Passing all classes due to shelf exams :(

[tanouyez]

Hello SDN,

I'm an allopathic med student in the USA with a step score of 220. My concern is that I'm averaging around a 60 (raw score) on all my the shelf exams I've taken my M3 year. So far I've taken all the M3 rotations except IM, which I'm on right now. No matter how much I study, I just can't seem to do well on these shelf exams.

Out of the 8 rotations I've done so far, I have 4 passes, 3 high passes, and 1 Honors (elective with no exam at the end). I always get great evaluations and but my shelf exam always brings my grade down and in my med school, the average grade is a high pass.

Anyway, I'm just worried about getting into a psych residency in California as well passing the Step 2 exam. If I assume that I'm going to do similarly on the Step 2 as I've been doing on the shelf exams (more time to study but more material), will I be able to pass it? Do you guys think I'll be able to get into a psych residency program in Cali with these clinical grades and my mediocore board score?

Thank you.

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[TexasPhysician]

60%ile?

 

[Leo Aquarius]

Matching into California is more difficult across all specialties because of it's desirable location. However, California has some of the highest quality psych programs all the way to some programs to avoid. So perhaps your question should be: with your scores can you match into a desirable psych program in CA? Maybe.

I am now at a California program - on the higher end of the competitive spectrum - and our residents are impressive. Some have publications, high step scores, work experience, MBAs, speak other languages, even switched from competitive specialties. I've also met (and interviewed several) applicants on the circuit so I saw their entire application. At my program our incoming class are all AMG MDs - at least you have that going for you. Your board score is fine, not stellar, but good enough. Make sure the rest of your application is strong. LORs, publications / research, electives, etc.

If you just want to land somewhere in CA, then apply broadly and include programs like Kern, USC, and Loma Linda. Where do you want to go?

(The 60 is not a percentile, but a raw score. They don't reveal percentiles. The average usually sits around 70 to 74 on the shelf exams for anyone wishing to know.)

 

[Merovinge]

You still have time to rock Step 2 and do really well on early M4 psych rotations. The grades might hurt for the very competitive programs, but good letters and good board scores will help, as will extra-cirriculars (research, service, etc.).

I'd be most concerned if the Psych shelf was such a struggle if you already knew you were planning on psych at the time, but I think most psychiatrists and psychiatry programs are a bit more lax on scores in general than other fields, outside of the very top tier of programs.

 

[vistaril]

Hello SDN,

I'm an allopathic med student in the USA with a step score of 220. My concern is that I'm averaging around a 60 (raw score) on all my the shelf exams I've taken my M3 year. So far I've taken all the M3 rotations except IM, which I'm on right now. No matter how much I study, I just can't seem to do well on these shelf exams.

Out of the 8 rotations I've done so far, I have 4 passes, 3 high passes, and 1 Honors (elective with no exam at the end). I always get great evaluations and but my shelf exam always brings my grade down and in my med school, the average grade is a high pass.

Anyway, I'm just worried about getting into a psych residency in California as well passing the Step 2 exam. If I assume that I'm going to do similarly on the Step 2 as I've been doing on the shelf exams (more time to study but more material), will I be able to pass it? Do you guys think I'll be able to get into a psych residency program in Cali with these clinical grades and my mediocore board score?

Thank you.

you'll be fine......

 

[BobA]

Hello SDN,

I'm an allopathic med student in the USA with a step score of 220. My concern is that I'm averaging around a 60 (raw score) on all my the shelf exams I've taken my M3 year. So far I've taken all the M3 rotations except IM, which I'm on right now. No matter how much I study, I just can't seem to do well on these shelf exams.

Out of the 8 rotations I've done so far, I have 4 passes, 3 high passes, and 1 Honors (elective with no exam at the end). I always get great evaluations and but my shelf exam always brings my grade down and in my med school, the average grade is a high pass.

Anyway, I'm just worried about getting into a psych residency in California as well passing the Step 2 exam. If I assume that I'm going to do similarly on the Step 2 as I've been doing on the shelf exams (more time to study but more material), will I be able to pass it? Do you guys think I'll be able to get into a psych residency program in Cali with these clinical grades and my mediocore board score?

Thank you.

Have you tried the Kaplan material? I thought that stuff was gold for the shelf and Step 2.