Overcoming Red Flags

[DoctorSparkles]

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I'm preparing to apply for residency - yay! However, I have 2 level 1 failures and I am very anxious about these "red flags" holding me back. I'm wondering how I can tackle this in my application/interview. For context, I'm applying a mildly competitive specialty and I don't have some compelling reason for failing that I can rely on, I just suck at standardized exams. I'm not here for "you suck, give up" comments - real insight/advice only please.

 

[Goro]

Shine during audition rotations, and get good letters of recommendation from people in the field. And network, network, network.

 

[EthylMethylMan]

How’s the rest of your application? Did you rock your rotations? Do you have some research? Did you take Steps and do well? Do you have a home program for your specialty?

As far as what to say on interviews, all you can do is be honest and show evidence that you’ve addressed the issues that lead to the failures.

 

[DOVinciRobot]

Real insight/advice: prepare for plan B. You need to accept the fact there is a very real chance you don’t match because of the board failures and you need to have a plan in place for if/when that happens.

If the “mildly competitive specialty” is not community IM in undesirable location, FM, or community peds then you need to be ready.