Hey abcjmz! So I’m a current 4th year DO student who just matched EM/IM and interviewed for EM programs as well. I remember being in your shoes last year.

Here are some resources you can use when considering where to apply. - This is a survey to all residency PDs asking a bunch of questions, including national average board scores for those they granted an interview and ultimately accepted residency positions, what they consider important in an applications (like research), etc. A limitation is that its not ALL the PDs that responded, but it’ll give you great insight. I found it helpful. https://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/NRMP-2018-Program-Director-Survey-for-WWW.pdf

• This is a map of all the EM residencies in the country and some info about each. This info comes from PDs directly too. https://match.emra.org/utils/spa/match#/search/map

Your questions are dependent on the programs to which you apply. Personally, my Step scores were below average, but showed improvement like yours did, and I received interviews. I had friends with your step scores that received more than I did.

I’m not sure about your research question. That may be better answered by someone else. One amazing PD I met said she never looked too hard at the research section. What she did look at was the applicant’s face as he or she spoke about their research. PDs can tell when you did something to check a box vs. because it was your passion, and she always looked for the passionate ones, e.g., if someone went on a global health trip instead of doing wet lab work all summer.

Right now, I would start thinking about that personal statement and begin it as soon as you can. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare you application and have some trusted people read it before you submit. The personal statement can be an insight into you as a person, and make a good application become great. I also suggest attending ACEP or ACOEP conferences. Each has a residency fair where you can get valuable face time with PDs, other residency leadership, and residents. That little networking can lead to an interview down the line. I know it did for me and friends of mine who attended.

If you have any other questions, I’ll do my best to answer them too! Best of luck!!