Step 1 fail (c/o2020), advice appreciated!

[Lhunr]

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Hoping for some feedback while trying not to wallow in despair.

I've read through many of the other threads with similar circumstances but I'm hoping to get advice specific to matching after the merger, i.e. should that affect my decision on whether or not to retake.

Background: Finished UW x 1, passed the 2 UWSAs and a few of the NBMEs (at a 200-220 range.) Failed by 2 points; one of those people who walked out feeling like they failed and really did... My COMLEX score was also less than impressive at a 450. I'm kinda regretting going down this career path but whatever.
The good news is that I'm perfectly happy with primary care.

With that said,
1. After the merger, will all programs require reporting step scores?
2. Should I consider a retake at this point if I can squeeze out a whole month for studying?
a. If I take it again and get like a 200, would that really help?
b. ...Is it possible to void the exam right after taking it?
3. In the case I opt to not retake, will I reasonably be able to match IM/FM with a step 1 fail but with average/better level and step 2?
(I'm aware I'll need to apply veeery broadly and avoid applying to programs that automatically screen out fails.)
4. Would a decent step 2 score somewhat make up for the fail?

Thank you lovely people for your time.

 

[QueenJames]

It is what it is bro/sis, Sorry for the bull**** you're going thru.

I'd talk to you clinical advisor but chances are you'd be better off kicking butt on rotations, getting letters, and applying to like 150+ FM programs.

May not be picky about WHERE you end up.

As for retaking step... no idea. You can't hide the fact you took it like the classes before us could apparently.

 

[BorntobeDO?]

I wouldn't retake, and would focus on rocking rotations and level II. At least you passed the required exam for your lincense, so theres that. Just don't assign the step to any programs, and apply as comlex only applicant. You still have some options. This sucks, but you will match as long as you pass level II and PE 🙂

 

[BorntobeDO?]

It is what it is bro/sis, Sorry for the bull**** you're going thru.

I'd talk to you clinical advisor but chances are you'd be better off kicking butt on rotations, getting letters, and applying to like 150+ FM programs.

May not be picky about WHERE you end up.

As for retaking step... no idea. You can't hide the fact you took it like the classes before us could apparently.

You know something I don't? Spill the beans, cause I haven't seen this.

 

[QueenJames]

You know something I don't? Spill the beans, cause I haven't seen this.

My 4th year buddy told me he had to show both comlex and usmle if he took both and that the class before him could choose which to send.

Maybe he was misinformed then?

 

[Bacchus]

I don’t know about having to release both scores, but I’ll admit in general the USMLE is better written than COMLEX so I’m surprised at your scores. The residency scape has become more competitive. I had similar circumstances, but didn’t take both exams, just the COMLEX, failing by 10 points. I restudied using a more tried and true method and wound up improving my score around 175 points. I then used that study resource, Boards Boot Camp for COMLEX II and massacred it as well (IMO). If you can get a good level II score I think you’ll be fine for FM. With a 450, good (not even great) evals and good interview skills I think you’ll get FM love. I don’t see you needing to apply to more than 20-30 well picked programs but I don’t know if that holds any truth any longer. I applied to 6 programs, got invites to all 6 but only went to 4.

 

[W19]

If you are ok with FM/IM/Path, no need to retake step1 IMO...

 

[Lhunr]

I've contacted a faculty advisor and will hopefully work things out from there. Thank you everyone for your kind words and input!

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Chances you will pass step 1 with a high score on the second pass are low in my opinion. It would be extra tragic if you failed it twice. I kind of feel the boat sailed for you. I wouldn't bother with step 2 as it is smarter to hide your step 1 than display it.

I think if you manage to do better on level 2, you can easily match community IM or FM program. I think a few auditions can also take you pretty far.

 

[Lexdiamondz]

I don’t know about having to release both scores, but I’ll admit in general the USMLE is better written than COMLEX so I’m surprised at your scores. The residency scape has become more competitive. I had similar circumstances, but didn’t take both exams, just the COMLEX, failing by 10 points. I restudied using a more tried and true method and wound up improving my score around 175 points. I then used that study resource, Boards Boot Camp for COMLEX II and massacred it as well (IMO). If you can get a good level II score I think you’ll be fine for FM. With a 450, good (not even great) evals and good interview skills I think you’ll get FM love. I don’t see you needing to apply to more than 20-30 well picked programs but I don’t know if that holds any truth any longer. I applied to 6 programs, got invites to all 6 but only went to 4.

This is pretty terrible advice for someone applying in 2020 with bad grades and 40 thousand IMG and FMGs gunning for an FM spot in the USA.

OP, you'll probably be fine for FM, Peds and perhaps IM with good clinical scores and a strong level II, but please don't be stupid and only apply to 20 programmes.

 

[Bacchus]

This is pretty terrible advice for someone applying in 2020 with bad grades and 40 thousand IMG and FMGs gunning for an FM spot in the USA.

OP, you'll probably be fine for FM, Peds and perhaps IM with good clinical scores and a strong level II, but please don't be stupid and only apply to 20 programmes.

Again, there was a disclaimer.

 

[BorntobeDO?]

My 4th year buddy told me he had to show both comlex and usmle if he took both and that the class before him could choose which to send.

Maybe he was misinformed then?

I will followup on this and try and find out.

 

[Black Coffee 24/7]

I will followup on this and try and find out.

This is false. Some 4th year students from my school who didn’t have great Step 1 scores aren’t releasing their USMLE scores for this cycle.

 

[chizledfrmstone]

You can definitely get into an FM program but you need to apply broadly.

IM might be out of the picture unless you're willing to go to a small community program.

Apply to 30-40 programs in the start and add more 2-3 months later if you don't get any responses.

 

[BorntobeDO?]

This is false. Some 4th year students from my school who didn’t have great Step 1 scores aren’t releasing their USMLE scores for this cycle.

This is what I suspected. My school even blamed people not matching on forgeting to 'assign' scores.