Hi! I am 29F. I am a nontraditional student who spent the last 6 years as a float patient care technician at an hospital. I am happy to have this opportunity to go to medical school and become a doctor. Lately, I have been really anxious for the start of the school year. Through studying for the MCAT, I have lost many of my college friends and am now completely friendless. Furthermore, I am still single at 29 and have never had a real relationship. I am moving away from my family as the school is located on the East Coast. I don’t make friends very easy and I am worried that I am going to have the same issues in medical school. I am worried that I will still be single throughout medical school. I feel so inferior to my classmates because they are much younger and smarter than me. I don’t know what to do? I’m just scared of the future.

M4 applying IM this cycle. I’ve spoken to my advisor a bit about my school list and plan to consult others but figured I would post here for some feedback.

I currently go to school in New York at a program that has a good regional reputation but isn’t one of the T20s here. I’m also born, raised, spent my whole life in New York. My main goal is to stay in New York (really really want to stay lol) or at least somewhere nearby (NJ/CT/MA/PA/DC).

I’m interested in heme-onc or primary care for the most part, with some interest in GI that comes and goes.

Stats:
Step 1: Pass, taken once
Step 2: 269
Clerkship Grades: 7/7 Honors
Letters: 1 from 3rd year hospitalist attending, 1 from 3rd year PCP, planning to get from sub-I, also considering non-clinical letter
Extracurriculars: Gonna keep this vague but some unique experiences pre med school (career changer) and good amount of leadership. I’ve been told my resume shows a clear interest/narrative. Decent amount of volunteering.
Research: Weak point, unfortunately. Don’t come from a big research school. 2 abstracts, 1 poster presentation at a school research day but it wasn’t my school and I didn’t present so idk if that counts, 1 submitted paper (2nd author), working on a paper that will hopefully be at least submitted by September on which I’ll be first author. Also am trying to push out a couple of more abstracts. I’m on a pretty cool research project rn but idk if anything will come of it before ERAS submission.
AOA/GHHS: Not decided yet but I think I have a decent shot.

I only really have ties to New York and Pennsylvania.

Obviously, I’ve done well academically but I’m worried about the research holding me back.

Schools I am interested in (+ PC track means I intend to apply to both categorical and PC tracks at that school):

Northwell Lenox Hill
Northwell LIJ
Boston University
Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson
Mount Sinai Morningside West
Tufts
NYU Grossman + PC track
Weill Cornell + PC track
Columbia
Mount Sinai + PC track

Any others I should look into? How many safeties should I have? Is this aiming too high?

Thanks!

What kinds of programs should I be looking into?

Low tier USMD

Step 2 257 predicted was 266 and practice exams were in the 260s. Pretty disappointed because I figured my step score would carry me.

4 honors on clerkships including surgery and the rest were HP

No AOA or GHHS

3 published papers 3 more pending manuscripts, no first author

4 presentations, only 1 was presented by me (I was an author on the rest). 2 poster 2 podium

Some volunteering and leadership. Very average applicant. 1st or 2nd quartile in my class. No x-factor.

I’m not interested in a top tier academic program. Mainly interested in high volume centers. The most prestigious program I think I’d like to go to would be USC/LAC or UNC. Thinking vascular or SCC for fellowship.

just started rotations and i'm really not sure how to listen to lung sounds on a bedridden patient. the residents i follow typically listen to them on the front of the patient and i followed suit, but is this the right way (in a nonjudgemental way)? what about the 6 point lung exam we learn in pre-clinicals?

my understanding is neuro is a less competitive specialty. At the t5, t20, t50, etc level, how would you say these factors compare in importance for residency apps in comparison to other fields?

For instance I recall community service/leadership is huge in ER but not so much research, whereas the competitive specialties almost solely value research. Does neuro have such trends?

Here’s some application and interview advice I got on Reddit that was flat out wrong. I matched into my top choice program after 24 interview invites and wanted to remind everyone that some Redditors speak out of their ass and shouldn’t be giving advice.

1. Using your phone during an interview if your computer stops working: I was told this was basically playing with fire. My computer shut down mid interview and I switched to my phone. You can absolutely explain the situation to your interviewer. Just mention why your screen is vertical, and if you were late because of this, acknowledge it briefly, then move on and interview like normal. A good interview will make it feel like the technical issue never happened. If a program has a problem with a genuine tech issue, that's probably a DNR anyway. These things happen in real life across every profession.

2. Talking about a long-distance marriage as an impactful experience: I was told this looked like I was checking boxes or was seeking attention and came off desperate. In reality, I had a very long distance marriage for the majority of medical school and it genuinely impacted my studies, research, volunteering, social life, etc. One PD told me it reminded him of a difficult period in his own life. Several interviewers thought it was touching and personable and made it a real talking point. We're human. Shit happens. Don't be afraid to show that. You don’t need to make light of your situation if it genuinely felt like it impacted your journey in medicine. Yes others have had it worse than you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use the platform ERAS is clearly giving you to speak about an impactful experience in your journey.

3. Listing rotations/clerkships as experiences on ERAS: Was told this made me look like I was padding my app or being arrogant. But ERAS literally offers clerkships as a category for a reason. I had two that were directly relevant to my career path, both niche subspecialty electives. I could talk about them with genuine passion and interviewers responded well. They care about what you're actually excited about and what direction you have planned for residency, not what looks impressive on paper.

4. Taking step as a DO: Some say take it, some say don't. The actual answer is to email the PDs of programs you care about and ask them directly. If they don't reply, no big deal. I did this and got like a 60% response rate, either from the PD directly or the coordinator. I got legit, actionable guidance this way. Several told me to skip Step 1 entirely and just do Level 1 since they’re both pass fail, and then do both Step 2 and Level 2. Some said they didn't need Step 2 at all. Get your info from the source, not from Reddit.

5. Planning your interview answers: Practice your answers to core questions like about me, why medicine, why this program, strengths/weaknesses, why you're a good fit, learning from a mistake, advocating for a patient, etc. Lots of folks made it seem like this would make you sound robotic, but really you’re just preparing yourself rather than memorizing word for word. Similar to doing a chart review before you see a patient rather than walking in blindly. Basically you won’t be stumbling and instead will sound natural and prepared.

6. Reaching out to programs early: I was told this was a gunner move. I reached out to some programs as early as mid-MS2 when figuring out if I should take step as a DO. I used that as a way to introduce myself and show early interest in the program. Most PDs loved it. Several remembered my email months later at interviews. One reach program gave me an interview specifically because I had reached out early. If you’re genuinely interested, make it known and they’ll remember you.

7. Talking about pregnancy and having kids: So many people told me this would backfire. They thought talking about having kids during residency would deter the program as they’d have to accommodate. It’s a match violation for them to ask you about family status and potential pregnancy. But you absolutely can mention it to them or to any residents that interview you to get a feel for the program. Are they welcoming to residents with families? Do they seem accommodating? Are they going to pressure you into limiting your maternity/paternity leave? Basically, if you are family planning during residency, would you want to go to a program that doesn’t want residents with families? If they don’t rank you for this reason, you’re probably better off elsewhere anyways.

Separately, here’s some general advice regarding ERAS and the interview season:

1. Thank you letters: They’re appreciated but not required. Many programs will tell you outright. Doesn't hurt, but don't burn yourself out writing 30 of them.

2. Vibe check programs: Most programs in a specialty are very similar on paper. The real difference is culture, resident morale, and satisfaction. Go to socials, look at their social media, see if they actually show love to their residents. Vibe checks are probably the best thing you can do for your sanity.

3. Letter of intent: Send one to your top choice. It's free. It signals commitment. Do it.

4. In-person interviews: Go in person when you can. Obviously expensive and not always possible, but worth it. It’s much easier to get a gauge of the program’s quality and for a general vibe check if you go in person versus online.

5. Withdraw if you know you won't go: If you have an invite from a program you know you won’t rank (looking at you HCA Florida), then withdraw. Don't waste your time or theirs.

6. Look up board passing rates and accreditation history: Do this for every program you apply to. You don't want to end up somewhere that doesn't have their shit together. This is your career and your license on the line. If you’re curious about something, ask during the interview. You might come off as direct, but hey, you did your homework and want to make sure you get adequate and quality training. If they don’t like you for it or don’t own up to their mistakes, they’re probably a DNR.

Been seeing posts similar to this so wanna toss my hat into the ring for some advice. Hoping to match academic IM in the northeast but fell a bit short on step 2 so now I’m not so sure.

My profile:
- T20 med school (not in northeast)
- 5/7 honors in clerkships, including IM
- Step 2: 257
- Average research… a couple oral talks and a few posters, including for a wet lab project. A manuscript submitted but still under review.
- Free clinic leadership

I know most IM applicants have this same basic profile, just wondering if my Step 2 is too low for the Sinai/BIDMC/Penn type places?

Thanks!

I've had so many older physician mentors tell me (and other pre-meds) that if there's any other career we'd be happy doing, we should do that instead of medicine

And it makes me reflect on getting into medical school and how it is much more competitive now than it was decades ago. So do y'all think the increased competitiveness of getting into med school has changed the type of people who become physicians? do you think it has it filtered for people who are more committed to medicine, or do you think people end up feeling the same way after years of being a doctor regardless of how hard it was to get in?

I’m considering integrated thoracic surgery and wondering if I should dual apply general surgery or anesthesia. I know it is implausible to just apply to the integrated thoracic programs given match rate is below 50% annually. My step2 score is 265 and honored most of my rotations except for 2 high passes. 10pubs and many presentations.

I took a few weeks off after finishing boards and now my first rotation is tomorrow and I’m not looking forward to it at all. I’m applying IM and my school make us set up all our rotations for the whole year (doing rotations right up till match day unfortunately). First rotation is a 2 week IM rotation at the my local VA which I have been told is pretty chill but it’s now like a mini audition since I am on a team of PGY-2’s and interns from my top place which is great and terrifying at the same time. I’m just not looking forward to this whole process of having to perform well at a different place every month and also applying to residency.

I haven't been able to find much discussion about this from previous application cycles. After a lot of consideration, I've decided that I no longer want to pursue the surgical specialty I had originally planned on applying into. I'm currently doing away rotations and am seriously considering canceling my remaining rotations, returning to my home institution, and trying to obtain a letter for a different specialty in time for ERAS.
My question is whether politely canceling these rotations at this stage is likely to completely burn bridges with those programs. I realize I need to do what's necessary to submit the strongest application possible, but I'm wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation or has advice about things I should be considering before making this decision.

Kinda freaking out right now. Im on a sub-I and the residents organized a little get-together at a bar last night with the residents and other sub-Is. Well about 2 hours in I try to get a drink from the bar and the bartender tells me I've been cut off. I wasn't even particularly drunk and hadn't had that much, but I didnt want to create a scene since two of the other residents almost certainly overheard. I've had today off and have been freaking out all day. Im worried that this is going start a rumor about me and Im not sure how to address it. Should I try to bring this up the residents? Maybe just probe them to see how much they heard? Feeling like my chance of mathcing here are going down the drain ugh.

I know grades & research are very important but I’m wondering how other activities stack up. I did a lot of music activities (teaching, performing) in college and have taken an interest in mentoring pre-meds & incoming M1 students at my school. I am also debating on applying to be a tutor (for the one block I did pretty well on). However, I am unsure what percentage of time these activities should take up compared to grades & research. I currently am involved in 2 projects but I admit that my academic performance in M1 wasn’t strong at all, save for the last block of M1 (I guess something clicked).

How am I supposed to continue on if I probably failed step2??? I’m just supposed to keep going and doing my first audition rotation as if nothing is wrong? On top of my romantic life being the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced?? Just everything is absolutely devastating but I’m supposed to be at the top to my game??? No. life is shit and I feel awful. Fuck all of this. Fuck medical school. Fuck life. All of this is disgusting and I don’t want to even be a doctor anymore. I hate the patients and my classmates and everyone I’ve ever met. Fuck me and fuck you.

Hello!! I start medical school in two weeks and I’m sure like some of you here I want to die just thinking about it. All I seem to hear is doom and gloom from attendings, med students, and residents and it has made me begin to dread starting this journey. Is medical school this horrible? Am I really giving up my freedoms and life? Am I even capable of doing this? Just wondering if anyone has any insight to share if my fears are justified and it is a hell I’ll just have to endure or if it is exaggerated in a way. Thank you for any response!!

Hello everyone, irresponsible matriculating M1 here, who has recently quit using edibles to try to keep a clear head for medical school. At the end of the month. Heard a lot of mixed things about schools drug testing during orientation.

throwaway to ask if anyone knows that’s the case for Indiana University? It’s on the requirements for other health professions but the MD program is very vague. It lists various immunization and physical exam requirements through MedHub, no mention of a drug screening, but the website doesn’t mention it for 3rd and 4th year either and I know it will be required then.

Wouldn’t suppose there’s any ex IU students who could let me know what happened during their orientation? Trying to lock in here but I know the time to test clean can vary widely.

If anyone has any advice it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

I’m on clerkships, and lately I’ve realized something that’s honestly been bothering me more than I expected.

I don’t think I know how to enjoy my free time anymore.

For some context, this past year has been really emotionally exhausting outside of school. I went through a lot of drama with classmates that left me feeling isolated and second-guessing who I could trust. On top of that, there’s been a lot of family stress, and as a Muslim woman in my mid-20s, I also feel a lot of pressure (both internal and external) to eventually find someone and get married. The weird thing is… I don’t even really like anyone right now. I don’t know if that’s normal or if I’m just emotionally burnt out.

When I’m on rotation, my life has structure. I’m busy, learning, seeing patients, and working toward something. But as soon as I finish a shelf exam or a rotation, it’s like I hit a wall.

I just… don’t know what to do with myself.

I’ve noticed I rely way too much on other people to fill that space. If I have someone to text, hang out with, or spend time with, I’m happy. If I don’t, I feel incredibly restless and almost empty.

I actually got into an argument with my sister recently because I realized I’ve been depending on her much more than I should. We genuinely enjoy hanging out together, but she has her own life and sometimes just wants to be left alone. I realized I was getting upset because, outside of school, I don’t really have much that feels like mine.

It made me ask myself: what are my hobbies?
Honestly… I don’t know.

I used to enjoy working out, but I’ve completely lost motivation. I know I should probably be doing research or career-related things, but that’s still medicine. It feels like my identity has become “medical student,” and I don’t really know who I am outside of that.

I also keep wondering if it’s normal that I’m single and just… not particularly interested in anyone. Sometimes I worry something is wrong with me because everyone around me seems to either be in relationships, getting engaged, getting married, or actively dating, and I just don’t feel that drive right now. At the same time, I do want a relationship eventually, so it’s confusing.

Has anyone else gone through this during clerkships or med school in general?

I’m not really looking for a list of random hobbies. I’m more wondering if anyone else has experienced this feeling of listlessness after spending years in survival mode, and how you rebuilt a life that actually felt enjoyable outside of medicine

Hi, I am starting on my first rotation which is psychiatry this Monday. I have Amboss and will be getting UWorld soon. I wasn’t able to keep up with anki in preclinical and just did bootcamp videos and took notes and that worked fine for me. How did others study for their shelf? Is it doable without anki? How did people review their wrongs and learn content while doing question banks?

Mid-tier US MD, no home program. I scored >10 points below my Amboss predicted Step 2 score, which was truly heartbreaking. Currently already on a research year which I will be completing and seeing out. Honors on every rotation with glowing reviews. Is ENT still possible?? Will any programs overlook a terrible Step 2 score with strong letters, research, and stellar sub-I performance?? I've been dreaming of ENT since I came into med school so I don't even know what else I would do, but IDK if I can go through a Match cycle if it's truly hopeless. Any insights appreciated <3