Subpar Residency Applicant...Similar Story?

[do2b2007]

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Hi folks,

I'm officially an SDN member, but of course, been reading these forums since before I even got accepted into med school. Got some great information and laughs from you all over the years, so maybe it's time for me to reciprocate 🙂.

Anyhow, this post (hope it's in the correct forum) is not a very happy one for me. I guess I'm wanting to hear some encouragement out there. But here goes...

I'm pretty much your academically below average applicant, applying for traditional rotating osteopathic internships and family medicine residencies, which I have genuine interest in. In a nutshell, I failed my COMLEX I twice before just merely passing and recently found out I failed my COMLEX II twice ALSO and am scheduled to retake before the end of this year. On the plus side, though, I did pass my COMLEX PE first time around and did show gradual improvement on my COMLEX 1 scores. Compared to my class, I am sadly in the bottom 20%; never repeated entire courses or needed to be held back a year, just basically scored below the class average on exams. I have to admit, though, my study habits have always been horrendous - I'm a serious procrastinator - no matter how much I motivate myself not to be so.

Interestingly (and surprisingly), I have done pretty well clinically. My evaluations have been above average and about half have been pass with honors. And I have good extracurriculars and work experiences.

So anyway, my ERAS application is complete w/ the exception of my last LOR. I reluctantly released my COMLEX scores, as well.

As far as interviews, I haven't gotten any, got one rejection today, and just one email from another program that they received my application. I am, by no means, naive and am pretty much expecting rejections to follow within the next few weeks as my COMLEX scores and grades are finally reviewed by each programs. So basically, I am as pessimistic as one can be right now and kicking myself in the butt for not working harder academically.

I would be interested to hear from PD's out there or fellow past "below average" applicants regarding my situation and any stories you may have. Definitely not looking for any false hopes, but just wanted to get this off my chest and hear what you all have to say, no matter how harsh...

So basically, any chance I'll match at all....?

Congrats to those who have gotten interviews already.

 

[Blade28]

What field are you applying to? How's the rest of your application - research, extra-curriculars, letters of recommendation?

 

[do2b2007]

I am a DO applicant, applying to traditional rotating internships and family medicine residencies. I think the rest of my application is solid - held leadership positions, participated in various health-related activities, currently doing research now (so no publications before interviews, unfortunately), and had work experiences throughout med school. As for LORs, I received them from rotations I enjoyed most and got positive feedback from. I got to read one which I thought gave me too much praise, so I expect them to be solid, as well. Clinically, I think I'm just a good team player and hard-working - but unfortunately, I don't think that's enough for an application given my poor academic performance...

 

[do2b2007]

Well, little bit of good news. Just received one interview invite.

Anybody have any feedback on my situation?

I guess right now I'm thinking about other programs I probably should apply to for a TRI and FM to increase my chances of interviews and matching. I'm flexible as to location. Anyone here can suggest any programs that they know don't screen out immediately those having subpar scores?

Really, any advice/feedback is welcome...

 

[elwademd]

apply broadly, don't apply to upper tier/higher tier (or whatever the term is) residencies, as they are highly unlikely to look at you.

plenty of residencies do put "filters" on their end of the eras system, setting minimum board scores, etc. some residencies actually put this info on their websites.

 

[sikegeek]

I think you should definitely match somewhere. Maybe not at competitive places, but I think most people match FM if they apply to enough places.
The only thing to address is that you did poorly during the 1st 2 years because of poor study habits. I don't think I would admit to that. Plenty of people do poorly and not because of poor study habits- just because it is hard.
Definitely don't give up. 🙂

 

[cabinbuilder]

Well, take it from me who was in your situation two years ago with sub par scores, albeit I never failed COMLEX. Anyhow, I was stupid and as a DO was trying to stay in a certain location so only applied allopathic for residency. SO I did not get any interviews at all and ended up scrambling after the Match because there just wasn't any other choice. So I ended up scrambling to where I am now and really love it here in Texas. However, I do have quite a few friends in med school who failed COMLEX I and II and still ended up in pretty decent places out there. So the fortunate thing for you is that even if you have to scramble, there are so many tradational rotating internships out there and so many FP slots that I don't think you will have a problem. Everyone has to end up somewhere and right now there are more FP slots than bodies to fill. Just look at your options, try not to panic, do well your intern year and pass STEP III the first time before the intern year is over to give yourself a good boost. You can always go through ERAS again next year when you have better numbers and internship behind you. Good luck.

 

[do2b2007]

Thanks for everyone's comments so far.

Thought I'd give another update. Hopefully, my post is helping those who may be in my similar situation.

I've received another interview invitation, no further rejections yet. All except one program has already downloaded my transcripts last week according to ERAS. There's definitely hope...But I guess we'll see after Nov. 1st...

I'm at least happy to be getting interviews. If I can get 3 more invites, I think I'd be happy.

 

[mlw03]

consider looking at community-based programs, which in general are considered less competitive than academic-based residencies. however do your homework and make sure the place isn't just looking for bodies to see their patients for less than they'd have to pay a PA or ARNP. how you do this, i honestly don't know because in the area i'm going for there are so few community-based programs, but this is the advice my class was given by student affairs. but i know decent community-based programs exist, so consider applying to a few of them before deadlines come.

 

[do2b2007]

Hi everyone,

Glad to say I got another interview invitation.

I was hoping you all can help me with another question - if a residency program offers to pay for your hotel stay the day before the interview, would it be safe to say that program has a fairly strong interest in you (since they are helping to pay your way so you can interview with them)? Or is this a very common practice among programs? This has happened to me and I guess I'm trying to squeeze as much hope as possible for matching...

 

[NYGasGirl]

It depends on the program, but not unheard of. I wouldn't read too much into itthough. Congrats on the invites. 👍😉 I think you would do great in the match.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Hi everyone,

Glad to say I got another interview invitation.

I was hoping you all can help me with another question - if a residency program offers to pay for your hotel stay the day before the interview, would it be safe to say that program has a fairly strong interest in you (since they are helping to pay your way so you can interview with them)? Or is this a very common practice among programs? This has happened to me and I guess I'm trying to squeeze as much hope as possible for matching...

For some programs and specialties, its commonplace for everyone they interview. My residency program paid for the hotel for everyone for the night before the interview.

Sorry, I wouldn't read too much (if anything) into this unless they tell you that they don't pay for everyone and they are doing this to ensure you "really really like them".

 

[do2b2007]

For those still following my thread, just wanted to mention that I made my goal of getting at least 5 interview invites!

Not sure if I'll be getting anymore, but I am extremely grateful right now to those programs who invited me.

What's really stressing me out though is that the other programs I applied haven't replied either with invites or rejections, so I'm wondering if I should think they are most likely rejections...

 

[meoww812]

hi...does anybody have a listing of programs not affiliated with ERAS..how do i find out about them or get a list of them.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Go to FREIDA.

Choose the specialty you are interested in.

Choose the "optional criteria" button.

Choose "Does not participate in ERAS"

Search!