residency question

[smellies]

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would an MA in general psychology have any utility in boosting my resume for psychiatry residency?

1. I'm a usimg...caribb. grad.
2. bombed step 1 x 2, barely passed 3rd attempt.
3. rocked step 2ck, first attempt
4. passed step 2cs, first attmpt.
5. waiting on my step 3 score to come in.
6. undergrad degree in psychology...

...really scared i wont get many iv's in psych, and i really really dont wanna apply to any other field, ie family.

...would the masters help...along with trying to do some research and shadowing a psychiatrist?

..any feedback much appreciated 😕

 

[whopper]

I think the masters would help.

IMHO psychologists get taught aspects of mental health that would improve clinical skills that aren't typically taught in a psychiatry residency.

Overall your abbreviated CV you wrote above is still to the degree where I think you can get into a program. It has a few dents, but it's not terrible.

If you're feeling insecure, apply to several programs. Use the scattershot approach. You can't apply to too many programs. The way the MATCH is designed, applying to more does not cost much more. If they say no to you, and you apply again, some fear that repeat applicants are seen in a worse light. I don't know if that's true, but I have seen people apply to places twice, get an interview the first time, but not the second.

You can't apply to too many programs. You can, however, go on too many interviews. With each interview potentially costing hundreds of dollars, the wear and tear of travel, and that you'll likely not need more than 12 so long as you have a handful of safeties, I'd recommend 8 at the lowest (if you got a lot of safeties, though 8 is taking a bit of a risk), 15 tops.

 

[smellies]

whopper, u give me hope.
always there with the good feedback, kudos.
another question, do you think i should only apply to psych, and take my chances with not so many iv's.. or do u think i should apply to family too and then switch after my first year...if i match into family that is?

i guess it's either take my chances with just applying to psych and start to work on the MA this winter, (in case i dont match)..or apply to family as well.. (which i have no interest in)...and begin a whole year earlier...
2 years from now to start residency sounds way long away

dont know what to do🙁

 

[Manicsleep]

An MPH may also be something to consider.

 

[uclakid]

An MPH may also be something to consider.

so basically the OP's problem is his step 1 score.....he should still be OK.

 

[heyjack70]

The dude is already banned? Anyways...I think failing Step I twice is a reasonable dent, but "rocking" step II will likely make up for it. But you'll need an answer for the inevitable interview question: "What the F happened with failing twice?"

 

[Psychiatrypd]

would an MA in general psychology have any utility in boosting my resume for psychiatry residency?

1. I'm a usimg...caribb. grad.
2. bombed step 1 x 2, barely passed 3rd attempt.
3. rocked step 2ck, first attempt
4. passed step 2cs, first attmpt.
5. waiting on my step 3 score to come in.
6. undergrad degree in psychology...

...really scared i wont get many iv's in psych, and i really really dont wanna apply to any other field, ie family.

...would the masters help...along with trying to do some research and shadowing a psychiatrist?

..any feedback much appreciated 😕

The most important thing in applying to a psychiatry residency is demonstrated interest in psychiatry. A good essay will not suffice. Have you worked or volunteered with psychiatric patients for an extended period of time? Been a counselor at a camp for severely disturbed children? Worked on a research project for a professor? Volunteered at a local community mental health agency? You need to have evidence that you are interested in and capable of doing psychiatry. Doing another clerkship and getting a good letter of recommendation from that clerkship director will help.