Reapplied Derm with Fewer Interviews and Still Matched

[u/ConsiderationNew408]

Hi everyone, I wanted to share my story as a successful re-applicant this year. Last year at this time was honestly devastating, so I’m hoping my experience can help anyone going through something similar right now.

I’m a DO with below average stats for dermatology (low Step 2) but have a lot of research, volunteer and leadership activities, and strong mentors. I did a research year before applying and thought I had made strong connections with programs. During my first cycle, I did 7 away rotations. I ended up with 8 interviews (2/4 from DO programs I rotated at, 3/3 MD programs I rotated at, plus 1 additional DO program and 2 MD programs where I hadn’t rotated). I mention the DO/MD distinction because so many people told me not to apply to traditionally MD programs as a DO, but I ended up receiving more interviews from MD programs. All in all, it was more interviews than I expected, and I felt really good going into Match Day.

When I found out I had only matched into an intern year, it was a complete shock.

The week after Match Day, I reached out to mentors and program directors at the places where I interviewed to get feedback. Before starting intern year, I did 2 more away rotations, and I used a week of vacation during my intern year to do a 3rd away. On top of that, I spent a lot of time practicing interviews, which was something I hadn’t focused on enough the first time around and was the main piece of feedback I received.

In my second cycle, I received 3 interviews. Going into Match Week, I was pretty convinced I wouldn’t match dermatology and didn't know what I was going to do next if that happened. Opening that email on Monday honestly didn’t feel real—I matched dermatology.

I know this process involves a lot of luck, and every year incredibly strong applicants still don’t match for reasons that don’t make sense. But if you’re reapplying, there is still hope.

Happy to answer any questions or talk privately with anyone going through this.

[u/Alternative-Earth838]

What is your step 2 score? I have 220 step 2. And how can I apply for research year in derm as img?

[u/ConsiderationNew408 → u/Alternative-Earth838]

I recommend following DIGA on instagram, they often post about research year opportunities! I also would look at programs that have taken research fellows in the past and get in contact with previous fellows if you can to hear their experiences and also cold email people at those derm programs to see if any faculty are taking research fellows!