Official Eternal IM WAMC Thread

[mrheisenberg]

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Hello all! Any help would be appreciated
FMG from South America (school really doesn't matter, does it?) YOG: march 2015
Step 1: 257
Step 2 CK: 266
Step 2 CS: pass 1st attempt
USCE:
3 mo clerkship
1 mo IM sub internship
2mo observership
Research: several experiences, only 1 poster at a latinamerican meeting
LoR: 3 lors, 1 from director of sub-I, 1 form a attending I really developed a close relation with, 1 from a big name at BWH.
Extracurriculars: tutoring, research experiences, worked as a part of the international exchange committee at my school.
(possible?) Red flag: due to delays with my medical school, would not be ECFMG Certified probably until Late october-early november.
I eventually would like to go into academic BMT, so i am applying to IM in order to get to a good Hem/Onc fellowship, the rest really doesn't matter. I also am interested in doing an MPH
My list:
Reaches: Basically "middle-tier" IM university programs with bad locations, which make them second picks for AMGs and which usually take 1-2 FMG per year, Dartmouth, URMC, UMass, Creighton, Drexel, UMD, UTMB, All the SUNY programs, UConn,
Will ofc apply widely to all community and university affiliated hospitals.

Thanks!

Hey,
You actually have great credentials and are a spanish-speaking minority app.. Taking a look at your list, a few programs I wouldn't bother applying to would be Dartmouth, URMC and UMD.. If they have any IMG in their programs it's probably through connections.. However, you def need to apply broadly and then rank your programs based on your gut feeling and the type of visa you prefer: H1b vs J1.. Based on your profile, here are some great programs you def have chances even without connections:
-UMiami William T Harrington Program (J1 only, Latin American Applicants, Outside of the match you need to email Olivia Cata I think)
-Boston University (They have track of Portuguese/Spanish-speaking IMGs w/ scores>250 and some research exp, sponsor H1b)
-UPMC International Scholars Track (35-45 folks interviewed each year)
-UTSW (Some Hx Brazilian/Peruvian/Colombians/Indians/Pakistani IMGs, Dr Kazi is an IMG from Pakistan)
-University of Arizona
-UNM
-UT San Antonio
-UT Houston
-University of Iowa (Some Peruvian/Colombians IMGs)
-Houston Methodist
-Cleveland Clinic (Usually folks who perform rotations and have recs from the faculty there, but becoming rarer since that ridiculous Doximity rank)
-Mayo (Same thing as above, usually people w/ LOR from their faculty, but becoming rarer)
-Hopkins Bayview (Usually people that work w/ Research there, there were a few IMGs in my interview there)
-UConn (You def has good chance there)
-Rutgers NJMS but not RWJ
-Most of Florida Programs other than Miami
-Some NYC programs like St Luke-Rosvlt, SUNY-Downstate
-Some Philly programs (Einstein, Penn Hospital, rarely Thomas Jefferson)
-Some DC programs (Georgetown/Washington Hospital)

Well, I think that's a list w/ great programs that I'm pretty sure interview outstanding South American IMGs in a regular basis

 

[tantacles]

On this, the day before ERAS submission, I just want to say thank you to everyone who provided answers. I'll be sure to update with my results!

 

[LomoSaltado]

Hey,
You actually have great credentials and are a spanish-speaking minority app.. Taking a look at your list, a few programs I wouldn't bother applying to would be Dartmouth, URMC and UMD.. If they have any IMG in their programs it's probably through connections.. However, you def need to apply broadly and then rank your programs based on your gut feeling and the type of visa you prefer: H1b vs J1.. Based on your profile, here are some great programs you def have chances even without connections:
-UMiami William T Harrington Program (J1 only, Latin American Applicants, Outside of the match you need to email Olivia Cata I think)
-Boston University (They have track of Portuguese/Spanish-speaking IMGs w/ scores>250 and some research exp, sponsor H1b)
-UPMC International Scholars Track (35-45 folks interviewed each year)
-UTSW (Some Hx Brazilian/Peruvian/Colombians/Indians/Pakistani IMGs, Dr Kazi is an IMG from Pakistan)
-University of Arizona
-UNM
-UT San Antonio
-UT Houston
-University of Iowa (Some Peruvian/Colombians IMGs)
-Houston Methodist
-Cleveland Clinic (Usually folks who perform rotations and have recs from the faculty there, but becoming rarer since that ridiculous Doximity rank)
-Mayo (Same thing as above, usually people w/ LOR from their faculty, but becoming rarer)
-Hopkins Bayview (Usually people that work w/ Research there, there were a few IMGs in my interview there)
-UConn (You def has good chance there)
-Rutgers NJMS but not RWJ
-Most of Florida Programs other than Miami
-Some NYC programs like St Luke-Rosvlt, SUNY-Downstate
-Some Philly programs (Einstein, Penn Hospital, rarely Thomas Jefferson)
-Some DC programs (Georgetown/Washington Hospital)
Well, I think that's a list w/ great programs that I'm pretty sure interview outstanding South American IMGs in a regular basis

Thank you so much for your input!

 

[mrheisenberg]

Thank you so much for your input!

The devil is in the details, so if you have an american mentor, make him/her work doing things like take a look at your PS, do a mock interview, send emails to the 1-3 top programs you think you'd fit well.. Also, try to touch base with people from your alma matter/country or, if not available, any latino resident in the programs you're interviewing to get a few tips'n'tricks about the interview and to get a sense of how the program works.. Very few programs, I remember Osler, have a senior who would send you an email offering to talk to you.. Well, in the end, trust your gut and I hope you do well..

 

[timtheenchanter]

Hello! Some last minute WAMC cuz filling out ERAS made me more anxious.

Med school rank: top 10 school on west coast
Step 1: high 250s
Step 2: awaiting score but expect 250s-260s based on Step 1 and practice exams
Class rank: not done at our school
AOA: no
Honors: Grading system is Pass/Honors (top 25% get H). 3rd year - P in all rotations except for medicine (honors). Honored medicine sub-I and neuro sub-I during 4th yr.
Research: none during med school (my main concern)
ECs: basic clinic, volunteering, tutoring etc
LOR: solid-strong including 1 from main med clerkship director

Location-wise wish to stay on west coast. WAMC at UCLA/UCSF/U Wash? Otherwise filling out list with other UCs and CA community programs (Kaisers, UCLA affiliates, etc).

 

[medstudent20162016]

Another last minute post

Med School: DO
Step 1: 251
Step 2: taken waiting for score
Third year grades: all honors
Research: 1 2nd author publication from undergraduate. Poster presentations during medical school
EC: basic tutoring, volunteering
LOR: should be ok to good

Applying to the northeast
Baystate, BU, Lahey, Tufts, Umass, UVM, NJMS, RWJ, UConn, Yale, Dartmouth, GW, Georgetown, Maine Medical, Penn State, Temple, Thomas Jeff, Drexel, Brown, Albany, Monetefiore, Rochester

Any other programs I should add?
Thanks

 

[235009]

Another last minute post

Med School: DO
Step 1: 251
Step 2: taken waiting for score
Third year grades: all honors
Research: 1 2nd author publication from undergraduate. Poster presentations during medical school
EC: basic tutoring, volunteering
LOR: should be ok to good

Applying to the northeast
Baystate, BU, Lahey, Tufts, Umass, UVM, NJMS, RWJ, UConn, Yale, Dartmouth, GW, Georgetown, Maine Medical, Penn State, Temple, Thomas Jeff, Drexel, Brown, Albany, Monetefiore, Rochester

Any other programs I should add?
Thanks

You should probably apply to at least twice as many programs. Almost all the ones you add should be community programs. Also drop BU and Monte. I don't think Tufts and TJ consider DOs either.

 

[meliora27]

You should probably apply to at least twice as many programs. Almost all the ones you add should be community programs. Also drop BU and Monte. I don't think Tufts and TJ consider DOs either.

Incorrect about Jeff. I'm a DO and I interviewed at Jefferson last year.

 

[235009]

Incorrect about Jeff. I'm a DO and I interviewed at Jefferson last year.

Ummmm, ok. So maybe you should give your fellow DO some advice instead of letting us speculate.

 

[Imdur]

Another last minute post

Med School: DO
Step 1: 251
Step 2: taken waiting for score
Third year grades: all honors
Research: 1 2nd author publication from undergraduate. Poster presentations during medical school
EC: basic tutoring, volunteering
LOR: should be ok to good

Applying to the northeast
Baystate, BU, Lahey, Tufts, Umass, UVM, NJMS, RWJ, UConn, Yale, Dartmouth, GW, Georgetown, Maine Medical, Penn State, Temple, Thomas Jeff, Drexel, Brown, Albany, Monetefiore, Rochester

Any other programs I should add?
Thanks

Jefferson and Montefiore has taken DO's in the past. To my knowledge Tuft has not. it seems like you're aiming for the northeast. Several additional programs to consider are Stony Brook, North Shore-LIJ, Lenox Hill, St Luke's, Beth Israel, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio State, UPenn.

Ummmm, ok. So maybe you should give your fellow DO some advice instead of letting us speculate.

Consider offering more constructive advice than throwing woods in the fire. No one asked you specifically for advice. Have some more respect to your fellow colleagues.

 

[Elixir6]

Jefferson and Montefiore has taken DO's in the past. To my knowledge Tuft has not. it seems like you're aiming for the northeast. Several additional programs to consider are Stony Brook, North Shore-LIJ, Lenox Hill, St Luke's, Beth Israel, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio State, UPenn.

By UPenn I take it you mean Pennsylvania Hospital and not the main program? His/her scores are very good, but M.D.s with similar stats are not guaranteed interviews there.

 

[235009]

Consider offering more constructive advice than throwing woods in the fire. No one asked you specifically for advice. Have some more respect to your fellow colleagues.

Oh ok then. Consider that my last post ever in this and all subsequent IM WAMC threads.

 

[coconutwater16]

Hello all! Any help would be appreciated
FMG from South America (school really doesn't matter, does it?) YOG: march 2015
Step 1: 257
Step 2 CK: 266
Step 2 CS: pass 1st attempt
USCE:
3 mo clerkship
1 mo IM sub internship
2mo observership
Research: several experiences, only 1 poster at a latinamerican meeting
LoR: 3 lors, 1 from director of sub-I, 1 form a attending I really developed a close relation with, 1 from a big name at BWH.
Extracurriculars: tutoring, research experiences, worked as a part of the international exchange committee at my school.
(possible?) Red flag: due to delays with my medical school, would not be ECFMG Certified probably until Late october-early november.
I eventually would like to go into academic BMT, so i am applying to IM in order to get to a good Hem/Onc fellowship, the rest really doesn't matter. I also am interested in doing an MPH
My list:
Reaches: Basically "middle-tier" IM university programs with bad locations, which make them second picks for AMGs and which usually take 1-2 FMG per year, Dartmouth, URMC, UMass, Creighton, Drexel, UMD, UTMB, All the SUNY programs, UConn,
Will ofc apply widely to all community and university affiliated hospitals.

Thanks!

I am currently a US MS4 applying. I just wanted to say you have a very strong application, and your USMLE scores are exceptional. Good luck to you and I hope you match to a place of your liking. Peace.

 

[LomoSaltado]

I am currently a US MS4 applying. I just wanted to say you have a very strong application, and your USMLE scores are exceptional. Good luck to you and I hope you match to a place of your liking. Peace.

Thank you for the good wishes, man! Hope you get a good match as well.

 

[lulu09]

Med school rank: Top 30
USMLE Step 1: low 210s
USMLE Step 2 CK: 260s
CS: pass
Class rank: Middle of pack
AOA: No
3rd yr Rotations: Honors: Surgery, Peds, medicine Sub-I, medicine electives, radiology; High pass: Medicine, Ob/gyn, family, psych, neuro . Evals are very good.
Research: 2 second authors, multiple abstracts (in surgery)
Extracurriculars: Fairly active but nothing extraordinary
LORs: should all be strong to very strong
Other: MPH and global health experience
Additional Red flags: 1 remediated exam during second year (missed cut off by one point, started with personal issues which continued into step 1 and beginning of third year). Forced me to become more self aware and learn to not let personal life interfere with work.

What tier should i be shooting for? Will I have a shot at any academic programs? I am willing to go anywhere, but any suggestions for along the East Coast?

Hello, I am an M3. I was wondering what my chances are for IM so far. Feel free to be harsh and tell me I have no chance.

Med School: US Allo, Top 40
STEP-1: 210
Class Rank: Bottom Quartile
Rotation Grades: TBA
Research: Undergraduate project that ended in a poster and presentation. Ongoing med school (clinical) project in Pulmonology that will likely end in a paper.
Red Flags: Had to remediate one class. 🙁
Other: I'm fine with applying anywhere and everywhere, I would ideally like a university program though.

Advice for the "good medical school" but "low step 1 score" candidates from my experiences last season, since usually everyone has 250+ in this WAMC:

From what I see, as long as you don't fail step 1, is AMG MD, and come from a fairly reputable med school (a school that people have heard of, esp in your own geographic region), you WILL match IM without too much difficulty. You will also match in an academic program more likely, but be realistic and kiss goodbye to most of the top tier programs, as they have so many applicants they have the luxury to pick and choose. I would, however, in most cases still recommend applying to 30% community programs, especially in desirable places like California if you are interested in matching there, as some community programs in Cali are about the same caliber as low-tier east coast academic programs. 20-50-30% of top, mid- and low-tier academic, and community is a good mix for most applicants who have a low step 1.

It's impossible to list all the mid-tier schools, but basically just take the "top 20" programs (and what this consists of is a huge debate that you can refer to in past threads) and everything else under that is mid-tier. I usually think of low-tier academic schools as programs that have a med school attached to it, but generally fill (>1/3) with US-IMGs, DOs, or FMGs - looking up resident rosters online is generally pretty helpful for delineating this. When you get to low or even low mid-tier academic however, be aware that some strong community programs are just as good, so I wouldn't completely overlook community programs just because they are community.

My other advice is that I would be more liberal with the number of programs to apply to, since you don't know who will screen you out based on step 1 score - usually most people apply 15-20 to IM, but I would recommend doubling most of the time to 25-40. Also, as much as possible, I would recommend not limiting yourself to a very specific geographic region. You already unfortunately didn't do so well on step 1 - don't shoot yourself in the foot again by applying too narrowly.

 

[Imdur]

By UPenn I take it you mean Pennsylvania Hospital and not the main program? His/her scores are very good, but M.D.s with similar stats are not guaranteed interviews there.

To my knowledge there is a PGY2 DO in the primary care tract at HUP.

 

[zutano]

Med school: Top 10
Step 1: Low 220s
Step 2 CK: Low 230s
Class rank: bottom quartile
3rd year rotations: Pass in all, including medicine (FML). Sub-i grade pending
Research: none in med school
Extracurriculars: couple of leadership/volunteer positions. nothing spectacular
LOR: 1 strong, others probably just OK
Other: Will be graduating with MPH. Highly interested in working with underserved and immigrant populations. Trilingual in English/Spanish/Chinese if that counts for anything.

Looking for mid-tier programs with diverse urban patient populations. Not sure about fellowship/subspecializing at the moment, but I strongly doubt I'll pursue anything competitive like GI/cards. West coast would be nice but by no means necessary.

Reach:
USC, Emory, Maryland, Brown, BU, NYU, JHU-Bayview, Minnesota, Colorado

Others:
UMiami/Jackson Memorial, UC Irvine, Loma Linda, UC Davis, UT Houston, Jefferson, AECOM-Montefiore, Temple, George Washington, UIC, Tulane
Virginia Mason, CPMC, SCVMC, Kaiser Oakland & LA, Cedars Sinai, UCLA Harbor & Olive View, Scripps Mercy

Are any of these places unrealistic? Is it worth it to add OHSU or UCSD to the list? Any other programs I should add on, particularly west coast programs?

 

[Blue Cohosh]

School: Top 69
Steps: 240, 250
Grades: 4/6 Pass (including IM), 2 NH, Sub-I H
Rank: 3rd quartile
Research: MS in basic science with a first author publication
Other: a sprinkling of community service; no leadership or research during med school; I'm devilishly handsome
Red Flags: none, but I might be TOO handsome, I'm told it can be intimidating

Thinking rheumatology, endo, hospitalist or possibly primary care.

Targets: UNC, OHSU, Vermont, Georgetown, URoch, Wake Forest, Minnesota, Brown, UMich, UVa

Safe to match with these 10?

 

[gutonc]

School: Top 69
Steps: 240, 250
Grades: 4/6 Pass (including IM), 2 NH, Sub-I H
Rank: 3rd quartile
Research: MS in basic science with a first author publication
Other: a sprinkling of community service; no leadership or research during med school; I'm devilishly handsome
Red Flags: none, but I might be TOO handsome, I'm told it can be intimidating

Thinking rheumatology, endo, hospitalist or possibly primary care.

Targets: UNC, OHSU, Vermont, Georgetown, URoch, Wake Forest, Minnesota, Brown, UMich, UVa

Safe to match with these 10?

That is a weird ass list. But probably. I'd throw another 10 apps out and see what sticks though, just to be sure. Based on the geography you've listed:
Wisconsin, Dartmouth, Maryland, Bayview, Rutgers-RWJ, UMass, Utah, Yale (PC Track) to start.

 

[Blue Cohosh]

That is a weird ass list. But probably. I'd throw another 10 apps out and see what sticks though, just to be sure. Based on the geography you've listed:
Wisconsin, Dartmouth, Maryland, Bayview, Rutgers-RWJ, UMass, Utah, Yale (PC Track) to start.

I'm not a big city guy. Georgetown is on the list bc I have friends in the program and think I can match but I doubt I'd be as happy in DC as in a smaller city.

Thanks for the recs I'll definitely add Dartmouth and UWisc and look into the others.

 

[gutonc]

I'm not a big city guy. Georgetown is on the list bc I have friends in the program and think I can match but I doubt I'd be as happy in DC as in a smaller city.

Thanks for the recs I'll definitely add Dartmouth and UWisc and look into the others.

With the exception of Bodymore Murderland, none of those places is significantly larger than the other cities on your list. Pitt, Indiana, tOSU are also good options.

 

[ArkansasMed]

Med school (MD): Mid to low-tier Southeast school
Step 1: 259
Step 2 CK: Score Pending (Felt really good about the test)
Step 2 CS: Pass
Class Rank: 3rd (GPA 4.0)
AOA: Yes
GHHS: Yes
Clerkship: All honors
Research: One undergraduate poster (this is the weakest part of my CV)
LOR: Should be solid to strong (no big names; includes IM clerkship director, IM chair, IM Associate Program director, and FM faculty)
Extracurriculars: Good amount but nothing extraordinary (tutor, IMIG president, free clinics, couple local organizations, MSEC committee member)

UAB, Emory, Iowa, Loyola, Kansas, Louisville, Mass Gen, Wash U, Duke, Cleveland Clinic, Vanderbilt, UTSW, MUSC, UVA;

I have several other mid-tier programs as well, with most falling in the SE region. Vanderbilt would probably be my #1. Thanks for the feedback

Vandy will be lucky to have you pending a good interview you should start loving country music. I would be shocked if you got a no from them.

 

[lulu09]

Med school: Top 10
Step 1: Low 220s
Step 2 CK: Low 230s
Class rank: bottom quartile
3rd year rotations: Pass in all, including medicine (FML). Sub-i grade pending
Research: none in med school
Extracurriculars: couple of leadership/volunteer positions. nothing spectacular
LOR: 1 strong, others probably just OK
Other: Will be graduating with MPH. Highly interested in working with underserved and immigrant populations. Trilingual in English/Spanish/Chinese if that counts for anything.

Looking for mid-tier programs with diverse urban patient populations. Not sure about fellowship/subspecializing at the moment, but I strongly doubt I'll pursue anything competitive like GI/cards. West coast would be nice but by no means necessary.

Reach:
USC, Emory, Maryland, Brown, BU, NYU, JHU-Bayview, Minnesota, Colorado

Others:
UMiami/Jackson Memorial, UC Irvine, Loma Linda, UC Davis, UT Houston, Jefferson, AECOM-Montefiore, Temple, George Washington, UIC, Tulane
Virginia Mason, CPMC, SCVMC, Kaiser Oakland & LA, Cedars Sinai, UCLA Harbor & Olive View, Scripps Mercy

Are any of these places unrealistic? Is it worth it to add OHSU or UCSD to the list? Any other programs I should add on, particularly west coast programs?

I feel this comes close (caveat- i'm not as familiar with the midwestern and southern programs)

Reach:
Emory, Maryland, NYU, JHU-Bayview, Colorado

Match:
Brown, USC, UC Irvine, UT Houston, Jefferson, Montefiore, Temple, GWU, UIC, Tulane, Cedars, UCLA Harbor, BU

Low-match:
Miami, Loma Linda, CPMC, SCVMC, Kaiser Oakland, Kaiser LA, UCLA Olive View - I would drop Scripps Mercy.

Virginia Mason is a +/- unless you really want to be in Seattle. OHSU would not fit with your diverse immigrant health interest lol. UCSD would be a reach, but you have a shot. I also would pick and choose between Loma Linda, UCLA Olive View, and the Kaisers. I was underwhelmed with all of them - although if we go by your immigrant health interest Olive View especially would be a good fit, and not the Kaisers. I would keep CPMC and SCVMC, especially SCV will align very well with your language set. I would add Baylor if you're already considering Houston, UTSW (big reach) if you would consider Dallas. I'm not quite sure why you have UIC and not Loyola/Rush if you're considering Chicago - Loyola especially has a huge underserved focus. I would add Sinai (reach) to your NYC list.

You could also throw in a few big reaches, because you don't know what's going to happen and you may become very lucky. There's also apparently a bunch of academic programs in the midwest outside of Chicago which are good but apparently is easier to get into (Utah, Iowa, Indiana e.g.) but I didn't apply there and I don't think they serve a diverse community if that's what you're looking for lol.

 

[HatGuy]

Med school: DO school
Step 1: 232
Level 1: 568
Step 2 CK: 244
Level 2: 608
Level 2 PE: Don't have result back yet
Class Rank: top quartile
SSP: Yes
Clerkship: All A's (still letter grades)
Research: Poster presentation, abstract
LOR: Should be solid
Extracurriculars: a lot of teaching/tutoring, leadership opportunities.

Reach: UAB, UofChicago, Northwestern, WashU St. Louis, UTSW, Baylor, Cleveland Clinic, Case Western, mayo clinic

Better shot: UIC Chicago, Loyola, Rush, St Louis U, KU, UMKC, UOklahoma, Baylor (Community program), UTMB Galveston, UTHouston, UT San Antonio, Texas A&M Scott&White, Ohio state, UAMS

Safeties - OU community program Tulsa, KU Wichita, University of Chicago North Shore (community program)

Any advice? Thanks in advance

 

[Instatewaiter]

Med school rank: Mid to low-tier MD school (by ranking; we have had students match at Johns Hopkins, Duke, UCSF, Columbia in the past in other specialties)
USMLE Step 1: 260
USMLE Step 2 CK: pending
Class rank: 1st quartile, probably top 3 in class
AOA: will be senior AOA but not official yet (question - once you submit your ERAS, are you allowed to update your AOA status?)
Honors: Honors in all clerkships (including IM) except surgery.
Research: Surgery poster presentation at 2 national conferences and paper submission soon (was never planning on surgery but the research opportunity arose), couple of local poster presentations
Extracurriculars: Tutor, free clinic coordinator, fairly involved but nothing outstanding
LORs: should all be very strong but not from any big names

NE: JHU, Maryland, Penn, Pittsburgh, Columbia, Cornell, NYU, Mt. Sinai, Brown, MGH, B&W, BID, BU, Yale
SE: UVA, VCU, UNC, Duke, Wake Forest, CMC, MUSC, Emory, Vanderbilt, USF, Mayo-Jax, Miami, UAB, Tulane, Baylor, UTSW
Midwest: Michigan, Mayo, Louisville, WashU, UChicago, NW (admittedly not crazy about the idea of living in the midwest)
West: UCSF, Stanford, Cedars-Sinai, UCLA, UCSD, USC, CA Pacific, Scripps Green, UW, Virginia Mason, OHSU, Colorado

I need some help seriously trimming my list. I am considering GI currently but that's not set in stone. I'm from the Southeast. I'd appreciate any advice! Thanks!

Figure out where you want to live. Less likely to live in the south- cut all the southern programs except the big names (UTSW< Duke, UAB, Vandy).
Don't want to live in teh NE, midwest or west-

If you don't want to live in teh midwest basically cut all of those programs.

Fat you can trim off without knowing more: Mayo Jax, Pitt, Brown, one or more of the NYC programs unless you really want to be thereWake, USF, Loisville, One or more of the community programs in the west, colorado,

 

[Instatewaiter]

Med school (MD): Mid to low-tier Southeast school
Step 1: 259
Step 2 CK: Score Pending (Felt really good about the test)
Step 2 CS: Pass
Class Rank: 3rd (GPA 4.0)
AOA: Yes
GHHS: Yes
Clerkship: All honors
Research: One undergraduate poster (this is the weakest part of my CV)
LOR: Should be solid to strong (no big names; includes IM clerkship director, IM chair, IM Associate Program director, and FM faculty)
Extracurriculars: Good amount but nothing extraordinary (tutor, IMIG president, free clinics, couple local organizations, MSEC committee member)

UAB, Emory, Iowa, Loyola, Kansas, Louisville, Mass Gen, Wash U, Duke, Cleveland Clinic, Vanderbilt, UTSW, MUSC, UVA;

I have several other mid-tier programs as well, with most falling in the SE region. Vanderbilt would probably be my #1. Thanks for the feedback

You NEED to get into more research for some of these programs.

Add Hopkins and Penn.

Loyola, Iowa and Kansas seem a little out of place... any reason?

 

[ilikesports]

123

 

[medstudent7860]

delete

 

[meliora27]

Med school: DO school
Step 1: 232
Level 1: 568
Step 2 CK: 244
Level 2: 608
Level 2 PE: Don't have result back yet
Class Rank: top quartile
SSP: Yes
Clerkship: All A's (still letter grades)
Research: Poster presentation, abstract
LOR: Should be solid
Extracurriculars: a lot of teaching/tutoring, leadership opportunities.

Reach: UAB, UofChicago, Northwestern, WashU St. Louis, UTSW, Baylor, Cleveland Clinic, Case Western, mayo clinic

Better shot: UIC Chicago, Loyola, Rush, St Louis U, KU, UMKC, UOklahoma, Baylor (Community program), UTMB Galveston, UTHouston, UT San Antonio, Texas A&M Scott&White, Ohio state, UAMS

Safeties - OU community program Tulsa, KU Wichita, University of Chicago North Shore (community program)

Any advice? Thanks in advance

Reach:
Interview: CCF.
Rejections: UChicago/NW/Wash U/UTSW/Baylor
No Clue: UAB/Mayo

Better Shot
Interview: Loyola/SLU/KU/UMKC
Rejection: UIC/Rush (well maybe Rush)/Ohio State
No Clue: Texas programs

UIC has taken DO's in the past, however they didn't take any in their intern class. Rush also takes a DO or 2 a year, but they usually come from CCOM, I believe this was the case for this years intern class. Loyola has taken DO's in the past, not sure about this years intern class though. You'll likely get an interview, but may not get ranked.

Safety
Interview: Likely all of those.

 

[Samuel L Jackson]

-US unranked MD program (new school, no reputation)
-Step 1: 241
-Step 2: 256
-Probably middle of the class
-Not AOA
-Honored medicine, pass in everything else; honored sub-I but grade won't be back until mid-October 🙁
-LORs probably strong, but 2 from community docs and 1 from an away EM rotation (I switched to applying IM in August)
-Research: 2 posters (both at my school), cardiology research experience between 1st and 2nd year but no pubs or presentations to show for it
-Decent extracurriculars

Want to match at an academic program in mid-Atlantic region, or a community program with good fellowship matches (thinking cardiology/hem-onc). Probably overkill, but I applied to 50 programs mostly because I'm from a newer med school and not concerned about the extra cost.

WAMC for the Philly programs (Jeff, Pennsylvania hospital of HUP, Temple, Drexel, Albert Einstein), Cooper, Christiana, Rutgers NJMS and RWJ, Dartmouth, Brown, NYU, JHU-Bayview, Georgetown, Montefiore, Beth Israel, Yale, Penn State, UConn, Tufts, UPMC?

Thanks in advance

 

[krps85]

-US unranked MD program (new school, no reputation)
-Step 1: 241
-Step 2: 256
-Probably middle of the class
-Not AOA
-Honored medicine, pass in everything else; honored sub-I but grade won't be back until mid-October 🙁
-LORs probably strong, but 2 from community docs and 1 from an away EM rotation (I switched to applying IM in August)
-Research: 2 posters (both at my school), cardiology research experience between 1st and 2nd year but no pubs or presentations to show for it
-Decent extracurriculars

Want to match at an academic program in mid-Atlantic region, or a community program with good fellowship matches (thinking cardiology/hem-onc). Probably overkill, but I applied to 50 programs mostly because I'm from a newer med school and not concerned about the extra cost.

WAMC for the Philly programs (Jeff, Pennsylvania hospital of HUP, Temple, Drexel, Albert Einstein), Cooper, Christiana, Rutgers NJMS and RWJ, Dartmouth, Brown, NYU, JHU-Bayview, Georgetown, Montefiore, Beth Israel, Yale, Penn State, UConn, Tufts, UPMC?

Thanks in advance

purely based on scores and H medicine you have a decent chance everywhere on the list except for HUP, Yale and possibly Pitt and NYU.

I'd throw Maryland on your list but IIRC it was one of those places which wanted 4 LORs. If you're applying to NY programs you may as well throw MSSM on there.

 

[medstudent7860]

-US unranked MD program

WAMC at Northwestern, UofC, UCSF, Duke, Pitt, Cleveland Clinic, Penn, Cornell, Columbia, Stanford, Vandy, UCLA, Yale, Beth Israel Deaconess, NYU, Mount Sinai, Dartmouth, Bayview, Emory, WashU, U of Washington, U of Michigan, Baylor, BU, Brown, Case Western, Georgetown, Loyola, Mass Gen, Rush, Tulane, Tufts, UCD, UCSD, Cincinnati, UIC, Iowa, Wisconsin, UVA, Minnesota, BWH

I'm realistic and know that a lot of the programs I applied to are reaches and I realize that I might not get interviews at any but I thought it was worth trying. What are your guys' thoughts on my chances/which ones are reaches and which ones I have a better chance at?

Any thoughts, anyone?

 

[Beacopp665]

Any thoughts, anyone?

You'll have a tougher time at the "top 20" of the ones you listed by virtue of your med school.

Should get interviews at places like rush, Loyola, Iowa, Cincinnati, tufts, Tulane, places like that on your list. You have enough of a mix you'll match and be fine.

 

[medstudent7860]

You'll have a tougher time at the "top 20" of the ones you listed by virtue of your med school.

Should get interviews at places like rush, Loyola, Iowa, Cincinnati, tufts, Tulane, places like that on your list. You have enough of a mix you'll match and be fine.

Seriously? Because of my med school? :/

 

[gutonc]

Seriously? Because of my med school? :/

Yes...seriously. You're not getting calls from the majority of the top tier (Penn, Stanford, UCSF, Columbia, the Harvards, Duke, NW, UofC, etc). Your only real shining light in your app (which is solid and just fine, but not "Top 10 Superstar") is your Step scores. Everybody else those places will interview this year will have those same scores. You need something else (2 or 3 things actually) to make your app stand out in that crowd. PhD, top X school, AOA, preferably all 3.
You might score one or two...and good for you. But you're going to get plenty of good interviews from the rest of that list. So don't get too worked up about it.

 

[bravesfan24]

Med School: mid-tier program in the Southeast
Step 1: low 240s
Step 2 CK: low 260s
Step 2 CS: taking in November
Rank: top 20%
AOA: No
3rd yr Rotations: Honors in all with good comments
Research: None
LORs: 2 average. 2 strong.
ECs: Work with community health center and some volunteer work

Current list:
Duke, UVA, VCU, Emory, UNC, Wake, Vanderbilt ,UAB, U of Florida, U of Tenn, MUSC, U of Louisville, U of Kentucky
Northwestern, U Chicago, Ohio State, Mich, Wash U, U or Wisc, Case, U Wash, U of Colorado
UTSW, BCM, UT-Houston, Baylor UMC-Dallas, LSU, Tulane
Several community programs

 

[gutonc]

Med School: mid-tier program in the Southeast
Step 1: low 240s
Step 2 CK: low 260s
Step 2 CS: taking in November
Rank: top 20%
AOA: No
3rd yr Rotations: Honors in all with good comments
Research: None
LORs: 2 average. 2 strong.
ECs: Work with community health center and some volunteer work

Current list:
Duke, UVA, VCU, Emory, UNC, Wake, Vanderbilt ,UAB, U of Florida, U of Tenn, MUSC, U of Louisville, U of Kentucky
Northwestern, U Chicago, Ohio State, Mich, Wash U, U or Wisc, Case, U Wash, U of Colorado
UTSW, BCM, UT-Houston, Baylor UMC-Dallas, LSU, Tulane
Several community programs

As with the last guy, Duke, Vandy, NW, UofC, etc are a big reach. But whatever, it's just money. You'll get enough interviews to be happy with where you match.

 

[throwaway1939]

Med school rank: low tier MD
USMLE Step 1/Step 2: 260s/260s
Class rank: top 10%
AOA: no
Honors: HP in psych/ob, otherwise H.
ECs: Masters in Microbiology w/ thesis, a few poster presentations. no research in medical school. some teaching at university/community college level

So here's my submitted program list; is it too top heavy? any programs should I be aware of in the midwest/east coast region? thanks all.

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Program, IL

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Program, MA

Boston University Medical Center Program, MA

Brigham and Women's Hospital Program, MA

Brown University Program, RI

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Program, NH

Duke University Hospital Program, NC

Johns Hopkins University Program, MD

Johns Hopkins University/Bayview Medical Center Program, MD

Loyola University Program, IL

Massachusetts General Hospital Program, MA

Mayo Clinic College of Medicine (Rochester) Program, MN

Ohio State University Hospital Program, OH

Oregon Health & Science University Program, OR

Pennsylvania Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Health System Program, PA

Rush University Medical Center Program, IL

UPMC Medical Education Program, PA

University of Chicago (NorthShore) Program, IL

University of Chicago Program, IL

University of Colorado Program, CO

University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago Program, IL

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Program, IA

University of Michigan Program, MI

University of Minnesota Program, MN

University of North Carolina Hospitals Program, NC

University of Pennsylvania Program, PA

University of Virginia Program, VA

University of Washington Program, WA

University of Wisconsin Program, WI

Vanderbilt University Medical Center Program, TN

Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program, MO

Yale-New Haven Medical Center Program, CT

 

[ArkansasMed]

So here's my submitted program list; is it too top heavy? any programs should I be aware of in the midwest/east coast region? thanks all.

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Program, IL

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Program, MA

Boston University Medical Center Program, MA

Brigham and Women's Hospital Program, MA

Brown University Program, RI

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Program, NH

Duke University Hospital Program, NC

Johns Hopkins University Program, MD

Johns Hopkins University/Bayview Medical Center Program, MD

Loyola University Program, IL

Massachusetts General Hospital Program, MA

Mayo Clinic College of Medicine (Rochester) Program, MN

Ohio State University Hospital Program, OH

Oregon Health & Science University Program, OR

Pennsylvania Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Health System Program, PA

Rush University Medical Center Program, IL

UPMC Medical Education Program, PA

University of Chicago (NorthShore) Program, IL

University of Chicago Program, IL

University of Colorado Program, CO

University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago Program, IL

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Program, IA

University of Michigan Program, MI

University of Minnesota Program, MN

University of North Carolina Hospitals Program, NC

University of Pennsylvania Program, PA

University of Virginia Program, VA

University of Washington Program, WA

University of Wisconsin Program, WI

Vanderbilt University Medical Center Program, TN

Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program, MO

Yale-New Haven Medical Center Program, CT

Nope if anything you applied to too many and should only schedule ~15. My opinion is see what you get and cancel less desirable programs as they come in. Keep 3 absolute safeties. You'll probably match at worst to UVA and that's still a solid program. Your lack of research and AOA will most likely hold you back from Brigham/MGH, respectively. Others are all fair game.

 

[ArkansasMed]

mid-tier MD school in southeast
Step 1: 233
Step 2 ck: 254
AOA: no

1-2 yr grades: pass/fail only
3rd yr grades:
Pass: neuro, psych, FM
Honors internal medicine, ob/gyn, peds, surgery

Research: involved on a few studies. No pubs.
Extracurriculars: average amount
LOR: should be pretty good

**top programs as of now: UCSD, Colorado or Emory.**

My list.

West: UCSF, UCSD, UCLA, UC Davis, Stanford, Washington (Seattle), UTSW, Baylor, USC, Colorado, OHSU, Utah, Mayo Scottsdale
Midwest: Mich, NU, Chicago, Mayo, Rush, UIC
NE: UPenn, Pitt, Mount Sinai, Jefferson, Temple, Tufts, Drexel, BU
SE: Emory, Vandy, Duke, UNC, UAB, UVA, Gtown, Tulane, Maryland, UF, Miami, UCF, USF, Cleveland clinic florida, florida hospital Orlando, Mayo Jacksonville, VCU, UVA

The top ones you listed you should match at. Penn and UCSF are as hard to match at as Hopkins/MGH/Brigham (always wondered why Penn is not part of the same caliber if applicants themselves rank it with the big 4.... So I digress again), so that might be a reach. Otherwise you should be okay.

 

[ThePianist]

Dreams feel crushed. What are my chances?
School: American University of the Caribbean
Passed all exams with 1st attempt:
Step 1: 225
Step 2 CK: 210
Step 2 CS: Passed
Passed all NBME shelf exams in 3rd year
Clinical grades: All honors thus far
All rotations done in the US
Research: 1 publication, working on 1 other currently
US Citizen
4 Letters: I know for sure 2 are very strong.
Goal was for IM, but now also applied to family after that unrepresentative Step 2 CK came in (although I do not have a letter from a FM physician, just from IM chair, obgyn chair, urology, med school dean)
Applied to 200 IM / 100 FM (mostly all IMG friendly programs)

 

[Instatewaiter]

Hello all! Any help would be appreciated
FMG from South America (school really doesn't matter, does it?) YOG: march 2015
Step 1: 257
Step 2 CK: 266
Step 2 CS: pass 1st attempt
USCE:
3 mo clerkship
1 mo IM sub internship
2mo observership
Research: several experiences, only 1 poster at a latinamerican meeting
LoR: 3 lors, 1 from director of sub-I, 1 form a attending I really developed a close relation with, 1 from a big name at BWH.
Extracurriculars: tutoring, research experiences, worked as a part of the international exchange committee at my school.
(possible?) Red flag: due to delays with my medical school, would not be ECFMG Certified probably until Late october-early november.
I eventually would like to go into academic BMT, so i am applying to IM in order to get to a good Hem/Onc fellowship, the rest really doesn't matter. I also am interested in doing an MPH
My list:
Reaches: Basically "middle-tier" IM university programs with bad locations, which make them second picks for AMGs and which usually take 1-2 FMG per year, Dartmouth, URMC, UMass, Creighton, Drexel, UMD, UTMB, All the SUNY programs, UConn,
Will ofc apply widely to all community and university affiliated hospitals.

Thanks!

Being a foreign grad is basically a coin flip. It is very variable. I can tell you we had one guy from Brazil in my residency class in one of the top 4 programs so it is possible to match very well. Your scores seem very strong and at least in written form, your english seems strong as well.

As you allude, you need to apply broadly. With your scores, make sure you apply to strong, middle-tier IM programs, perhaps one or two strong IM programs because you may get love. I would also apply to the middle tier university programs in bad locations and a few community programs. Make sure to apply to all IM programs where people from your school have matched in the US. You will likely have good shots at matching to those programs as well.

Please explain the dealys you are talking about... this could impact how you match.

How are your grades?

 

[LomoSaltado]

Being a foreign grad is basically a coin flip. It is very variable. I can tell you we had one guy from Brazil in my residency class in one of the top 4 programs so it is possible to match very well. Your scores seem very strong and at least in written form, your english seems strong as well.

As you allude, you need to apply broadly. With your scores, make sure you apply to strong, middle-tier IM programs, perhaps one or two strong IM programs because you may get love. I would also apply to the middle tier university programs in bad locations and a few community programs. Make sure to apply to all IM programs where people from your school have matched in the US. You will likely have good shots at matching to those programs as well.

Please explain the dealys you are talking about... this could impact how you match.

How are your grades?

I have applied to 132 programs (sometimes I feel its too much, sometimes, not enough) with a healthy mix of places, but my "aim" are, as you said, middle tier university programs in less than stellar locations (UMass, U of Rochester, Dartmouth, UTMB) or that share a city with heavyweights which often make them second pick for AMG's (Tufts, BU, Albert Einstein, Case Western, Jefferson, Drexel). Have a applied to a couple of "top tier" programs, even if only for the excitement of receiving that rejection email.

The delay is basically ECFMG taking its sweet time to send form 327 -a via snail mail to my university so they can confirm that I actually was a student there. *sigh*
Should be here in around 1 week.

My grades? If you are talking about my medical school grades, I did pretty well. Around top 20 in a class of around 140; however, I thought home medical school grades didn't mean that much at all to PD's, specially regarding medical schools in the developing world.

Thank you so much for your input, any further advice would be much appreciated.

 

[medstudent7860]

Yeah, I also thought that medical school grades/transcript doesn't matter much either (as long as there are no red flags). Isn't it mostly about clerkship grades/comments on the MSPE? So do a lot of mid-tier and top-tier places start sending out invites after Oct. 1st when the MSPE is uploaded? Also, do programs actually send out rejection emails (And if they do, how soon? Nov./Dec.?) or do they just stay quiet and not invite the person for an interview?

 

[Instatewaiter]

I have applied to 132 programs (sometimes I feel its too much, sometimes, not enough) with a healthy mix of places, but my "aim" are, as you said, middle tier university programs in less than stellar locations (UMass, U of Rochester, Dartmouth, UTMB) or that share a city with heavyweights which often make them second pick for AMG's (Tufts, BU, Albert Einstein, Case Western, Jefferson, Drexel). Have a applied to a couple of "top tier" programs, even if only for the excitement of receiving that rejection email.

The delay is basically ECFMG taking its sweet time to send form 327 -a via snail mail to my university so they can confirm that I actually was a student there. *sigh*
Should be here in around 1 week.

My grades? If you are talking about my medical school grades, I did pretty well. Around top 20 in a class of around 140; however, I thought home medical school grades didn't mean that much at all to PD's, specially regarding medical schools in the developing world.

Thank you so much for your input, any further advice would be much appreciated.

While grades may not mean a ton, where you stand in the class does make a difference. It says something if you are near the top rather than in the middle or near the bottom. That you are near the top, will mean something and I would play that up on your interview days.

 

[Instatewaiter]

Yeah, I also thought that medical school grades/transcript doesn't matter much either (as long as there are no red flags). Isn't it mostly about clerkship grades/comments on the MSPE? So do a lot of mid-tier and top-tier places start sending out invites after Oct. 1st when the MSPE is uploaded? Also, do programs actually send out rejection emails (And if they do, how soon? Nov./Dec.?) or do they just stay quiet and not invite the person for an interview?

For US grads, pre-clinical grades do not mean a ton. Where you stand in the class does as do your clerkship grades.

Top tier places usually wait until the MSPE is uploaded. I got most of my mid-tier interviews before that though (granted this was like a decade ago...)

 

[LomoSaltado]

While grades may not mean a ton, where you stand in the class does make a difference. It says something if you are near the top rather than in the middle or near the bottom. That you are near the top, will mean something and I would play that up on your interview days.

Thank you so much for your advice, man. It is much appreciated. Hopefully I will get invited to enough interviews to put your advice to practice.

 

[ivyimg]

Med school rank: US IMG (carib) from Ivy league undergrad
USMLE Step 1: 240s
USMLE Step 2: 220s
USMLE CS: pass
Class rank: unknown
AOA: no
Honors: no honors offered in my school but 'A' in all clinicals
Research: none during medical school, significant college research but no publications
LOR: solid as far as I know
Extracurriculars: Volunteering and community clinics

Applying to: Most of NE: academic, community everything, rest of US: academic only

really worried about my Step 2 drop what are your takes on my situation? I really would like an academic program is there any hope?

 

[igcgnerd]

US Born IMG (Europe)
Step 1: 209 (first attempt)
CS: pass (first attempt)
CK: Pending (237 on nbme 4 2 days out)
Class rank: unknown
Honors: A in all cores and electives (US clinicals)
LOR's: Strong
Research: Genetics publication from undergrad. Case report on a surgical skin cancer patient pending.
Extracurriculars: Various professional organizations, amsa, etc.
Applies very broadly to FMG/ IMG heavy programs esp in the northeast/ mid west. Over 150 programs.
Very nervous my CK score is coming out soon. Have 2 LOR's still being processed by ECFMG. Only have 1 rejection so far. Have 1 message acknowledging receipt of application.
Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[kk0319]

Though not a solid application like you guys, here's mine:

-School: South American, 2 years after graduation.
-Steps: 255/260, Passed
-USCE: 3 months of observership in the Houston area by Americlerkship.
-LORs: I don't think they're solid...
-Research: 2 about Chagas disease in my country.
-90th percentile in my class.


I want to match in a program that offers H-1B and cards fellowship, without thinking in the tier. My main options are UTMB, UAMS, the nevada program, a few ones in florida and Missouri. Of course, I'll apply to a broad number of programs even if they don't have H1B or cards, and programs in the northeast too, but those are my main options. I just want to know if I do have a chance of matching in those programs/a good program at all, because I get nervous each time I see monster applications in the forums and my USCE and LORs are from Americlerkship observerships, It was impossible for me to get a clerkship (snail medschool for paperwork)....

WAMC?