Considering neurology without great stats/cv

[Sad_DO_Student]

M3 at a DO school. Was pretty set on IM but did a neuro rotation and surprisingly ended up loving it. I'm seriously considering switching over last minute now, or at least dual applying if I really can't decide. Problem is my stats are pretty mediocre. I got a 220 on step 1 and an embarrassing 491 on level 1. I'm working hard on doing better on step 2/level 2, but I don't have those yet and I'm not exactly sure if they would make any difference. I haven't thought of neuro much until this rotation so I have nothing on my CV related to it either. I'm hesitant to switch since I feel like my app is super weak and tailored to some other specialty. wondering if anyone has any advice for me. Appreciate the help!

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[DrStephenStrange]

You'll be fine, just get you some good letters. Possibly audition at programs you would want to attend and get 1 or 2 LORs from them if you do well.
This was my situation this cycle: Motivation for low stat DO students
You definitely can do better than I did. Good luck!

 

[DrStephenStrange]

Also, advice I received in the beginning of the cycle

What are my chances applying neurology this year?

So I am at one of the newer DO schools and also URM/black (if that makes a difference) applying Neuro this year. Step 1 and Level 1 didn't turn out great with a 204 and 425 (on first attempt). Still working on Step 2 and Level 2, and my scores won't come out until 2 weeks into the cycle...

forums.studentdoctor.net

 

[xenotype]

M3 at a DO school. Was pretty set on IM but did a neuro rotation and surprisingly ended up loving it. I'm seriously considering switching over last minute now, or at least dual applying if I really can't decide. Problem is my stats are pretty mediocre. I got a 220 on step 1 and an embarrassing 491 on level 1. I'm working hard on doing better on step 2/level 2, but I don't have those yet and I'm not exactly sure if they would make any difference. I haven't thought of neuro much until this rotation so I have nothing on my CV related to it either. I'm hesitant to switch since I feel like my app is super weak and tailored to some other specialty. wondering if anyone has any advice for me. Appreciate the help!

Apply broadly, do 2 aways at places realistic for you to match that you think you'd like to be at, do the best you can on step 2, and you'll probably be fine. Neuro and IM are very similar in competitiveness across low-mid-high tier locations.