WAMC for matching psych this cycle?

[Newyorkgirl24]

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Current 4th year DO student. Scored lower than I anticipated on my boards, with a Step 2 at 229 and level 2 at 471.
I am worried this won't be competitive enough for psychiatry, and am considering dual applying as a back up even though I'd prefer to only shoot my shot at psych.
My application otherwise has no red flags, ranking is in the 50th percentile for my class.
I have some EC's pointing towards psychiatry, volunteering, and one leadership position.

WAMC at matching psych this year? Is there any number of programs I should shoot to apply for?

 

[Cath Up]

Current 4th year DO student. Scored lower than I anticipated on my boards, with a Step 2 at 229 and level 2 at 471.
I am worried this won't be competitive enough for psychiatry, and am considering dual applying as a back up even though I'd prefer to only shoot my shot at psych.
My application otherwise has no red flags, ranking is in the 50th percentile for my class.
I have some EC's pointing towards psychiatry, volunteering, and one leadership position.

WAMC at matching psych this year? Is there any number of programs I should shoot to apply for?

These threads typically get more attending in the DO student forum FYI.

Assuming good letters and decent interview skills, you have a great shot at matching. Look at the charting outcomes in the match published by nrmp for a better sense of what is required. I applaud your decision to take step 2- 229 isn’t great but it shows you are close enough to on par with MDs applying psychiatry.

To ensure you match I would suggest the following:
-look at the average # of programs successful DOs applied to in the last cycle. Add 25-50%z
-practice interviewing
-practice interviewing
-apply to all of the programs in your region
-personalize your personal statement for a subset of programs you have more interest in
-apply to a bunch of community programs
-network if you know anyone
-turn everything in as early as you can and reach out to programs you like
-contact programs if they haven’t offered you an interview but you know they’ve given them out and tell them you like their program, please give me an interview

Reasonable to dual apply FM, like 15-40 programs I would say.

-a DO pgy3