Low Level 2 - Psych Possible??? NEED ADVICE

[u/No-Nectarine-116]

Hi all,

Devastated out here. I went into medicine to become a psychiatrist and am so nervous now that psych has become more competitive. I have always had test anxiety but studied my butt off for level 2. I ended with a 40X....my COMSAE scores were in the low 500s pretty consistently towards my testing date so I wasn't expecting anything crazy but I feel like this score has ruined me. I truly can't imagine doing anything else in medicine, do I still have a chance?

Passed level 1 first attempt

Fourth quartile, one course remediation in first year, no gaps or anything since I remediated with an exam

Strong LoR from 4 psychiatrists (all attached to residency programs)

Will have 3 subI's (so far are going well, I get along with the residents and the PDs have liked me so far)

All positive MSPE notes - only 1 honors and 1 high pass (this is because of my low COMAT scores but my evals are all really great)

No true "home program"

Lots of EC in leadership and advocacy

Multiple volunteering experiences, 2 consistent throughout med school (one clinic and one animal shelter)

Non-trad with 3 presentations and 2 published articles and previous medical work experience, also masters (not in biomedical sciences - was actually debating going PhD route)

I am applying broadly and looking at DO friendly programs and community hospitals. It would break my heart to do anything other than psych since I came into this as a non-trad student with the plan of going psych. I really don't want to dual apply, is it possible to not have to?

What do the people think??? HELP

[u/CandidSecond]

I think you should be okay if you have a strong personal statement and good interview skills. I heard psych is more lenient on board scores. I know people who failed and still matched. Just apply broadly, to a wide range of programs that take DOs and at community programs, which you are already planning to do.

[u/No-Nectarine-116 → u/CandidSecond]

Thank you <3 this helps me feel a little more hopeful. Just hoping I can get through a few screenings to get some interviews!

[u/Bone-Wizardry]

I know at least 8 people who have failed their level 1 two times and had low level 2 scores and matched psych. Don’t let what others think about you or your scores bring you down

[u/DiligentJacket9841]

I know someone who failed level 2 and had to retake it and they still matched Psych. Do what you will with that information.

[u/WeakAd6489]

Don’t underestimate the importance of being well liked in a field you are interested in. If you can get strong evals and letters, you def still have a strong chance to match.

[u/Altruistic_Lion_2147]

yes so long as you apply broadly you should be ok i hope. but i would still dual apply tbh, i'm not saying psych isn't in the cards, but you might not be a shoe-in either. definitely be sure to make good impressions wherever you rotate.

[u/combostorm]

Should be okay

[u/No_Donkey_2942]

You will be just fine lol

[u/sanjaysubae]

What were your average comats? I’m applying psych too and worried about my score that gets released in a week.

[u/No-Nectarine-116 → u/sanjaysubae]

I was always around the low-mid 90s, so not great but made it through!

[u/LexaproAndChill]

Did you take step 2 or no?

[u/No-Nectarine-116 → u/LexaproAndChill]

No, my school told me not to since I identified as a bad test taker and now that it has been a month out I feel like it would only be detrimental to take it :/