Step 2 and EM competitiveness

[littleasian]

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Hey guys, I just received my step 2 scores and wanted to know how I stand.

DO student, good rotation scores + LOR
Step 1: 232
Step 2: 233

I've never been a good test taker but I think I know my stuff pretty well. I found step 2 to be pretty tough, was shooting for 240+ so I'm kind of disappointed that my score barely improved. I'm just glad it's not below the average now. Just worried that with the rising competitiveness of EM I might not match into a good program (would like to be at a large academic institution).

Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

[justaregularmed]

Objectively by step 1 score you have a ~60% chance of matching assuming you are at least average in all other respects. HOWEVER, the mean step 1/2 for independent grads is 218/223. If you manage to get 12 interviews you have a 90% chance of matching.

The 2011 charting the outcomes seems to have quite a bit of shenanigans (i.e. 181 people without step 1 or step 2 scores) in regards to independent applicants, with the new all in policy I don't know if it will help (probably will) or hurt you.

What's your backup? Maybe some selection folks can weigh in. There are certainly some residencies that are more DO friendly then others.

 

[EM_Rebuilder]

You will match; I am very confident of that...

I would apply to 30-50 programs. Unfortunately, the DO degree might hurt you slightly at some places, but with each passing years its becoming less of an issue. I think MD=DO, but its well demonstrated that there are places that dont view it that way.

I think you can easily make it to 'a large academic institution' espically if you are flexible in your actual location.

Make certain you apply to at least a few 'off the beaten path' as far as pure location goes (large instiution or not). If you look at a map and recognize the name of the town and believe its a desirable place to live, then chances are its slightly more competitive. I still think you can match at such a place with your scores if you interview well... just have some of the 'I've never heard of this town/place' on your list as backup plans...

Good Luck

 

[pianoman511]

A good tip to avoid the whole DO bias thing is to take a look at the program webpage and find the list of residents. If there are at least a few residents per year who are DOs then it's a good sign.

Try to be somewhat selective in applying - i.e. don't apply to places that you realistically would never go to and try and research the programs somewhat. In addition, make sure you have some awesome SLORs and LORs from academic faculty members and if you can, do an audition rotation somewhere you want to go. That can be enough sometimes to tip the scales in your favor.

 

[fahimaz7]

We have quite a few DO residents down here at MCG/GHSU