Third year grades

[merlin]

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So these posts always show up where people don't think they belong, but really, it's all heresay until you have gone through the process, so in an effort to hopefully get help on this subject, I'll throw it out there. I know third year grades are probably more important than Step 1 scores, but what does that mean. To match at a better than average residency spot does that mean you absolutely must honor the rotation of what you are going into? Or can you high pass instead of honor due to whatever reason (mainly shelf cut-offs) and just get a smattering of high pass and honors through third year? What does a pass mean? (I know that there is rampant grade inflation in third year) Thanks for your imput.

 

[Firion451]

I can only answer for internal medicine, in which it seems that honoring the 3rd year clerkship and 4th year acting internship is pretty darn close to a prerequisite for getting interviews at top-notch programs. The other grades don't seem to matter too much to PD's.

 

[b&ierstiefel]

I echo Firion in saying that it really depends on what you are applying to and what aspects of an application are emphasized or de-emphasized.

As I am going through the application process (pathology, by the way...so you can stop reading now ), I am seeing more and more that 3rd year grades comprise only ONE aspect of your application. I got a Pass in Internal Medicine (but grades at my school are pretty deflated...only 5 out of 40 students get the big fat Honors on medicine). And this issue never comes up at interviews (even at the top programs).

If you don't do well during 3rd year med school (like me), it's not the end of the world. Hopefully you will have other aspects of your application that will compensate (i.e., step 1 score, lengthy publication list, strong LORs, etc). During this application cycle (and the competitiveness of pathology has even increased this year), my 3rd year grades have never been a point of contention during interviews (even at top programs).

 

[tennik]

I am in my third year and just finished surgery (IM, Peds done). I have heard that after the big three grades drop off in importance (unless it is a specialty you are going into). True that?

 

[timtye78]

Third year grades have never been a topic in discussions I have seen here and in the interview world. PDs are much more impressed with USMLE scores. Step 1 in particular. Kaplan Qbank and First Aid for Step 1 can really ramp your scores there.

Put your efforts into outstanding personal statement, LORs etc as well.

 

[Hercules]

Third year grades have never been a topic in discussions I have seen here and in the interview world.

Really? I've received multiple comments in interviews about my 3rd year performance.

 

[b&ierstiefel]

Really? I've received multiple comments in interviews about my 3rd year performance.

If you have strong 3rd year grades, I don't see why they wouldn't be mentioned. In my interview experience, they tend to bring up strong points in my application .

 

[NinerNiner999]

The most important things you can bring to the table from your third year clerkships are strong letters of recommendation. Every school grades differently and some don't even have a grade system. USMLE scores sill end up being the equalizer. Learn how to work with people and stand out - we all learn the same stuff...

 

[timtye78]

Really? I've received multiple comments in interviews about my 3rd year performance.

Well that is a first for me. Kudos to you if your third year grades stood out..hope they were positive comments!

 

[tennik]

Another question: I have done well in my clinicals thus far and my written comments have been great, but I feel like I don't know anyone well enough for a letter yet. Did you guys try to double dip and get two rotations with the same attending? Did you get them from fourth year rotations?

 

[b&ierstiefel]

Another question: I have done well in my clinicals thus far and my written comments have been great, but I feel like I don't know anyone well enough for a letter yet. Did you guys try to double dip and get two rotations with the same attending? Did you get them from fourth year rotations?

you don't have to "know" anyone well...just look at the evals and if you got some really good ones that means the attending thought very highly of you. I would just go ask those attendings if they would be receptive to writing a LOR on your behalf in the future...it's that simple.
Plus, when this summer comes around, they will probably forget a lot about you anyway...that's why you give them your CV and personal statement and have a sit down meeting with the letter writers when the time comes near.

 

[tennik]

It seems that most people are going to write letters based on your CV in the end. If that is the case why not just go to a big name?

 

[b&ierstiefel]

It seems that most people are going to write letters based on your CV in the end. If that is the case why not just go to a big name?

yeah...why the hell not 🙂