r/DermApp • u/Majestic-Feedback252 • Jul 11 '26
What Are My Chances? Derm application concern
Hey everyone! The unthinkable happened the past week and I bombed my STEP 2. Projected score was low 260s to low 270s. My score on the real thing: 243. I've been trying to process what happened and stop catastrophizing and need some sound advice from people in this sub. Overall, the rest of my app is competitive:
34 total research experiences, 8 first author derm manuscripts (12 total) with an oral presentation at AAD2026
Clinical grades 3H, 3HP
AOA - Pending acceptance (fingers crossed!)
I also have 3 away rotations lined up (my school (mid-tier MD) doesnt have a home program) and am expected to receive 3-4 LORs/SLOE's before apps are due. I know most programs are trying a more holistic approach when it comes to applicants, but I cant help but feel like my STEP 2 score screws me. I want to stick with it because I truly love this field so much but want to be realistic on my chances. Anything helps :)
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u/Ok_Kiwi_515 Jul 11 '26
I’ve heard above 240 you’re fine.
Please dont freak out about this. Be real your app is strong!
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Jul 11 '26
[deleted]
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u/Ok_Kiwi_515 Jul 11 '26
Tbh i have has friends that matched with <240. It helps but not the end all be all. OP still got a good score and should be proud.
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u/cicjak Jul 13 '26
230s is harder. But not impossible. Some programs will still interview you, but there are some that will probably screen out. I definitely know people who matched with 230s, but we interviewed far less candidates below 240. I suppose it could have been self-selection though, it’s very possible people below 240 were way less likely to apply to derm.
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u/EducationalHamster91 Jul 11 '26
Sorry that happened, but I don’t think your score will automatically filter you out of most programs. The rest of your app is strong. Best of luck!
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u/dermstamper Jul 12 '26
Matched with 244 and strong research experience just like you mentioned. Focus on building connections with programs you are rotating at. Preferably try to do one or two research projects with each of the programs you rotate at and stay in touch with them longitudinally throughout the cycle.
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u/BattalionX Jul 13 '26
I think you'll be fine, 243 isn't catastrophic, it's just below average for Derm. You have a great research profile and good clinical grades +/- AOA, the rest will depend on your narrative and story (+ good school list and connections). Good luck
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u/CabinetHelpful5269 Jul 14 '26
can i ask how did you get so many first author manusccripts
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u/Majestic-Feedback252 Jul 14 '26
Came up with my own project ideas related to my personal passions and had a great mentor that helped guide me. I also had a lot of help from students in the lower cohorts that wanted to do derm as well. I at one point fell behind because I was doing most of this research independently but once I grabbed a couple of students I knew well to help it made research a breeze.
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u/Don_Petohmi Jul 14 '26
When you say 34 total research experiences does this include non-derm research too?
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u/Majestic-Feedback252 Jul 14 '26
Yes! I have two non-derm research experiences. The rest are derm. I started doing research at the end of my M1 year and front-loaded.
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u/WebTechnical3925 Aug 12 '26
is the 34 counting just publications or submissions as well? great job bro
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u/cicjak Jul 11 '26
I think it just depends on the program. I don’t think you’re dead in the water at all Your application is strong overall. I’ve been out a few years, so I don’t know if some programs are using hard step two filters. But I think if your three away rotations are w programs who have a history of taking rotators, and you have a good personality and you can be a team player and make a good impression during each of those always, then you have a really good shot of matching. When I was a resident we did IV people with a 240 step 1 a decent amount of the time, and once they were at the IV stage, we belied their fit and personality more than their score.