So I was reading this thread and had some pretty good advice, I'm wondering what are my chances, DO specific here.
So took the USMLE Step I and did 20+ points higher than average for radiology.
Question is, do I need to take the USMLE Step II given my step I score?
Hopefully someone here knows more about this than I do. If the answer is, yes, you probably should take step II to stay competative, does this include usmle ck AND cs?
I plan on applying broadly to university and community allo programs but will probably gun for university allo program.
Truly appreciate any advice. Thanks.
Here's what I can tell you since I'm in the heat of the rads interview season:
1) You're high step I score is good enough to get interviews for the university programs that are DO friendly, but they are few. The problem I'm getting is that community programs see my competitive score and doubt that I'll come to their program because they'd assume I would only apply to the university ones.
2) Yes take step II CK. Some places will use that score to rank you. Take it after sept 1st (but before janurary) because you can have the option to submit it after you get your interviews. And obviously, a high CK score will help, but a lower score will hurt you. And USMLE CS is a joke because its really used to weed out foreign grads who cant speak English. If you appear empathetic and can use the English language, slam dunk for the passing grade.
3) Radiology has regional bias. For example, if you are from a midwest school, you will get most of your interviews from the midwest. Unless you did away rotations outside of your region, it would be difficult to get an interview because your competing with schools (MD, DO, IMG) in those regions and the same PCs would doubt your sincerity to go there.
4) Great university programs in tiny towns without much nightlife and crappy weather are more likely to interview DO applicants
5) Get ready to beg program coordinators for an invitation. Meaning that after the first wave of invitations are sent, email your desire to go to that program asap. Its annoying and the majority of the PCs don't return your email, but better than sitting on your arse and praying for an interview.
6) Rotate to your top choices to train at. Some university programs (and community ones) will ONLY grant you an interview if you rotated with them. (plus getting your rec letter from them will help too)
7) Research, but more importantly publications will give you a leg up at the university programs. I had research and a publication in limbo which equates to program directions as only research experience which is a nominal boost to my apps. So find research now! My classmates didn't do research but still got interviews...the publication gives you maybe a couple more at the next tier of programs
8) Overall, you need to make your application better than the average MD applicant. Its sad, but true. You have the step I score, now its the hard work you need to put to complete your app.
Hope this helps
