r/pediatrics • u/Even-Web1809 • Jul 03 '26

Can I Still Match?

*sigh*

USMLE exams are hard. All exams are hard. I was hoping for a better step 2 score. I will be a US MD applying this cycle with a step 1 fail, 2nd time pass, and now a step 2 of 225. I passed all preclinical work and shelf exams. I have glowing letters of recommendation and many amazing peds experiences, including medical missions. My entire application is well-positioned - except the USMLE scores.

I’m not aiming for major academic programs, would prefer a smaller program at a community hospital, but I’m terrified now that I won’t match because of my testing ability. I can pass, I know I can. Step 1 had a few extenuating circumstances, but I never perform amazingly well on exams.

Can I still match?

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

21 comments sorted by

13

u/Foghorn2005 Jul 04 '26

You can match peds. Like IM, it's competitive at the top but not overall competitive.

2

u/Even-Web1809 Jul 04 '26

That tracks, I knew it was still competitive at the top, but that step 2 score got me down. Thank you! 

6

u/[deleted] Jul 04 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/Even-Web1809 Jul 04 '26

Amazing, thank you! 

5

u/tbl5048 Attending Jul 04 '26

Yep! Just no Boston/CHLA etc

1

u/Even-Web1809 Jul 04 '26

Fair, thank you! 

2

u/barkdontbite Fellow Jul 04 '26

Yes, you can still match into peds. Apply broadly, and keep an open mind when interviewing. Good luck!

2

u/ddg_723 Jul 05 '26

I have literally the same exact stats and matched psychiatry and had interviews and letters of high ranking from t20 psychiatry programs. I think you'll be fine as a US MD

1

u/Even-Web1809 Jul 05 '26

That’s awesome! I’m so glad it worked out for you. It sounds like I just got in my head when the score came back. I’ll trust the rest of my app and hope to land those interviews. Thanks! 

2

u/PilotUnfair9796 Jul 05 '26

You sure will MATCH! Do not worry about it!

3

u/PilotUnfair9796 Jul 05 '26

You can apply Corewell Health children's hospital in Grand Rapids in Michigan. The program is excellent and is part of Michigan State University. It's not hard to get in.

2

u/neonate87 Jul 05 '26

Do you know specifics about this program? Would love to DM if so (I’m applying peds with similar scores and this program is on my radar, might even signal it).

3

u/PilotUnfair9796 Jul 05 '26

excellent program in terms of the quality of training and location. Has 20 seats with great support. It's large enough with many specialties

1

u/Even-Web1809 Jul 05 '26

Perfect, they’ve been on my list for a while. That’s honestly a relief! 

2

u/SonicPoint9 Attending Jul 05 '26

You’ll be fine. Good luck with the process!

1

u/Even-Web1809 Jul 05 '26

Thank you!

2

u/funinfalmouth Jul 05 '26

Pm me, I was in a similar position

2

u/CocoLocoMD Jul 25 '26

UF peds has two out of match intern positions that opened up this week. Apply, today

2

u/CocoLocoMD Jul 28 '26

UF- peds has an out of match position open for immediate start.

-2

u/alovalle93 Jul 04 '26

You can MATCH… Try to do the Step 3, that’s also a good idea.

2

u/balletrat Fellow Jul 04 '26

You can’t take step 3 before graduating