What are my chances for matching in CA?

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GameNameJames

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Hey, I’m at a mid tier MD. Step 1 is 237. 2 pubs/4 research experiences. Can someone help me gauge my chances at the California schools. How many schools I need to apply to? I am also interested in schools like Georgetown but don’t know if I have a chance with this step score. Thank you so much.
 
Hey, I’m at a mid tier MD. Step 1 is 237. 2 pubs/4 research experiences. Can someone help me gauge my chances at the California schools. How many schools I need to apply to? I am also interested in schools like Georgetown but don’t know if I have a chance with this step score. Thank you so much.

35%

20

20%
 
Huge range of competitiveness amongst the CA programs. You have a good chance of matching somewhere outside the big 4.
 
Since this topic is brought up, I'd also like to throw in my numbers for California to see if I have a chace at some of the top programs:
3rd year DO student
Step1:248
Step2:Have not taken yet
Research: 4x basic science poster presentations as first author (Not anesthesia related)
1x basic science publication in undergrad

Is there anything I should do while in 3rd year to boost my app? Thank you kindly!
 
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Chance s/he given you for ca
Number schools s/he feels you should apply
Whatever the last question you asked.
yeah but is georgetown really that dope that a 237 is only 20% chance. maybe they are. I have literally no clue is why i'm asking. I thought a 237 was like really good for anesthesia.
 
Huge range of competitiveness amongst the CA programs. You have a good chance of matching somewhere outside the big 4.

Thanks for your feedback. So do you think I have good chances at USC bc that’s not part of the big 4. I wish there was a way to see median scores for each program
 
yeah but is georgetown really that dope that a 237 is only 20% chance. maybe they are. I have literally no clue is why i'm asking. I thought a 237 was like really good for anesthesia.

I actually don’t know the numbers. Just translating for ya. There are few more members who are more attuned to the academia. They probably will weigh in.

I am sure you will match, that’s all I can say. Not helpful, I know that too. 😉
 
Since this topic is brought up, I'd also like to throw in my numbers for California to see if I have a chace at some of the top programs:
3rd year DO student
Step1:248
Step2:Have not taken yet
Research: 3x basic science poster presentations as first author (Not anesthesia related)
1x basic science publication in undergrad

Is there anything I should do while in 3rd year too boost my app? Thank you kindly!

You’re in good shape - but look toward programs that take DOs. Consider doing an away at a reach program if you want, not required.

yeah but is georgetown really that dope that a 237 is only 20% chance. maybe they are. I have literally no clue is why i'm asking. I thought a 237 was like really good for anesthesia.

I actually wasn’t aware Georgetown had a program. It probably isn’t excessively competitive since Hopkins, UVA and even Philly programs aren’t too far away and have better overall reps. 237 puts you in good shape.

Is there a reason you are interested in that program in particular along with Ca? That seems completely random.
 
Since this topic is brought up, I'd also like to throw in my numbers for California to see if I have a chace at some of the top programs:
3rd year DO student
Step1:248
Step2:Have not taken yet
Research: 4x basic science poster presentations as first author (Not anesthesia related)
1x basic science publication in undergrad

Is there anything I should do while in 3rd year to boost my app? Thank you kindly!


unfortunately the top CA programs rarely if ever take DOs. Id think you'd have a chance at USC, UCI, UCD, Loma Linda
 
Thanks for your feedback. So do you think I have good chances at USC bc that’s not part of the big 4. I wish there was a way to see median scores for each program

I think so. Decent shot at any of those mentioned above. I’d apply to all in CA if I were you though. You won’t match at 100% of the programs you don’t apply to.
 
I think so. Decent shot at any of those mentioned above. I’d apply to all in CA if I were you though. You won’t match at 100% of the programs you don’t apply to.

Then again I didn't match to 95% of the programs I applied to. That's only 5% difference!
 
Go to charting outcomes.

Look at the top 10% of Step 1 and Step 2 scores.

If you're not in that group then you statistically are unlikely to match at a top program in California (UCSF, Stanford). Even if you are then it is still a crap shoot.

If you are in the "above average" category then you may have a chance at matching if you have a compelling reason and mutually beneficial connection with above average" programs in California (UCLA, UCSD).

If you are "average" then you must do some work to stand out from your cohorts - be interesting, have a fantastic interview, tell a convincing story, bring something extra to the table. Think UCI, UCD, LL, USC.

Residency is what you make of it. Work hard. Don't complain. Be professional. All places offer something of value. Sometimes it'll be presented neatly to you and other times you gotta work a little more for it.

Lots of fantastic programs in CA. Lots of fantastic programs outside CA.
 
Go to charting outcomes.

Look at the top 10% of Step 1 and Step 2 scores.

If you're not in that group then you statistically are unlikely to match at a top program in California (UCSF, Stanford). Even if you are then it is still a crap shoot.

If you are in the "above average" category then you may have a chance at matching if you have a compelling reason and mutually beneficial connection with above average" programs in California (UCLA, UCSD).

If you are "average" then you must do some work to stand out from your cohorts - be interesting, have a fantastic interview, tell a convincing story, bring something extra to the table. Think UCI, UCD, LL, USC.

Residency is what you make of it. Work hard. Don't complain. Be professional. All places offer something of value. Sometimes it'll be presented neatly to you and other times you gotta work a little more for it.

Lots of fantastic programs in CA. Lots of fantastic programs outside CA.
Thank you very much for the insight! That was extremely helpful. I have a bit of a left field question, do you know if Washington's programs are competitive relative to the ones in California? Thank you kindly!
 
You’re in good shape - but look toward programs that take DOs. Consider doing an away at a reach program if you want, not required.



I actually wasn’t aware Georgetown had a program. It probably isn’t excessively competitive since Hopkins, UVA and even Philly programs aren’t too far away and have better overall reps. 237 puts you in good shape.

Is there a reason you are interested in that program in particular along with Ca? That seems completely random.

I really want to end up in Ca for residency, but if not then I’d like to end up in a nice city like DC. That’s why I’m interested in Georgetown.
 
I think so. Decent shot at any of those mentioned above. I’d apply to all in CA if I were you though. You won’t match at 100% of the programs you don’t apply to.

Yes this is true. I will apply to all of them. Are Cedars Sinai and UCLA Harbor considered a part of the big 4 merely bc of the association with UCLA or are they a little easier to get in to. Sorry for all the questions.
 
Thank you very much for the insight! That was extremely helpful. I have a bit of a left field question, do you know if Washington's programs are competitive relative to the ones in California? Thank you kindly!

Generally the "top", "above average" and "average" programs are usually more competitive in California than Washington.
 
Yes this is true. I will apply to all of them. Are Cedars Sinai and UCLA Harbor considered a part of the big 4 merely bc of the association with UCLA or are they a little easier to get in to. Sorry for all the questions.

Harbor and CS are not considered part of the Big 4.
 
Yes this is true. I will apply to all of them. Are Cedars Sinai and UCLA Harbor considered a part of the big 4 merely bc of the association with UCLA or are they a little easier to get in to. Sorry for all the questions.

Harbor is bottom of the barrel. I have no idea where Cedars fits in, but it ain’t top 4. I will respectfully disagree that UCSF and Stanford are better than UCLA and UCSD, at least when it comes to training you how to be a rockstar anesthesiologist.
 
Harbor is bottom of the barrel. I have no idea where Cedars fits in, but it ain’t top 4. I will respectfully disagree that UCSF and Stanford are better than UCLA and UCSD, at least when it comes to training you how to be a rockstar anesthesiologist.

"Better"? It's about name and prestige a lot of the time. UCSF and Stanford have that "prestige factor" in spades vs UCLA and UCSD. Does that mean the training is better at UCSF vs UCSD? No.
 
This question just came to mind, does anyone think that it would make that much of a difference to my app if I take step 2 before applying or should I not stress about it?
 
I hope premeds are reading these threads...

MD with 240+ ====> competitive everywhere

DO with 240+ ====> “look for DO friendly places”. “CA is tough”
 
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