Cedar Sinai
10. Kaiser LA
11. Olive view
12. UCLA
13. USC
14. White
15. UC riverside
16. Alameda
17. Kaiser Oakland
18. UC Irvine
19. Huntington Memorial
20. Eisenhower
21. UC Davis
22. Scripps (SD)
23. UCSD
24. CPMC
25. Kaiser SF
26. St. Mary SF
27. UCSF
28. Santa Clara
29. Santa Barbara Cottage
30. Kaiser Santa Clara
31. Stanford
32. UCLA Harbor Torrence

I've done my homework already, and want to confirm with you guys on the forum.
Thanks. Really appreciate your input.

Just to show goodwill, why don't you try breaking them into those groups - you know, show a little effort. It will get you better advice.

 

[sddh]

WAMC:
Step 1: 203
Step 2: 242
H in psych/neuro/obgyn; P in the rest
No research, publications, but lots of community service and volunteering

-Want to stay in CA.
-Prefer an academic setting for fellowship training.
-Which programs would you stratify as reach/real/safe?
-Here's the listing for all CA programs. Any help is appreciated.

Reach
Scripps (La Jolla)
Cedar Sinai
UCLA
Olive view
USC
Kaiser Oakland
Scripps (SD)
UC Davis
UCSD
CPMC
Kaiser SF
St. Mary SF
UCSF
Santa Clara
Kaiser Santa Clara
Stanford
UCLA Harbor Torrence
Kaiser LA
Kaiser Fontana
Santa Barbara Cottage

Realistic
Kern
St. Mary Long Beach
UC Irvine
Huntington Memorial
Eisenhower

Safe
Arrowhead
San Joaquin
UCSF fresno
Loma Linda
White
UC riverside
Alameda

I'm kind of a black/white gal in terms of reach vs safe. Can anyone shed any input?

 

[gutonc]

You can save your money on the UC schools in the reach list (maybe keep Davis), Stanford too. for the rest, what does it matter what we think (NB...I think WAMC posts are stupid anyway)? Just apply. It's relatively cheap and other that money, you've got nothing to lose.

FWIW, I think sticking to CA is a bad plan for an applicant like you. I know f*** all about you, but statistically speaking, you're going to match somewhere (in 2014, 90% chance of matching with your Step 1) and be at least a decent resident. Unfortunately, your stats are weak (as you know) and CA programs are competitive (for reasons I don't understand other than the obvious ones). You have a much better chance of getting a spot in a "good" program outside of CA than you do inside of CA. And you can always go back there for fellowship or to practice in the future.

 

[Capulet19]

Hi guys,

Applying to IM, passed all my other rotations, but I failed the IM shelf = failing the clerkship. Retook the shelf it and passed and thus it will show up as a remediation.

Go to a US MD School on the east coast (not a big name). Step 1 was a 202, taking Step 2 next week because of the delay I had. My narratives in Medicine were good and I have good rec letters.

Any advice on how many places I should apply to and the type of programs? I would like to go to a university program but understand that may be out of reach, so definitely applying to community ones as well. Would prefer to stay on the east coast.

 

[medstudent7860]

How much research have you done?

 

[Capulet19]

Didn't do any research in medical school, but did 2 years of pharmaceutical research in undergrad - > 5 poster presentations and 1 oral presentation. Unfortunately no journal articles *sigh*

 

[gutonc]

Hi guys,

Applying to IM, passed all my other rotations, but I failed the IM shelf = failing the clerkship. Retook the shelf it and passed and thus it will show up as a remediation.

Go to a US MD School on the east coast (not a big name). Step 1 was a 202, taking Step 2 next week because of the delay I had. My narratives in Medicine were good and I have good rec letters.

Any advice on how many places I should apply to and the type of programs? I would like to go to a university program but understand that may be out of reach, so definitely applying to community ones as well. Would prefer to stay on the east coast.

Moving to the WAMC thread.

Also...you need to give us an idea of the places you're applying to. Also...you have already submitted your app, right?

 

[joseph.338]

Osteopathic student applying with only COMLEX and some possible red flags?
Step 1: 524
Step 2 CK: 491
Step 2 PE: Pass
Class Rank: No ranking
Grades in Clerkship: Failed psych rotation due to my preceptors dislike for my school and our students. Remediated psych with a different preceptor and received high pass. Honers in everything else
Research/ Publications/ Extracurriculars: 1 publication and one poster presentation. 5 years volunteer work with the fire department. working in physical therapy for 5 years as an exercise physiologist.
Misc: Letter from a residency director. Our schools IM program director is a residency director for TRI.
Hospitals considered: Applying to most hospitals in philly and a lot in NJ both osteopathic and allopathic

Philly
Abington memorial
Albert einstein
Crozer-chester
Drexel
Lankenau
Mercy Catholic
Temple
Thomas jeffersaon
PCOM Aria
PCOM Crozer-chester
PCOM lankenau
PCOM mercy catholic
PCOM Mercy suburban
PCOM pennsylvania hospital
PCOM medical program

NJ
Atlantic health
Cooper University
Hackensack UMC
Jersey Shore MC
Monmouth MC
Newark beth israel MC
Raritan bay MC
Rutgers/ Robert wood johnson
Seton hall/St francis
Jersey city MC
Meadowlands hospital
St barnabas
Palisades MC
St michaels NEOMEN
Trinitas regional MC
Rowan SOM kennedy hospital

any insight would be great

Thanks!!

 

[235009]

Osteopathic student applying with only COMLEX and some possible red flags?
Step 1: 524
Step 2 CK: 491
Step 2 PE: Pass
Class Rank: No ranking
Grades in Clerkship: Failed psych rotation due to my preceptors dislike for my school and our students. Remediated psych with a different preceptor and received high pass. Honers in everything else
Research/ Publications/ Extracurriculars: 1 publication and one poster presentation. 5 years volunteer work with the fire department. working in physical therapy for 5 years as an exercise physiologist.
Misc: Letter from a residency director. Our schools IM program director is a residency director for TRI.
Hospitals considered: Applying to most hospitals in philly and a lot in NJ both osteopathic and allopathic

Philly
Abington memorial
Albert einstein
Crozer-chester
Drexel
Lankenau
Mercy Catholic
Temple
Thomas jeffersaon
PCOM Aria
PCOM Crozer-chester
PCOM lankenau
PCOM mercy catholic
PCOM Mercy suburban
PCOM pennsylvania hospital
PCOM medical program

NJ
Atlantic health
Cooper University
Hackensack UMC
Jersey Shore MC
Monmouth MC
Newark beth israel MC
Raritan bay MC
Rutgers/ Robert wood johnson
Seton hall/St francis
Jersey city MC
Meadowlands hospital
St barnabas
Palisades MC
St michaels NEOMEN
Trinitas regional MC
Rowan SOM kennedy hospital

any insight would be great

Thanks!!

1. i hope you use/used spell check in your apps
2. jefferson doesn't take DOs ....up to you whether you want to donate your application fee to them/ERAS
3. I can't tell which programs are AOA and which are ACGME ....you have little chance at the ACGME university programs you listed so if you're going to apply both make sure you have enough ACGME community programs to justify the application fee
4. failing a rotation is a big red flag. with honors in the rest it's sure to elicit some head scratching and concern that you did something unprofessional/dishonest since psych is the easiest third year rotation

 

[gredybear]

Step 1: 224
Step 2: 241
Osteopathic Student
SSP
Class Rank: top 15%
Research: 2 publication and 1 on the way at Emory, 1 poster presentation at ACP
Leadership: positions in SSP and AMSA

Reach Schools: UAB, mayo, UF, UM, Rush, tufts, Jeff, UPMC, MUSC, Vanderbilt, UVA, Emory, Georgetown

Possible Schools: U south Ala, FSU, mount sinai, UF -J, USF, MCG (2), Morehouse, loyola, UIC (2), tulane, University of Maryland, rutgers, albert einstein, drexal, temple, Penn state, USC, UT, Virginia commonwealth, Uconn,

Safety: Jackson Memorial, Atlanta Med Center, Gwinnett Med Center, Mercer (2), UAB-huntsville

Interviews at UAB huntsville and Uni south Alabama

What do you guys think of this list? Are the possible schools really possible? Should I add anything more? Should I focus on more safety schools?

 

[gutonc]

Step 1: 224
Step 2: 241
Osteopathic Student
SSP
Class Rank: top 15%
Research: 2 publication and 1 on the way at Emory, 1 poster presentation at ACP
Leadership: positions in SSP and AMSA

Reach Schools: UAB, mayo, UF, UM, Rush, tufts, Jeff, UPMC, MUSC, Vanderbilt, UVA, Emory, Georgetown

Possible Schools: U south Ala, FSU, mount sinai, UF -J, USF, MCG (2), Morehouse, loyola, UIC (2), tulane, University of Maryland, rutgers, albert einstein, drexal, temple, Penn state, USC, UT, Virginia commonwealth, Uconn,

Safety: Jackson Memorial, Atlanta Med Center, Gwinnett Med Center, Mercer (2), UAB-huntsville

Interviews at UAB huntsville and Uni south Alabama

What do you guys think of this list? Are the possible schools really possible? Should I add anything more? Should I focus on more safety schools?

That's a completely realistic assessment of your chances. You've already gotten some confirmation that your middle list is reasonable with the IV from USA. Your reach list is definitely reach-y (partially because some of those places won't even entertain having a DO in their housestaff (Vandy), others because they're tough for even top MD grads. But some of them (Rush, Tufts, GT, MUSC) aren't exactly reaches. You'll have more interviews that you know what to do with from this list.