So is it true that these tests REALLY dont matter?

[DB2013EM]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Like are there any repercussions to me minimally passing this exam? We all jokingly say that it doesnt matter how you do, but I just want to make sure nothing with my career will be affected with minimal prep.

Thanks

 

[ramsesthenice]

Depends on your specialy. If you are planning to do a competative fellowship it could, and stress could, matter. If your path, family, derm, rad onc, rads, neuro, or planning any minimally competitive fellowship I wouldn't worry.

 

[Instatewaiter]

Like are there any repercussions to me minimally passing this exam? We all jokingly say that it doesnt matter how you do, but I just want to make sure nothing with my career will be affected with minimal prep.

Thanks

Yeah, it basically doesn't matter at all, even for fellowships.

If you pass, no one cares.

 

[SKG_MD]

it depends on when you take the exam .. example: if you take it while in residency .. the replies that others posted hold true. However, if you take it prior to applying for residency, your score can greatly improve your chances (case in point: myself. I took it in august prior to applying in september last year. Scored 99/264 and it definitely aided in my application since i had a dismal step 1 score)

 

[NRAI2001]

So does it have any impact on fellowship applications? I cant see why it wouldnt?

 

[SKG_MD]

it would have an impact on fellowship applications .. a higher score = better chances. If you're just in residency and are taking the test in order to continue & finish residency then obv. it doesn't have an impact (considering you're not doing a fellowship)

 

[BigSib]

So is it true that these tests REALLY dont matter?

As long as you pass and don't want to get into a fellowship or other rather competitive employment, yes, as long as you pass.

 

[Instatewaiter]

So does it have any impact on fellowship applications? I cant see why it wouldnt?

it would have an impact on fellowship applications .. a higher score = better chances. If you're just in residency and are taking the test in order to continue & finish residency then obv. it doesn't have an impact (considering you're not doing a fellowship)

As the only person who has gone through the fellowship match on this thread and for a competitive specialty, I can tell you I wasn't asked a single time about my step III score or when I was taking step III. I hadn't taken it by the time I applied and it didn't matter at all.

For fellowships what matters are name of residency, letters of rec, research. Step 1 and 2 scores likely matter more than step III scores. It is a very minor, minor test. Any shmuck should be able to pass it.

 

[NRAI2001]

As the only person who has gone through the fellowship match on this thread and for a competitive specialty, I can tell you I wasn't asked a single time about my step III score or when I was taking step III. I hadn't taken it by the time I applied and it didn't matter at all.

For fellowships what matters are name of residency, letters of rec, research. Step 1 and 2 scores likely matter more than step III scores. It is a very minor, minor test. Any shmuck should be able to pass it.

So for fellowship its mainly if you came from a university IM program and how much research you bring to the table? I m sure everyone one has their generic "good" LORs..?

 

[Instatewaiter]

So for fellowship its mainly if you came from a university IM program and how much research you bring to the table? I m sure everyone one has their generic "good" LORs..?

It is not only that you came from a university IM program. Not all programs are the same. The better the program, the better the options for matching. Research is the great equalizer.

Step III is pretty far down the list.

 

[NRAI2001]

So lets say you came from a mid tier or even lower tiered university program or maybe a strong community program... if you did significant research you could make yourself a competitive applicant? I guess I m refering to CC/Pulm or GI..

 

[Instatewaiter]

So lets say you came from a mid tier or even lower tiered university program or maybe a strong community program... if you did significant research you could make yourself a competitive applicant? I guess I m refering to CC/Pulm or GI..

Yeah, if you did a lot of research, you'd be competitive.

Let's put it this way, if research wasn't going to make you competitive, step III would do literally nothing for your application (other than hurt you if you fail).

There are only certain things you can control for fellowship match: the amt of research and quality of letters are really the only things within your control that matter.

 

[Instatewaiter]

Yeah, if you did a lot of research, you'd be competitive.

Let's put it this way, if research wasn't going to make you competitive, step III would do literally nothing for your application (other than hurt you if you fail).

There are only certain things you can control for fellowship match: the amt of research and quality of letters are really the only things within your control that matter.

You may not be competitive for the top tier, but you'd be competitive for somewhere