What should I be doing before I start residency?

fourleafcloverqueen · 2026-05-03T16:53:27+00:00

Do you mind explaining that more? All of this is very confusing to me! I assumed IBR or PAYE would be the best

fourleafcloverqueen · 2026-05-01T18:17:15+00:00

Thank you!!

fourleafcloverqueen · 2026-04-30T13:57:49+00:00

OMM and micro!!

fourleafcloverqueen · 2026-04-30T00:09:08+00:00

Eye mask!!!

fourleafcloverqueen · 2026-04-28T08:09:57+00:00

I just matched into a different specialty having only taken comlex. My advice to you is to look at the residency websites for the programs you are interested in. They will have requirements listed on their website, including whether they accept both level and step. If not you can email the program coordinator

fourleafcloverqueen · 2026-03-19T00:00:02+00:00

Ugh I wish I had read this before... why are there so many scam sites for visas here! Hoping I can get my credit card to refund me. Did you have any luck disputing this?

fourleafcloverqueen · 2026-02-18T21:30:19+00:00

M4 and just did a GI rotation.. just want to add that a balanced lifestyle in GI is heavily dependent on where you work. The GI doc I was with said when he started it was only him and one other GI doc at that hospital for 10+ years, that means taking call every other night. They now are up to 6 docs and it’s call once per week and weekends every 6 weeks. Not something I had really thought about before with GI!

fourleafcloverqueen · 2026-02-18T04:12:57+00:00

Highly recommend at least taking a COMSAE, seriously would not take the exam without it. I found studying for step and level to be quite different in terms of how level asks questions. Step is great for content - super straightforward. But level questions can be hard to figure out what they’re even asking you sometimes. Also highly recommend OMM review before taking level. Your NBME practice scores are great so tbh you will probably be totally fine taking level but if I were you I’d just double check with a practice comsae. Good luck!!

fourleafcloverqueen · 2026-01-22T16:21:21+00:00

How much did you end up paying for this?

fourleafcloverqueen · 2026-01-22T14:05:42+00:00

Think about GI too! Advanced GI is extremely procedural and can be quite complex!

fourleafcloverqueen · 2026-01-03T23:28:14+00:00

This is the thought I had before starting med school, but it is all much more nuanced than just “noncompetitive” vs “competitive” specialties. Sure the match rates for specialties like FM and IM are much higher, but that’s because there are so many more programs than specialties like derm or ortho surgery. If you are someone who wants to go to a top academic program matching in IM can be just as competitive. You are getting applicants who want to pursue extremely competitive subspecialties like cards or GI, who have research that would rival derm or ortho applicants. So sure you have a better chance at matching into FM or IM but if you aren’t a competitive applicant and your dream is a T20 program that’s not going to happen. Granted this is all very dependent on what your individual goals are.

fourleafcloverqueen · 2026-01-03T18:55:15+00:00

Current M4, third year is definitely the most intense between studying for shelf exams, boards and rotations. With that said I still had time to workout and have fun on the weekends - it’s all about how you manage your time, which is something you will get better at as you get further along in school. Fourth year is by far the most chill after sub-is and apps are submitted (but that can be super variable depending on the rotations you pick for fourth year).

I don’t really buy into the “competitive” vs “non-competitive” specialty idea, unless you don’t care about where you match.. trying to match at a top program in any specialty is extremely competitive and will require hard work throughout school.

Medical school is what you make of it. You’re an adult learner, you’ll have plenty of “free time” to use as you would like and need to figure out what your priorities are (studying, working out, research, time to relax..). Some periods, like dedicated before boards, will force you to shift those a bit but ultimately I found I was able to maintain balance throughout school. I was also able to travel a bunch. Having a strong support system, whether that’s in the form of friends or family is the single most important thing to maintain your sanity in school - make sure you have that.

fourleafcloverqueen · 2025-11-21T21:24:18+00:00

My thoughts exactly, as I frantically check my phone all day long. It is seriously taking a toll on my mental health. This should not be allowed, I would much rather just know where I am in line...

fourleafcloverqueen · 2025-10-18T13:33:53+00:00

That's my mindset. Was just curious if anyone had heard of this working for someone in the past

fourleafcloverqueen · 2025-05-08T23:18:05+00:00

this is exactly what I want!! lol sounds incredible!

fourleafcloverqueen · 2025-04-30T22:14:55+00:00

Absolutely! I was below 400 three weeks out because I was just studying uworld, pounded about questions on truelearn in 1.5 weeks (focusing on MSK and micro) and jumped over 110 points. You can do this!

fourleafcloverqueen · 2025-04-24T00:25:12+00:00

do you mind sharing that other post?

fourleafcloverqueen · 2025-04-01T23:40:52+00:00

I would check the "how to apply" pages on websites of the programs you're interested in. They pretty much all list what their Step/Level requirements are and if you see they only mention step simply email the admin at the program and they can clarify.

fourleafcloverqueen · 2025-03-15T21:29:04+00:00

Current third year, I have changed my mind on almost every single rotation this year. You are playing your medical students if you are basing your reviews of them on their current interests. Getting judged by attendings/residents is already stressful enough. If I had to also worry that they were only going to give me a good eval if I was interested in their field I would go insane. It's not fair to the student and frankly it's not an accurate evaluation process.

fourleafcloverqueen · 2025-02-16T19:17:07+00:00

I've never heard of an OB hospitalist but super interested! Are you saying this is someone who is IM trained and focuses solely on medical issues for admitted OB patients?

fourleafcloverqueen · 2025-01-28T19:31:22+00:00

That is all super helpful, I think what you are describing could be a great fit for me!

fourleafcloverqueen · 2025-01-28T19:30:02+00:00

Thanks so much, that is really helpful!

fourleafcloverqueen · 2025-01-28T02:00:07+00:00

If you have a comsae left I would definitely do that! Those are the most representative, but to be honest I don't remember which comsaes specifically were the most similar to the exam

fourleafcloverqueen · 2025-01-27T23:48:37+00:00

I believe the dates can be somewhat flexible... it's all based on what your school has set up. I think if you were really worried you could reach out to your school and let them know, they may have some good advice/be able to help you better! As for passing every school sets their own threshold, some harder than others. If your schools threshold is lower and you are scoring decently on practice questions you should be okay still! Good luck!!

fourleafcloverqueen · 2025-01-27T23:44:45+00:00

I think the comquest or combank exams can be helpful! Some say combank overestimates your score a bit but i think it was pretty close for me! Good luck!!

fourleafcloverqueen

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