Poor COMLEX scores, interested in IM, need advice.

[HPsiEPsi]

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Hi, SDN'ers. I'm looking for some honest advice, especially from those who've walked in these shoes. I tried searching the archives but I couldn't find any info pertaining to a similar situation.

I did pretty badly on COMLEX Step 1 (440/78). I've basically accepted responsibility for my score, although part of my anger is still directed at my school. I'll spare you the details and excuses. My COMLEX Step 2 score was somewhat better (520/84), but not stellar.

Now that I'm a 4th year student, and am applying to internal medicine residencies, I'm really regretting a few things. For one, I never took USMLE. Many of the residency hospitals seem to require USMLE scores, and usually >80 at that. I know I should have taken it, but I psyched myself out after doing so poorly on COMLEX Step 1. I feel I can do well if given enough time, but I just don't know how to manage studying for it during my fall clerkships.

I have decent 3rd year clinical grades, LORs, evals, and one summer of research experience during med. school (no publication though, just formal presentation). My basic science GPA is pretty average overall (mid-80's%), and I have some ongoing volunteer experiences for extracurriculars.

In your critically minded view, is there a good chance I can get into a decent osteopathic or allopathic IM residency program in the Northeast, Northwest, or West Coast with my current COMLEX scores and application?

I'm looking to apply broadly, and am ok with a community-hospital type setting, as long as its not in a rural area. I'd also like to get into a university based program, or one that does research, but I'd give that up, if I can get into a good clinical training hospital that has fellowship opportunities.

BTW, does anyone know of residency hospitals in NY, NJ, PA, DC, Oregon, Washington, California that would allow someone like me (considering the total package) to do an audition rotation there this late in the game?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Blade28]

Unfortunately no one will be able to tell you what your chances are of matching into an area-specific IM program. It sounds like your app is pretty much set so the best thing you can do now is apply widely and rock your interviews.

It's a little late for many away rotations but certainly check with the individual programs to see if any spots are still available. In general, though, allopathic programs begin to interview around November so you're going to have to work quick to get into a program, shine, and acquire a letter of recommendation.

Check out http://services.aamc.org/eec/students/ for a listing of most away rotations.

Best of luck!

 

[SuperFemDoc22]

Have you thought about doing a rotating internship at a hospital that has IM residency? There are a few in NY for sure. You can search for them in ERAS. Go through both the osteopathic and allopathic match. You are fine for the osteopathic match, its not like you failed but make sure you apply early.

 

[HPsiEPsi]

Thank you for the kind words and advice. I am applying broadly.