I know many are going to jump on me saying how dare you even think about NS with a score like that. I went into Med school with that goal in mind. I am an average medical student with average grades, just started 3rd year and I am on my first rotation right now.

Please share your thoughts on this matter, even if harsh I can take it. My question is: how far is it ‘till I see light at the end of the tunnel, or is there even light at this point?

Thanks.

striker1111

striker1111 - 20 July 2011 01:01 PM

I know many are going to jump on me saying how dare you even think about NS with a score like that. Well, I’ve wanted to do NS since I was 13yo due to personal life experiences (I do not wish to share at this point). I went into Med school with that goal in mind. I am an average medical student with average grades, just started 3rd year and I am on my first rotation right now.

Please share your thoughts on this matter, even if harsh I can take it. My question is: how far is it ‘till I see light at the end of the tunnel, or is there even light at this point?

Thanks.

striker1111

You’ll never get anywhere if you let one exam stop you. If you really want to do nsurg, you have to be dogged about it. Try to ace your 3rd year rotations, try to do well on Step 2 (I just took mine, I thought it was really freaking hard oddly enough) and go on some SubIs and try to shine. At this point, put it behind you and do your best in every other regard. When it comes time for the match, put your best foot forward and see what happens.

Will be interesting to see what 2011 charting outcomes in the match says, but nonetheless: in the 2009 match, there were 28 applicants from US medical schools with USMLE step 1 scores between 201-220. Out of that 28, 17 (61%) matched. So, I suppose the odds are with you, at least based on that data.

Agree with above.  The road may be a bit harder and you may get screened out at more places but the only way you won’t match for sure is if you don’t apply.  Your job now is to rock everything else you can still control in your application (M3 grades/evals, subI performance, publications, STEP II) to buttress that step1 score. 

Oh, take step II CK early and kick its ass--that supposedly helps.

also, if you don’t have research/pubs, think about taking a year off to do research.  You’ll want to be as strong as possible in all the other areas of your application.

No, it is not out of reach for you. With research and excellent performance in away rotations you can match. Best of luck!

You guys/gals are awesome! Thank you for your support!!! I am going to give it 120%

How hard you work is infinitely more important than what you get on a test. Hard work + dedication + perseverance = you will match one way or another.

My 2 cents