US Transfer Student Chances?

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Aphtalyfe

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  1. Attending Physician
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I scored a 254 on Step 1. I will probably have 1-2 publications with a decent amount of research experiences by the time I apply for residency. My clinical grades will probably be a mixture of HP and P in my cores. I would really like to match into radiation oncology and I was planning on applying to every program in the nation.

...however my real issue is:

I transferred into 3rd year at a US (mid/low tier) allopathic school from a Caribbean school between my 2nd and 3rd year. Would this negatively affect my application? Do programs care that I did my preclinical years off shore? Should I look into an alternate specialty?

Any help/advice/opinions would be appreciated!
 
Unforunately, I think this will have some impact on your chances, just as going to lower tier med US school will as well. It is certainly possible to overcome this by doing things like taking Step 2 early and scoring well, doing well on your away rotations, and continuing to produce research. I know of one resident who was in a similar situation to you who matched a few years ago so it is definitely something that can be done. You should be prepared to explain this going forward and also realize that some top tier places may not be be on your radar though.

Thank you for the reply!
 
I actually think you'll be in reasonably good shape since you've got an excellent step 1 score and are graduating from a US allopathic school. Applying broadly is going to help. Obviously do the best you can going forward and get in some radonc-specific research and good LORs.
 
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