Worried

[medstudm3]

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hi, i scored 200 on step 1 and have mediocre grades for the first two years of med school. I really want to go into ENT, but I don't know if I should even try to apply. I just started my 3rd year and was wondering if acing step 2 and doing some research (possibly taking a year between ms3 and ms4) could possibly give me a fighting chance? if I do take step 2 before applying, does it hold greater weight than step 1? any advice/suggestions would be great.

thanks,
steve

 

[Gfunk6]

You have certainly dug and deep hole for yourself and the odds are not in your favor. To have any chance, you must do the following:

1. Ace your clinicals and rack up as many Honors grades as you can.
2. Do some ENT-orinted research
3. Get an ENT faculty member as your mentor ASAP
4. Consider doing at least two externships in ENT programs so that you can rack up some good LoRs
5. Take Step II early (e.g. right after 3rd year) and rock it

You have an uphill battle, but it may not be impossible.

 

[Ice-1]

I know a person who failed Step 1 three times before passing it, yet got a prestigious residency of his choice. Why? Because people at the residency liked him. People hire who they like and who they think will fit in best in the existing organization. If you can get rotations in the areas where you think you might like to apply and impress the hiring authorities with hard work and likeability you have a good chance. People are generally willing to overlook a few warts if they believe the one under consideration is truely outstanding in other ways. You can't do anything now about the grades and board scores of the past, but the worst thing you can do is give up on yourself. If ENT is what you want to do then go for it! Good luck!

 

[Boomer]

You have certainly dug and deep hole for yourself and the odds are not in your favor. To have any chance, you must do the following:

1. Ace your clinicals and rack up as many Honors grades as you can.
2. Do some ENT-orinted research
3. Get an ENT faculty member as your mentor ASAP
4. Consider doing at least two externships in ENT programs so that you can rack up some good LoRs
5. Take Step II early (e.g. right after 3rd year) and rock it

You have an uphill battle, but it may not be impossible.

In addition to the above may I add:

6. Try to dig up a family member who's a respected ENT doc.
7. Polish up those knee pads.