UMass Competitiveness?

[sparklystu]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello,

I am a current M3 (US MD) who is just halfway through my first rotation in Ob/Gyn. I am wondering if anyone knows about the competitive nature of the UMass Pediatrics program? I recently received by Step 1 Score and was disheartened (208). It's making me worried about what types of programs I could apply to since it seems I am out of the running for most academic programs. I'm not looking for anything top tier, just a place where I could learn to be a good pediatrician and maybe try for an ID fellowship? It's hard to find this information and the low score has put me in a sort of panic mode of whether I will match anywhere reasonable. If you have any thoughts at all about this, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[Obnoxious Dad]

The AMA's Freida database does not cite a minimum Step 1 score for UMASS. However, the credentials of the current peds residents there are pretty impressive. Here is a link to the current residents' page:
http://www.umassmed.edu/pediatrics/residency/residents-old/

With a 208 on Step 1 you can still get into an academic program in peds but maybe not at UMASS. Places in New England where you'd have a shot might include UCONN and the Tufts program at the Maine Medical Center. Try the programs in Pennsylvania like St Christopher's and Penn State. You should also try the midwestern programs like UW Madison, Minnesota and Iowa a shot.

 

[SplenoMegastar]

The AMA's Freida database does not cite a minimum Step 1 score for UMASS. However, the credentials of the current peds residents there are pretty impressive. Here is a link to the current residents' page:
http://www.umassmed.edu/pediatrics/residency/residents-old/

With a 208 on Step 1 you can still get into an academic program in peds but maybe not at UMASS. Places in New England where you'd have a shot might include UCONN and the Tufts program at the Maine Medical Center. Try the programs in Pennsylvania like St Christopher's and Penn State. You should also try the midwestern programs like UW Madison, Minnesota and Iowa a shot.

Hello,

I am a current M3 (US MD) who is just halfway through my first rotation in Ob/Gyn. I am wondering if anyone knows about the competitive nature of the UMass Pediatrics program? I recently received by Step 1 Score and was disheartened (208). It's making me worried about what types of programs I could apply to since it seems I am out of the running for most academic programs. I'm not looking for anything top tier, just a place where I could learn to be a good pediatrician and maybe try for an ID fellowship? It's hard to find this information and the low score has put me in a sort of panic mode of whether I will match anywhere reasonable. If you have any thoughts at all about this, I would greatly appreciate it.

You can absolutely match at UMass if you do well in your pediatrics clerkship and have good letters. An ID fellowship is attainable from many programs.

 

[GoSpursGo]

I'm not specifically familiar with UMass, but it didn't come up in the list of particularly competitive programs when I was applying. I don't think you can ever feel safe aiming at a particular program with your step 1 score regardless of how competitive the program is, but I would say that in general you should be able to get into *A* academic program. From there, you should have no difficulty obtaining an ID fellowship, as many programs don't fill every year.

 

[lockjaw]

Hello,

I am a current M3 (US MD) who is just halfway through my first rotation in Ob/Gyn. I am wondering if anyone knows about the competitive nature of the UMass Pediatrics program? I recently received by Step 1 Score and was disheartened (208). It's making me worried about what types of programs I could apply to since it seems I am out of the running for most academic programs. I'm not looking for anything top tier, just a place where I could learn to be a good pediatrician and maybe try for an ID fellowship? It's hard to find this information and the low score has put me in a sort of panic mode of whether I will match anywhere reasonable. If you have any thoughts at all about this, I would greatly appreciate it.

Hi sparklystu -

UMass is absolutely still within your reach! While it's the exception and not the rule, UMass has definitely taken residents with Step 1 scores below 200, and has even taken residents who have failed Step 1 on their first try (I know of at least 2 who are in the program right now), although they usually like to see some improvement with Step 2. So your score of 208 is perfectly fine for UMass, assuming the rest of your application is solid. While UMass certainly looks at numbers/grades and takes them into account, they seem to be more interested in well-rounded applicants who fit in well with the program, and therefore put a fair amount of stock in LORs and MSPE comments that talk about work ethic, teamwork, personality, etc. They also really want residents who want to be there, and aren't just using the program as a backup to the Boston programs, so when it comes time to apply, if for some reason you don't hear back about an interview, email the program coordinator and/or program director expressing your interest.

If you have more specific questions about UMass, feel free to message me. Good luck with the rest of your 3rd year!