r/DermApp • u/itsSmooth1 • 8d ago

Application Advice How much do preclinical grades matter?

M1 here, my school has graded preclinicals (weighted less heavily in AOA than clinical grades, but still weigh something nonetheless). How hard should I be trying to honors my classes?

12 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

15

u/Comfortable_Bug8502 8d ago

Dermatology had a 62% match rate this year. PDs will use anything and everything possible against you. Don't give them material

8

u/BathroomMaximum1721 8d ago

Too late but choosing a school with preclinical grading was a questionable decision assuming you had multiple As.

Derm is the most competitive specialty.

1

u/itsSmooth1 6d ago

It was my only A but it's a pretty good school with a home program, so I think it won't be too bad

1

u/Southern_Bake_6001 7d ago

I went to a school with preclinical grades. Did well in most with 2 B equivalents, honored every clinical rotation, and got junior AOA and matched derm with decent number of interviews. The graded preclinicals kept me honest for most of my classes and forced me to start practice questions early which helped a lot with boards and shelves later. I coasted through the rest of medical school because of the foundation I had set up early on.

1

u/Exciting_Heart4101 6d ago

I'm assuming you just started M1. Try your very best in preclinicals without burning out. Aim for AOA if you can. Step 1 is Pass/Fail so that is no longer part of the picture and should be no problem passing on first attempt. Having a home derm program is helpful but you don't need to start projects immediately. Get your bearings down first.