Step 2 of 213..... should i even try?

[mefistofel]

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Panicking!!!!!

Just got my score for STEP 2 and it's 213. Got the same for step 1. And I actually tried to do well.. studied hard, but I guess just not smart enough... Anyway ..... I need an honest opinion....

DO I even try to apply for Radiology? I'm sure ppl will say, nothing to loose, but realistically... do i even have a chance?

Are there way to get interviews with that score?

I don't really have research or anything like that, 'cause i switch careers and did not have time to do so in med school, 'cause I've been trying to keep up with others... so any input would be helpful.

Thank you.

 

[Osteopathology]

A. Congrats on passing both steps

B. Never give up on a dream, yourself.

Keep working hard man -- interviews will come. Apply broad and stay positive.

 

[abcabc1]

I agree with you in the sense your chances are low. That said, you may as well give it a shot if becoming a Radiologist is what you want. I don't think you'll match or get many interviews, to be honest. They say 220 is, generally, the bare minimum (and, with many programs, that's pushing it).

You may want to apply to a second field as well or at least look into research, etc in case things don't work out.

 

[MrBurns10]

I gotta say I disagree with abcabc1 about your chances. If you look at the match data from 2007, out of 101 people that applied with step 1 scores between 211 and 220, 87 people matched. Of 63 people that applied with scores between 201 and 210, 46 people matched. In other words, your chances aren't at all destroyed by your scores. Now, maybe those applicants had higher step 2 or research, we don't know, but the point is they matched.

I would suggest doing a research month and applying very broadly, especially to community programs.

 

[deleted77919]

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[MrBurns10]

Just a clarifying point to MrBurns post, the data from "Charting the Outcomes" is based on student swho got at least one interview. There could have been 1000 people who had those scores, applied for rads, got zero interviews, and therefore aren't represented. On the other hand, the number could ahve been zero, we don't know. What you can take away is that if your scores are between 211 and 220, and got at least one interview, and participated in the 2007 match, then your chance of matching was 87/101.

Good point, I forgot about that. Either way, I still think you have a decent chance at matching, assuming your LORs are strong and you apply to a large # of programs (especially community programs).

 

[abcabc1]

Looks like your chances are better than I thought, assuming you land at least one invite. Anecdotally, I had the impression that Radiology was very very difficult for people with Step 1 scores less than 220.

 

[yoohoo2]

Just a clarifying point to MrBurns post, the data from "Charting the Outcomes" is based on student swho got at least one interview. There could have been 1000 people who had those scores, applied for rads, got zero interviews, and therefore aren't represented. On the other hand, the number could ahve been zero, we don't know. What you can take away is that if your scores are between 211 and 220, and got at least one interview, and participated in the 2007 match, then your chance of matching was 87/101.

I think the probably of matching is misinterpreted. Number of interviews and score are sorta indedepdent variables. Assuming you get 1 interview and have a score between 211-220. The chance of matching is 5/28 x 87/101 = .15. Having 2 interviews dramatically increases the chance of matching. The number of interviews received probably depends on the scores, number of programs applied and overall strength of application.

 

[Osteopathology]

In summary,

GIVE IT A GO! If no one else is pulling for you, I am. At this stage, I am on the perpetual wagon of positivity -- for my own sanity and everyone elses.

 

[DocStrong]

If you are a US grad and have the slightest interpersonal skills I am 99.9% sure you will match. If you are an IMG the best thing to do is network matching is 80% who you know 20% how well you know them. Work hard and never give up on your goals.

 

[Amxcvbcv]

Panicking!!!!!

Just got my score for STEP 2 and it's 213. Got the same for step 1. And I actually tried to do well.. studied hard, but I guess just not smart enough... Anyway ..... I need an honest opinion....

DO I even try to apply for Radiology? I'm sure ppl will say, nothing to loose, but realistically... do i even have a chance?

Are there way to get interviews with that score?

I don't really have research or anything like that, 'cause i switch careers and did not have time to do so in med school, 'cause I've been trying to keep up with others... so any input would be helpful.

Thank you.

I think most of the bases have been covered, but I'd just like to say don't count yourself out.

As you well know, you've got an uphill battle since, fairly or not, Step 1 is used as a measuring stick by a vast majority of the programs. With that said, it is well within reason for you to successfully match (or even scramble into a spot, if it comes to that). Firstly, cast a broad net. There are plenty of less competitive programs out there. Look at the list on AuntMinnie of the unmatched programs from last year for one angle on it (sorry, I don't have a link handy). Second, try to make a personal connection. I don't think it's necessarily too late to try to do an away at a place. If you're easy to get along with, it'll go a long way toward a PD getting over your relatively lower Step 1 score. Beyond that, apply early (within 1 week of ERAS opening, in my opinion). You don't want programs to get the impression that you're coming to them because your other options fell through; nobody wants to be the "back-up".

Buy some Rolaids or Tums and ride it out.

Good luck!

 

[mefistofel]

I think most of the bases have been covered, but I'd just like to say don't count yourself out.

Look at the list on AuntMinnie of the unmatched programs from last year for one angle on it (sorry, I don't have a link handy).

Good luck!

THANKS...
I'll be trying to navigate through the site, but it looks somewhat confusing..... I was actually wondering if there is any pattern of programs not being matched from one year to the next....