Official 2015-2016 "What Are My Chances" Thread

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Step1: mid 230s
Step2: taking late fall
School: Allopathic, Midwest, Top40
Grades: Honors Psych, HP Neuro-Ortho-ObGyn, Pass IM-Peds-Surgery
AOA: No, only a couple honors in basic sciences
Research: 1 microbiology/virology paper, 4 papers psychology/psychiatry focused. I have been a part-time laboratory manager throughout medical school.
Electives: Heavily involved in research, teaching and student leadership
Red flags: None
Overview of where you want to end up: I see myself staying in the Midwest. I am most interested in Wisconsin (Madison) and Iowa. There are some higher tier programs I am interested in applying to, but I do not know how competitive I would be for these.
 
nereids said:
Step1: mid 230s
Step2: taking late fall
School: Allopathic, Midwest, Top40
Grades: Honors Psych, HP Neuro-Ortho-ObGyn, Pass IM-Peds-Surgery
AOA: No, only a couple honors in basic sciences
Research: 1 microbiology/virology paper, 4 papers psychology/psychiatry focused. I have been a part-time laboratory manager throughout medical school.
Electives: Heavily involved in research, teaching and student leadership
Red flags: None
Overview of where you want to end up: I see myself staying in the Midwest. I am most interested in Wisconsin (Madison) and Iowa. There are some higher tier programs I am interested in applying to, but I do not know how competitive I would be for these.
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I'd say your issue is less about "what are my chances" and more about what midwest program would be a good fit for you.
 
I only managed to schedule 16 July for my CS date (I'm still trying to reschedule), which means my report will be available between Oct 7 - Nov 4, is it a big deal not having your result on 15 Sep?

I'm IMG step1 219, CK 244, EM PGY1 in my home country, 1 month observership in anesthesiology department 3 great LORs (not from psychiatrist)
 
as i have mentioned elsewhere yes it is a very very big deal. i would be very surprised if any good program would look at your application if you're not ECFMG certified. you significantly disadvantage yourself. when is the result supposed to come back?
 
If I manage to reschedule then they will be back before Sep 15 and if not they between Oct 7 - Nov 4 (I guess October is more likely)
 
Yes I read your advice thread for IMGs and thank you so much for writing it by the way
 
it might not be the end of the world then because often programs extent interviews later to IMGs but you really will lose out on interviews you would otherwise have got. it takes a week or so to get ECFMG certified after getting the results for all the exams so bear that in mind.
 
splik said:
as i have mentioned elsewhere yes it is a very very big deal. i would be very surprised if any good program would look at your application if you're not ECFMG certified. you significantly disadvantage yourself. when is the result supposed to come back?
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I am not in a position to say this isn't true but will again mention that although I had step 2 CS in the bag I was not ECFMG certified until January and got interviews at a number of great programs. And so whilst I can't say it's not a big deal I wouldn't say that it would be a surprise for good programs to even look at the application unless there is some other red flag I'm not aware of.
 
SmallBird said:
I am not in a position to say this isn't true but will again mention that although I had step 2 CS in the bag I was not ECFMG certified until January and got interviews at a number of great programs. And so whilst I can't say it's not a big deal I wouldn't say that it would be a surprise for good programs to even look at the application unless there is some other red flag I'm not aware of.
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you would have been ECFMG verified though which is good enough for most places
 
I managed to change my date, so I will have my result back before Sep 9
 
Is it still possible to match into a top academic psych program if you don't have any psych research? Say you have a couple of posters/abstracts in a different field but nothing psych related. I know psych overall is not hugely competitive but from what I understand the top places in all fields are pretty tough to get into.
 
TheThirdLevel said:
Is it still possible to match into a top academic psych program if you don't have any psych research? Say you have a couple of posters/abstracts in a different field but nothing psych related. I know psych overall is not hugely competitive but from what I understand the top places in all fields are pretty tough to get into.
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Yes.
 
TheThirdLevel said:
.I know psych overall is not hugely competitive but from what I understand the top places in all fields are pretty tough to get into.
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They are. They have their choice of applicants.

But this doesn't mean that every top program wants to fill their incoming class with researchers (in fact, that would be pretty horrible). They are looking for people they think will make outstanding clinicians, educators, leaders, innovators, and/or researchers. To get in to a top program, you'll need to shine in one or more of these areas, but not all.
 
notdeadyet said:
They are. They have their choice of applicants.

But this doesn't mean that every top program wants to fill their incoming class with researchers (in fact, that would be pretty horrible). They are looking for people they think will make outstanding clinicians, educators, leaders, innovators, and/or researchers. To get in to a top program, you'll need to shine in one or more of these areas, but not all.
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Yes I agree with this entirely. Whatever you do should be support a narrative, not tick a checkbox. So if you are interested in being a researcher you should try start a project and publish if possible. If you really want to get involved in global mental health, an unrelated publication will mean less than some other type of experience which attests to your commitment to this interest.
 
nereids said:
Step1: mid 230s
Step2: taking late fall
School: Allopathic, Midwest, Top40
Grades: Honors Psych, HP Neuro-Ortho-ObGyn, Pass IM-Peds-Surgery
AOA: No, only a couple honors in basic sciences
Research: 1 microbiology/virology paper, 4 papers psychology/psychiatry focused. I have been a part-time laboratory manager throughout medical school.
Electives: Heavily involved in research, teaching and student leadership
Red flags: None
Overview of where you want to end up: I see myself staying in the Midwest. I am most interested in Wisconsin (Madison) and Iowa. There are some higher tier programs I am interested in applying to, but I do not know how competitive I would be for these.
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You will be fine. I really enjoyed UW-Madison, by the way. Seemed like a great program with awesome faculty.
 
nereids said:
Step1: mid 230s
Step2: taking late fall
School: Allopathic, Midwest, Top40
Grades: Honors Psych, HP Neuro-Ortho-ObGyn, Pass IM-Peds-Surgery
AOA: No, only a couple honors in basic sciences
Research: 1 microbiology/virology paper, 4 papers psychology/psychiatry focused. I have been a part-time laboratory manager throughout medical school.
Electives: Heavily involved in research, teaching and student leadership
Red flags: None
Overview of where you want to end up: I see myself staying in the Midwest. I am most interested in Wisconsin (Madison) and Iowa. There are some higher tier programs I am interested in applying to, but I do not know how competitive I would be for these.
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Give a serious look to Michigan and Northwestern as well.
 
WingedOx said:
Maryland, Penn State, and Rutgers being in the Big 10 are a sin against humanity. They automatically lose points for that.

/I was mostly hoping for a Michigan State vs UChicago debate.
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Notre Dame needs to get over itself and join up, then we can add Iowa State or Mizzou or Pitt or someone to make an even 16 and start ruling the world.

(But anyway, to get back on topic--UMich and NWU probably are the best, most well-rounded training programs in the Midwest/Great Lakes region.)
 
Step 1: 227
Step 2 CK/CS: Pending
School: Midwest USA, Ranked around 30ish
Class Rank: Probably around the top of the bottom third.
Grades in Clerkship: All passed. No Honors.
Research/Publications/Extracurriculars: Volunteered at some free clinics. Went on a med trip to Honduras. No research.
Red Flags: None that I know of.
Where to end up: I'm looking at the western states like Colorado, Idaho and Arizona. There aren't very many programs, and I don't know how competitive they are. I'm also wondering if there are any programs in Massachussetts or New York or around DC where I'd have a chance.
 
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Note: I realize it's very early for me to be posting here as a rising 3rd year, but I have some extenuating circumstances that make me concerned about my chances. Would appreciate input. Thanks!

Step 1: 203 (see below)
Step 2 CK/ CS: Not taken
School: Osteopathic School, Southeast US
Class Rank: Middle 1/3
Grades in Clerkship: Just starting clerkships
Research/ Publications/ Extracurriculars: Writing up research now, hoping for publication; Treasurer of SGA, President of Psych Interest Group, Region Chair Psych Student Network
Red Flags: Prior to attending this Osteopathic school, I attended an allopathic school where I was in and out of the hospital with a serious health problem (leaving out detail for anonymity's sake). I made it as far as Step 1, failed it twice, and withdrew. After this, I had surgery which thankfully put me in complete remission. I got a master's degree in education, taught for a few years, re-applied osteopathic, and here I am.
Overview of where you want to end up: Strong interest in Child & Adolescent psych. Private practice, possibly working as adjunct faculty teaching at a med school.

My main concern is how many PDs will even get to see my app due to filtering based on my red flags.
 
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clausewitz2 said:
Away is probably not going to end up happening, but I am planning a visit and meeting in the department in the next couple months at which I will convey my enthusiasm.

I've only been through Houston kind of briefly - is it really as liberal as, say, Austin? I was definitely struck by the diversity, having really excellent pho and bun chay in a random place in a strip mall on the outskirts.

I guess when I say "warm" I mean "blizzard is not really a word we use around here" rather than "balmy and dry." Unless I am seriously misreading climate data Portland fits the first category, at least.
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I grew up in "blizzard" country, so I may be biased, but not applying to a program simply because it has winter with snow seems rather limiting. Again, taking family, significant other, standard of living into account... shouldn't you also take program opportunities, clinical exposure, research options, career advancement, simply seeing someplace new outside of your comfort zone into account?

I was one of the few applicants my year who applied fairly nationally, and a lot of applicants self-limited themselves severely by ONLY applying to Northeast schools, California schools, Midwest schools, etc. Again, family, significant other, etc. come first, but not exploring all options simply for weather seems rather myopic.

That being said, I would encourage you to look into programs like Vanderbilt, Emory, Duke, UNC that are in warmer climes (but aren't West Coast) that are also great.
 
rjs2131 said:
Hey guys,

Thought I'd jump on board. Appreciate any advice!
Step 1: 220
Step 2 CK/ CS: Will take end of July, hoping to improve
School: Top 10 US Allopathic
Class Rank: Probably somewhere in the middle
Grades in Clerkship: Honors in Psych; High Pass Fam Med, Neuro, Medicine, Surgery; Pass in Peds and OB
AOA: nope
Research/ Publications/ Extracurriculars: Non-psych related but presented a poster at a national conference during 2nd year on cardioembolic stroke as part of a summer program I completed between 1st/2nd year; otherwise have pretty heavy/competitive involvement in dance through most of med school and will likely incorporate this into my PS, etc
Red Flags: (step failures, etc): none
Overview of where you want to end up: Ideally want to stay on east coast, preferably warmer places --- outside of that just as great of a program I can get into
Thanks!
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Good overall application! Again, take anything I say (anything anybody says on this website lol) with a grain of salt, but imho this is a very middle-of-the-road application. So, getting interviews at more competitive schools may be difficult, but apply broadly! Three things I would do to optimize your match experience, is 1) develop a stronger background in psych, either through research or doing your 4th year acting internship in psych before October, 2) make sure you have great letters from psychiatrists who know you clinically, and 3) apply to programs outside your comfort zone... "as great of a program I can get into" again implies there's a strict hierarchy of program rankings, when really it's more tiers of programs. One person's Vanderbilt is another person's Brigham is another person's UW-Seattle. Good luck!
 
LTPpowered90 said:
I'm excited to finally apply!

Step 1: 234
Step 2 CK/ CS: taking early July and end May respectively
School: US allopathic, east coast, mid-tier school
Class Rank: middle I guess
Grades in Clerkship: doing psych currently, honors in surgery and medicine, high pass OB and peds
AOA: no
Research/ Publications/ Extracurriculars: some free clinic volunteering. I think this counts- summer before med school, Howard Hughes Medical Institute funded research- neuro/psych/genetics related
Red Flags: (step failures, etc)- none
Overview of where you want to end up: definitely midwest.
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"definitely Midwest" Don't hear that often 🙂 So many people are coast-centric... coincidentally where the markets are most saturated and compensation is thus lower...

Again, what I say means nothing as I'm not on any residency admissions committee, but overall good-->great application! Strong Step 1 (above the national mean), Honors Medicine really does help a lot. If you can keep up a strong Step 2 score (ie mean or better), it's by no means a deal-breaker but can definitely solidify your application just that much more. The best things you can do is rock psychiatry and get a strong letter from them. Does your psych department know youre interested in psych? It may help, both for general guidance and to get on their radar, to talk with your school's program director... most of the program directors in psych know each other well, so that could only help... Also, if you have any particular interests in psych that you can start fleshing out with further outreach or research (clinical, public health, educational) it can help deepen your application more-- and perhaps coincidentally your desire to go into this amazing field 🙂 PM me with any further questions! Best of luck! Definitely apply to Chicago and other Midwest schools!
 
LukTi said:
Step 1: 250's
Step 2 CK/ CS: Sept/Oct
School: US allopathic, well-regarded school
Class Rank: unkown
Grades in Clerkship: Mostly High Pass with smattering of Honors; nothing below high pass. High pass in psychiatry.
AOA: probably not
Research/ Publications/ Extracurriculars: Some clinical research in another field, lots of basic science research from before med school.
Red Flags: none
Overview of where you want to end up: Mountain West, West Coast (WA and OR, not particularly interested in California)

I have done no psychiatry rotations other than the core rotation, and I will not have time to complete any psych electives before submitting ERAS. Will having only done the core rotation hurt me?
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Again, what do I know? But imho, very strong Step 1 score, if your step 2 score is similarly strong (or at least above the mean) it'll be a nice cherry on top 🙂 Overall GREAT grades, although having high pass in psych but not honors is interesting... did you come to the decision for psychiatry later? Whats your clinical research in another field? This may seem like a minus, but having research at all is a plus, and if you can adequately explain your research in that field, and even perhaps how you might transition it to psych-related research, that could really work out in your favor 🙂 If you are particularly interested in Mountain West or West Coast, it may not hurt if you have time to request an away, or audition rotation, at Denver, or UW-Seattle, or OHSU... Or at least talk with your PD at your school (if you haven't already) and let them know of your specific geographic interest, they may have connections or at least thoughts. Best of luck!
 
tejada1076 said:
Step 1: 202 first try​
Step 2 CK/ CS: 215 first try awaiting CS results
School: top 50 U.S. MD
Class Rank: probably bottom half
Grades in Clerkship: HP in everything except neuro and fam med (both pass)
AOA: no
Research/ Publications/ Extracurriculars: not yet. Psych Project in July.
Red Flags: (step failures, etc) no
Overview of where you want to end up: northeast or Midwest corridor

Thanks!
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Remember, I am nobody important, but on the surface this is a less competitive application if youre going for "competitive" programs, which are getting more competitive each year. That being said, having a psych project this month is exciting, and may help bolster your application... you may get screened out of a lot of places, so it'll help to apply to more schools and have a broader range of programs to apply to. DON'T remove applications from top schools if you have your heart set on them, but do be realistic on the overall range of schools that you apply to. Ex. applying only to programs like Brigham, NYU, Penn, Pitt, Northwestern may be silly, but if you really really like a few of them go for it! Good luck!
 
Smallville86 said:
I grew up in "blizzard" country, so I may be biased, but not applying to a program simply because it has winter with snow seems rather limiting. Again, taking family, significant other, standard of living into account... shouldn't you also take program opportunities, clinical exposure, research options, career advancement, simply seeing someplace new outside of your comfort zone into account?

I was one of the few applicants my year who applied fairly nationally, and a lot of applicants self-limited themselves severely by ONLY applying to Northeast schools, California schools, Midwest schools, etc. Again, family, significant other, etc. come first, but not exploring all options simply for weather seems rather myopic.

That being said, I would encourage you to look into programs like Vanderbilt, Emory, Duke, UNC that are in warmer climes (but aren't West Coast) that are also great.
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Thanks for the specific program reccs: I had my eye on all three, so good to know I am on the right track. If it were up to me weather would not be a hugely limiting factor. Sadly, it matters a great deal to my spouse and is non-negotiable. Playing with the deck that was dealt etc.
 
Volle said:
I'll throw my hat into the "chances" ring. I discovered that I was interested in psychiatry early third year during the clerkship. I was previously interested in neurology and was jumping between the two specialties until my neurology clerkship (not my cup of tea).

Tl;dr version:
Fairly competitive applicant from allopathic state school in mid-west interested in middle-to-upper tier academic program in desirable location

Step 1: 245
Step 2 CK/ CS: Take CK in July and CS in October
School: Allopathic state school in Midwest (not very well-known)
Class Rank: Unsure, assuming top half (possibly top 25%)
Grades in Clerkship: Honors in neurology and what I would consider high pass in the remaining clerkships (Our school grades clerkships based on 3 categories and excellent in 3/3 categories is required for honors, I've received excellent in 2/3 categories in all third year clerkships)
AOA: Not junior, unsure about senior
Research/ Publications/ Extracurriculars:
- No publications or previous research experience
- Currently working on a project examining risk factors for chronic homelessness
- Heavily involved (planning committee member, volunteer coordinator, long-term patient follow-up) with a free clinic for the homeless run by medical student
- Co-founder and planning group member of a ethics and humanities discussion group for medical students. This group has hosted ~30 discussions where students and faculty are invited to talk about various issues in modern society as they relate to medicine. We also have an ice cream bar at the events.
- Volunteered at other small events throughout the years (Boy Scout First Aid Day, Student Community Service Day, etc)
- Will be serving as a tutor group leader for an entire block (neurology/psychiatry) of the 2nd year PBL curriculum next year
- Fairly active in the neurology interest group (helped coordinate educational lectures given by faculty) and should have the opportunity for a leadership position in the psychiatry interest group when we get it up and running
- Hobbies include cycling, backpacking, craft beers, caving, kayaking, and mineral/fossil collecting
Red Flags: (step failures, etc) None

My psychiatry Sub-I is scheduled for August and I have an away rotation at a top program scheduled for September so hopefully those will result in solid letters. I have already requested letters from the psychiatry clerkship director (also the chair of adult psych at my school) and the neurology clerkship director and feel that they will be strong.

Overview of where you want to end up: My current program list (rough draft of course) includes: MGH/McLean, Yale, Columbia, NYU, UCLA-NPI, UCSF, UPMC, UPenn, Duke, UCSD, UCLA-Harbor, UW, Stanford, UNC, MUSC, Wash. U, UTSW, Baylor, UColorado, UIowa, OHSU, Vanderbilt, San Mateo, IndianaU, UNM

I'm mainly looking for a solid academic program that offer a wide variety of training opportunities in an urban/semi-urban setting. I'm particularly interested in community psychiatry and neuropsychiatry so programs strong in those areas would be great. Any advice regarding my chances or my program list would be much appreciated.
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Great overall application! Obviously you'd be a strong applicant to Neurology lol... and certainly psychiatry too! I would caution you to 1) solidify your interest in psychiatry vs neurology (this may come up on the many interviews you're sure to get)... and 2) start looking more into your interests within psychiatry. WHY community, WHY neuropsych? It may help you clarify your list.

Feel free to PM me with any specific questions you have about programs, and my thoughts on them 🙂
 
clausewitz2 said:
Thanks for the specific program reccs: I had my eye on all three, so good to know I am on the right track. If it were up to me weather would not be a hugely limiting factor. Sadly, it matters a great deal to my spouse and is non-negotiable. Playing with the deck that was dealt etc.
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Ah, them's the breaks. [fill in gender of spouse here] can't live with them, can't live without them...
 
medimedimedi said:
ok, let's go.

Step 1: 250
Step 2 CK/ CS: Taking CK tomorrow, but probably not going to be great considering I only studied for 2 weeks
School: US Allopathic (bottom tier)
Class Rank: Top half?
Grades in Clerkships: Honors in psychiatry, pediatrics, primary care. High pass in surgery, neurology, IM, ob/gyn.
AOA: Nope
Research/ Publications/ Extracurriculars: Nada.
Red Flags: None.
LOR: Should be good.

My question is, will my lack of research and extracurriculars keep me from being competitive? I'm ONLY applying to Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego because of family relocation issues and that limitation stresses me out. Also, I'll be doing an away rotation in August in Los Angeles.
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First of all, congrats for applying into the best specialty in all the land! And great Step 1 score and grades! As long as you didn't bomb Step 2 CK spectacularly, it won't really affect your overall chances imho (and again, JUST my opinion). Not having extracurriculars or research won't necessarily screen you out, but it may disadvantage you only in the case that these areas are very desirable geographically, and other applicants may have your stellar grades and Step 1 score but ALSO have extracurriculars/research. That being said, having compelling reasons to stay in those areas- family relocation issues?- will trump others who just want to live in California because it looked cool on TV; and doing an away in LA could potentially really benefit your chances there. If its not too much work, do you have an interest within psychiatry? Would it be possible to start writing a review, or case report, just to add that much more to your resume? Otherwise, as long as you get a stellar set of LORs, and apply to as many programs in those areas as possible, you have every chance. Good luck!
 
WingedOx said:
I'd say your issue is less about "what are my chances" and more about what midwest program would be a good fit for you.
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nereids said:
Step1: mid 230s
Step2: taking late fall
School: Allopathic, Midwest, Top40
Grades: Honors Psych, HP Neuro-Ortho-ObGyn, Pass IM-Peds-Surgery
AOA: No, only a couple honors in basic sciences
Research: 1 microbiology/virology paper, 4 papers psychology/psychiatry focused. I have been a part-time laboratory manager throughout medical school.
Electives: Heavily involved in research, teaching and student leadership
Red flags: None
Overview of where you want to end up: I see myself staying in the Midwest. I am most interested in Wisconsin (Madison) and Iowa. There are some higher tier programs I am interested in applying to, but I do not know how competitive I would be for these.
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Overall solid stats, congratulations! Glad to see you're applying into psychiatry! While your good step 1 score, honors in psych, and significant research experience are all fantastic, one thing I could see holding you back is a pass in internal medicine, as a lot of programs will want to know you can perform on the primary medicine rotations. Don't think it'll be too much of an issue, just trying to be as pessimistic as possible to keep your eyes open 🙂 Also, make sure that you don't pigeonhole yourself as a researcher, but that this is just one aspect of the "heavily involved" that you are; programs will want to make sure youre a good PSYCHIATRIST overall! See how you can make research part of the narrative of what makes you interested in psychiatry. Feel free to PM me about Midwest programs, and definitely as others have commented apply for them: Northwestern, UMichigan, UIC, UChicago, WashU... farther afield (but fantastic) would be Vanderbilt and Pitt, Cinncinnati...
 
I would also really appreciate advice regarding ACGME psych:

Step1: COMLEX 505
Step2: taking it in a month
School: Osteopathic
Grades: Few honors in clinical rotations; bottom 1/3 of class
AOA: no
Research/Presentations: Presented a few topics at a state medical meeting, started a research project on sleep disorders and genetic mutations. Great LoRs with some mentioning me as one of the top students they have come across (not sure if that is even worth anything but I thought I should mention it).
Electives: creating a pretty large scale website for a physician that aims to provide information on treating a variety of treatments for certain disease states, volunteer work at the local free clinic.
Red Flags: nope

I'm not too picky about where I want to end up, preferably the South east though.

Thanks again. The whole application process has really been freaking me out lately.
 
What is the point of this thread? Why not just apply and see what happens? Doesn't take a rocket scientist to look at one's own stats and have a basic idea of where one stands. The people who could actually use the advise rarely receive a reply yet those with shiny stats and apps (many of whom rarely return to pay it forward) have veterans climbing over each other to tell said posters how awesome they are and shouldn't have a problem matching.

/rant.
 
Dharma said:
What is the point of this thread? Why not just apply and see what happens? Doesn't take a rocket scientist to look at one's own stats and have a basic idea of where one stands. The people who could actually use the advise rarely receive a reply yet those with shiny stats and apps (many of whom rarely return to pay it forward) have veterans climbing over each other to tell said posters how awesome they are and shouldn't have a problem matching.

/rant.
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I think (well at least hope) that the thread is just as much "these are my stats, where should I apply" as it is "What are my chances".
 
Dharma said:
What is the point of this thread? Why not just apply and see what happens? Doesn't take a rocket scientist to look at one's own stats and have a basic idea of where one stands. The people who could actually use the advise rarely receive a reply yet those with shiny stats and apps (many of whom rarely return to pay it forward) have veterans climbing over each other to tell said posters how awesome they are and shouldn't have a problem matching.

/rant.
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There isn't a whole lot of data out there for DO's who are applying ACGME, and even less for those who only have a COMLEX score.
I agree that it's funny how it seems like most responses are for folks who will almost certainly match. But I'm sure even those students appreciate the reassurance.
 
Dharma said:
What is the point of this thread? Why not just apply and see what happens? Doesn't take a rocket scientist to look at one's own stats and have a basic idea of where one stands. The people who could actually use the advise rarely receive a reply yet those with shiny stats and apps (many of whom rarely return to pay it forward) have veterans climbing over each other to tell said posters how awesome they are and shouldn't have a problem matching.

/rant.
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I guess because the reassurance is nice when you are panicking and definetly advice regarding programs to apply for. There is a lack of data on COMLEX scores and ACGME programs.
I for sure would love some reassaurnce or advice.
I do understand where you are coming from though
 
Dharma said:
What is the point of this thread? Why not just apply and see what happens? Doesn't take a rocket scientist to look at one's own stats and have a basic idea of where one stands. The people who could actually use the advise rarely receive a reply yet those with shiny stats and apps (many of whom rarely return to pay it forward) have veterans climbing over each other to tell said posters how awesome they are and shouldn't have a problem matching.

/rant.
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Shemlon said:
Step 1: 227
Step 2 CK/CS: Pending
School: Midwest USA, Ranked around 30ish
Class Rank: Probably around the top of the bottom third.
Grades in Clerkship: All passed. No Honors.
Research/Publications/Extracurriculars: Volunteered at some free clinics. Went on a med trip to Honduras. No research.
Red Flags: None that I know of.
Where to end up: I'm looking at the western states like Colorado, Idaho, and Arizona. There aren't very many programs, and I don't know how competitive they are. I'm also wondering if there are any programs in Massachussetts or New York or around DC where I'd have a chance.
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As one of those people who didn't receive a reply, I can assure you that I would at least like some reassurance. I know my application doesn't look that great, but my question really is, how bad is it? I've been taking practice tests for Step 2 CK, and it's looking like if I have a good day when I take the actual test, then I may get in the 220s. As far as the question of chances go, I'm almost 30, and hoping to find someone to settle down with in the next 4 years or so. However, since I belong to a specific religion, there are only certain cities in the United States where there are clusters of single people from my religion. That includes Boston, New York, and DC. Earlier in this thread, Harvard South Shore was mentioned as a lesser competitive program around there. Are there any others I'd have a decent shot at?

I'll be really grateful for anyone who knows to help me out.
 
Freddie Mercury said:
I think (well at least hope) that the thread is just as much "these are my stats, where should I apply" as it is "What are my chances".
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In theory, yes... But what I said applies to that as well. What's with the hand holding? Like a place? Apply and let it rip. Simple.

Cranky week I guess...
 
Smallville86 said:
Overall solid stats, congratulations! Glad to see you're applying into psychiatry! While your good step 1 score, honors in psych, and significant research experience are all fantastic, one thing I could see holding you back is a pass in internal medicine, as a lot of programs will want to know you can perform on the primary medicine rotations. Don't think it'll be too much of an issue, just trying to be as pessimistic as possible to keep your eyes open 🙂 Also, make sure that you don't pigeonhole yourself as a researcher, but that this is just one aspect of the "heavily involved" that you are; programs will want to make sure youre a good PSYCHIATRIST overall! See how you can make research part of the narrative of what makes you interested in psychiatry. Feel free to PM me about Midwest programs, and definitely as others have commented apply for them: Northwestern, UMichigan, UIC, UChicago, WashU... farther afield (but fantastic) would be Vanderbilt and Pitt, Cinncinnati...
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I appreciate all the helpful feedback I've received from my post. UMichigan was mentioned multiple times and is now on my list of programs.
 
promotemma said:
Step 1: 242
Step 2 CK/ CS: 233
School: DO school
Class Rank: Not sure, but probably lower half
Grades in Clerkship: Psych: HP, Honors in IM and FM, pass on others. All of my evals say the same thing pretty much, hard worker, eager to learn, very personable.
AOA: NOPE
Research/ Publications/ Extracurriculars: Leadership in a couple school clubs that really didn't do anything. Lots of poverty relief work in undergrad. I'm a NHSC scholar recipient. I have 3 children (my own), who are technically financially disadvantaged that I tutor for free 🙂
Red Flags: (step failures, etc) None
Overview of where you want to end up: If I could find somewhere that was rural, liberal and with a moderate climate that would be great. I'm not tied geographically to any particular region. The liberal mecca of california would be great, possibly UC Irvine. OHSU would be great as well. Maybe Cambridge health alliance or Dartmouth in the northeast. Since I'm an NHSC scholar, a program with a strong social/community/public psych focus would be great. The bay area seems cost prohibitive. blah blah blah Oh: we're an interracial family, so anywhere with lots of rebel flags is off the list.
Click to expand...



So got my USMLE 2 score in yesterday and it dropped to 233. I feel a little bummed about it but I don't think it really changes much does it?
In terms of the 1/3 -- 1/3 -- 1/3 rule ,where would OHSU, UW, San Mateo, UC davis, Irvine, Cambridge, dartmouth be? Are they the upper 1/3 , any suggestions for the other two if I fancy myself of the community psych ilk. Indiana, USC Palmetto and Cincinnati would be about middle 1/3?
 
USC not Palmetto and UCLA Harbor maybe. I haven't seen Irvine and community psych in the same sentence very often.
 
MacDonaldTriad said:
USC not Palmetto and UCLA Harbor maybe. I haven't seen Irvine and community psych in the same sentence very often.
Click to expand...


It's funny you spotted the one that's not like the others. Irvine is on there for my wife and daughters (weather and disney). I'll put other not palmetto and harbor on the list too. Thanks
 
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