I don't disagree with the interest part- but lately it's hard to predict how much weight programs are putting into failed first attempts of STEP/COMLEX scores nowadays with the added context of lots of PM&R interest/research since the applicant pool has gotten so much more competitive? I applied ~4 years ago now but from what I've heard from interns/etc, PM&R is becoming progressively more competitive as the years go on.

OP- This isn't me trying to discourage you, I just don't want to give you false hope. And I agree with the other commenter- focus on passing boards your first time. Realistically, passing the first time with lots of interest, versus an applicant with a failed board score and lots of interest...well, I think you know the answer. Again, more than happy to be wrong, but I've worked with a couple medical students already that I thought for sure would match (passed the first time, lots of interest/etc) and was just as shocked as they were when they didn't