High Step 1. No research. How to be competitive?

By Guest on Monday, 13 June 2016

Posted in Match Center

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I recently got my Step 1 score back and was delighted to see a 271. I have always had an interest in many of the surgical subs, but during MS1-2 I didn't actively pursue research or networking because I never thought I'd score well enough on Step 1. My MCAT was extremely average, and I didn't have much evidence to think that Step 1 would be any different until everything started clicking in the middle of MS2.

Here are some of my questions. Do I have enough time to build up some research during MS3 and the start of MS4? I have 4 basic science publications from undergrad and a gap year but nothing to show from med school. I had a project going but the attending left the school. I would really prefer not to take a gap year if possible.

Should I take Step 2 after I apply to residencies? I think it would be hard for me to increase my score.

---Summary---
Step 1: 271
Pre-clinical grades: All honors (doubt that matters)
AOA: I think it is purely academic at my school. Step 1 + pre-clinical grades so I think I'll get it.
Clinical grades: ?
Step 2: ?
Home program: Yes
Med school: Top 50 (average)
Research: 4 basic science publications from undergrad and a gap year. All in solid journals in the field and 1 first author.

I'd love any advice that you all could give me. I've read other posts here and I realize research is important, but I'd like to know how much research and what types of third year grades I would need to round out my application and be competitive at mid-high programs.

You still have time to start some research. You may not have anything far enough along to submit for publication before you apply but you may have been able to preset a poster. That said, I don't think you will be sunk if you can't find something before applying. I do think that most programs like to see your Step 2 score in addition to your Step 1, even though your Step1 score is outstanding. Another thing that will help you out is your letters of rec. If you already know that you want to do Ortho, ask your home program's attendings if you can come in and shadow them in office or a day in the OR, especially during the times when they wont have rotating students. Ask the residents if you can come in and take call with them on a Friday or Saturday night. If you show that you are interested and motivated, a lot of shortcomings on an application can be overlooked.

Guest

10 years ago

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#59025

Thats a great idea WIld20. I hadn't even thought of volunteering to take call, and I think that would be valuable not only for networking but to really get a better sense of the specialty.

Throughout medical school I've been paralyzed by indecision. I think that I could enjoy doing multiple specialties, so I have had trouble committing to a research path because I have a fear of changing my mind. This indecision has absolutely backfired. I feel pressure to predict what I'll end up choosing with accuracy as to avoid taking a year off to do additional research. I think its strange that waiting until you have enough rotations/exposure under your belt to make a truly informed decision can mandate a gap year for the competitive specialties. Maybe I'm overestimating the importance of research. Based on your post it seems that I could match without it as long as the rest of my application continued to be strong, but talking to others they make it seem like it is an absolute must.

Guest

9 years ago

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#59026

Do you honestly think you're going to have trouble matching with a 271??? Do you plan on completely bombing step 2 or do you have zero personality???? No need to stroke our egos here.

Guest

9 years ago

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#59027

I apologize if I came off that way but some of the people I have talked to in person have actually advised a gap year making me worry that not matching is a possibility without research. Although I think people may be assuming I want the highest program I can attain rather than just making sure I can do ortho. Everyone always tells people with lower numbers that there is more to a successful applicant, so I'm effectively wondering about the reverse situation.

I honestly don't know the answer to my questions and I'm just trying to collect as many opinions as possible to get a better sense of what is needed.

The last thing I want to do is get complacent and rely on a good Step 1 score. I'm great in the classroom and have an easy going personality, but I'm not a clinical all-star so far. I want to have as strong an application as possible.

Hopdoc12, your post is actually helpful since it clearly conveys that my worries about research are overblown. I haven't been networking in the ortho community for years like many other students so I'm a bit clueless and trying to learn. I know that some of my friends who want ENT have said that a 271 without research would be a problem in that field, so I didn't know if ortho was similar. I'm not here to have my ego stroked. Im just here to be thorough and fully understand where I currently stand and what I need to do from here on out.

Guest

9 years ago

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#59028

I don't have any sage advice but I would think a 271 gets you an interview at any place you want. I think I would rather be in your position at this stage in the game. I'm going into this application cycle with 250s and minimal research. I doubt the research even comes up until after you are at the interview day. With so many applicants now, they must base interview invites almost solely on step scores

getting the interview is the key part, I'm sure most places would gloss over a 'lack' of research. unless you do a year off nobody can have that much stuff published [i hope :-)]

Guest

9 years ago

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#59029

Personally I disagree with the previous poster. I scored over 260 on both step 1 and step 2, and my scores never came up on a single interview. All of the faculty were interested in asking me about my research, the mentors I had worked with, and my interests/hobbies.

While board scores are incredibly important for getting yourself past the interview screens, they are not a golden ticket for matching, or even getting an interview. Programs want to find people that fit their personality, and are more than just a test taking machine.

I don't want to discourage you OP, but I think you should consider exploring orthopaedic research this year to gain a better appreciation for the field, make some connections with your home department, and diversify your academic accomplishments. There is a tremendously different skillset for success in research compared to success in medical school. It is great to have both when you are an applicant and later, a resident.

Good luck.

Guest

9 years ago

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#59030