reputation or gpa, or board score: whats the most impt?

[HiddenTruth]

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Hello, I am a 3rd year student in a 6 year BA/M.D. program at UNiversity of Missouri, Kansas City. I actually was concerned about match criteria. We have a g.p.a based academic assessment which is cumulative throught the 6 years. That g.p.a is on the cv which is sent out to residencies. I have found out that my school does not have the best reputation, it is not ranked among the top ones, although we are known for our clinical experience as we are on the floors and the wards starting our first yr and this experience increses every year for the next 5 years. I am interested in a sub surgical specialty such as cardio thoracic surgery, or ortho surg. and I am worried whether I even have a chance graduating from a school that is not ranked among the top ones. I was also wondering that when you apply for a residency position in sucha field, what is it that they mostly look at, your g.p.a or your boards scores, rep. of school. Please guide me and let me know how it works. Thanks a bunch for your help.

🙁

 

[ktat72]

Hey, I am a 4th year student in the same program (the class above you). Who is this? Email me: [email protected]. In our school's case, I think we need to concentrate on step 1 as far basic sciences go.

 

[njbmd]

Hi there,
Many programs use the USMLE Step I score as their cutoff for interview invitations. That score is the one thing that almost every one in the country has to take. That being said, a strategic letter from your department chair followed by a phone call can open some doors so cultivate that resource.

Your medical school is less of a factor if your Step I scores are competitive (90 or above). Your class rank and AOA can open some doors too as will solid research with a published paper of abstract. If all else fails, do an AI at your program of interest and spend some meaningful time with the residency director. Let them know that you are interested in their program. If they are honest with you, they will tell you if you have a shot. Do your AI early in your fourth year.

There are plenty of residency slots around even though the numbers in General Surgery went up. Some programs like mine went off the scale with numbers of applicants. There are good quality programs out there that will be a great match for you. You do not have to match at a top ten program to get excellent training and have a great career. You do need to match at a program that is a good fit for you and will provide you with a good educational experience. Good luck!

njbmd

 

[HiddenTruth]

NJBMD: Well thanks for the input....it solidifies some of the misconceptions I may have had....by the way what program of your's are you referring about? Again, thanks for the info.

-Hiddentruth

 

[njbmd]

Originally posted by HiddenTruth
NJBMD: Well thanks for the input....it solidifies some of the misconceptions I may have had....by the way what program of your's are you referring about? Again, thanks for the info.

-Hiddentruth

Hi there,
Have a look at my avatar. There is only one General Surgery Residency program in Charlottesville, Va. We have an excellent Orthopedic Surgery program too. We are not top ten but we have great training and great academics.

njbmd