Third year late start

[schimel04]

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I need to select my third year schedule pretty soon. One of the options includes starting third year several weeks later (1 rotation) then all the other options to give more time to study for STEP 1. In this option, you can use all those extra weeks for studying or you can try and schedule an elective for some of that time.

I'm worried about STEP 1, never been a great test taker and already I think I'm going to need extra time to study. For the record, I'm not trying to get a 270 or anything, I'm projecting I'm going to plateau at the 230 or 240 if I'm lucky. I want to use all that extra time to get there.

But would this late start be seen as a red flag by residency programs for psych? Will I be at a disadvantage since I am going to be evaluated next to students who have had one rotation up on me?

 

[Firewood]

But would this late start be seen as a red flag by residency programs for psych? Will I be at a disadvantage since I am going to be evaluated next to students who have had one rotation up on me?

Taking a month to study for Step is pretty common,and I seriously doubt any program would consider that a red flag. Take things one step at a time (bad pun, but solid advice); first pass Step, do well on rotations, get good letters, etc. Barring any terrible problems, you should do fine when it comes time to apply. Good luck.

 

[MacDonaldTriad]

As long as you don't delay your graduation, I don't think anyone will care or even notice.

 

[LimbicResponse]

This doesn't show up on your transcript and its not part of the application process disclosures. It's like it never happened

 

[schimel04]

This doesn't show up on your transcript and its not part of the application process disclosures. It's like it never happened

ok I'm glad to hear it. I just felt a little strange about taking it because amongst the students here the late option has the reputation as being for people with academic issues, who couldn't keep up with the pack. I guess I was worried that residency directors might view it the same way too. Happy that they don't.

 

[rainmam]

Make sure it doesn't show up on your mspe