Step 1 Score

[JRR]

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Hello everyone, I am new in this forum....hope you can help me to decreases my levels on anxiety....I received my Step 1 score, it was 221....I´m an IMG, who doesn´t really want to be in a super competitive residency program...However do you think I can kiss good bye to any possibility of being accepted in an IM program?

 

[bashwell]

Need more info please. For e.g., have you taken Step 2? Also, you're an IMG, but have you already sorted visa issues or not? Have you done away rotations (to get good LORs)? Etc.

 

[johndoe44]

Absolutely not. It all depends on how many programs you apply to and how well you will do on your step 2 exam. The average IM for matched applicants in IM is around 230 but the range is almost always >215-220. If you really want IM to get to a sub specialty, then I would so go for it and you can definitely match into IM somewhere. However, if you just want to be in IM but plan to do primary care then you should just match into Family Medicine. Primary care jobs are abundant and there is almost no pay disparity between a primary care IM physician vs a primary care FM physician.

 

[VentJockey]

I'm a PGY2 IM resident. FMG. My step 1 score was lower than yours. I also made up for that with a very good step 2 score. You still have a good chance of being accepting to an IM program. Keep working hard.

 

[Instatewaiter]

Absolutely not. It all depends on how many programs you apply to and how well you will do on your step 2 exam. The average IM for matched applicants in IM is around 230 but the range is almost always >215-220. If you really want IM to get to a sub specialty, then I would so go for it and you can definitely match into IM somewhere. However, if you just want to be in IM but plan to do primary care then you should just match into Family Medicine. Primary care jobs are abundant and there is almost no pay disparity between a primary care IM physician vs a primary care FM physician.

There is a distinction between family med and IM. IM is better trained for both hospital medicine and for taking care of complex medical conditions as an outpatient. If you want to do either of the above, want to specialize or don't want the ob or peds portion of FM, go IM. Otherwise I agree, pay is nearly equivalent

 

[Shakeys]

Work hard and you'll be fine to get into IM!
I am an IMG (Rossie), who did ok in basic sciences (but not great) and got a 198 on Step 1. I did really well on my clinicals, scored a 253 on Step 2, worked really hard and I matched into my #1 in IM. It isn't a top 10 school, but that's ok with me, I love the program I got into and it is a program what is successful enough that most of the IMs go on to fellowships.
So work hard and knock Step 2 and clinicals out of the park and you'll do fine. Make sure to spend some extra time on preparing for applications and interviews, because it can make a world of difference,

 

[YeahNoMind]

Work hard and you'll be fine to get into IM!
I am an IMG (Rossie), who did ok in basic sciences (but not great) and got a 198 on Step 1. I did really well on my clinicals, scored a 253 on Step 2, worked really hard and I matched into my #1 in IM. It isn't a top 10 school, but that's ok with me, I love the program I got into and it is a program what is successful enough that most of the IMs go on to fellowships.
So work hard and knock Step 2 and clinicals out of the park and you'll do fine. Make sure to spend some extra time on preparing for applications and interviews, because it can make a world of difference,

I share a similar story. Even as a U.S born IMG, the road to residency is rough as hell. I would be ecstatic with an IM or FM residency anywhere. I like seeing practically everything, so primary care is my ultimate goal. Whether that comes in the package of IM or FM, I'm not really sure. I like both, I'll apply to both. Really inspiring story. Glad you matched, and I hope your PGY1 is going great!

 

[Phloston]

Hello everyone, I am new in this forum....hope you can help me to decreases my levels on anxiety....I received my Step 1 score, it was 221....I´m an IMG, who doesn´t really want to be in a super competitive residency program...However do you think I can kiss good bye to any possibility of being accepted in an IM program?

221 isn't low for IM. That score is better than probably ~40% of test-takers in the US and Canada (current mean is ~228).

 

[Raryn]

221 isn't low for IM. That score is better than probably ~40% of test-takers in the US and Canada (current mean is ~228).

I agree with what you said, though a small caveat is that last years mean was 230. Keeps going up about a point a year.

 

[Gpan]

Try to score around 240 and you're safe.

Edit: actually I just saw that you're an IMG. 240 is not safe with that status. Definitely a chance but NOT a for sure thing

 

[Phloston]

I agree with what you said, though a small caveat is that last years mean was 230. Keeps going up about a point a year.

Cuz of SDN. People are learning how to prep.