Step 2 score effect on my match chances?

[ca88]

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I'm from a top 60 med school and I found out yesterday I barely passed my Step 1. I was targeting a competitive specialty (radiology, GI) but the chances of matching with those programs look very slim at this point and if I have even an outside shot, it's probably in a community hospital in a less than desirable location. My class ranking is probably in the bottom third. I understand doing well on my rotations and getting stellar recommendations is a must now. But how much of an effect will a good/great Step 2 score have on my chances? Do residencies combine the scores to get some kind of average? Should I even try to pursue competitive specialties like radiology or GI at all??? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[GYN DOC]

Dont get bummed out. Residencies look at both your step 1 and step 2 scores. They're looking for an improvement in your step 2 scores. So study hard and take step2 early so that you'll have your scores back in time for the application process.

 

[yaah]

If your class ranking was in the bottom third, it is going to be an uphill climb anyway to get a really competitive spot. Step scores do not totally make up for other deficiencies (and conversely, they don't detract from other strengths) in your application. The truth is, many people with high step scores also have great recommendations, high class rank (if applicable), etc. The question is, what else is in your application? Have you done lots of extra stuff (papers, research, work, etc) in radiology?

You don't match into GI out of med school, you apply once you are in IM, at which point your step scores become progressively less important.

But the truth is you won't know until you submit your application and you do or do not start getting interviews. You should talk to your dean of students as well.

 

[Blade28]

As yaah pointed out, GI is a fellowship after Internal Medicine. I think you'll find the competitiveness of an Internal Medicine residency vs. Radiology is vastly different.

Having said that, there are always competitive programs at top institutions. I would also advise taking Step 2 early and doing your best to rock it.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

you apply once you are in IM, at which point your step scores become progressively less important.

As an IM PD, I can tell you that this is not true. GI and Cards programs get 100's of applications for a handfull of spots. Most use USMLE scores as an initial screen. Poor USMLE scores, although not the "end of the road" for GI or Cards, are a huge problem.

That being said, a great Step 2 score would make a big difference.

 

[yaah]

As an IM PD, I can tell you that this is not true. GI and Cards programs get 100's of applications for a handfull of spots. Most use USMLE scores as an initial screen. Poor USMLE scores, although not the "end of the road" for GI or Cards, are a huge problem.

That being said, a great Step 2 score would make a big difference.

Hmmm, figured they were looked at but didn't know they were so key. But yeah, I think the important thing to remember is that the more competitive (i.e. more applicants) a fellowship is, the more things they will want to look at.

T-minus 1 week until the "is my Step I high enough to get a GI fellowship, I have always wanted to do GI and it's not because of the money" thread.

 

[DCMDtobe]

A "just passing" step 1 score will make it awfully hard to match into radiology. You'd have a shot at some of the lower-tier programs, but they'd all worry about you passing the radiology boards, which are quite difficult.

Rocking step 2 would help some, but step 1 is, what, six times more important than step 1?

The programs certainly do not average your step 1 and 2 scores. Step 1 is the only common denominator by which programs can compare all students.

The other issue is that your step 1 score is the best predictor of your step 2 score.

Of course with networking / connections, anything is possible.

 

[Bluedrapes]

Im curious as to the consequences of having a bad step 2? I did okay on step 1 not great 215/87 and did much worse on step 2 190/78, a severely disappointing result, but i have good grades and good LOR. Will this greatly effect my chances at an IM residency? Also i am a FMG which i know doesnt bode well, but i did come from a top 10 undergrad and have research experience. I love medicine and i want nothing more than to get into a fellowship in GI? How can I improve my chances?

 

[c5a]

you and i are in almost the same boat. i got 88/218 on step 1, and could not believe my eyes on step 2. 79/193. all my predictive exams had me higher.

good grades, great letters, great undergrad. i'm going for either heme/onc or infectious dz after 3 years of IM.

how many programs are you applying to? i don't know if i should add more. i have 40 right now.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Im curious as to the consequences of having a bad step 2? I did okay on step 1 not great 215/87 and did much worse on step 2 190/78, a severely disappointing result, but i have good grades and good LOR. Will this greatly effect my chances at an IM residency? Also i am a FMG which i know doesnt bode well, but i did come from a top 10 undergrad and have research experience. I love medicine and i want nothing more than to get into a fellowship in GI? How can I improve my chances?

you and i are in almost the same boat. i got 88/218 on step 1, and could not believe my eyes on step 2. 79/193. all my predictive exams had me higher.

good grades, great letters, great undergrad. i'm going for either heme/onc or infectious dz after 3 years of IM.

how many programs are you applying to? i don't know if i should add more. i have 40 right now.

As IMG's with a poor Step 2 score, you have your work cut out for you. If you are coming from one of the well known Carib schools, that will help.

For now, you need to focus on getting the best IM residency you can. Once in residency, a great score on Step 3 will help.