Official Eternal IM WAMC Thread

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Med school: Established east coast DO school
Preclinical: top quartile
Clinical: all High passes
STEP/COMLEX 1: 224/548
STEP/COMLEX 2: 243/540
Awards/honors: No AOA at school, in SSP and GHHS
Research: 1 poster in undergrad
Extracurriculars: lots of volunteering/mentoring/tutoring, mission trip, school council etc.
LORs: generic IM chair letter, strong university GI letter by MD, strong university-affiliated cardio by MD, 3rd year community/university affiliated IM clerkship letter by DO
Goals: community ACGME IM/low-Mid tier university programs. Ideally pursue GI fellowships at in house program or program that is able to get residents into GI, but I am realistic about difficulties given DO/STEPs/competitiveness of GI

Prefer east coast/mid-atlantic but no real geographic deal breakers. Applying to 60-70 programs broadly, afraid that it is too top heavy given I was looking at programs with in-house GI fellowships. Any advice, comments or any programs I am glaringly missing or delusional about would be super appreciated!

List below gives an idea of what my full list looks like

Super reaches/reaches:
Boston university
Cleveland clinic
Casewestern Metrohealth
Loyola chicago
Dartmouth
Drexel
Medstar Georgetown
Medstar GT Hospital
Montefiore medical center/Einstein (Moses and weiller)
Ohio state
Oregon HSU
Saint Louis SOM
U of Arizona Tucson
U of Chicago Northshore
U of Cincinnati
U of Illinois COM at Chicago
U of Maryland midtown campus
U of Wisconsin
Indiana university
Pennsylvania hospital
Rush
Jeff
Temple
Tulane
VCU
Wake forest

Hopefully Attainable/"safeties":
Albany medical center
Einstein medical center
Cooper
Lehigh valley
Mainline health/Lankenau
Penn State
Rutgers NJMS
Rutgers Robert wood Johnson
Stony brook
SUNY Upstate
SUNY Downstate
U of Buffalo
U of Connecticut
U of Mass
U of Tenn Memphis
UPMC Mercy
Westchester medical center
Advocate Lutheran
NYU Winthorp
Abington
Christiana Care
Mercy catholic medical center


 
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Hi everyone, would really appreciate your help– having a hard time gauging where to apply because of my jump in Step 2CK and lack of geographic bias.

Med School: Lower tier US MD
Grades: H in Medicine, Surg, and most others except HP in OB/GYN, Psych, EM.
Step 1: 223 ; Step 2CK: 257 ; Passed CS
Rank: Top 25%, not AOA, not GHHS, no red flags
Research: 1 first-author study in med school, 5 abstracts from undergrad
ECs: Lots of leadership & volunteering in clinic, medical missions, tutoring
Undergrad: Top California school
Goals: Hoping to match to best & best-fit-for-me academic program possible, going in with goal of GI fellowship.

I need help whittling down my list (currently at 40ish). I know I have a lot of reaches, so I'd like help on 1) which to definitely take out, 2) whether my list is reasonable or too top-heavy, and 3) which other mid-tier and safety programs would be good for where I'm at.
Please help with any suggestions for other programs within reach, and which to take out, thank you in advance!
Noticed lots of help on here from @gutonc and @MyTachyBradyHeart , would love your insight!

West
- Stanford, UCSF, UCLA, UCSD, UCI, UC Davis, USC, Cedars, Loma Linda, UCLA-Olive View, UCLA-Harbor
- Colorado, OHSU, Utah

Midwest
- NW, UChicago, Loyola, UIC, Rush
- Michigan, OSU, Case, Cleveland Clinic, Indiana

Texas & South
- UTSW, Baylor
- Emory
- UF, Miami

East
- UPMC
- UNC
- Maryland, Hopkins-Bayview
- Georgetown, GW, Jefferson, Temple, Einstein
- UVA
- Mt. Sinai, NYU
- BU
- Brown
- Yale
 
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siliso said:
All you DOs with good grades and steps (230s and up) looking for an academic program should consider Indiana. Chances good, fellowship match good, good training and QOL generally.
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Frieda said your step 1 avg was >245 iirc. Would mid 230s but upper 260s step 2 be competitive for your program? DO.
 
haemoglobindrop said:
Med school: Established east coast DO school
Preclinical: top quartile
Clinical: all High passes
STEP/COMLEX 1: 224/548
STEP/COMLEX 2: 243/540
Awards/honors: No AOA at school, in SSP and GHHS
Research: 1 poster in undergrad
Extracurriculars: lots of volunteering/mentoring/tutoring, mission trip, school council etc.
LORs: generic IM chair letter, strong university GI letter by MD, strong university-affiliated cardio by MD, 3rd year community/university affiliated IM clerkship letter by DO
Goals: community ACGME IM/low-Mid tier university programs. Ideally pursue GI fellowships at in house program or program that is able to get residents into GI, but I am realistic about difficulties given DO/STEPs/competitiveness of GI

Prefer east coast/mid-atlantic but no real geographic deal breakers. Applying to 60-70 programs broadly, afraid that it is too top heavy given I was looking at programs with in-house GI fellowships. Any advice, comments or any programs I am glaringly missing or delusional about would be super appreciated!

List below gives an idea of what my full list looks like

Super reaches/reaches:
Boston university
Cleveland clinic
Casewestern Metrohealth
Loyola chicago
Dartmouth
Drexel
Medstar Georgetown
Medstar GT Hospital
Montefiore medical center/Einstein (Moses and weiller)
Ohio state
Oregon HSU
Saint Louis SOM
U of Arizona Tucson
U of Chicago Northshore
U of Cincinnati
U of Illinois COM at Chicago
U of Maryland midtown campus
U of Wisconsin
Indiana university
Pennsylvania hospital
Rush
Jeff
Temple
Tulane
VCU
Wake forest

Hopefully Attainable/"safeties":
Albany medical center
Einstein medical center
Cooper
Lehigh valley
Mainline health/Lankenau
Penn State
Rutgers NJMS
Rutgers Robert wood Johnson
Stony brook
SUNY Upstate
SUNY Downstate
U of Buffalo
U of Connecticut
U of Mass
U of Tenn Memphis
UPMC Mercy
Westchester medical center
Advocate Lutheran
NYU Winthorp
Abington
Christiana Care
Mercy catholic medical center

Click to expand...

Your list is ok. Personally, I doubt you'll get IVs at BU,Jefferson,Monte,Oregon,Ohio but wouldn't necessarily suggest you take them out since everyone needs reach programs. I would suggest you add Jacobi,CCF,GWU. Just make sure you have a number of safeties.

pickl said:
Hi everyone, would really appreciate your help– having a hard time gauging where to apply because of my jump in Step 2CK and lack of geographic bias.

Med School: Lower tier US MD
Grades: H in Medicine, Surg, and most others except HP in OB/GYN, Psych, EM.
Step 1: 223 ; Step 2CK: 257 ; Passed CS
Rank: Top 25%, not AOA, not GHHS, no red flags
Research: 1 first-author study in med school, 5 abstracts from undergrad
ECs: Lots of leadership & volunteering in clinic, medical missions, tutoring
Undergrad: Top California school
Goals: Hoping to match to best & best-fit-for-me academic program possible, going in with goal of GI fellowship.

I need help whittling down my list (currently at 40ish). I know I have a lot of reaches, so I'd like help on 1) which to definitely take out, 2) whether my list is reasonable or too top-heavy, and 3) which other mid-tier and safety programs would be good for where I'm at.
Please help with any suggestions for other programs within reach, and which to take out, thank you in advance!
Noticed lots of help on here from @gutonc and @MyTachyBradyHeart , would love your insight!

West
- Stanford, UCSF, UCLA, UCSD, UCI, UC Davis, USC, Cedars, Loma Linda, UCLA-Olive View, UCLA-Harbor
- Colorado, OHSU, Utah

Midwest
- NW, UChicago, Loyola, UIC, Rush
- Michigan, OSU, Case, Cleveland Clinic, Indiana

Texas & South
- UTSW, Baylor
- Emory
- UF, Miami

East
- UPMC
- UNC
- Maryland, Hopkins-Bayview
- Georgetown, GW, Jefferson, Temple, Einstein
- UVA
- Mt. Sinai, NYU
- BU
- Brown
- Yale
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Your list is reasonable. You have quite a few reaches but that's ok since your floor is a mid tier university program. You should plan for 4-6 safeties similar to the caliber of your home institution, then fill the rest with reaches and targets. Would add Hofstra, Rutgers, Montefiore, Tufts, Wisconsin, MCW, Minnesota, Mayo and take out Einstein/Temple (you should somewhere better than these unless your application has red flags you're not telling us about). A couple other programs to consider (slightly out of your geographical range) include Iowa, UAB.

In terms of your reaches, I think your chances at Yale, Sinai, NYU, Northwestern are pretty low. You have a marginally better shot at the Cali programs, UChicago, Michigan.

Also, 40 isn't necessarily too many programs to apply to in your circumstance. For example, a stellar applicant from a top 10 school with good score and research really need to apply to 8-10 programs whereas IMGs/DOs need to apply very broadly (>100 sometimes). However, a good US AMG from lower-tier medical schools with a decent application can benefit from applying more broadly because you could end up breaking into a mid-upper tier program.

Good luck.
 
Thanks for the help, all. Worried in particular that I'm way too top heavy.

School: Low/mid tier east coast.
Step 1: 260+
Step 2: 260+
Rank/AOA/GHHS: Top 10%/Yes/No
Rotations: All honors except pediatrics rotation (HP).
Research: 3 publications, 3 posters, multiple ongoing QI projects.
Extracurricular: Several strong volunteering, service, and leadership experiences.

Schools: BIDMC, BWH, MGH, NYU, Cornell, Columbia, Sinai, Yale, Brown, Hopkins, Univ. of Maryland, UPenn, Thomas Jefferson, Pitt, Rochester, Michigan, Chicago, Northwestern, Duke, UNC, UVA, Emory, Vanderbilt.
 
clippersandshreds said:
Thanks for the help, all. Worried in particular that I'm way too top heavy.

School: Low/mid tier east coast.
Step 1: 260+
Step 2: 260+
Rank/AOA/GHHS: Top 10%/Yes/No
Rotations: All honors except pediatrics rotation (HP).
Research: 3 publications, 3 posters, multiple ongoing QI projects.
Extracurricular: Several strong volunteering, service, and leadership experiences.

Schools: BIDMC, BWH, MGH, NYU, Cornell, Columbia, Sinai, Yale, Brown, Hopkins, Univ. of Maryland, UPenn, Thomas Jefferson, Pitt, Rochester, Michigan, Chicago, Northwestern, Duke, UNC, UVA, Emory, Vanderbilt.
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You're ok. Would add 1 or 2 more upper mid tier programs like Monte/BU. Congrats on a stellar application, you'll match in top (insert number).
 
MyTachyBradyHeart said:
Your list is ok. Personally, I doubt you'll get IVs at BU,Jefferson,Monte,Oregon,Ohio but wouldn't necessarily suggest you take them out since everyone needs reach programs. I would suggest you add Jacobi,CCF,GWU. Just make sure you have a number of safeties.



Your list is reasonable. You have quite a few reaches but that's ok since your floor is a mid tier university program. You should plan for 4-6 safeties similar to the caliber of your home institution, then fill the rest with reaches and targets. Would add Hofstra, Rutgers, Montefiore, Tufts, Wisconsin, MCW, Minnesota, Mayo and take out Einstein/Temple (you should somewhere better than these unless your application has red flags you're not telling us about). A couple other programs to consider (slightly out of your geographical range) include Iowa, UAB.

In terms of your reaches, I think your chances at Yale, Sinai, NYU, Northwestern are pretty low. You have a marginally better shot at the Cali programs, UChicago, Michigan.

Also, 40 isn't necessarily too many programs to apply to in your circumstance. For example, a stellar applicant from a top 10 school with good score and research really need to apply to 8-10 programs whereas IMGs/DOs need to apply very broadly (>100 sometimes). However, a good US AMG from lower-tier medical schools with a decent application can benefit from applying more broadly because you could end up breaking into a mid-upper tier program.

Good luck.
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Thank you so much for the advice and suggested programs, I really appreciate your generosity in helping all of us!!
 
scrumpy said:
As I send out apps, I wanted to get some thoughts on whether I'm too top heavy and need to add more programs. So far I have 25:

NE: MGH, BWH, BIDMC, BU, Columbia, Cornell, NYU, Mt. Sinai, UPenn, Yale
Atlantic: JHH, Duke, UVA
South: Vandy, Emory, UAB, UTSW
Midwest: Chicago, NW, UMich, Washu
West: UCSF, UCLA, Stanford, UWash

Any other program recommendations - I have no real preference for location with may be a slight preference for a coast but am willing to do anything for a few years
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No chance. Terrible stats. Better apply rural FM backup
 
IMreshopeful said:
No chance. Terrible stats. Better apply rural FM backup
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IMreshopeful said:
You go to a top 5 med school and have excellent scores with possibility of AOA.

This is a first world problem. This is like a billionaire being concerned if he can afford a first class ticket. Give me a break.
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I really really like this comment you made a page ago. :laugh:
 
US IMG
Step 1:229
Step 2:228 (don’t know what happens just got it back)
Recent grad 2017
3 publications sent out awaiting approval
All honors rotations

At this point my scores are my biggest red flags and feel very disappointed just wondering WAMC for IM hopefully university if possible.
 
Hello all. Thought I'd post after I was unpleasantly shocked by my step 2 ck score today. Below is a bit of my stats.

My step 1 was a 251 and got my step 2 today which was a 242. Honestly, I do not know what happened. I was scoring high 250s on NBMEs (which tend to underpredict scores). I honored 5/7 rotations in 3rd year including IM and generally scored in the mid 80s for shelf exams, so I am a bit shocked by this score. I am top 25% of my class. Before this score came out I was planning to apply to the following IM programs:

Mt Sinai, Cornell, Columbia, Upenn, Northwestern, U Chicago, UT SW, Emory, Vanderbilt, Duke, Brown, Yale, Boston Uni, Tufts, Temple, Jefferson, Rutgers NJMS, Rutgers RWJ, Beth Isreal deaconess, U pitt, Miami, Monti, Mt Sinai St luke, U rochester, baylor, maryland, Georgetown, GW.

Im a AMG, MD at mid tier state school.Is this list still appropriate? Do I have too many reaches with this new step 2 ck score? how much does this score impact my application in general? Are there any other target programs that I should apply to with this new info?

Thanks for the help in advance!
 
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thebill said:
Hello all. Thought I'd post after I was unpleasantly shocked by my step 2 ck score today. Below is a bit of my stats.

My step 1 was a 251 and got my step 2 today which was a 242. Honestly, I do not know what happened. I was scoring high 250s on NBMEs (which tend to underpredict scores). I honored 5/7 rotations in 3rd year including IM and generally scored in the mid 80s for shelf exams, so I am a bit shocked by this score. I am top 25% of my class. Before this score came out I was planning to apply to the following IM programs:

Mt Sinai, Cornell, Columbia, Upenn, Northwestern, U Chicago, UT SW, Emory, Vanderbilt, Duke, Brown, Yale, Boston Uni, Tufts, Temple, Jefferson, Rutgers NJMS, Rutgers RWJ, Beth Isreal deaconess, U pitt, Miami, Monti, Mt Sinai St luke, U rochester, baylor, maryland, Georgetown, GW.

Im a AMG, MD at mid tier state school.Is this list still appropriate? Do I have too many reaches with this new step 2 ck score? how much does this score impact my application in general? Are there any other target programs that I should apply to with this new info?

Thanks for the help in advance!
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You got a decent score within a standard deviation of your step 1 score and you’re shocked? This perfectionist medical student thing is unbelievable.

Your list is okay. Add more mid tier programs.
 
What is the earliest program replies/ivs start coming in? Im in a funky time zone and this is important to when i need to sync my sleep-wake cycle
 
EastOfSalinas said:
School: Top 5

Step 1: mid 250s
Step 2: 270+

Class rank: Top 10%/25%
AOA: No
Non-MD Degrees: MS
Clerkships: H in majority including IM, HP in two
Research: 1-2 first author abstracts, 1 first author paper, 1-2 reviews in submission, one as first and one as second, another paper that may be submitted in time as second author, two posters in college
ECs: Ehhhhhhhhh
LoRs: Fine

Thanks!
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Updated some stuff but would appreciate any feedback on my school list, which I hadn't drawn up last post:

East coast:
BWH, MGH, BDI,
Mt. sinai, nyu, cornell, columbia
Penn, JHH

Chicago:
Uchicago, NW

West coast:
UCLA
UCSF, Stanford
UWash

This totals 15 schools. Would prefer coasts, any places I should add? Thanks.
 
EastOfSalinas said:
Updated some stuff but would appreciate any feedback on my school list, which I hadn't drawn up last post:

East coast:
BWH, MGH, BDI,
Mt. sinai, nyu, cornell, columbia
Penn, JHH

Chicago:
Uchicago, NW

West coast:
UCLA
UCSF, Stanford
UWash

This totals 15 schools. Would prefer coasts, any places I should add? Thanks.
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I imagine you'll be just fine - maybe add Duke and UWash
 
EastOfSalinas said:
Updated some stuff but would appreciate any feedback on my school list, which I hadn't drawn up last post:

East coast:
BWH, MGH, BDI,
Mt. sinai, nyu, cornell, columbia
Penn, JHH

Chicago:
Uchicago, NW

West coast:
UCLA
UCSF, Stanford
UWash

This totals 15 schools. Would prefer coasts, any places I should add? Thanks.
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I actually think you're top heavy. Sure, your steps and grades are good. Your LORs probably are too. But guess who else has that going for them? The other 300-500 people applying to those same programs.

You need to something to stand out at these places, and, for better or worse, AOA and advanced degrees (PhD typically) are often used as proxies for this.

I'm not saying you're not going to get any love from any of those places...but you probably need to broaden your horizons a bit.
 
gutonc said:
I actually think you're top heavy. Sure, your steps and grades are good. Your LORs probably are too. But guess who else has that going for them? The other 300-500 people applying to those same programs.

You need to something to stand out at these places, and, for better or worse, AOA and advanced degrees (PhD typically) are often used as proxies for this.

I'm not saying you're not going to get any love from any of those places...but you probably need to broaden your horizons a bit.
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Good to know, thank you. I think I'll be relatively safe at my home institution. Would you agree with adding ~10 schools in the NE and west coast?
 
EastOfSalinas said:
Good to know, thank you. I think I'll be relatively safe at my home institution. Would you agree with adding ~10 schools in the NE and west coast?
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To play devil's advocate, classmates from a top 20 with similar stats got interviews at 100% of that list. If you are secure in your home program, I don't see the need to add midtiers.
 
Excited and thankful to finally be posting here, even if my scores are not what I had hoped for. Here goes y'all.

US-IMG from Pakistan
Step 1: 229
Step 2: 228
CS: Pass 1st attempt
YOG: 2017
Have 4 months US clinical experience at UNC, Harvard, and other programs with letters from all; 10 week research elective at Johns Hopkins with a strong character letter and a submitted manuscript pending approval. Also have 1 publication and multiple acknowledgements.

Applying to ~220 IM programs (I'm paranoid; maybe rightfully so considering subpar scores by SDN standards). Applying right on Sept 15th. Not in any position to look down upon any program (not that I would be even with better scores), but sincerely hoping for a solid program that allows me to pursue fellowship. WAMC?
 
unnumzaan said:
To play devil's advocate, classmates from a top 20 with similar stats got interviews at 100% of that list. If you are secure in your home program, I don't see the need to add midtiers.
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Hmm that's reassuring. I don't see myself ranking additional programs above my home program either. I added a couple more for a total of 19.
 
Hello all, need advice for my list. I am a AMG from a mid tier state school.

Step1: 251
Step2: 242 (I had a terrible day)
Third year Grades: H (IM, Surg, Neuro, Psych, Ob/Gyn) HP (Peds, FM)
Fourth Year Grades: HP (EM)
AOA: No
Rank: top 25%

I am currently applying to the following:

Mt Sinai, Cornell, Columbia, Upenn, Northwestern, U Chicago, UT SW, Emory, Vanderbilt, Duke, Brown, Yale, Boston Uni, Tufts, Temple, Jefferson, Rutgers NJMS, Rutgers RWJ, Beth Isreal deaconess, U pitt, Miami, Monti, Mt Sinai St luke, U rochester, baylor, maryland, Georgetown, GW.

Which ones out of this list do I have a realistic chance for (what are my targets)?

Are there any other programs I should add to the list?
 
Dr. Opout said:
Excited and thankful to finally be posting here, even if my scores are not what I had hoped for. Here goes y'all.

US-IMG from Pakistan
Step 1: 229
Step 2: 228
CS: Pass 1st attempt
YOG: 2017
Have 4 months US clinical experience at UNC, Harvard, and other programs with letters from all; 10 week research elective at Johns Hopkins with a strong character letter and a submitted manuscript pending approval. Also have 1 publication and multiple acknowledgements.

Applying to ~220 IM programs (I'm paranoid; maybe rightfully so considering subpar scores by SDN standards). Applying right on Sept 15th. Not in any position to look down upon any program (not that I would be even with better scores), but sincerely hoping for a solid program that allows me to pursue fellowship. WAMC?
Click to expand...

Omg we have almost the exact same stats. Are you me?
 
thebill said:
Hello all, need advice for my list. I am a AMG from a mid tier state school.

Step1: 251
Step2: 242 (I had a terrible day)
Third year Grades: H (IM, Surg, Neuro, Psych, Ob/Gyn) HP (Peds, FM)
Fourth Year Grades: HP (EM)
AOA: No
Rank: top 25%

I am currently applying to the following:

Mt Sinai, Cornell, Columbia, Upenn, Northwestern, U Chicago, UT SW, Emory, Vanderbilt, Duke, Brown, Yale, Boston Uni, Tufts, Temple, Jefferson, Rutgers NJMS, Rutgers RWJ, Beth Isreal deaconess, U pitt, Miami, Monti, Mt Sinai St luke, U rochester, baylor, maryland, Georgetown, GW.

Which ones out of this list do I have a realistic chance for (what are my targets)?

Are there any other programs I should add to the list?
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The bolded programs are your only REAL safeties from this list with Rutgers NJMS being the only "Low-tier" Academic program on this list. The rest are high tier or Mid-tier Academic in highly desirable areas (with the exception of U Pitt, Baylor, UTSW, and the DC ones).

It really will just depend on how programs will take the Step 2 score. Your Step 1 is phenomenal so it really will come down to getting the interview based on step 1 score alone and then just kicking *** at the interview.

If you're targeting the NE, Hofstra can be a nice lowerish-Mid tier to have as backup, and if you're down to take it rural for a bit, Dartmouth is a solid Mid-tier program you'd probably be a shoe in for an interview at.

Overall, you'll definitely match because no one can just turn down that Step 1 score + Honored clerkships.
 
Milotic said:
The bolded programs are your only REAL safeties from this list with Rutgers NJMS being the only "Low-tier" Academic program on this list. The rest are high tier or Mid-tier Academic in highly desirable areas (with the exception of U Pitt, Baylor, UTSW, and the DC ones).

It really will just depend on how programs will take the Step 2 score. Your Step 1 is phenomenal so it really will come down to getting the interview based on step 1 score alone and then just kicking *** at the interview.

If you're targeting the NE, Hofstra can be a nice lowerish-Mid tier to have as backup, and if you're down to take it rural for a bit, Dartmouth is a solid Mid-tier program you'd probably be a shoe in for an interview at.

Overall, you'll definitely match because no one can just turn down that Step 1 score + Honored clerkships.
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Thank you. I am still reeling from the recent news of the step 2 ck. Do you think I have any shot at the nyc/chicago programs now? Or did step 2 completely torpedo any shot I had? What would be my targets that I have a shot at out of my list?

Again, thanks for the help!
 
thebill said:
Thank you. I am still reeling from the recent news of the step 2 ck. Do you think I have any shot at the nyc/chicago programs now? Or did step 2 completely torpedo any shot I had? What would be my targets that I have a shot at out of my list?

Again, thanks for the help!
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I disagree a bit with the above poster regarding which are safeties. To me st lukes and gw should definitely be added to the list and I’m tempted to say Georgetown given your high step 1 and top 25% of class but will say that for now that’s a target. Maryland is on the same level as Georgetown if not better so it’s definitely not a safety. Maybe Rochester although not that familiar with their IM program. Definitely consider adding Hofstra/NSLIJ. Could also consider hopkins bayview, the latter of which will not be a safety but a solid target program for you.

As far as the nyc programs you should absolutely get an interview at Monte, 50/50 NYU less likely Sinai/Cornell/Columbia as those programs usually require something special if not coming from a highly ranked medical school, ie tons of research, AOA, PhD etc. Dont know about the Chicago programs but I’d guess 50/50 shot at one of those although I think your chances in the east are better.

Overall I think the drop in step 2 hurts but way less than you think given your high step 1. I know that from when I sat on the interview committee with a great step 1 as you have it would take a bigger difference in step 2 for us to even notice. Obviously at a top 20 program it’s likely to be more impactful but for your target mid tiers ala BU jeff Maryland monte you should be fine. I’d imagine so long as you interview well you’ll end up at one of the above mentioned mid tier programs. Good luck!
 
whoknows2012 said:
I disagree a bit with the above poster regarding which are safeties. To me st lukes and gw should definitely be added to the list and I’m tempted to say Georgetown given your high step 1 and top 25% of class but will say that for now that’s a target. Maryland is on the same level as Georgetown if not better so it’s definitely not a safety. Maybe Rochester although not that familiar with their IM program. Definitely consider adding Hofstra/NSLIJ. Could also consider hopkins bayview, the latter of which will not be a safety but a solid target program for you.

As far as the nyc programs you should absolutely get an interview at Monte, 50/50 NYU less likely Sinai/Cornell/Columbia as those programs usually require something special if not coming from a highly ranked medical school, ie tons of research, AOA, PhD etc. Dont know about the Chicago programs but I’d guess 50/50 shot at one of those although I think your chances in the east are better.

Overall I think the drop in step 2 hurts but way less than you think given your high step 1. I know that from when I sat on the interview committee with a great step 1 as you have it would take a bigger difference in step 2 for us to even notice. Obviously at a top 20 program it’s likely to be more impactful but for your target mid tiers ala BU jeff Maryland monte you should be fine. I’d imagine so long as you interview well you’ll end up at one of the above mentioned mid tier programs. Good luck!
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Thank you so much for your input. Sorry to belabor this but are Emory, Vanderbilt, UTSW, Baylor, Duke, brown, Yale, tufts, u Pitt now reaches or would they be considered targets? Again, thanks for the help. Been a tough week with the step 2 news and finding out I didn’t get senior aoa.
 
thebill said:
Thank you so much for your input. Sorry to belabor this but are Emory, Vanderbilt, UTSW, Baylor, Duke, brown, Yale, tufts, u Pitt now reaches or would they be considered targets? Again, thanks for the help. Been a tough week with the step 2 news and finding out I didn’t get senior aoa.
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Sorry to hear that. Your chances still look great at many great programs. I suspect you’ll get an IV at Yale, despite the name brown is a target (not one of the better Ivy’s, likely location mostly). UPMC is iffy could go either way as far as target or reach, will say target if you have a good app besides grades and step 1. Baylor vandy Emory and duke don’t know as much would say duke def a reach, vandy and Emory could go either way probably closer to reach and Baylor I haven’t got a clue
 
Me again! Modified my list a bit...would want to see what you guys think, Thanks!!!

DO student, only applying ACGME
Step 1 248
Step 2 250s
1 first author pub, 1 poster
fairly strong LOR
normal EC

Applying to 69 programs....yes a lot, because I need VISA and I want to play it safe...Goal is to get into mid tier University program. Bolds are reach
AZ: mayo AZ, U of A phoenix, U of A Tucson
CA: UCDavis, UCIrvin, Cedar Sinai, Kaiser Santa Clara, Loma Linda
CT: U Conn, Yale (primary care)
CO: U Colorado
D.C.: GWU, Georgetown
FL: Mayo FL, U Florida, U South Florida, CCF-FL
IO: U Iowa
IL: UC-Northshore, Rush, Loyola, UIC, Advocate Christ
IN: U Indiana
MA: U Mass
MI: Beaumont, MSU
MN: U Minnesota, Mayo Rochester
MO: St Louis U, U Missouri Kansas
NC: Wake Forest
NH: Dartmouth
NJ: Rutgers NJMS and Rutgers Robert Wood
NY: Icahn BI, Icahn Roosevelt, Montefiore, Hofstra-Northwell, Zucker at Lennox Hill, Stony Brook, Winthrop, Albany, Buffalo, Jacobi
OH: CCF, Casewestern, Casewestern-Metrohealth, OSU, U Cincinnati
OR: OHSU
PA: UPMC, Penn State, Mainline, Einstein Philly, Geisinger, Lehigh Valley, St Luke, Temple U, Drexel U
RI: Brown
TX: Baylor, UT-San Antonio, UT-Houston
WS: U Wisconsin Madison, MCW
 
EastOfSalinas said:
Hmm that's reassuring. I don't see myself ranking additional programs above my home program either. I added a couple more for a total of 19.
Click to expand...

As competitive as the top is, applicants like yourself will have your choice of programs. No need to add mid-tiers; 10-15 should be enough.
thebill said:
Thank you so much for your input. Sorry to belabor this but are Emory, Vanderbilt, UTSW, Baylor, Duke, brown, Yale, tufts, u Pitt now reaches or would they be considered targets? Again, thanks for the help. Been a tough week with the step 2 news and finding out I didn’t get senior aoa.
Click to expand...

Reach: Vandy, UTSW, Duke, Yale
Target: the other programs

I doubt you'll get IV at any of the top 4 in NYC or Northwestern/UChicago. Sorry to be blunt, but most applicants from mid-tier medical school to those programs have step scores just as good and AOA/significant research/unique ECs.

While I don't think you necessarily need more programs to apply to, you should definitely consider switching out some of your reaches for upper-mid tier targets. Unless your application has significantly more research than you told us or you have such a unique personal statement, I'd suggest taking out Northwestern/UChicago/Yale and add Case,CCF,Hofstra,UVA,UNC. Your target is an upper mid tier program and that's where I think you'll end up matching.
 
MyTachyBradyHeart said:
As competitive as the top is, applicants like yourself will have your choice of programs. No need to add mid-tiers; 10-15 should be enough.


Reach: Vandy, UTSW, Duke, Yale
Target: the other programs

I doubt you'll get IV at any of the top 4 in NYC or Northwestern/UChicago. Sorry to be blunt, but most applicants from mid-tier medical school to those programs have step scores just as good and AOA/significant research/unique ECs.

While I don't think you necessarily need more programs to apply to, you should definitely consider switching out some of your reaches for upper-mid tier targets. Unless your application has significantly more research than you told us or you have such a unique personal statement, I'd suggest taking out Northwestern/UChicago/Yale and add Case,CCF,Hofstra,UVA,UNC. Your target is an upper mid tier program and that's where I think you'll end up matching.
Click to expand...

That’s a fair assessment. Many years ago with 242 step 1 257 step 2 top 25 % good letters blah blah blah but no aoa no published research (although research activity) and no extra degree from a low/mid tier northeast program I literally did not get one reach interview. It is sooo important to have solid mid tier academic programs as the backbone of an application such as @thebill unless you’ve got something special (as mentioned already)
 
Dr. Opout said:
Excited and thankful to finally be posting here, even if my scores are not what I had hoped for. Here goes y'all.

US-IMG from Pakistan
Step 1: 229
Step 2: 228
CS: Pass 1st attempt
YOG: 2017
Have 4 months US clinical experience at UNC, Harvard, and other programs with letters from all; 10 week research elective at Johns Hopkins with a strong character letter and a submitted manuscript pending approval. Also have 1 publication and multiple acknowledgements.

Applying to ~220 IM programs (I'm paranoid; maybe rightfully so considering subpar scores by SDN standards). Applying right on Sept 15th. Not in any position to look down upon any program (not that I would be even with better scores), but sincerely hoping for a solid program that allows me to pursue fellowship. WAMC?
Click to expand...

220 programs seem reasonable. You're an IMG with average scores. If your goal is fellowship, aim for low tier academic programs with in-house fellowship opportunities.

MoLarryKerlyBLine said:
Shameless Bump.
Click to expand...

If your school has a good track record of sending students (with similar stats as you) to programs on your list, then you may be ok. Otherwise, I'd suggest you apply more broadly.

Jinxapotato said:
Me again! Modified my list a bit...would want to see what you guys think, Thanks!!!

DO student, only applying ACGME
Step 1 248
Step 2 250s
1 first author pub, 1 poster
fairly strong LOR
normal EC

Applying to 69 programs....yes a lot, because I need VISA and I want to play it safe...Goal is to get into mid tier University program. Bolds are reach
AZ: mayo AZ, U of A phoenix, U of A Tucson
CA: UCDavis, UCIrvin, Cedar Sinai, Kaiser Santa Clara, Loma Linda
CT: U Conn, Yale (primary care)
CO: U Colorado
D.C.: GWU, Georgetown
FL: Mayo FL, U Florida, U South Florida, CCF-FL
IO: U Iowa
IL: UC-Northshore, Rush, Loyola, UIC, Advocate Christ
IN: U Indiana
MA: U Mass
MI: Beaumont, MSU
MN: U Minnesota, Mayo Rochester
MO: St Louis U, U Missouri Kansas
NC: Wake Forest
NH: Dartmouth
NJ: Rutgers NJMS and Rutgers Robert Wood
NY: Icahn BI, Icahn Roosevelt, Montefiore, Hofstra-Northwell, Zucker at Lennox Hill, Stony Brook, Winthrop, Albany, Buffalo, Jacobi
OH: CCF, Casewestern, Casewestern-Metrohealth, OSU, U Cincinnati
OR: OHSU
PA: UPMC, Penn State, Mainline, Einstein Philly, Geisinger, Lehigh Valley, St Luke, Temple U, Drexel U
RI: Brown
TX: Baylor, UT-San Antonio, UT-Houston
WS: U Wisconsin Madison, MCW
Click to expand...

You'll match. Not sure you'll match at Mayo/UPMC/Case/Colorado but I would assume you have a slim shot at the rest of your reaches (good scores, good research, but a DO and IMG who needs Visa brings you down significantly) and have a solid shot at rest of the list.
 
MyTachyBradyHeart said:
220 programs seem reasonable. You're an IMG with average scores. If your goal is fellowship, aim for low tier academic programs with in-house fellowship opportunities.



If your school has a good track record of sending students (with similar stats as you) to programs on your list, then you may be ok. Otherwise, I'd suggest you apply more broadly.



You'll match. Not sure you'll match at Mayo/UPMC/Case/Colorado but I would assume you have a slim shot at the rest of your reaches (good scores, good research, but a DO and IMG who needs Visa brings you down significantly) and have a solid shot at rest of the list.
Click to expand...

Appreciate it fam. I applied to a number of places that I believe meet those criteria. If you have any suggestions in particular, or just a method of finding places, I'd greatly appreciate it.
 
MyTachyBradyHeart said:
220 programs seem reasonable. You're an IMG with average scores. If your goal is fellowship, aim for low tier academic programs with in-house fellowship opportunities.



If your school has a good track record of sending students (with similar stats as you) to programs on your list, then you may be ok. Otherwise, I'd suggest you apply more broadly.



You'll match. Not sure you'll match at Mayo/UPMC/Case/Colorado but I would assume you have a slim shot at the rest of your reaches (good scores, good research, but a DO and IMG who needs Visa brings you down significantly) and have a solid shot at rest of the list.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your insight. Although as Canadian going to US school am I not still considered AMG who need visa?
 
Hello all,

Last post. This forum has been helpful thus far, so I wanted to know which IM programs you guys think I'll get an invite from?

Stats:
From a mid-tier state school in NE
Step1: 251
Step2: 242 (had a bad day)
Grades, 3rd year: H (IM, Surg, Neuro, Psych, Ob/Gyn); HP (FM, Peds)
Grades, 4th year: HP (EM, Pulm Elective)
Rank: Our school does not do official ranks, but I was Junior/Senior AOA eligible which means I was top 25% of my class during first three years. This is mentioned in my app and MSPE.
AOA: No, denied 2x 🙁
EC: Leader of a student-run free clinic
Research: 7 poster presentations (2 first author, 1 second author, 2 third author, 2 fourth author); 1 peer reviewed abstract (3rd author); 1 other article. Won a school poster competition. Two paid research experiences.
LoR: Im assuming okay to good.

Programs: Baylor, boston uni, BIDC, Brigham and Womens, Brown, Case Western, Cleveland Clinic, Duke, Emory, George Washington, Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai St Luke, Jackson Memorial, John Hopkins, Dartmouth, NW, Georgetown, Monti, Columbia, Cornell, NYU, Rutgers NJMS, Rutgers RWJ, Thomas Jefferson, Stanford, Temple, Tufts, UCLA, UCSF, University of Chicago, University of Colorado, University of Mich, UNC, UPenn, U Rochester, UTSW, UVA, University of Washington, UPMC, Vanderbilt, Wash U, Yale,

I know this is an extensive list, so any input would be most appreciated

Thanks in advance!!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
WAMC of landing a mid-tier university program?

Step 1 265
Step 2 ck 259
Step 2 cs pass 1st attempt
YOG 2018
2 1st author clinical research pubs
Non US IMG - Need visa;
ECFMG certified
3 months of USCE- 3 US LORs
Applied to 150 programs
 
thebill said:
Hello all,

Last post. This forum has been helpful thus far, so I wanted to know which IM programs you guys think I'll get an invite from?

Stats:
From a mid-tier state school in NE
Step1: 251
Step2: 242 (had a bad day)
Grades, 3rd year: H (IM, Surg, Neuro, Psych, Ob/Gyn); HP (FM, Peds)
Grades, 4th year: HP (EM, Pulm Elective)
Rank: Our school does not do official ranks, but I was Junior/Senior AOA eligible which means I was top 25% of my class during first three years. This is mentioned in my app and MSPE.
AOA: No, denied 2x 🙁
EC: Leader of a student-run free clinic
Research: 7 poster presentations (2 first author, 1 second author, 2 third author, 2 fourth author); 1 peer reviewed abstract (3rd author); 1 other article. Won a school poster competition. Two paid research experiences.
LoR: Im assuming okay to good.

Programs: Baylor, boston uni, BIDC, Brigham and Womens, Brown, Case Western, Cleveland Clinic, Duke, Emory, George Washington, Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai St Luke, Jackson Memorial, John Hopkins, Dartmouth, NW, Georgetown, Monti, Columbia, Cornell, NYU, Rutgers NJMS, Rutgers RWJ, Thomas Jefferson, Stanford, Temple, Tufts, UCLA, UCSF, University of Chicago, University of Colorado, University of Mich, UNC, UPenn, U Rochester, UTSW, UVA, University of Washington, UPMC, Vanderbilt, Wash U, Yale,

I know this is an extensive list, so any input would be most appreciated

Thanks in advance!!
Click to expand...

I bet youll get interviews at Case, Cleveland, GW, St. Lukes, Jackson, Georgetown, Monti, Both Rutgers, Temple, Tufts, Rochester.
 
sss2g2 said:
US IMG
Step 1:229
Step 2:228 (don’t know what happens just got it back)
Recent grad 2017
3 publications sent out awaiting approval
All honors rotations

At this point my scores are my biggest red flags and feel very disappointed just wondering WAMC for IM hopefully university if possible.
Click to expand...
I think your chances are ok for community programs... You should also apply to some FM programs to be safe.
 
AFNI_User said:
I bet youll get interviews at Case, Cleveland, GW, St. Lukes, Jackson, Georgetown, Monti, Both Rutgers, Temple, Tufts, Rochester.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the input! Do you think I have a shot at any of the other programs on my list?
 
sss2g2 said:
Thank you
Click to expand...
You also have a shot for lower-tier academic in less desirable locations. We're not necessarily resigned solely to community programs. Apply broadly, be realistic and have safeties but also a few reaches. Be enthusiastic and interested during interviews. You'll be fine.
 
thebill said:
Thanks for the input! Do you think I have a shot at any of the other programs on my list?
Click to expand...

I think you’ll also get interviews at brown, Dartmouth, BU and Jeff. UNC, UVA and UPMC as well I’m sure you’ll get 1-2/3 of those. Not sure why-I don’t think I saw Maryland on your list but you’d probably get an interview there as well
 
thebill said:
Thanks for the input! Do you think I have a shot at any of the other programs on my list?
Click to expand...

I'm guessing you will get a couple of the Baylor, Brown, Colorado, Emory, Yale crew as well but it's very hard to predict
 
US MD graduating 2019, not a US citizen, will need a visa

Step 1: 260s
Step 2: 260s
AOA: yes
Honors in most clerkships including IM
Pass in IM Sub-I 🙁 (no HP in 4th year)
2 publications, few presentations

Applied to about 40 programs, including several low-tier community programs. Hoping to match in Midwest. What are my chances at places like U of Michigan? Would my visa requirements put me at a considerable disadvantage even if I graduated from US med school?
 
ChelseaFC92 said:
US MD graduating 2019, not a US citizen, will need a visa

Step 1: 260s
Step 2: 260s
AOA: yes
Honors in most clerkships including IM
Pass in IM Sub-I 🙁 (no HP in 4th year)
2 publications, few presentations

Applied to about 40 programs, including several low-tier community programs. Hoping to match in Midwest. What are my chances at places like U of Michigan? Would my visa requirements put me at a considerable disadvantage even if I graduated from US med school?
Click to expand...
dude no, you don't apply to low tier community, you apply at least mid tier university programs. 260s x2 as US MD with pub and AOA? dude you have a shot at Harvard MGH....the VISA issue is not that great of a deal if you're OK with J1 visa (which doesn't make programs pay for it, and pretty much every university offers it)

What is this 260s applying to low tier community nonsense, am I being trolled?
 
Hi,

I’m a pathology resident at Johns Hopkins that finally admitted I would be happiest doing IM. I went to med school with the goal of being a pathologist, but my wonderful experiences in IM and heme/onc along with less than spectacular experiences in path have convinced me to reapply on ERAS.

I know I’m pushing my luck here. I went to not a very well known school in Texas. On STEP1, I got a 232, honored OB/GYN and 2 preclinical courses. The problem is I bombed STEP2CK with a 221. I had been volunteered and accepted a path rotation when I should have been studying (the rotation was kind of a drag too) and pretty much only studied for 5 days before.

What IM residency programs do you think would consider me?
 
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