did not pass IM, please help , Kimberly Cox or anyone else

[rattlesnake]

hi everyone,
I am a third yr med student at a US med school. I started my 3rd yr with IM and I got a Marginal in it (I don't have to repeat the clerkship)
My question is what things I should do to repair the damage caused by this grade.
My step 1 score is 225. Should I take step II CK early to repair the damage caused by the marginal in IM clerkship?
Ironically, I am thinking about applying to IM residency.

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[DrMom]

Did you get feedback about what the preceptor was concerned about?

I'd be inclined to do some IM electives to compensate for this.

 

[Winged Scapula]

As Dr. Mom notes, there are two important things you need to do to rectify the situation.

1) find out why (if you don't know already) why you got a "marginal" grade. What was their concern? Is it something you can work hard to change?

2) do a Medicine Sub-I and some electives. Do well in them.

3) be able to explain #1 and show how, with #2, you rose from the ashes.

Your Step 1 score is fine; if you know you will do better on Step 2 (most people score within a few points of their Step 1 score), then take it before apps go out. But your best bet is to do well on the Med Sub-I and electives, and get some great LORs, as well as an explanation for your performance - in your mind - and in your dean's letter or other LOR.

 

[rattlesnake]

I got marginal because of shelf score and some other tests. I got above avg evals.
Someone told me that it would be a good idea if I take step II early to compensate for my marginal IM grade.
Thanks for your input. I guess I need to concentrate first on getting good score on IM Sub-I.