03-21-2015, 12:11 AM
Hey guys,
i promised myself if I matched I would share my story here.
My step 1 was low: 205. When I got the score I was shocked as i was scoring in 220's on NBMEs. but i accepted it quickly, bad day at the office i guess, and moved on.
I did some observerships and research while studying for step 2. Studied hard and got 230 on Step 2, which is still below average but a big jump for me from step 1. Also took and passed cs on first attempt. CS is a tricky exam though so be careful.
anyway, when i applied I went for almost 100 IM programs, 50 family, 50 psych and cried at the money leaving my bank account lol. I ended up with 8 interviews total, 4 family, 4 psych and 2 IM. i'd say about half of the interviews came from "connections" in the sense that they were places where i did observerships or thru docs i did research with. so yes you do have to network and make a good impression, and overall I have noticed that people are very helpful as long as you take the initiative to get to know them.
put IM number 1 and 2 and ended up matching at an IM program. it is a small community program but I am still very happy that I at least have a shot at getting a fellowship after my very low step score. even if I don't get fellowship I will be more than happy working as a hospitalist.
Just wanted to share my story since I know many posts on here people are posting 240's/250's so wanted to show a different side with my lower score.
extremely happy and thankful to Allah for the match. if you have any questions or help on anything please let me know.
i promised myself if I matched I would share my story here.
My step 1 was low: 205. When I got the score I was shocked as i was scoring in 220's on NBMEs. but i accepted it quickly, bad day at the office i guess, and moved on.
I did some observerships and research while studying for step 2. Studied hard and got 230 on Step 2, which is still below average but a big jump for me from step 1. Also took and passed cs on first attempt. CS is a tricky exam though so be careful.
anyway, when i applied I went for almost 100 IM programs, 50 family, 50 psych and cried at the money leaving my bank account lol. I ended up with 8 interviews total, 4 family, 4 psych and 2 IM. i'd say about half of the interviews came from "connections" in the sense that they were places where i did observerships or thru docs i did research with. so yes you do have to network and make a good impression, and overall I have noticed that people are very helpful as long as you take the initiative to get to know them.
put IM number 1 and 2 and ended up matching at an IM program. it is a small community program but I am still very happy that I at least have a shot at getting a fellowship after my very low step score. even if I don't get fellowship I will be more than happy working as a hospitalist.
Just wanted to share my story since I know many posts on here people are posting 240's/250's so wanted to show a different side with my lower score.
extremely happy and thankful to Allah for the match. if you have any questions or help on anything please let me know.