Official Eternal IM WAMC Thread

[AlteredScale]

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No first authors yet but 5 co-author manuscripts in basic science and clinical research. Planning to grind out a few more before ERAS too


Sent from my iPhone using SDN

That's great. Will help at more research focused places if you want to apply to them (Ucsd, ucla, UCSF) if you are close to their cutoffs for steps.

 

[DODoc2Be91]

4th year DO student concerned about my chances as I severely underperformed Step 2. Here are my stats:

Step 1: Low 230s
Step 2: High 230s
COMLEX 1: 560s
COMLEX 2: Pending

I was wondering realistically what are my chances in internal medicine, how many programs I should apply for, and suggestions as to how to approach looking at programs I am qualified for. I was told FRIEDA is out of date on school stats.

Additionally, is there any consideration for FM as a back up or do you think my current stats are sufficient?

 

[Internist_Sandman]

I don’t think you severely underperformed Step 2 considering your Step 1 and Level 1 scores. You’re Step 2 went up almost 1 standard deviation. You’re not going to blow anyone away with those numbers, but you will 100% match internal medicine if you apply smartly. By that I mean, apply broad and to programs that are realistic (no Johns Hopkins).

Remember, there are always open IM spots each year after match and people scramble to IM all the time. I would apply to 50-60 programs that are community or mid tier academic. No need to apply FM as backup if you don’t want FM. Good luck.

 

[DODoc2Be91]

I don’t think you severely underperformed Step 2 considering your Step 1 and Level 1 scores. You’re Step 2 went up almost 1 standard deviation. You’re not going to blow anyone away with those numbers, but you will 100% match internal medicine if you apply smartly. By that I mean, apply broad and to programs that are realistic (no Johns Hopkins).

Remember, there are always open IM spots each year after match and people scramble to IM all the time. I would apply to 50-60 programs that are community or mid tier academic. No need to apply FM as backup if you don’t want FM. Good luck.

Thank you for your response. When you applied for IM, what did you use to create your school listing? Secondly, just hypothetically, how would my list, in your opinion, change if I scored 250 on Step 2 with everything else the same?

 

[Internist_Sandman]

Thank you for your response. When you applied for IM, what did you use to create your school listing? Secondly, just hypothetically, how would my list, in your opinion, change if I scored 250 on Step 2 with everything else the same?

Im applying IM this year. My response was based on the wisdom of mutiple classes before me and those on this site. I’m a dual degree student so I’ve had extra years during my PhD to ask questions and see how the process goes.

To create a school listing I’ve asked older students, looked at online feedback in the form of SDN/reddit and the annual spreadsheet that circulates, and FREIDA.

If you made a 250 on Step 2 that would mean you’re more competitive at the upper-mid tier of schools. But your app is so much more than your board score. People match “out of their league” each year because of non-Step factors on their app.

 

[AussieAg]

You'll be fine. Apply broadly. Throw some reach programs in, because why not?

 

[DODoc2Be91]

@Funny_Current

Your chances are not great for U of Florida, U of South FL, Emory, Tulane, UAB, Vandy, UNC, Wake Forest, U of Virginia, and even U of Miami with that 211 step1. These are the 'respectable' academic centers in the southeast I can think of... However, you have a great chance to match at a good university program, but it might be a low tier. You might want to come up with a list of ~40 programs so people here can tell where you will have great shot at matching.

With regards to the same schools as a DO, Step 1 is low 230s and Step 2 is high 230s. What are my chances in those schools. I ask because I have most of those schools on my list right now

 

[InternistDO]

With regards to the same schools as a DO, Step 1 is low 230s and Step 2 is high 230s. What are my chances in those schools. I ask because I have most of those schools on my list right now

Reasonable chance at UF, USF, Miami. I would say little to no chance at the others. Definite no to Vandy, UNC, UVA, Emory.

 

[gutonc]

Really worried the step 1 score will hold me back.

#firstworldproblems

When your "Top 15" school is your safety, you need to find something real to worry about.

You'll be fine. Enjoy Hopkins, UCSF or Northwestern.

 

[DODoc2Be91]

Anyone know for residency if TX still has in state preference? Wondering if I should apply as an OOS

 

[deleted709825]

Anyone know for residency if TX still has in state preference? Wondering if I should apply as an OOS

I am interested in this as well. I saw some programs - ie Texas Tech Lubbock - take IMGs, so I thought they may be willing to take US students from a different region.

 

[DODoc2Be91]

DO Student looking for 20 more schools to add:

Step 1: low 230s	St. Josephs	AZ
Step 2: high 230s	Valleywise	AZ
	U of A Phoenix	AZ
	Arrowhead	AZ
	Honor Health	AZ
	Greenwich Hospital	CT
	U of Connecticut	CT
	Cleveland Clinic	FL
	Jackson Memorial Miami	FL
	? Mt. Sinai Miami	FL
	U of Florida Jacksonville	FL
	UCF Orlando	FL
	Medical Coll of GA	GA
	U of IL-Peoria	IL
	U of Indiana @ Indianapolis	IN
	U of Kansas-KS city	KS
	U of Kansas-Wichita	KS
	U of KY	KY
	U of Louisville	KY
	Maine Medical Center-Portland	ME
	Wayne State	MI
	? Beaumont Health-Royal Oak	MI
	U of Minnesota	MN
	St. Louis University	MO
	U of MO	MO
	University Hospital-Columbia	MO
	U of Nevada Las Vegas	NV
	U of Nevada Reno	NV
	Cleveland Clinic	OH
	Akron Gen Med	OH
	U of Toledo	OH
	Wright State	OH
	Oregon Health-Portland ?	OR
	U of Texas San Antonio	TX
	U of Texas Galveston	TX
	U of Texas Houston	TX
	VCU	VA
	Virgina Tech Carilion	VA
	U of Vermont	VT
	Medical Coll of Wis	WI

Any suggestions to my list of schools? Greatly appreciate it!

 

[AlteredScale]

4th year DO student concerned about my chances as I severely underperformed Step 2. Here are my stats:

Step 1: Low 230s
Step 2: High 230s
COMLEX 1: 560s
COMLEX 2: Pending

I was wondering realistically what are my chances in internal medicine, how many programs I should apply for, and suggestions as to how to approach looking at programs I am qualified for. I was told FRIEDA is out of date on school stats.

Additionally, is there any consideration for FM as a back up or do you think my current stats are sufficient?

I underperformed on level 2 (my level 1 was a lot higher) and was fine with getting enough interviews. You with an improvement on step 2 is great.. you will not need a backup in a different specialty. Have backup at community programs. Your chances are fine for most mid and low tier uni IM.

Apply to 30-50. Play it safe and apply more. Act like this is a one shot kind of deal. As a DO, the outcomes for interviews are a bit unpredictable.

 

[gutonc]

Step 1: low 230s	St. Josephs	AZ
Step 2: high 230s	Valleywise	AZ
	U of A Phoenix	AZ
	Arrowhead	AZ
	Honor Health	AZ
	Greenwich Hospital	CT
	U of Connecticut	CT
	Cleveland Clinic	FL
	Jackson Memorial Miami	FL
	? Mt. Sinai Miami	FL
	U of Florida Jacksonville	FL
	UCF Orlando	FL
	Medical Coll of GA	GA
	U of IL-Peoria	IL
	U of Indiana @ Indianapolis	IN
	U of Kansas-KS city	KS
	U of Kansas-Wichita	KS
	U of KY	KY
	U of Louisville	KY
	Maine Medical Center-Portland	ME
	Wayne State	MI
	? Beaumont Health-Royal Oak	MI
	U of Minnesota	MN
	St. Louis University	MO
	U of MO	MO
	University Hospital-Columbia	MO
	U of Nevada Las Vegas	NV
	U of Nevada Reno	NV
	Cleveland Clinic	OH
	Akron Gen Med	OH
	U of Toledo	OH
	Wright State	OH
	Oregon Health-Portland ?	OR
	U of Texas San Antonio	TX
	U of Texas Galveston	TX
	U of Texas Houston	TX
	VCU	VA
	Virgina Tech Carilion	VA
	U of Vermont	VT
	Medical Coll of Wis	WI

Any suggestions to my list of schools? Looking to add more.

All we have here are your Step scores and the fact that you’re a DO. Perhaps you posted more in the past, but whatever...I’m busy.

You don’t need more programs than this. I honestly think you can prune your list by 5-10 places. But if you go with this completely reasonable list, you’ll have more than enough interviews to reject.

 

[DODoc2Be91]

I underperformed on level 2 (my level 1 was a lot higher) and was fine with getting enough interviews. You with an improvement on step 2 is great.. you will not need a backup in a different specialty. Have backup at community programs. Your chances are fine for most mid and low tier uni IM.

Apply to 30-50. Play it safe and apply more. Act like this is a one shot kind of deal. As a DO, the outcomes for interviews are a bit unpredictable.

Thank you for the update. I actually posted my list on this form Im just not sure how to link it. I have 40 some schools right now and would like to apply to 60 just to play it extra safe (plus I think some of these interviews will be a zoom interview given this years situation so Im counting on saving a couple $$ from the lack of hotel/flying)

 

[DODoc2Be91]

All we have here are your Step scores and the fact that you’re a DO. Perhaps you posted more in the past, but whatever...I’m busy.

You don’t need more programs than this. I honestly think you can prune your list by 5-10 places. But if you go with this completely reasonable list, you’ll have more than enough interviews to reject.

yes, I understand and I appreciate your time. One last question, with regards to Texas schools, to your knowledge, do they have any in-state preference? I remember when applying for medical school Texas schools were pretty selective against OOS students.

 

[gutonc]

yes, I understand and I appreciate your time. One last question, with regards to Texas schools, to your knowledge, do they have any in-state preference? I remember when applying for medical school Texas schools were pretty selective against OOS students.

They might. Not like the med schools do, but somewhat. There are a tone of non-Texans at Texas residency programs.

 

[medglaborous]

M4, MD

Med school: mid-low tier in NY
Step 1: 250
Step 2: Likely 260+
Clerkships: H in IM, FM, Peds, Psych, Neuro, Surg. HP in OB
SubI: Doing it in July
Class rank: Likely top quartile
AOA: Unlikely
Research: 1 pub pending, 5 or 6 posters
EC: A lot of leadership and ECs, 4 things during height of COVID, two academic pathway tracks
LORs: Should be solid
PS should also be solid, if I can get around to writing it.
Likely a normal person, so interviews likely to be solid

Would like to stay in Northeast, throw in DC and MD. Also from CA originally so I'll probably throw some of them in there. Also planning fellowship in Pulm CC or Cards.

Had to apply to med school 4 times to only get 1 acceptance, so my knee-jerk reaction is to go with safe residencies, rejection sucks lol. But I also recognize I've become a solid applicant throughout med school.

Would love to hear your thoughts on my stats. Are top 20 programs realistic?
What should my reaches be?
Mid-ranges?
Safeties?

Thanks in advance fam

 

[gutonc]

M4, MD

Med school: mid-low tier in NY
Step 1: 250
Step 2: Likely 260+
Clerkships: H in IM, FM, Peds, Psych, Neuro, Surg. HP in OB
SubI: Doing it in July
Class rank: Likely top quartile
AOA: Unlikely
Research: 1 pub pending, 5 or 6 posters
EC: A lot of leadership and ECs, 4 things during height of COVID, two academic pathway tracks
LORs: Should be solid
PS should also be solid, if I can get around to writing it.
Likely a normal person, so interviews likely to be solid

Would like to stay in Northeast, throw in DC and MD. Also from CA originally so I'll probably throw some of them in there. Also planning fellowship in Pulm CC or Cards.

Had to apply to med school 4 times to only get 1 acceptance, so my knee-jerk reaction is to go with safe residencies, rejection sucks lol. But I also recognize I've become a solid applicant throughout med school.

Would love to hear your thoughts on my stats. Are top 20 programs realistic?
What should my reaches be?
Mid-ranges?
Safeties?

Thanks in advance fam

You can certainly apply to some top programs. You definitely won't match if you don't apply. What programs are you thinking fit in the reach/reasonable/safety categories? I mean, if you're looking from Maine to Virginia and California as well, that's >100 programs we could list for you. So that's not happening. Give us a list and we can help you refine it.

 

[Adjet]

M4, MD

Med school: mid-low tier in NY
Step 1: 250
Step 2: Likely 260+
Clerkships: H in IM, FM, Peds, Psych, Neuro, Surg. HP in OB
SubI: Doing it in July
Class rank: Likely top quartile
AOA: Unlikely
Research: 1 pub pending, 5 or 6 posters
EC: A lot of leadership and ECs, 4 things during height of COVID, two academic pathway tracks
LORs: Should be solid
PS should also be solid, if I can get around to writing it.
Likely a normal person, so interviews likely to be solid

Would like to stay in Northeast, throw in DC and MD. Also from CA originally so I'll probably throw some of them in there. Also planning fellowship in Pulm CC or Cards.

Had to apply to med school 4 times to only get 1 acceptance, so my knee-jerk reaction is to go with safe residencies, rejection sucks lol. But I also recognize I've become a solid applicant throughout med school.

Would love to hear your thoughts on my stats. Are top 20 programs realistic?
What should my reaches be?
Mid-ranges?
Safeties?

Thanks in advance fam

With decent scores and good number of clinical honors, top 20 programs are realistic, but just might be a little harder to break in not coming from a top tier school and without AOA. Focusing on your NE location preference you should apply to following:

MGH, BWH, JHH, Penn - these are reaches without AOA but def worth a shot
Columbia, Cornell - should have a better shot at these since you're in NY
UCLA - would guess it fits somewhere here in terms of competitiveness
Yale, BIDMC, UPMC, Mt. Sinai, NYU, UCSD - Interviews here not guaranteed but obtainable

As we move along, we get into mid-tier programs which you are over/well-qualified for. Examples include UMD, BU, Jeff, Brown, Temple, GWU, Monte, etc.

 

[greeneyed121]

Rising M4 applying to residency this season (god help us all), MD

Med School: Low-tier Midwest
Step 1: 216
Step 2: Aiming for 240+ but likely will be 230-239
Clerkships: My school doesn’t have HP. Didn’t honor any shelf exams but performed clinically above average in IM, psych and average in peds, surg (obgyn and FM tbd)
Class Rank: unknown but assuredly bottom 50th percentile
AOA: not a chance
Research: author on 1 peer-reviewed pub, 2 local presentations
Leadership: 4 club admins (nothing profound)
Volunteering: 6 experiences
LORs: 2 IM letters including chair letter that should be good-great, 1 psych letter that should be fantastic
PS: shouldn't filter me out
Red Flags: none

As is made evident by my stats, I am not a gunner-type student. I have browsed this forum enough to realize that my chances at a top 25 program are out the window, and I am absolutely fine with that. I don’t have ambitious plans for specializing and would be perfectly content as a general internist, though I am also open to specializing if compelled during residency. I’m just wondering what my chances are at mid-low tier academic programs and community programs both inside and outside of my region.

My most desired region is the west (CA, OR, WA), but I have no ties to the region and won’t be able to complete an away rotation there due to the current pandemic. I am definitely willing to go the community route if it gives me any chance of matching in the west. I know that regional bias is very real (especially this year), but if you could comment on my list and recommend any additional programs I would appreciate it.

West: Virginia Mason, OHSU, Providence St. Vincent, SCVMC, Kaiser Oakland, Kaiser SF, Kaiser Santa Clara, Cal Pacific, UC Davis, UC Irvine, Huntington Memorial, UCSD, Arrowhead, Olive View, Kaiser LA, UC Riverside, USC, Scripps Green, Scripps Mercy, UCSF Fresno, U Utah, U Arizona Tucson, U Arizona Phoenix, U Washington Boise, U New Mexico, St. Joseph Denver

Midwest: U Wisconsin, Med College Wisconsin, U Nebraska, U Minnesota, U Iowa, OSU, University Hospitals Cleveland, Beaumont Royal Oak, UPMC, U Kansas, Rush

Northeast: U Vermont, Maine Medical Center, Dartmouth, U Mass, Brown, Stony Brook, U Maryland, Tufts, Rutgers, Rutgers RWJ, Boston U, U Rochester

Southeast: UT Houston, Houston Methodist, UT Austin, Carolinas Medical Center, Wake Forest, UNC, Medical University of South Carolina

I understand that I probably don’t have great interview chances at many of these programs, but I just want to know which ones I would be wasting my money on. I will definitely apply to more safety programs in region on top of these, and I’m not too proud to beg for interviews. I welcome and appreciate all input.

 

[gutonc]

Rising M4 applying to residency this season (god help us all), MD

Med School: Low-tier Midwest
Step 1: 216
Step 2: Aiming for 240+ but likely will be 230-239
Clerkships: My school doesn’t have HP. Didn’t honor any shelf exams but performed clinically above average in IM, psych and average in peds, surg (obgyn and FM tbd)
Class Rank: unknown but assuredly bottom 50th percentile
AOA: not a chance
Research: author on 1 peer-reviewed pub, 2 local presentations
Leadership: 4 club admins (nothing profound)
Volunteering: 6 experiences
LORs: 2 IM letters including chair letter that should be good-great, 1 psych letter that should be fantastic
PS: shouldn't filter me out
Red Flags: none

As is made evident by my stats, I am not a gunner-type student. I have browsed this forum enough to realize that my chances at a top 25 program are out the window, and I am absolutely fine with that. I don’t have ambitious plans for specializing and would be perfectly content as a general internist, though I am also open to specializing if compelled during residency. I’m just wondering what my chances are at mid-low tier academic programs and community programs both inside and outside of my region.

My most desired region is the west (CA, OR, WA), but I have no ties to the region and won’t be able to complete an away rotation there due to the current pandemic. I am definitely willing to go the community route if it gives me any chance of matching in the west. I know that regional bias is very real (especially this year), but if you could comment on my list and recommend any additional programs I would appreciate it.

West: Virginia Mason, OHSU, Providence St. Vincent, SCVMC, Kaiser Oakland, Kaiser SF, Kaiser Santa Clara, Cal Pacific, UC Davis, UC Irvine, Huntington Memorial, UCSD, Arrowhead, Olive View, Kaiser LA, UC Riverside, USC, Scripps Green, Scripps Mercy, UCSF Fresno, U Utah, U Arizona Tucson, U Arizona Phoenix, U Washington Boise, U New Mexico, St. Joseph Denver

Midwest: U Wisconsin, Med College Wisconsin, U Nebraska, U Minnesota, U Iowa, OSU, University Hospitals Cleveland, Beaumont Royal Oak, UPMC, U Kansas, Rush

Northeast: U Vermont, Maine Medical Center, Dartmouth, U Mass, Brown, Stony Brook, U Maryland, Tufts, Rutgers, Rutgers RWJ, Boston U, U Rochester

Southeast: UT Houston, Houston Methodist, UT Austin, Carolinas Medical Center, Wake Forest, UNC, Medical University of South Carolina

I understand that I probably don’t have great interview chances at many of these programs, but I just want to know which ones I would be wasting my money on. I will definitely apply to more safety programs in region on top of these, and I’m not too proud to beg for interviews. I welcome and appreciate all input.

I think this is a well thought out list. I'm not sure you need to cover all those geographical areas if you're not interested in going to them. You should add Legacy in Portland to the West, and SLU, UCinn and UIC to the Midwest list. If you're not interested in going to SC or TX, don't bother with those places. Same with the NE. You should be fine with the list you have.

 

[futureofmed]

Hi all! Looking fro advice on IM programs I am specifically interested in heme/onc or cards (slightly leaning towards heme onc)

Med school: Southeast MD (Rank 50-55)
Step 1: 211 🙁
Step 2 CK: 238 🙁
Research: 2nd author pub in geriatrics + 2 poster presentations, poster in anesthesia
Class rank: We are not ranked
AOA: Nope
3rd year rotations: HP in IM, Peds, EM, Psych, & FM. P in surgery, ob, and neuro.
LOR: planning on 1 anesthesia, 2 IM, and chair letter
EC: regular stuff - volunteering, leadership, nothing mind blowing

NC resident but really open to any programs in the states below (significant other has a lot of say in which state we live in). Really hoping for a strong academic program or community program that will lead me to fellowship. I also tried to target programs that were at least 75% USMD (if this even matters?)... but I know I cant be picky given my step scores

This is my list so far:

CT - Yale
DC - GWU, Gtown
FL - Mayo Jax, USF, UF, UMiami,
GA - Emory
IL - Rush, UIC, Loyola
IN - IUSM
KY - UK, Louisville
LA - Tulane, LSU-NO
MA - Tufts, UMass
MD - UMD, Hopkins Bayview
MO - SLU, WUSTL
NC - UNC, Wake, Atrium, Duke
NJ - Rutgers RWJ
NY - University of Rochester
OH - OSU, Cincinnati, Case, Cleveland Clinic
PA - TJUH, Temple, UPMC
RI - Brown
TN - Vandy, UT - Nashville, UT - Memphis
TX - UT Houston, UT Austin, UTMB
VA - UVa, VCU

Is 40ish programs enough? Obviously my biggest worry is my USMLE scores. I also assume programs will see a huge surge in apps since the cost to interview is $0 for my class. Any advice appreciated! Thank you all! 🙂

 

[gutonc]

Hi all! Looking fro advice on IM programs I am specifically interested in heme/onc or cards (slightly leaning towards heme onc)

Med school: Southeast MD (Rank 50-55)
Step 1: 211 🙁
Step 2 CK: 238 🙁
Research: 2nd author pub in geriatrics + 2 poster presentations, poster in anesthesia
Class rank: We are not ranked
AOA: Nope
3rd year rotations: HP in IM, Peds, EM, Psych, & FM. P in surgery, ob, and neuro.
LOR: planning on 1 anesthesia, 2 IM, and chair letter
EC: regular stuff - volunteering, leadership, nothing mind blowing

NC resident but really open to any programs in the states below (significant other has a lot of say in which state we live in). Really hoping for a strong academic program or community program that will lead me to fellowship. I also tried to target programs that were at least 75% USMD (if this even matters?)... but I know I cant be picky given my step scores

This is my list so far:

CT - Yale
DC - GWU, Gtown
FL - Mayo Jax, USF, UF, UMiami,
GA - Emory
IL - Rush, UIC, Loyola
IN - IUSM
KY - UK, Louisville
LA - Tulane, LSU-NO
MA - Tufts, UMass
MD - UMD, Hopkins Bayview
MO - SLU, WUSTL
NC - UNC, Wake, Atrium, Duke
NJ - Rutgers RWJ
NY - University of Rochester
OH - OSU, Cincinnati, Case, Cleveland Clinic
PA - TJUH, Temple, UPMC
RI - Brown
TN - Vandy, UT - Nashville, UT - Memphis
TX - UT Houston, UT Austin, UTMB
VA - UVa, VCU

Is 40ish programs enough? Obviously my biggest worry is my USMLE scores. I also assume programs will see a huge surge in apps since the cost to interview is $0 for my class. Any advice appreciated! Thank you all! 🙂

I think 40 is a good number and that's a pretty reasonable list. A few of those (Vandy, WashU, Emory, Duke, probably UNC) are going to be donations to ERAS, but you definitely won't get invitations if you don't apply so no reason to hold back the $100 or so you'd save.

 

[DameJulie]

does anyone know if UC Davis IM program is not receptive to rank DO applicants? They haven’t taken a DO in the past few years, and didn’t take one this year. In contrast, UCSD UCI and UCR have taken at least 1 DO.

 

[AlteredScale]

does anyone know if UC Davis IM program is not receptive to rank DO applicants? They haven’t taken a DO in the past few years, and didn’t take one this year. In contrast, UCSD UCI and UCR have taken at least 1 DO.

So for DOs, it’s a shot in the dark for all UC programs except for maybe UCSF-Fresno.

If the roster has no DOs, your chance of matching there is really really low. I don’t know what ur chance of interviewing there is though. If you have good steps, a good connection. and letter from someone there you could potentially get it, and you could maybe get ranked to match. Maybe.

I know UCI is more consistent with matching DOs. UCSD is pretty competitive, you have one single DO on the entire roster. So I wouldn’t hedge my bets on interviewing or being ranked there as a DO unless you have the scores, letters, and research research research (UCSD is a research powerhouse).

Don’t get me wrong, you can apply to all of the programs you listed. At the end of the day you won’t know unless you apply but you have use the data you have to plan accordingly.

 

[DameJulie]

So for DOs, it’s a shot in the dark for all UC programs except for maybe UCSF-Fresno.

If the roster has no DOs, your chance of matching there is really really low. I don’t know what ur chance of interviewing there is though. If you have good steps, a good connection. and letter from someone there you could potentially get it, and you could maybe get ranked to match. Maybe.

I know UCI is more consistent with matching DOs. UCSD is pretty competitive, you have one single DO on the entire roster. So I wouldn’t hedge my bets on interviewing or being ranked there as a DO unless you have the scores, letters, and research research research (UCSD is a research powerhouse).

Don’t get me wrong, you can apply to all of the programs you listed. At the end of the day you won’t know unless you apply but you have use the data you have to plan accordingly.

Thanks for your insight. Based on the rosters, it seems like chances are a mid/low tier UC is very slim, unless you’re from Touro CA or Western. With CNUCOM and CUSMCOM and Kaiser adding to the race, I am very worried for future DO representations in UC IM residency programs.

do you know if UCR takes DOs? Their roster doesn’t list residents degrees or school graduated?

 

[AlteredScale]

Thanks for your insight. Based on the rosters, it seems like chances are a mid/low tier UC is very slim, unless you’re from Touro CA or Western. With CNUCOM and CUSMCOM and Kaiser adding to the race, I am very worried for future DO representations in UC IM residency programs.

do you know if UCR takes DOs? Their roster doesn’t list residents degrees or school graduated?

UC programs can really pick whoever they want. I think as a DO if you are really set on a place, your best shot will be to get letters there after a strong Sub-I. It's far from ideal as you can also really screw your chances up if you don't do good.

I am not aware of UC-R having any DO's in their program. Though it wouldn't hurt at all to ask their program coordinator just to see.

 

[PayItForward1]

Hoping to get some thoughts on more places and feedback on existing list. Primarily hoping to go to the northeast or midwest

DO, South
Step 1: 235-240
Step 2: 240-245
COMLEX 1: 595-600
COMLEX 2: Pending

M3 Clerkships:
Honors in everything except surgery (High pass)

Class rank:
Preclinical: 1st quartile
Clinical: Not sure, either 1st or 2nd

Research: 4 publications while working after undergrad, no first authors
One summer research experience

Activities:
Student Government: Worked on some resolutions that were passed
Volunteer: Tutoring, free clinic, food pantry. Standard stuff
Student Interest groups (SIG): E-board for public health and neurology
SSP: Yes, also the treasurer
GHHS: No

LORs: Should be solid

---------

UConn, Greenwich hospital, U Vermont, Temple, Albert Einstein, Lehigh Valley, Allegheny Health, Stony Brook + Stony Brook Southampton, NYU Winthrop, Montefiore (both?), Hofstra/Northwell @ Lenox Hill, Westchester Medical Center, St. John's Riverside, Cooper University Hospital, Atlantic Health, Christiana Care, UMass, Howard

Cleveland Clinic (all), Akron General Med, Kettering Medical Center, U Illinois - Peoria, Advocate Lutheran, UChicago Northshore, Henry Ford/Wayne State, Wright State, Ascension Macomb-Oakland

 

[AlteredScale]

Hoping to get some thoughts on more places and feedback on existing list. Primarily hoping to go to the northeast or midwest

DO, South
Step 1: 235-240
Step 2: 240-245
COMLEX 1: 595-600
COMLEX 2: Pending

M3 Clerkships:
Honors in everything except surgery (High pass)

Class rank:
Preclinical: 1st quartile
Clinical: Not sure, either 1st or 2nd

Research: 4 publications while working after undergrad, no first authors
One summer research experience

Activities:
Student Government: Worked on some resolutions that were passed
Volunteer: Tutoring, free clinic, food pantry. Standard stuff
Student Interest groups (SIG): E-board for public health and neurology
SSP: Yes, also the treasurer
GHHS: No

LORs: Should be solid

---------

UConn, Greenwich hospital, U Vermont, Temple, Albert Einstein, Lehigh Valley, Allegheny Health, Stony Brook + Stony Brook Southampton, NYU Winthrop, Montefiore (both?), Hofstra/Northwell @ Lenox Hill, Westchester Medical Center, St. John's Riverside, Cooper University Hospital, Atlantic Health, Christiana Care, UMass, Howard

Cleveland Clinic (all), Akron General Med, Kettering Medical Center, U Illinois - Peoria, Advocate Lutheran, UChicago Northshore, Henry Ford/Wayne State, Wright State, Ascension Macomb-Oakland

Why all the community programs? You have a strong enough application to try university programs.

Try UCincinatti, Ohio State, UIC, KU, Albany, Maine Medical Center.

 

[PayItForward1]

Why all the community programs? You have a strong enough application to try university programs.

Try UCincinatti, Ohio State, UIC, KU, Albany, Maine Medical Center.

Thank you! Guess I just wasn't sure where I should be looking for university spots

Are there any academic places on my initial list you think I'd be headed straight to the round file and should consider leaving off?

 

[gutonc]

Thank you! Guess I just wasn't sure where I should be looking for university spots

Are there any academic places on my initial list you think I'd be headed straight to the round file and should consider leaving off?

No. And there are a ton of other University options in the regions you've mentioned.

 

[getfat]

Looking for thoughts of where I should apply. I'm a student with a red flag (DUI 10 years ago) with average boards. So i need any help i can get.

I have a really generic application with below average board scores so I'm wondering what community programs or possibly university (i know unlikely) that would be interested.

DO Student w/ red flag (DUI >10 yrs ago, no failures, no professional issues).
Step 1: 219
Level 1: 599
Step 2: TBD - Probably 220-230 range
Level 2: TBD - probably 550-599 range.
No Research. 50th Percentile Class Rank
No AOA. No SSP.
3rd Year: Only HP in Family Medicine. P in the rest.
LOR: 1 FM, 1 Cardio, 1 IM, Chair Letter
EC: Ambassador for the school. Other than that pretty much nothing.

FL resident. 3rd year rotations were in Pennsylvania. Honestly open to any region or program mostly because I understand my red flag puts me at a disadvantage.

My list so far. Debating on applying to b/w 70-80 programs. Based on a previous posters on reddit & SDN that had similar board scores.

• Midwest: Uni of Minnesota, Uni of Kansas, UMKC, Uni of Missouri-Columbia, St Louis Uni, UIC- advocate, Wisconsin, OU-OKC, OU-Tulsa, OSU, UAMS,
• Texas: UT Medical Branch, UT Austin, Baylor COM, UT health, and Texas Tech Center, UT-Houston, UT-austin, Methodist Health- Dallas, Baylor Scott and White, UTMB
• Florida: Uni of Miami MIller/Holy Cross, UCF-Ocala, UCF-NF, UF-Pensacola, UF-Jacksonville, USF, FSU COM, Orlando Health , Broward, Advent Health
• Penn: Geisinger, Temple, Drexel, Jefferson, Allegany
• East Coast: USC
• NE: Washington Hospital, Baystate, westchester NYMC, Albany, Montefiore, UConn, UMass, NYMC, Icahn St Lukes, Maimondies, Rutgers Hofstra, Stony brook, SUNY Schools, NJ state Schools, GW.

I've tried to do my research based on previous posts and reddit. Just curious if I can get a critique of my potential list. Am I applying too aggressively based on my board scores? Should I focus more on community programs?

 

[gutonc]

I just received my step 2 score and it was significantly lower than expected. I am a DO student from the northeast. Some research experience in a major city in the NE (not NYC), with a fairly strong connection with a distinguished professor in oncology. A considerable amount of volunteer experience, pretty unique experiences, though majority are from college.
We are given letter grades for rotations, I had all A's during third year. Class rank likely in the 50th to 75th percentile for preclinical grades. Not sure how third year grades change my rank.

Scores leave a lot to be desired
Step 1 208 Level 1 497
Step 2 234

I am from NYC, I would like to stay here if possible. Strong ties to New Jersey as well. My school is in Florida so I have some connections there also. Long term goal is heme onc fellowship or pulm crit, although at this point matching somewhere decent seems like an uphill battle.

Programs I am interested in: NJMS, Stony Brook, Downstate, NYMC, Lenox Hill, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, St Lukes Roosevelt, NYU Winthrop, Staten Island University Hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center, Morristown Medical Center, Einstein Philly, Lankenau, Atlantic Health, Christiana Care, Westchester, UConn, Greenwich, Kent, Lehigh valley, St.Lukes, Lahey, Allegheny, Mt. Auburn, Albany.

I am open to programs in other parts of the country, however I have a preference for being close to the east coast. I'm not sure what programs I can be competitive for so the list is relatively short and lacking, please let me know if there are programs I am missing that may be hidden gems that my scores would allow me to match into. Are there university programs that are worth applying to for me?

Seems fine

 

[AlteredScale]

Looking for thoughts of where I should apply. I'm a student with a red flag (DUI 10 years ago) with average boards. So i need any help i can get.

I have a really generic application with below average board scores so I'm wondering what community programs or possibly university (i know unlikely) that would be interested.

DO Student w/ red flag (DUI >10 yrs ago, no failures, no professional issues).
Step 1: 219
Level 1: 599
Step 2: TBD - Probably 220-230 range
Level 2: TBD - probably 550-599 range.
No Research. 50th Percentile Class Rank
No AOA. No SSP.
3rd Year: Only HP in Family Medicine. P in the rest.
LOR: 1 FM, 1 Cardio, 1 IM, Chair Letter
EC: Ambassador for the school. Other than that pretty much nothing.

FL resident. 3rd year rotations were in Pennsylvania. Honestly open to any region or program mostly because I understand my red flag puts me at a disadvantage.

My list so far. Debating on applying to b/w 70-80 programs. Based on a previous posters on reddit & SDN that had similar board scores.

• Midwest: Uni of Minnesota, Uni of Kansas, UMKC, Uni of Missouri-Columbia, St Louis Uni, UIC- advocate, Wisconsin, OU-OKC, OU-Tulsa, OSU, UAMS,
• Texas: UT Medical Branch, UT Austin, Baylor COM, UT health, and Texas Tech Center, UT-Houston, UT-austin, Methodist Health- Dallas, Baylor Scott and White, UTMB
• Florida: Uni of Miami MIller/Holy Cross, UCF-Ocala, UCF-NF, UF-Pensacola, UF-Jacksonville, USF, FSU COM, Orlando Health , Broward, Advent Health
• Penn: Geisinger, Temple, Drexel, Jefferson, Allegany
• East Coast: USC
• NE: Washington Hospital, Baystate, westchester NYMC, Albany, Montefiore, UConn, UMass, NYMC, Icahn St Lukes, Maimondies, Rutgers Hofstra, Stony brook, SUNY Schools, NJ state Schools, GW.

I've tried to do my research based on previous posts and reddit. Just curious if I can get a critique of my potential list. Am I applying too aggressively based on my board scores? Should I focus more on community programs?

Are these all programs with screens of step 1 > 210? If so then list is ok and agree with adding more community programs (10-20 realistic safety ones that regularly accept DOs).

A big part of your list will depend on how you do on step and level 2 but based on what you have:

TBH don’t expect much love from Baylor, the bigger UTexas programs, SLU (seems to be a bit more picky now with scores), Jefferson, Montefiore, Rutgers, Stony, GW, or USF.

not even sure if worth applying to all of these. Apply to some, but not all, they will be reaches. If you have the money to burn then fine apply to all.

I would not apply to Drexel given the loss of their main hospital.

In terms of the red flag, what’s done is done, and you will need to be proactive. Whether that means reaching out to the programs and seeing if they screen with this so you don’t bother wasting ur money, or by applying to a ton more programs to be safe, pick your poison.

 

[getfat]

Are these all programs with screens of step 1 > 210? If so then list is ok and agree with adding more community programs (10-20 realistic safety ones that regularly accept DOs).

I believe so but most places have a step cut off of "200 or 210" most places so its hard to tell.

What stinks too is Residency Explorer has put my 219 at 50th percentile for alot of programs. Personally, I find that hard to believe.

TBH don’t expect much love from Baylor, the bigger UTexas programs, SLU (seems to be a bit more picky now with scores), Jefferson, Montefiore, Rutgers, Stony, GW, or USF.

I'll cross those out. Thanks alot! Other than USF because i'm from the area and a guy can hope haha.

Thanks for the help!

 

[TelemarketingEnigma]

What stinks too is Residency Explorer has put my 219 at 50th percentile for alot of programs. Personally, I find that hard to believe.

For what it's worth, I believe that Residency Explorer shows if you fall in the "middle 50%" of matched applicants - so you could be anywhere from 25th to 75th percentile

 

[forrealthough]

Hello! Looking for advice as I finalize my list of residency programs. I hope to match at an academic medical center with the eventual goal of going into either cardio or GI. I am also couples matching.

Med school: low/mid-tier USMD on the East Coast.

Step 1: 235-245.
Step 2: TBD.

Class rank: either 2nd or 3rd quartile (not sure yet).

AOA: no.

Grades: 1 honor (surgery), mostly HP's (including medicine), some P's. I don't know my sub-I grade yet but I'm hoping for honors.

Research: 1 co-first author publication, another in the works. Some poster presentations.

EC's: volunteering, tutoring, involvement in student interest groups. Nothing too crazy.

LORs: two strong letters (1 from clinicals, 1 from research) and one "chairman's letter." Unsure about the chairman's letter as I only met with the chair for all of 15 minutes, but I'm assuming it is generic at worst and good at best.

Programs: I plan to apply to ~55 programs on the east and west coasts, as well as programs in Chicago, Ohio, and Texas. I am originally from CA but my SO is not. Some programs that I am hoping for include UCI, UCSD, UCD, USC, Cedar-Sinai, Scripps, Tufts, Boston U, Yale, Montefiore, the big 4 NYC (longshot, but who knows), Hofstra, RWJ, UNC, Georgetown, GW, Emory, OHSU, Jefferson, Temple, Pitt, Brown, Baylor, UT-Houston, Miami, the Chicago programs, Hopkins-Bayview, Maryland, Tulane, UVA, VCU, Ohio State, Case Western, and Cincinnati. I'm also a little worried that I'm not applying to enough "safety" programs. I would appreciate any advice or pearls!

Good luck everyone!

 

[Adjet]

Hello! Looking for advice as I finalize my list of residency programs. I hope to match at an academic medical center with the eventual goal of going into either cardio or GI. I am also couples matching.

Med school: low/mid-tier USMD on the East Coast.

Step 1: 235-245.
Step 2: TBD.

Class rank: either 2nd or 3rd quartile (not sure yet).

AOA: no.

Grades: 1 honor (surgery), mostly HP's (including medicine), some P's. I don't know my sub-I grade yet but I'm hoping for honors.

Research: 1 co-first author publication, another in the works. Some poster presentations.

EC's: volunteering, tutoring, involvement in student interest groups. Nothing too crazy.

LORs: two strong letters (1 from clinicals, 1 from research) and one "chairman's letter." Unsure about the chairman's letter as I only met with the chair for all of 15 minutes, but I'm assuming it is generic at worst and good at best.

Programs: I plan to apply to ~55 programs on the east and west coasts, as well as programs in Chicago, Ohio, and Texas. I am originally from CA but my SO is not. Some programs that I am hoping for include UCI, UCSD, UCD, USC, Cedar-Sinai, Scripps, Tufts, Boston U, Yale, Montefiore, the big 4 NYC (longshot, but who knows), Hofstra, RWJ, UNC, Georgetown, GW, Emory, OHSU, Jefferson, Temple, Pitt, Brown, Baylor, UT-Houston, Miami, the Chicago programs, Hopkins-Bayview, Maryland, Tulane, UVA, VCU, Ohio State, Case Western, and Cincinnati. I'm also a little worried that I'm not applying to enough "safety" programs. I would appreciate any advice or pearls!

Good luck everyone!

The strengths of your application are above average step 1 (hopefully carry it over to step 2) and some research, but the clinical grades (non-H in medicine in particular) and low/mid-tier med school pedigree will limit your options. A low/mid-tier academic program should certainly be within reach though. I'm not as familiar with competitiveness of CA programs, but the programs that stand out as programs you have a shot at are UCI, UCD, Scripps, Tufts, Monte, Hofstra, RWJ, Georgetown, GWU, Jefferson, Temple, Brown, UTH, Miami, UMD, Tulane, VCU, Cinci, OSU, mid-tier Chicago programs (UIC, Rush, Loyola). I would add that some programs that are not in your region/near your hometown may be leery about the chances you would move for their program and may not send you an invite despite you being qualified. If there are programs you are interested in that you don't hear back from, def shoot the PD an email since this could be the case. As far as "safety" programs, I think it would be reasonable to pick a city/region that would be ideal if location was your only criteria and apply to some low-tier academic/community programs in that area so even if it's not an ideal program, it's somewhere you like. Good luck!

 

[steadyhand]

A few questions:
What are your level scores? Because those still matter and may matter even more with your lower Step 1 score.
Did you get SSP?
Where are your letters from? (university hospital?)
Do you have a focus on pursuing research since you have pretty high productivity? Do you have a letter from your research mentor if this is all form the same lab?

Programs worth applying to:
CA
Loma Linda, UC Irvine, UC Riverside/Davis (if from the region will help), UCLA Harbor, UCLA Olive, UCSF Fresno, Kaiser Permanente, Scripps Green and Mercy
PNW
Virginia Mason, Legacy Emmanuel, Providence, UW - Boise Idaho, Good Samaritan, Spokane Teaching Health Center

Apply to some of these but don't expect much response (because of step score and being DO):
OHSU, UW, UCSD, UCLA, UCSF, USC, Stanford, Cedars Sinai. You can possibly better your chances at these places by doing a Sub-I and landing a letter there.

Update: ended up with a 40 point jump on CK!!

 

[Valsartan]

Hello! I'm a current 4th year DO student from the Northeast looking to see what are my chances to match at a NYC program. My goal is to complete a fellowship but I am currently undecided on which but I want the option to complete one.

Step 1: 235-240.
Step 2: 255-260
Level 1/2: 600+

Class rank: 1st quartile

SSP (DO honor society): yes

Grades: 1 honor (IM) and rest HP's

Research: 1 poster, 1 case report

EC's: I have my fair share of volunteering, tutoring, club position, etc

LORs: My letters are likely solid/strong. 2 are from attendings and 1 from a chair

I've looked into programs throughout the city and they seem to take in-house for fellowship opportunities. What are my chances to match in programs like Mount Sinai St. Lukes, Lenox Hill, NYP Queens, Maimonides, Winthrop, Staten Island University, Downstate, or Montefiore? I understand the bigger name programs like Cornell are out of the question. Would really appreciate anyone's input so I can get an idea of where to apply and to avoid programs I don't have a shot at. Thank you all, hope you're doing well in these times!

 

[CoolDude1]

DO
Step 1/comlex1 = 249/617
step 2/comlex2 = 259/746
comlex pe = pass
SSP
probably top 1/3 of class?
half honors (IM) and half high pass
No research/no pubs
Letters will be okay, but nothing special

WAMC at an academic center in philly?

@gutonc

 

[HatTricks01]

Updated this now that application season is approaching and 4th year has started. Any tips on programs/# of apps to send out?

I had a very similar app minus the dual degree. Overall, you will do great. Your potential induction into AOA will play a crucial role in whether or not you get looks from “elite/top tier” programs, especially coming from a “lower tier” school. You may even get a few looks from some of them even if you aren’t AOA.

I applied to about 30 programs which ended up being gross overkill. You can realistically do ~20 and still comfortably match into a great program. You definitely have a shot at top southern programs such as Duke, UNC, Vandy, Emory, UTSW.

 

[HeisenbergIsTheGOAT]

Your list is a good mix of Sweet Spot and safety and only really one reach I can see in there. Can't hurt (anything other than your wallet) to apply to a few more reaches like UAB, Emory, Hopkins-Bayview, UNC, etc (based on your apparent geographic preferences).

As for the PS, you're applying for a job as an internal medicine resident, not as an oncology fellow. Write it accordingly. You can have 1-2 sentences about hem/onc, but that should not be your focus.

Recently received my step 2 score - 227. How do you suggest I alter this list based on that?

 

[gutonc]

Recently received my step 2 score - 227. How do you suggest I alter this list based on that?

You should alter it by pushing "submit".

 

[Deecee2DO]

Question for yall-As a DO student who wants to do GI I really want to match at the best academic/Uni IM program I can. My Step 1 score is a 254-I know there is more to it than Step but if i can get the same score or better on Step 2 would Georgetown, Dartmouth, Brown, or Wake IM still be out of reach for me being that I am a DO student? I was top quartile pre-clinical (heard this doesn't mean anything unless AOA and im a DO student so thats impossible I guess). Trying to honor all clerkships this year and in the process of currently getting on GI research during M3 and M4. My absolute dream would be Georgetown or Yale IM but i feel like Yale would be out of my league as a DO

 

[AlteredScale]

DO
Step 1/comlex1 = 249/617
step 2/comlex2 = 259/746
comlex pe = pass
SSP
probably top 1/3 of class?
half honors (IM) and half high pass
No research/no pubs
Letters will be okay, but nothing special

WAMC at an academic center in philly?

@gutonc

You probably have a decent chance at some of the philly places like Jeff or Pennsy. Wouldnt count on getting much love from penn with no research and okay letters (not sure if okay means preceptor/community vs uni which can actually really help). But it’s still worth sending an app there still if you really wanna stay in that location.

 

[AlteredScale]

Question for yall-As a DO student who wants to do GI I really want to match at the best academic/Uni IM program I can. My Step 1 score is a 254-I know there is more to it than Step but if i can get the same score or better on Step 2 would Georgetown, Dartmouth, Brown, or Wake IM still be out of reach for me being that I am a DO student? I was top quartile pre-clinical (heard this doesn't mean anything unless AOA and im a DO student so thats impossible I guess). Trying to honor all clerkships this year and in the process of currently getting on GI research during M3 and M4. My absolute dream would be Georgetown or Yale IM but i feel like Yale would be out of my league as a DO

George, Dartmouth, and wake have DOs so apply. Throw an app to Yale. You never know. You have strong board scores.

You know how competitive it is to do GI. Work your butt off. Get research done and really commit to making a niche for your self (not saying get funding just find an area of GI/hep reseaech you love). Make good connections early. Score well on your boards. You’ll get your in.

 

[Deecee2DO]

George, Dartmouth, and wake have DOs so apply. Throw an app to Yale. You never know. You have strong board scores.

You know how competitive it is to do GI. Work your butt off. Get research done and really commit to making a niche for your self (not saying get funding just find an area of GI/hep reseaech you love). Make good connections early. Score well on your boards. You’ll get your in.

Thanks so much! Any advice research wise? Im working on it but I only have M3 and M4 is that enough time to get pubs? Do I need super strong pubs before IM residency or just my name on a few projects? I obvi know by the time I apply GI ill have more since I can do research during IM too but as far as landing that strong IM residency im sure these programs want bigtime pubs right? Like you mentioned i have the scores but my weakest part right now which im working on is the research aspect

 

[AlteredScale]

Thanks so much! Any advice research wise? Im working on it but I only have M3 and M4 is that enough time to get pubs? Do I need super strong pubs before IM residency or just my name on a few projects? I obvi know by the time I apply GI ill have more since I can do research during IM too but as far as landing that strong IM residency im sure these programs want bigtime pubs right? Like you mentioned i have the scores but my weakest part right now which im working on is the research aspect

Do what you can now. There’s no hard and fast rule for research honestly. Do quality work, do something you are passionate about. Don’t think about the numbers. The numbers will come. Commit to your project and meet the deadlines. Do not flake out.

The earlier you get most of this done the less you have to worry about in residency which can entail brutally long hours where the last thing on your mind is to comb over pubmed on your one day off a week after clocking 90hrs.

Additionally, it helps having the connections early as a student instead of start fresh in residency and having to get your name in the potentially long list of residents also wanting to do GI.