Official WAMC thread for EM applicants

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eatkalteenbars said:
Current M3 trying to figure out how to most strategically schedule 4th year
  • Mid-tier East Coast MD school.
  • Preclinicals: Mostly pass, 1-2 HP/H sprinkled in there, not sure where I rank in my class but probably near the middle
  • Clinicals: Honors in surgery and neuro, HP medicine, excellent evals
  • Step 1: 234
  • Variety of extracurriculars/leadership, did research during my masters program but none during med school
I'm from Southern California and would like to at least try to match back in CA (that being said, I'd be happy staying on the East Coast too...I'm not banking on California with my scores haha) I am planning on taking CS and CK in July and doing an EM sub-I at my home institution in August. My understanding is that my best bet would be to apply for aways in CA for September and October.
I have been getting really positive feedback on my rotations but I don't have the opportunity to do an EM elective this year, so I'm worried that I won't know enough to look good (or at least not idiotic) on my auditions. Assuming I can get decent SLOEs, would 2 west coast audition rotations and 1 home rotation be sufficient? (This is of course also assuming I'll be accepted for away rotations...also something I'd like to know more about.)
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I don't think you should worry too much about the lack of experience for your home rotation as they'll know it's your first EM rotation, but shadowing a little bit beforehand in the ED certainly won't hurt! 3 EM rotations is definitely sufficient (and some would even say 1 too many, but 3 is pretty average these days). The biggest concern I have for you is that your first EM rotation is in Aug. This means that the earliest you'd have one SLOE is Sep 1st and the earliest you'd have 2 SLOEs is Oct 1 (assuming everyone gets submits immediately after the rotation, which they do not). Most programs require 2 SLOEs for an interview so were I you I'd make getting two rotations in more of a priority than Step 2s, but n=1.
 
sfwtboy said:
Most programs require 2 SLOEs for an interview
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I'm not so sure this is true. A CORD survey showed over 80% or so of PDs said they would extend an interview based on one SLOE. This just istn't true that you absolutely must get two SLOEs in by Sept 1. You need to have one by when ERAS opens (sept 15). You'll want to get a second by sometime in October, since most will want to see a second one at some point during your interview season in order to rank you.

Now, if that first SLOE isn't a decent one, then I can see it being a bigger deal having a second one earlier.
 
sfwtboy said:
I don't think you should worry too much about the lack of experience for your home rotation as they'll know it's your first EM rotation, but shadowing a little bit beforehand in the ED certainly won't hurt! 3 EM rotations is definitely sufficient (and some would even say 1 too many, but 3 is pretty average these days). The biggest concern I have for you is that your first EM rotation is in Aug. This means that the earliest you'd have one SLOE is Sep 1st and the earliest you'd have 2 SLOEs is Oct 1 (assuming everyone gets submits immediately after the rotation, which they do not). Most programs require 2 SLOEs for an interview so were I you I'd make getting two rotations in more of a priority than Step 2s, but n=1.
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gamerEMdoc said:
I'm not so sure this is true. A CORD survey showed over 80% or so of PDs said they would extend an interview based on one SLOE. This just istn't true that you absolutely must get two SLOEs in by Sept 1. You need to have one by when ERAS opens (sept 15). You'll want to get a second by sometime in October, since most will want to see a second one at some point during your interview season in order to rank you.

Now, if that first SLOE isn't a decent one, then I can see it being a bigger deal having a second one earlier.
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I've heard that my home institution is fairly generous when it comes to writing SLOEs. If that's the case, then it sounds like it'd be ok for me to take CK first? I'd really like to get it out of the way.
 
I think its absolutely reasonable to knock out both exams in July, as long as you are absolutely sure you can secure an August and September EM rotation, and you think you are likely to get a decent SLOE from the August rotation for when ERAS opens up.
 
Hi everyone! Current 3rd year DO student on the East Coast trying to figure out the best way to approach 4th year and residency applications:
  • USMLE Step 1: 240
  • COMLEX Level 1: 671
  • Step/Level 2 TBD
  • Preclinicals: All As/Bs, no remediation of any classes, GPA 3.70/4.00
  • Clinicals: All Honors (Peds, inpatient IM, OB/GYN, psych, FM) with the exception of one HP (outpatient Internal Medicine), have not yet completed surgery rotation; great eval comments so far
  • Several extracurriculars/leadership positions during medical school
  • Research with one poster presentation during undergrad, none during medical school
Would ideally love to match ACGME anywhere in the Northeast, Southeast, or Southern US area in a larger city/metropolitan area. Open to any suggestions and feedback on my chances at programs in these geographical areas as well as any ideas for programs to look at in my score range!
 
doctore44 said:
Hi everyone! Current 3rd year DO student on the East Coast trying to figure out the best way to approach 4th year and residency applications:
  • USMLE Step 1: 240
  • COMLEX Level 1: 671
  • Step/Level 2 TBD
  • Preclinicals: All As/Bs, no remediation of any classes, GPA 3.70/4.00
  • Clinicals: All Honors (Peds, inpatient IM, OB/GYN, psych, FM) with the exception of one HP (outpatient Internal Medicine), have not yet completed surgery rotation; great eval comments so far
  • Several extracurriculars/leadership positions during medical school
  • Research with one poster presentation during undergrad, none during medical school
Would ideally love to match ACGME anywhere in the Northeast, Southeast, or Southern US area in a larger city/metropolitan area. Open to any suggestions and feedback on my chances at programs in these geographical areas as well as any ideas for programs to look at in my score range!
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As long as your sloes are decent and you are a normal human in an interview I'd say you are solid.

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Just got my M3 EM clerkship grade back - a P on a H/HP/P/F scale. All the written comments I received on the eval were positive. Almost no one at my school gets honors due to a very high cutoff, but no one really knows the breakdown of HPs vs Ps. No idea what the SLOR is going to look like. My Step 1 is 230...how ****ed am I for EM? Which EM residency programs am I effectively out of the running for?
 
wh2k13 said:
Just got my M3 EM clerkship grade back - a P on a H/HP/P/F scale. All the written comments I received on the eval were positive. Almost no one at my school gets honors due to a very high cutoff, but no one really knows the breakdown of HPs vs Ps. No idea what the SLOR is going to look like. My Step 1 is 230...how ****ed am I for EM? Which EM residency programs am I effectively out of the running for?
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Most people don't get a SLOE from their MS3 clerkship. Can you do an AI/sub-I at your home school during 4th year? If so, no need to worry about the P. I know someone with a score a couple points below you who also got a P in 3rd year but improved on Step 2 CK and got great 4th year SLOEs and matched very well!
 
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surely said:
(Disclaimer: I'm an MS4 too.)

You were wise to apply so broadly! It's obvious from your SLOEs that you have a lot to offer, despite your Step scores, and I'm hopeful you'll get some attention.

If I were in your shoes, I would add more EM programs, just based on the data in the AAMC Step 1+2 matrix, which puts you at the bottom 3.2% of Step scores among EM residents who matched in March 2015: Data and Analysis - AAMC (Select Emergency from the drop-down menu, find the cell at the intersection of 207 on Step 1 and 218 on Step 2, add up the percentages shown in all the cells that are to the left and below that cell). Sorry, I know those numbers aren't comforting...

Overall, Charting Outcomes doesn't give you the most favorable odds in the world. Applying to more EM programs might help. A discreet Family Medicine backup strategy (by "discreet" I mean applying to FM programs at institutions that don't also have EM programs) is probably wise, just to avoid the risk of SOAPing. Alternately, Peds -> Peds EM is worth thinking about, if you're so inclined.

Oh, and how did you do on the SVI? I know, I know, we all hate it and the general consensus is to ignore bad scores, but if you did well, maybe that will help you stand out from the pack of people with lower Step scores and a PD will take a chance on you.

The average EM applicant in the ERAS 2017 cycle (2016-2017) from a US MD school applied to 49.1 programs (data taken from here: https://www.aamc.org/download/358760/data/residency.xlsx). Reevaluate the list of programs you didn't apply to. If there are any programs on there that you would rather match to than face SOAP/rather match to than go into Family, add them (unless they're totally unrealistic Reach programs, like California or Denver or something). Throw money at it - You'll earn it back on the other end. Send me your list of programs if you want another pair of eyes. And be on the lookout for new programs getting added to ERAS. I heard that Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Georgia just got accredited to take 12 EM residents this year, and they haven't hit ERAS yet.

Good luck!
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Is California that hard to get into work average step scores?

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surely said:
Most people don't get a SLOE from their MS3 clerkship. Can you do an AI/sub-I at your home school during 4th year? If so, no need to worry about the P. I know someone with a score a couple points below you who also got a P in 3rd year but improved on Step 2 CK and got great 4th year SLOEs and matched very well!
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Surely, I think sometimes you are reading my mind with your advice, it's spot on again. I generally tell students to not get SLOEs from EM rotations during third year, unless its a June AI rotation. The only exception would be if you had a rotation and got overwhelmingly positive feedback and a great grade. If that's the case, sure get a SLOE, but then again if you are getting feedback like that in mid 1/3 year, you probably are going to get outstanding SLOEs in the 4th year as well.

For the majority of students, especially in that middle 1/3 group, getting a SLOE from your very first EM rotation in the middle of the 3rd year is a risky gamble, and often times is going to lead to a lower ranked SLOE.
 
Hi guys, long time lurker first time poster, but since it's the end of 3rd year, I figured I'd make an account to get some advice just for my situation!
About me:
Mid tier program in NYC
227 step 1 (I really didn't put in the time I should have for the first two years)
Honors in internal medicine and psychiatry, HP in everything else (OBGYN, peds, surgery, family med)
I've been working hard and think I can get 240's for step 2

I've applied to multiple aways, but unfortunately only have one scheduled for the end of August-September and I have my home rotation through late June-July. I'm working on seeing if I can get another one.

Other than all that, I really don't have too much exciting about me. I didn't join any clubs or anything like that- just spent time with friends and family in my free time and volunteered at a free clinic here and there for the first couple of years. No leadership positions. I work on a urology paper the summer after first year, but that was never submitted and I never presented it, but did get things started for it.

With all that in mind, what would you say my chances are at programs along the east coast? I don't think I'm too selective, I'd just like to avoid the major cities like Boston and New York, and I'd like to avoid Florida (too hot. lol). I'm more of an outdoors hiking kind of guy. Thanks in advance guys!
 
oshanimalia said:
I'm sad now

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Ymmv. I had way below average board scores and got interviews at both of the California programs I applied to (both were pie-in-the-sky programs that my advisor thought I'd be wasting money applying to). And I have no west coast connections. So excellent SLOEs and a strong personal statement/CV can go a long way!

On the other hand, I got zero love from any of the midwestern programs I applied to, so my n=1 experience is it's way harder to score invites at non-California/non-East Coast programs... :laugh:
 
Superslim11 said:
US MD Mid-tier
step 1 score= 221, no research some extracurriculars.
Want to only go to 3 year university programs. but if i had to will apply to community. dont really care about reputation.

chances? am i cruising? i got my score recently and was disappointed tbh but glad its all over.
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I don't know how many times I have to say this, and yet people still think that someone can judge their competitiveness by nothing but a board score. It just doesn't work that way. Boards aren't nearly as important as SLOEs. You could match at a good program with a 220, and not match with a 250. Its all about the SLOEs. So no one is going to really be able to tell you, one way or the other, what your chances are, knowing the only piece of info about your candidacy is a 221. So don't worry about anything yet. Just do well on your clinical EM rotations and get strong SLOEs and you'll be fine matching.
 
Hello, everyone. Just looking for a little advice. Currently ending my third year and recently became extremely interested in EM after my last rotation, but not sure if I really have a chance. I'm at a DO school and only took the COMLEX and received a score of 520-530, and will be taking level II in the next couple months along with the PE in the early Fall. Preclinical grades and class rank aren't that good, but clinical grades have been great along with good eval comments. Have the usual extracurriculars and a little research. I was thinking I would apply to all the AOA programs/former AOA programs and perhaps some of the community programs. I don't have any regional preference, just want to end up somewhere. Rural areas are a plus for me. I understand the SLOEs seem to be an extremely important part of the application, but was wondering if I really had a chance of matching EM with how competitive things have gotten? Also, if anyone has any advice on specific programs I should be looking into that would be great as well! Thanks!
 
At least take USMLE step 2 or you will be barring yourself from many places that are now allowing those who took that test (and Step 1) to compete with you for a spot
 
Solving4gravity said:
Hello, everyone. Just looking for a little advice. Currently ending my third year and recently became extremely interested in EM after my last rotation, but not sure if I really have a chance. I'm at a DO school and only took the COMLEX and received a score of 520-530, and will be taking level II in the next couple months along with the PE in the early Fall. Preclinical grades and class rank aren't that good, but clinical grades have been great along with good eval comments. Have the usual extracurriculars and a little research. I was thinking I would apply to all the AOA programs/former AOA programs and perhaps some of the community programs. I don't have any regional preference, just want to end up somewhere. Rural areas are a plus for me. I understand the SLOEs seem to be an extremely important part of the application, but was wondering if I really had a chance of matching EM with how competitive things have gotten? Also, if anyone has any advice on specific programs I should be looking into that would be great as well! Thanks!
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You still can easily match EM. There are plenty of DO friendly places, and speaking from a former AOA EM residency thats now ACGME, I'd say that the board scores of our match list usually average around your comlex. Feel free to PM me if you need any specific advice about how to gameplan this whole process based on your specific app.
 
Current third year DO student - 230 USMLE / 490 COMLEX. Chances of matching ACGME back in Illinois, California, or New York?
 
blah2468 said:
Current third year DO student - 230 USMLE / 490 COMLEX. Chances of matching ACGME back in Illinois, California, or New York?
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As has been repeatedly noted in this thread and @gamerEMdoc 's mega thread -- it's highly dependent on your performance on your EM rotations. Your USMLE is just about the mean score for applicants who match, so that alone should not hold you back. California programs are relatively more competitive due to the draw of the sand and surf, but other than that I don't think much can be said of your chances without having more information (clinical grades, notable extra-curriculars, planned away rotations, criminal history... that last one is a joke... sort of.)
 
Hey guys,

Applying ACGME - EM this cycle. Had pretty good stats up until this year:

STEP1: 24X+; COMLEX 1: 68X+
STEP 2: TBD (8/29 Release); COMLEX 2: 51X+
Solid CV with multiple research/volunteer experiences, and believe my SLOE's will be all honors.

Had a pretty steep drop from COMLEX 1 to 2; was wondering what the implications of withholding my COMLEX transcript till after interviews were? I'm only applying ACME, and my school suggested I solely release my USMLE transcript.

I'm anticipating my STEP 2 will be par/slightly lower than my STEP 1 from UWorld practice tests.

Anyone have experience with this?
 
CardiacLion said:
Hey guys,

Applying ACGME - EM this cycle. Had pretty good stats up until this year:

STEP1: 24X+; COMLEX 1: 68X+
STEP 2: TBD (8/29 Release); COMLEX 2: 51X+
Solid CV with multiple research/volunteer experiences, and believe my SLOE's will be all honors.

Had a pretty steep drop from COMLEX 1 to 2; was wondering what the implications of withholding my COMLEX transcript till after interviews were? I'm only applying ACME, and my school suggested I solely release my USMLE transcript.

I'm anticipating my STEP 2 will be par/slightly lower than my STEP 1 from UWorld practice tests.

Anyone have experience with this?
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I'm not sure what you mean by "your sloes will be all honors". The important part of the SLOE is where the program says where they anticipate ranking you on their list. Top 10, top 1/3, mid 1/3, low 1/3. That doesn't always correlate to grades. Some programs give 90% of their students "honors". Some "honors" graded students get mid 1/3 SLOEs.

That being said, if you are certain you are going to have great SLOEs, then you won't have any trouble matching.
 
gamerEMdoc said:
I'm not sure what you mean by "your sloes will be all honors". The important part of the SLOE is where the program says where they anticipate ranking you on their list. Top 10, top 1/3, mid 1/3, low 1/3. That doesn't always correlate to grades. Some programs give 90% of their students "honors". Some "honors" graded students get mid 1/3 SLOEs.

That being said, if you are certain you are going to have great SLOEs, then you won't have any trouble matching.
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Thank you so much for the response, you are awesome!

I didn't know that about SLOE's, so thank you for the information. Obviously this not based on any real information, but my gut tells me I've been doing well, and from what I hear from other residents they say the same, so definitely hoping that puts me in a good spot.

Again thank you so so much for being such a big help. Reading through your posts, makes me feel like you deserve $$ or a honorary distinction for your help to students!
 
Long time lurker here. Midwest DO applicant. Didn't take step 1 due to lower scores, but took step 2 (score pending) practice tests both NBME and UWorld 255-258 on all of them. Level 1 >550 level 2 >700. I'm having a hard time narrowing down the programs that I want to apply to, no regional preferences just want to match. Should I be ok with about 70 programs, both previously AOA and ACGME only? Applying NRMP.
 
TheHoundAndTheMountain said:
Long time lurker here. Midwest DO applicant. Didn't take step 1 due to lower scores, but took step 2 (score pending) practice tests both NBME and UWorld 255-258 on all of them. Level 1 >550 level 2 >700. I'm having a hard time narrowing down the programs that I want to apply to, no regional preferences just want to match. Should I be ok with about 70 programs, both previously AOA and ACGME only? Applying NRMP.
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With a 700 step 2, you'll do just fine in the match with DO friendly programs even if you didn't take USMLE. Assuming you have decent SLOEs, of course.
 
Round 2:

Currently an TRI in an EM Track. Didn't match AOA last year and withdrew from ACGME, was ranked to match at 1 ACGME program(found out afterwards when soliciting feedback), didn't apply broadly enough.

COMLEX: 524/545/PE Pass- all first time passes, Will have Level 3 score by interview season
SLOES: Top 10%, Middle 1/3, EMS Subspecialty Top 10%; Regular LOR and should get a decent LOR from my TRI PD
Grades: H/H/H/HP/H- 2 home, 3 away EM rotations
Bottom quartile preclinical grades
Poster presentations, 3 conference presentations-all EM relevant

Applying this year to 45 programs, mostly former AOA and known DO friendly ACGME where I meet the published cutoffs, plus new programs. Will try to make ACEP and ACOEP residency fairs and get my name out there.
 
CajunMedic said:
Round 2:

Currently an TRI in an EM Track. Didn't match AOA last year and withdrew from ACGME, was ranked to match at 1 ACGME program(found out afterwards when soliciting feedback), didn't apply broadly enough.

COMLEX: 524/545/PE Pass- all first time passes, Will have Level 3 score by interview season
SLOES: Top 10%, Middle 1/3, EMS Subspecialty Top 10%; Regular LOR and should get a decent LOR from my TRI PD
Grades: H/H/H/HP/H- 2 home, 3 away EM rotations
Bottom quartile preclinical grades
Poster presentations, 3 conference presentations-all EM relevant

Applying this year to 45 programs, mostly former AOA and known DO friendly ACGME where I meet the published cutoffs, plus new programs. Will try to make ACEP and ACOEP residency fairs and get my name out there.
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Why not apply to more than 45? Maybe it's low yield to throw in places that aren't necessarily known for DO friendliness, but it can't hurt other than a relatively small ding to your bank account.



Sorry to hear that the segregated match screwed you... That's such a shame.
 
surely said:
Why not apply to more than 45? Maybe it's low yield to throw in places that aren't necessarily known for DO friendliness, but it can't hurt other than a relatively small ding to your bank account.

Sorry to hear that the segregated match screwed you... That's such a shame.
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I'll probably add a few more of the "hail mary's", and send out a few emails to their coordinators showing interest. My wife is a renal patient awaiting transplant, and still works, so some are off the list due to her health and job availability.

Thanks. Apparently I wasn't the only one this year. The PD where I was ranked to match told me they lost several good candidates due to it and they'd be looking for my app again this year.
 
Figured I would get some input now that it's getting close.

DO student applying to ACGME EM programs.
Region: From the Southeast. Medical school in Southeast. Most programs I'm applying to are in the Southeast.
Great ECs prior to med school. Lots of leadership stuff while in med school.
3rd year clinical: 1/2 HP, 1/2 Honors
Step 1: 218 (hoping I don't get screened out)
Step 2: 251
COMLEX 1: ~620
COMLEX 2: ~660
COMLEX PE: Passed
SVI score: 21
No true red flags except the Step 1 score.
I'll have 2 SLOE's when I submit applications. I'm hoping they'll be great but I'm sure they won't be bad purely based on feedback.
I have about 50 programs in ERAS right now. I can only count about 6 where I should get an interview. But >20 I consider to be "reaches" based on # of DO's taken and prestige.

Thanks guys. And good luck to everyone!
 
Hi all! Stoked to apply this year! A bit nervous about my application, tough to tell how I'll do on interview season.

Allopathic student, previous masters degree
Region: competitive mid-west medical school
Lots of EC activities / leadership positions, lots of publications in emergency medicine related topics
Did a year of EM research between MS3-MS4, had a lot of fun, was very productive
EDITED.
Did very well 3rd year.
SVI 21
No red flags except Step 1...ugh
I currently have 2 SLOEs: one from a level 1 academic ED and the other from a level 1 county ED. was told i got "honors" at both and was one of the "best" to rotate through each -- whatever that means? I have an additional letter from an EM doc who I did my research year with and who I did clinical shifts with each month.

Applying to 45 programs, with a lot of programs in my region, but also probably 10-15 or so of those being 'big name' programs. Any advice would be super appreciated. Genuinely hope to see many you on the interview trail!
 
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borderlineinCle said:
Hi all! Stoked to apply this year! A bit nervous about my application, tough to tell how I'll do on interview season.

Allopathic student, previous masters degree
Region: competitive mid-west medical school
Lots of EC activities / leadership positions, lots of publications in emergency medicine related topics
Did a year of EM research between MS3-MS4, had a lot of fun, was very productive
Step 1: 219 (hope I don't get screened out :shrug:)
Step 2: 247
Did very well 3rd year.
SVI 21
No red flags except Step 1...ugh
I currently have 2 SLOEs: one from a level 1 academic ED and the other from a level 1 county ED. was told i got "honors" at both and was one of the "best" to rotate through each -- whatever that means? I have an additional letter from an EM doc who I did my research year with and who I did clinical shifts with each month.

Honestly, no idea how to gauge my application. If it wasn't for my Step 1, I would think I have a fairly decent chance obtaining interviews, but now I don't know given my Step 1.

Applying to 45 programs, with a lot of programs in my region, but also probably 10-15 or so of those being 'big name' programs. Any advice would be super appreciated. Genuinely hope to see many you on the interview trail!
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imvho: MD student + no red flags + no bad SLOES = great chance of going wherever you want
I am also concerned about my similar Step 1 score, however, I would guess there are very few programs that specifically screen out a score of <220 without even looking at the CK. It's literally a single data point, but what do I know?
 
liveonthewater said:
imvho: MD student + no red flags + no bad SLOES = great chance of going wherever you want
I am also concerned about my similar Step 1 score, however, I would guess there are very few programs that specifically screen out a score of <220 without even looking at the CK. It's literally a single data point, but what do I know?
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The EMRA match website and I believe Frieda have score cutoffs. That being said I had a similar Step 1 and a lower CS and likely not better SLOEs and got interviews to about 1/4 of the places I applied, even to one where my Step 1 was below the reported cutoff.

What I'm saying is youll be fine as long as you're a normal person in interviews.
 
boomshaketheroom said:
The EMRA match website and I believe Frieda have score cutoffs. That being said I had a similar Step 1 and a lower CS and likely not better SLOEs and got interviews to about 1/4 of the places I applied, even to one where my Step 1 was below the reported cutoff.

What I'm saying is youll be fine as long as you're a normal person in interviews.
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any idea how strict the programs are with cut-offs on EMRA match? a few of the programs with Step 1 < 230 and < 220 cut-off seemed to say they weren't strict cut-offs when I talked to the PDs at conferences. makes me wonder if i should i apply to more programs as 7 of the 45 places I applied to I don't meet the cut-off threshold 🙁
 
borderlineinCle said:
any idea how strict the programs are with cut-offs on EMRA match? a few of the programs with Step 1 < 230 and < 220 cut-off seemed to say they weren't strict cut-offs when I talked to the PDs at conferences. makes me wonder if i should i apply to more programs as 7 of the 45 places I applied to I don't meet the cut-off threshold 🙁
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I would think it is program-specific and probably also dependent on things like SLOEs
 
My first away rotation final eval just came back. I got a P on a H/HP/P/F scale, and my scores were all 'middle 1/3'. However, my percentile compared to others this year was about 21st. My comments are lukewarm to mildly positive. How bad will this look?
 
EthylMethylMan said:
My first away rotation final eval just came back. I got a P on a H/HP/P/F scale, and my scores were all 'middle 1/3'. However, my percentile compared to others this year was about 21st. My comments are lukewarm to mildly positive. How bad will this look?
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How did you get so much info about your SLOE? Even for a school eval that's pretty detailed.

But I'd say that is going to hurt quite a bit.
 
Rekt said:
How did you get so much info about your SLOE? Even for a school eval that's pretty detailed.

But I'd say that is going to hurt quite a bit.
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Dang. Yeah, I figured it wouldn't be good. Do you think I'll still match? I've got no other red flags, 235 Step 1, 237 Step 2, and leadership, volunteering, and research (not published) on my CV. I've also got two SLOEs from my home institution that will probably be pretty good. And I applied to about 50 programs, for what it's worth.
 
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Rekt said:
How did you get so much info about your SLOE? Even for a school eval that's pretty detailed.

But I'd say that is going to hurt quite a bit.
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Why would it hurt quite a bit? I mean maybe for super selective places but the average (i.e. middle 1/3) applicant has a very very high cahnce of matching and usually somewhere they like.
 
boomshaketheroom said:
Why would it hurt quite a bit? I mean maybe for super selective places but the average (i.e. middle 1/3) applicant has a very very high cahnce of matching and usually somewhere they like.
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21st percentile is by definition not middle third .

It's generally hard to predict who won't match, since the whole process is screwy and not transparent to the applicant, but if someone told me I was bottom third, I'd expand my list of programs beyond 50 (which was just under last year's average). It'll probably be fine for the OP, but better safe than sorry. Worst first, and all that.
 
surely said:
21st percentile is by definition not middle third .

It's generally hard to predict who won't match, since the whole process is screwy and not transparent to the applicant, but if someone told me I was bottom third, I'd expand my list of programs beyond 50 (which was just under last year's average). It'll probably be fine for the OP, but better safe than sorry. Worst first, and all that.
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Well definitely dont worry then because if I matched with the reading comprehension I just displayed most people should be fine.
 
okay just looking to unwind a bit. i have step 1 241, CK 262. i failed CS on my first attempt. Got the passing result Oct 9. Rest of my app is decent I think. Third quartile in class. I think my home SLOE is excellent and my away sloe is good. So far I've gotten just three invites (plus one at home school, waitlisted at one place, and I interviewed when I did my away). How worried should I be?
 
The failed CS really hurts, but if your SLOEs are indeed excellent and good, then you shouldn't have a problem. You are sitting on 5 total interviews. A couple more and you are very likely to match. Especially at whatever program gave you an "excellent" SLOE. The issue really comes down to is, how confident are you that your SLOEs are truly that good. I've seen many people get Honors on a rotation and a low 1/3 SLOE because the program gives everyone that rotates Honors. So its always hard to exactly know what your SLOEs truly say.
 
^ herein lies the cause of over-applying by even "top" applicants- because unless someone tells you what's in your SLOE you can't possibly KNOW whether or not you are a top applicant. A grade from the rotation can be a guide but isn't a sure thing, we are in most respects blinded to the most critical part of our application
 
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