radiology

[FermiParadox]

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How likely is it that I will get into an imaging residency, or should I just give up now? (Not sure if I have to post my question first before giving details?)
I’m a current second year that is halfway through it. I’ve recently been interested in specializing, and have found imaging so far pretty appealing. Unfortunately, I know it is one of the most competitive specialties in recent years with lower match rates. The main aspect that worries me is my GPA, and they do not release class ranks (I think they may give it to you if you ask student services, if needed for an externship application or something), so I don’t even know where I am in relative to my classmates. I got a C+ in our first block, which was essentially anatomy in 12-weeks. That obviously was not a great start to my vet school career, but I just found it so challenging to just…memorize random details for the sake of it. And then the exams would end up having OTHER random details that I didn’t really look at or understand in the first place.
Sorry if it sounds like I’m complaining. I haven’t gotten another “C” grade since, and I guess I’ve shown a slight upward trend and have done better in physiology courses (B or higher) but obviously not stellar.
Currently, I may potentially get involved in some imaging-related research, am president of a “Vet Education” club, treasurer of our pain management and anesthesia club, student representative for Zoetis, was philanthropy chair for our vet school frat last year, and am a general member of various clubs. I also work at the pharmacy at our school’s teaching hospital. I feel like I’m involved in a decent amount of activities, and getting involved in research will obviously be great…but my GPA sticks out like a sore thumb (currently at a 3.17 after about 61.5 credits). And without my rank, I could be the last one of my class for all I know.
Realistically by the end of third year (since I don’t know how grading during clinical year works. I don’t know if we actually get letter grades, but I’m going to assume that they don’t), I can get it up to around a 3.3-3.4 if I get around B+/A- for the rest of my courses. And I won’t even be changing up how I study/how much I study, because honestly, it was always the final exams that brought me down no matter how hard I tried. I feel like I’m just not as smart as others are.
So I guess I’m worrying that even if I make it through a rotating internship and a specialty internship after that…that I’ll never get matched because of this GPA, even if I end a little higher at around 3.3-3.4. I know it’s not the most important component of the application. But I feel like it’ll haunt me forever. And then I won’t get matched, and I’ll just have a mountain of debt that I will just have to pass away with I suppose.
I wouldn’t mind GP either, but do I even go for specializing? How do I know if I’m smart enough?
Anyway, I guess I’m just worried. Thank you if you read all this. I would appreciate any opinions or comments or advice as well.

 

[olivia0330]

hi! i'm a 4th year so idk how significantly my advice weighs, but im applying for a rotating internship currently and also hope to specialize so i've had many of the same thoughts you have. second year is still early in your vet school career, even if it doesn't seem like it. when it comes to grades, upward trends are always a good thing to see. also, it seems like most programs weigh more on your LORs and personal statement, plus interviews if they have them. being a well-rounded student (like being involved in clubs, research, volunteering, etc etc) also adds many of the soft skills that are so important in our careers. as far as being "smart enough", i have the same exact thoughts whenever the imposter syndrome hits, but there are plenty of people in this world who never question their intelligence so why should we? if you're interested in specializing, that's great, maybe try to shadow a radiologist or find a summer externship in radiology if possible, just to see how much you like it and meet the specialists. if you want to specialize, then go for it, all you can ever do is try, you never know what might happen and you shouldn't let self-doubt get in the way of things you want to do.

 

[battie]

And without my rank, I could be the last one of my class for all I know.

Lol. You're definitely not the bottom of your class with your 3.1. remember, that's a B average. There are absolutely people who were on the verge of failing to the class below you. So take a deep breath and a step back. It's hard to set aside the emotional aspect of your future; but logic dictates you're not doing too shabby. Signed the person who was 134/134 of her class.

I may potentially get involved in some imaging-related research, am president of a “Vet Education” club, treasurer of our pain management and anesthesia club, student representative for Zoetis, was philanthropy chair for our vet school frat last year, and am a general member of various clubs.

You are involved in a lot. But only one of those things is imaging related. You need to spend your spare time in the imaging department (if your school actually has one.....) and make relationships with those individuals. Likewise, start scheduling imagine externships *now* for your clinical year or at least next summer.

 

[pp9]

@allygator13 for more input!

Are you able to get a hold of your class rank now? A 3.1 is not a bad GPA, even higher is better of course. Knowing your class rank will help you understand where you are falling in the herd. I am not as familiar with imaging as allygator is, but as a hugely broad generalization, you'll want to be in the top half of your class at least.

Without knowing what school you're at, it is hard to say what that GPA means (again, get your class rank). There are absolutely vet schools that deflate and inflate grades. When it comes to specializing, class rank generally holds more weight for that reason.

 

[allygator13]

Hello! Agree with everything that has been said so far. GPA is important for an application no doubt, but not the only factor. Some residency programs and even specific radiologists at each program will weigh GPA more or less heavily than others, but even for those that weigh it heavily there are always exceptions and other things that can make you stand out. I definitely wouldn't give up hope, but try your best to bring it up if you can. As others have also said, spending time with radiologists and making those connections (especially those in academia) ASAP is going to be the most important thing you can do. It is a very small field and everyone knows each other, so if you can get a really well known, well respected radiologist on your side to vouch for you and write you letters of recommendation when the time comes, it will go very far.