Read on Twitter
Let me add this:
Step 1 - 209; Step 2 - 245
Step 1 is not predictive of my ability to be a good physician. I have a lot to learn, but I’m starting off residency strong.
I’ve been asked a few times why I didn’t match. I know why I didn’t match. I didn’t apply appropriately. https://twitter.com/_brainymd_/status/1284304056111030283
Step 1 - 209; Step 2 - 245
Step 1 is not predictive of my ability to be a good physician. I have a lot to learn, but I’m starting off residency strong.
I’ve been asked a few times why I didn’t match. I know why I didn’t match. I didn’t apply appropriately. https://twitter.com/_brainymd_/status/1284304056111030283
I only ranked 4 programs. Why? That’s all the interviews I had. I didn’t apply to maximize my interviews, nor applied to as many programs as my co-applicants with stronger Step 1 scores.
Step 1 is a screening measure programs use to filter out applicants.
Step 1 is a screening measure programs use to filter out applicants.
They need something to narrow down applicants. When they receive >1,000 apps for 4-12 spots, reviewing all of those applications is insurmountable.
Do NOT be afraid to show your interest in a program, and tell them exactly why you are.
Do NOT be afraid to show your interest in a program, and tell them exactly why you are.
Now that I’ve said this part, let me say, not a SINGLE program I interviewed at questioned my Step 1 score. But I did work it in to provide a “it happened, I learned and grew from it.”
It was never mentioned again.
LET THEM KNOW YOU.
It was never mentioned again.
LET THEM KNOW YOU.
Know what your weaknesses are, what you want in your career, and how that program can help you reach those goals.
On the other hand, know your strengths and how having them bring you to their program can provide synergistic support.
This is key. I failed the first part.
On the other hand, know your strengths and how having them bring you to their program can provide synergistic support.
This is key. I failed the first part.
Mentorship is key.
I didn’t identify mentors to work with for advice on applying, based on the career I wanted. Access to mentorship was difficult in my campus, but I should have pushed harder.
I didn’t identify mentors to work with for advice on applying, based on the career I wanted. Access to mentorship was difficult in my campus, but I should have pushed harder.
This may sound dumb, and retrospectively it is. We were told to identify a mentor from our campus with applying in 4th year.
I honestly didn’t know I could create mentor relationships outside of this network. I thought it would be unprofessional if I did.
I honestly didn’t know I could create mentor relationships outside of this network. I thought it would be unprofessional if I did.
This is where that whole, first gen student bit me in the butt. I didn’t know the right questions to ask.
When I did, it was too late. Most interviews went out.
Now? I’ve identified mentors from all levels of training that I connect with both professionally and personally.
When I did, it was too late. Most interviews went out.
Now? I’ve identified mentors from all levels of training that I connect with both professionally and personally.
To me, having them know you personally helps them in identifying the best steps forward for you.
The best part? You get new friendships with people that likely know the trials and tribulations to come.
The best part? You get new friendships with people that likely know the trials and tribulations to come.
Having that trust developed allows you to communicate openly, honestly, and freely.
Well, that’s all the advice I have M4’s. I just wanted to share some of the things I’ve learned this year in hopes it helps other applicants too.
Well, that’s all the advice I have M4’s. I just wanted to share some of the things I’ve learned this year in hopes it helps other applicants too.
Oops. I lied. Last thing.
If you have a lower Step 1 score...
DO. NOT. LET. THAT. NUMBER. DEFINE. YOU.
It’s a point. A single data point. If you let it define you, it will.
You are a magnificent, multi-faceted, intelligent human. Let the layers of whom you are define you.
If you have a lower Step 1 score...
DO. NOT. LET. THAT. NUMBER. DEFINE. YOU.
It’s a point. A single data point. If you let it define you, it will.
You are a magnificent, multi-faceted, intelligent human. Let the layers of whom you are define you.
IF you do find yourself in a similar position as myself for Match last year, ASK FOR HELP!!!
I had amazing people checking on me periodically, letting me vent frustrations. @kmgee9 and @nataliemwall were amazing.
I didn’t know what to do following a failure to SOAP.
I had amazing people checking on me periodically, letting me vent frustrations. @kmgee9 and @nataliemwall were amazing.
I didn’t know what to do following a failure to SOAP.
Finally, I scrambled because of advice from someone anonymous on twitter. I didn’t know what to do afterwards. None.
I won’t tag them to protect their anonymity, but I’ll never forget them, their help, and how much support they provided that week.
I seriously love you.
I won’t tag them to protect their anonymity, but I’ll never forget them, their help, and how much support they provided that week.
I seriously love you.
OMG. Also, I forgot to add @theblondeMD
You consistently checked on my well being too. Even after my scramble. Your texts and messages checking on me were so appreciated.
You consistently checked on my well being too. Even after my scramble. Your texts and messages checking on me were so appreciated.
