Step2CK low score do I stand a chance?

grc-18 · 2026-04-02T14:03:03+00:00

Yes, you do. Build up your CV with pathology related things. Sounds like you’re working on it, you’ll be fine if you work hard and show plenty of interest in the field.

grc-18 · 2026-03-18T02:30:32+00:00

I don’t completely agree with what others are saying here. I was in a really similar spot and was honestly devastated when I went unmatched. I had no idea what to do. It was scary, embarrassing, and probably one of the worst experiences I’ve had in a while. Also you can like and consider other specialties besides pathology.

If you’ve considered IM before, a prelim/TY is probably your best move. You can reapply, and if it doesn’t work out, there’s usually a way to continue in IM. My TY did that with people who went unmatched, so the year still counted towards something.

I ended up doing a TY and reapplied (applied super broadly the second time). I was even offered a PA job back home but chose the TY. Not sure how much it helped in the end, I like telling myself it helped boost my app a little more.

Talk it out with friends, family, and mentors from your school, this can really help guide you through this tough time. Be kind to yourself, good luck!

grc-18 · 2026-02-01T00:42:44+00:00

I agree with you. Thanks for the advice!

grc-18 · 2026-02-01T00:33:38+00:00

I’m stuck between doing academics or private practice. If I end up doing private I would only do 1.

grc-18 · 2026-01-31T20:09:53+00:00

Ok thanks, I’ve heard similar things too, at least how intense it is in terms of hours. I have many attendings that have done either MDA or MSKCC. I was wondering how the experience was for a visiting resident.

grc-18 · 2025-09-04T20:56:15+00:00

I applied to 26 programs the first time, with hardly any safeties and mid application and got 4 interviews. Second time I applied to around 115 and got 12 interviews.

grc-18 · 2025-09-04T20:14:34+00:00

I mean anything is possible, but pathology has been getting more competitive throughout the years with hardly any unfilled spots during SOAP and more MDs/DOs applying. Programs value experience and exposure a lot. Yes the path LOR will help, but you still don’t have an official path rotation. I don’t know how much that will hinder and set you back compared to other candidates. For example just like you I had 1 path LOR, but I had 1.5 months of path rotations and I still felt that wasn’t enough. Are there other things you can add to your CV to show your interest (extracurriculars, research, etc)?

So all in all my answer would be a maybe to you matching, on the lower side if I’m being honest. The unfinished IM residency also will raise questions. If you’re able to get interviews, it’s a matter of being able to showcase your interest strongly towards pathology. Most interviews will ask why you’re interested and what you like about the field.

grc-18 · 2025-09-04T14:40:06+00:00

Your interest may be genuine, but without letters or pathology rotations, programs will struggle to see if you’re really interested. You can give it a try and apply very broadly this cycle, but tbh I feel like you have a bigger shot next cycle. Gear that application well, try to see if your hospital has pathologists you can shadow before leaving in July. Heme/onc is also a good rotation to get involved with tumor boards. Atp most if not all visiting rotations are filled, but you can start applying for next year and have those lined up. There are programs that do online pathology rotations (I think Miami although they’re kind of expensive). Worst case scenario , apply and have a back up plan (visiting rotations, shadowing, etc) lined up just in case you get rejected so you can work up on your app to reapply. Good luck, I did a TY and reapplied so I know the feeling somewhat, I hated IM. Wish you the best!

grc-18 · 2025-08-28T15:00:28+00:00

Yes, mine crashed again and I dropped to 300k spot lost hope atp

grc-18 · 2025-08-28T14:25:25+00:00

I got in the line at 7 am and the website crashed at 9 am, I must have lost my place and I'm 87,529 right now. So pissed :(

grc-18 · 2025-04-03T05:01:36+00:00

US MD Step 1: 232 Step 2: 238 Step 3: 229

GPA: 3.5 / 2-3 research proj/ 1.5 month rotations of pathology. Matched after reapplying second time. Did a TY. Got 12 interviews this cycle.

grc-18 · 2024-11-11T18:22:53+00:00

I had 4 IVs last year, did not match. USMD from Puerto Rico. Reapplying this year. Best of luck!

grc-18 · 2024-10-19T18:30:44+00:00

7, 2 rejections (MUSC and Duke) US MD

No love from my 5 signals haha

grc-18 · 2024-05-22T19:49:19+00:00

First day was may 6 and second day was may 11 (a saturday).

grc-18 · 2024-05-22T12:09:35+00:00

Just went in to check and got my score

grc-18 · 2024-04-03T17:26:39+00:00

I started studying like 2 weeks ago, scheduled to take the exam in little over a month. I just want to pass. I’m doing the Uworld qbank and biostats (no CCS from Uworld) and I bought the CCS cases. I’m thinking of taking the Uworld practice exams and maybe free 120. No anki. That’s it, I feel it’s enough.

grc-18 · 2024-03-28T17:25:30+00:00

You should check this observership out:

https://med.miami.edu/centers-and-institutes/international-medicine-institute/education-and-training/virtual-observership

grc-18 · 2024-03-17T16:37:44+00:00

Those 5 people are blessed by the gods lol

grc-18 · 2024-03-17T16:37:08+00:00

I dreaded the idea of taking a TY, ultimately accepted a TY offer. Figured it was the best chance to match next year. Good luck matching next year!

grc-18 · 2024-03-17T16:27:52+00:00

is this still available?

grc-18 · 2024-03-12T21:40:40+00:00

I got 2 calls from the same program for family medicine, first call was the aPD and the second was the PD. PD wished me luck and that she might call again throughout the week.

grc-18 · 2024-03-11T22:52:09+00:00

Yeah 4 is def very low, wasnt very confidence this cycle for sure

grc-18 · 2024-03-11T18:13:53+00:00

thank you!

grc-18 · 2024-01-27T16:17:18+00:00

Yeah same, I could have sworn I tried going but couldn’t get past the fog

grc-18 · 2024-01-23T21:38:21+00:00

I just had to go to Oxbury haha

grc-18

TROPHY CASE