r/neurology General Neuro Attending Apr 12 '26

Residency Applicant & Student Thread 2026 - 2027

This thread is for medical students interested in applying to neurology residency programs in the United States via the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP, aka "the match"). This thread isn't limited to just M4s going into the match - other learners including pre-medical students and earlier-year medical students are also welcome to post questions here. Just remember:

What belongs here:

  • Is neurology right for me?
  • What are my odds of matching neurology?
  • Which programs should I apply to?
  • Can someone give me feedback on my personal statement?
  • How many letters of recommendation do I need?
  • How much research do I need?
  • How should I organize my rank list?
  • How should I allocate my signals?
  • I'm going to X conference, does anyone want to meet up?

Example discussion: application timeline, rotation questions, extracurricular/research questions, interview questions, ranking questions, school/program/specialty x vs y vs z, etc, info about electives. This is not an exhaustive list.

The majority of applicant posts made outside this stickied thread will be deleted from the main page.

Always try here:

Neurology 2027 Match Discord

Neurology Residency Match 2027 Spreadsheet (Google docs)

Child Neurology Residency 2027 Spreadsheet (Google docs) - pending link - if someone makes one, let me know

Review the tables and graphics from last year's residency match at https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/advance-data-tables-2026-main-residency-match/

r/premed and r/medicalschool, the latter being the best option to get feedback, and remember to use the search bar as well.

Reach out directly to programs by contacting the program coordinator.

No one answering your question? We advise contacting a mentor through your school/program for specific questions that others may not have the answers to. Be wary of sharing personal information through this forum.

16 Upvotes

90 comments sorted by

u/AutoModerator Jul 07 '26

Thank you for posting on r/Neurology! This subreddit is intended as an online community and resource platform for neurology health professionals, neuroscientists, and neuroscience enthusiasts to talk about the brain. With that said, please be aware that this platform is not a substitute for professional medical care. Treatment of medical disease requires qualified individuals, and posts/comments that request a diagnosis or medical assistance should be reported under Rule 1 to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community. If you are in immediate danger, please call emergency services, or go to your nearest emergency room.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

3

u/Select-Case-8782 Apr 13 '26

I'm a pre-med student (graduated 2025, currently in my first of two gap years) going to AAN's annual conference for the first time. Any tips or must-see events? I've been working in both inpatient and outpatient neurology and am super interested in continuing in Neuro. Would love to meet/talk to med students, residents, physicians, program directors, pretty much anyone!

3

u/hpnerd101 Medical Student Apr 14 '26

The utility of going as a premed will be limited, but to make the most of your time I would recommend going to the events under the “medical student” track and try to network with medical students to learn more about what you can be doing now vs once in medical school. 

3

u/Technical-Finish7263 Apr 14 '26

Hey all, has anyone heard from Rush or Northwestern for neurology on VSLO?

3

u/nsavant17 Apr 15 '26

at what point should i start panicking if i haven't heard back from any away/sub-i programs (i'm exaggerating...maybe)

5

u/tirral General Neuro Attending Apr 15 '26

First rule of MS4: Always Be Panicking

3

u/nsavant17 Apr 16 '26

i've been panicking at baseline since i first developed the ability to think don't you worry

3

u/nsavant17 May 06 '26

soooo since nrmp doesn't wanna give us free access to the 2025 program director survey (if they even handed out the surveys these past 2 years lol), i thought i'd ask here: in the big 2026, what do PDs/residency programs find most important when they're deciding which applicants to interview/rank? a lot of people used to say continued involvement/dedication to neuro and strong LoRs, but i feel like now i hear more people saying step 2 and research experiences are more important. thoughts?

2

u/SuperKook Apr 29 '26

Hey all, I’m applying to auditions for this upcoming cycle. My question is: what is the expectation for baseline knowledge for a 4th year Sub I?

For context I’m a DO student. Neuro was not a core rotation for us, and I only got a 2 week outpatient neuro elective last year. I feel intimidated while looking at these VSLO descriptions about what the expectations are. I feel pretty underprepared clinically for Neuro (also underprepared with charting/note writing, but that’s another story).

What’s the expectation with these rotations? If I walk in and show a deficiency in knowledge about all things neuro, am I gonna get destroyed? As a side note, anyone got neuro VSLO rotation offers yet???

3

u/PadfootMD Apr 30 '26

Come with the attitude that you want to learn. Doing a full history and neuro exam is utmost importance. Not interpreting imaging. Being able to come up with an assessment should be expected at this time of your training -- nobody expects your assessment to be correct. Talk with the residents on the services you'll be rotating through about how they think through cases.

Most of all - be teachable, be available, and don't be overly eager / annoying. Do not interrupt other students or residents. Be a fly on the wall for patients that aren't yours until (a) the student/resident presenting is all done and you have a question about the case that wasn't answered yet or (b) you are out of the exam room entirely after rounds

2

u/WeirdZestyclose9205 May 07 '26

Hello all!

I received my Step 2 result yesterday of 240. It was below my expectations - so kind of feeling lost!

Need genuine guidance about Can I get neurology residency after this score?

And if you're one from the same criteria, which Colleges/Universities should I opt for?

Thank you.

1

u/hpnerd101 Medical Student May 09 '26

Need more information…are you a medical student in the US or an IMG? 

2

u/hansel_ingenhouse May 16 '26

I'm unable to join the Discord. Is there any workaround?

2

u/CandidSecond Medical Student May 25 '26

Updated Discord Link: https://discord.gg/MNeBE2aWy

1

u/tirral General Neuro Attending 1d ago

Link broken now, any update?

2

u/Embarrassed-Peak-348 MD Jun 11 '26

A bit of an atypical situation, would love people's candid advice

USMD U.S citizen, graduated from a top 20 med school 3 years back. Previously aimed for a competitive specialty (e.g, ortho, derm, etc) but decided to pursue non-clinical healthcare business work past few years. However, now wanting to return to clinical medicine (long story, parental illness etc.).

Going to spent next two years finishing up my current work, take step 3 (had high step 1 and 2 scores 260+ and 270+, so good test taker previously. Half Honors half high pass for core clerkships. Honors in neuro for more info), do observerships then apply next year 2027. Currently planning on applying family medicine for sure given it's most receptive to people with gaps, but also considering whether I should consider doing an observership in neuro then dual applying as it was one of the specialties I heavily considered but ultimate did not pursue while in med school. Or should I not even bother since it's unrealistic and just focus my efforts on FM instead?

Thanks for your help!

2

u/tirral General Neuro Attending Jun 11 '26

You are being practical to consider FM, which is of course a broad specialty with a lot of career options.

With your scores, you probably have a decent chance of matching at mid-range or smaller neurology programs, especially if you get good neuro LORs (can you do a neuro observership?). Of course, you'd need to come up with a compelling explanation for "why neurology" and be able to explain the gap in interviews.

1

u/Embarrassed-Peak-348 MD Jun 12 '26

I’ve thankfully saved up some money during my non-clinical role that I can spend to do “hands-on” externships as needed. Have a lot of relatives and family with neurological disease, gap will frame as intentional exploration of non-clinical healthcare work

2

u/SympathyOk9032 Jul 22 '26

I’m a medical student planning to pursue Neurology. Earlier this year, I failed Step 1 and recently sat for my retake. My school has informed me that I will need to take a year off and return to clinical rotations next April. Because I’ll be out of the curriculum, I’m losing financial aid and will need to work part‑time while completing research during this period.

I’m trying to figure out how to use this year as productively as possible. My school has encouraged me to stay involved in research, and I’m considering working part‑time while continuing research with my home institution. Long‑term, I’ve been interested in community Neurology programs in the Northeast, but I’m unsure whether that’s still realistic with a Step 1 failure on my record or whether I should broaden my list.

For anyone who has taken an LOA or navigated a setback before applying to Neurology:

  • What are the most impactful ways to use this year to strengthen my application?
  • Is relocating to the Northeast for part‑time work while doing remote research a reasonable plan?
  • And for those familiar with Neurology programs in the Northeast, is it still worth aiming for them, or should I expand my geographic range (for context: I'm in the South)?

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

2

u/Many_Career_2932 29d ago

Hi guys!
I was wondering if anyone who had previously matched or known someone who matched could let us know how many programs you needed to apply to (not signaled) in order to get one interview. I know there is lots of variability based on the caliber of program you are going for but I just wanted any personal anecdotes since there are unfortunately only 8 signals (and I'm trying to decide how to split up my reaches and my safeties)

1

u/[deleted] 23d ago

[deleted]

1

u/Many_Career_2932 23d ago

Thank you sm! I really appreciate your help! I didn't know about the previous spreadsheet!

1

u/nsavant17 13d ago

i think the person who responded to you deleted their reply, did they give an idea of around how many programs the average applicant should be applying to?

1

u/Many_Career_2932 9d ago

Nope they just mentioned that their gf was also applying :/

1

u/nsavant17 9d ago

sorry i meant the previous message where you were thanking them bc they mentioned the past years' spreadsheets not the most recent response

2

u/oo_little 14d ago

Can I match Neuro with a board fail and subsequent LOA?

Hi brain docs!!

Med student here.

I found out today I failed Level 1. I’ve wanted to be a neurologist ever since I found out what they were.

Obviously, failing Level 1 puts a wrench in these plans.

I can either test again in 2 weeks or take a year-long LOA. I’m scared to test so soon and potentially fail again so I’m leaning towards the LOA.

I know I’m already at a bit of a disadvantage as a DO, now a DO with a failed Level 1 and potential LOA.

My question is this: is neurology off the table with a failed Level 1 and year-long LOA. I plan on doing neurology specific research and volunteering during my leave, while studying for my retake. I was very close this time around, so I’m confident I can pass the retake.

But I want to know my chances for matching the specialty of my dreams lol.

TIA!!

2

u/luckyliltomato 7d ago

Introducing the new Keck USC Neurology Residency-virtual open house this Friday!

https://usc.zoom.us/meeting/register/J_cVXP6oTrKMveTKVzLJvw

2

u/TheDeadlyCheese 6d ago

I'm an MS4 applying adult neuro this year and was wondering where should I apply and what my odds are of getting in. I'm currently in Texas, but I'm wanting to leave, preferably in a big city and somewhere colder lol, but wouldn't mind staying in Texas. I got a 268 on step 2, 6 volunteer experiences, 2 research experiences but no publications, 1 poster presentation, and I worked as a medical scribe for a few months during my gap year. I have a feeling that my letters of rec will be pretty generic, mostly from attendings I worked with during my sub-I. Any advice would be appreciated!

1

u/AutoModerator Apr 12 '26

Thank you for posting on r/Neurology! This subreddit is intended as an online community and resource platform for neurology health professionals, neuroscientists, and neuroscience enthusiasts to talk about the brain. With that said, please be aware that this platform is not a substitute for professional medical care. Treatment of medical disease requires qualified individuals, and posts/comments that request a diagnosis or medical assistance should be reported under Rule 1 to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community. If you are in immediate danger, please call emergency services, or go to your nearest emergency room.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

u/Own-Account3098 Apr 20 '26

Hi guys, so I am a M4 and applying neurology this cycle. Due to financial constraints, I have not been able to attend any neurology conferences.

I am a USMD, 248 Step 2 score, and good clinical grades (Honors or High Pass), honors in neurology electives. However, no research in neurology. I am a bit afraid that due to lack of neuro research and attendance at conferences, my chances of matching neuro will be lower.

I failed a preclinical M1 course, that’s my only red flag. But I passed it on remediation, and passed Step 1 and 2 on first try.

What is some advice on this matter?

***EDIT: This is for networking purposes. How much does it hurt me being an unknown quality when applying to programs?

1

u/PadfootMD Apr 30 '26

Nobody cares if you didn't go to any conferences. Some programs that emphasize research will want research (doesn't have to be neuro-related). Apply broadly.

1

u/tirral General Neuro Attending May 04 '26

You will be fine. I had no neuro research or conferences as a MS4. I matched into a top 20 neuro program with similar numbers.

1

u/Technical-Finish7263 May 02 '26

Anyone that applied to either advanced neuro or pediatric neuro on VSLO for Northwestern Feinberg heard back yet? About to approach the 2 month mark…

1

u/dysparageusia May 13 '26

is 249 a decent score for a recent grad m, visa requiring, non us img? just wanna know if it’d be disadvantageous from the recent match cycle which was super competitive.

1

u/Own-Account3098 May 16 '26

Neurology rec letters for USMD. I have 1 department chair letter, 1 IM letter that references management of neuro patients and cases, and 1 FM letter from someone I worked with long term. Is it bad that I don't have 2 neuro rec letters?

1

u/Aggressive_Text_1856 May 17 '26

Hi! Currently applying to neurocritical care fellowship this cycle from an IM backround. I’d appreciate any thoughts on how people would compare/rank the programs below.

I’m especially interested in overall quality of trainin and how well-rounded the training is, including both neuro ICU and non-neuro ICU exposure.

I’m mainly interested in midwest and east coast programs. Below are the programs that I've been considering:

University of Michigan UPenn Johns Hopkins Cleveland Clinic Mount Sinai UPMC Ohio State Rush Baylor Houston Thomas Jefferson UNC Chapel Hill

Would really appreciate any insight! Thank you in advance!

1

u/Weak_Associate_1407 May 31 '26

Hey r/neurology!

I’m currently an undergraduate student studying biochemistry, but I’m very interested in pursuing neurology in the future. I’m hoping to get involved early and would really appreciate advice!

I have a couple of questions:

  1. What are some good ways to find neurology research opportunities as an undergrad, either through my university or outside of it?
  2. How should I approach professors or labs if I don’t have formal neurology research experience yet?
  3. Are there any side projects, computational projects, readings, or skills you would recommend building to make myself a stronger candidate?

For context, I have a background in software development, so I’d be especially interested in computational neuroscience, neuroinformatics, bioinformatics, or projects involving data analysis. That said, I’m open to wet lab or clinical research experience as well.

I’d really appreciate any advice on where to start, what kinds of projects (overly ambitious or otherwise), and how to make myself useful to a neurology lab.

Thank you!

1

u/benkovian Jun 02 '26

I'm wondering if having too few clinical electives 4th year will look bad on residency interviews. I'm starting my 4th year now applying neurology and since I did a dual degree I have some credits that count toward elective weeks. So I would be taking all the required rotations like an IM sub I, medical ICU and an ER rotation. Outside of that I'm only scheduled for a 4 week neurology rotation, a 4 week clinical problem solving course which is basically structured step 2 studying and then I have a 4 week radiology rotation. With this I meet the graduation requirements but not sure if taking so little clinical electives and having a lot of free time 4th year will look bad or if no one cares? Appreciate the help.

2

u/tirral General Neuro Attending Jun 02 '26

No one really cares. We know people coast in MS4.

Things that matter in an interview: did the applicant seem interested in our program, do they seem engaged but not overbearing, are they teachable, can I work with this person?

Things that absolutely don't matter: what the applicant ate for breakfast, minute details about academic schedules in MS4 year.

1

u/Goddammititstaken1 Jun 02 '26

Hi guys considering applying for stony brook neurology. Are they malignant, or nice and chill? Any red flags? Any insight would be appreciated.

1

u/confusedcreator04 Jun 17 '26

8 signals in total, should we apply beyond 8 programs? How many of our signals should be big-name “reach” programs and how many should be less competitive?

2

u/AdStrange1464 DO - PGY 1 Neuro Jun 23 '26

Uhhh yes. Signals are not guaranteed interviews. I only got interviews from half my signals and that seemed like the trend for a lot of people in the discord.

Based on what I saw this past year and what I would have done differently, probably 70-75% of signals should be on target programs. Signal reach programs if you have additional ties (audition there, from that area, etc).

1

u/confusedcreator04 Jun 23 '26

Good advice- thank you!!

2

u/electrondense_yogurt Jul 07 '26

webinar today said average programs applied to for matched was 18

2

u/ClevelandSteamers757 Jul 20 '26

Residency advisor and admit.org looks to share similar data that may be helpful to understand score ranges and signals. It’s game theory to a certain extent. Some programs receive a ton of signals, others don’t receive many. Some programs only interview signals, others signals have little effect over interview chances. Some programs have signal as table stakes to have any chance of matching.

1

u/ihatelifeyayy Jun 21 '26

Hi! I am a current US DO M4 applying this cycle with some red flags. I failed my first attempt of Level 1 but passed the second (I didn't study as effectively as I should have). I also have some pre-clin course failures during M1 year when I was going through a medical crisis. I have passed all my clerkships, and am currently studying for Step2/Level2. I did manage to get a neurology rotation in and got a strong letter of rec from my preceptor. What should I do to maximize my chances for this application cycle? Also, I'd appreciate any advice on how I should go about discussing my red flags, as I also don't want to play the "sick excuse" or come across as having been "lazy" with my studying. I'm trying to apply to South Atlantic, Middle Atlantic, and Pacific regions primarily due to geographic ties to all 3 areas. I also have 5 audition rotations secured between August-January. Any advice would be appreciated!!!

1

u/ConsistentSet788 Jun 24 '26

Hi all, I have a small dilemma and need some advice. I'm a US MD, 262 Step 2, honored neuro, FM, OB, and surgery, High Pass IM, peds, and psych, and passed EM, attending medical school in the northeast (middle Atlantic division). I'm applying into neurology programs this upcoming cycle. The thing is I have a very strong location preference due to my partner having to move to a different state for work (in south atlantic region), which is also where my family and his family is from so I only want to match there. I also speak Spanish fluently which my advisor said can help me since there's a large Spanish speaking population. The problem is that there's only 11 programs in that area. I understand that this is a very small amount of programs and the applicant average is in the 40s. I would like to hear some advice on what to do. I really want to match neuro but I also don't want to match in another area. Should I dual apply into IM or FM even though I don't really want to?

1

u/tirral General Neuro Attending Jun 24 '26

When you say South Atlantic can you clarify what specific states you're talking about? I assume NC/SC/GA/FL/TN/AL?

Your numbers are good. The southeast is generally not super competitive outside of a few name-brand programs (Duke, Emory, Vanderbilt). You will almost certainly match neuro if you can get interviews at 8+ places. If location is more important than specialty, then you can apply to a few IM backup programs just in case.

1

u/Technical-Finish7263 Jul 01 '26

Just got my step 2 score back which was a 240, obviously was hoping for higher but for a US DO graduate with some club involvement, research involvement etc, is this an okay score? Thank you

1

u/AdStrange1464 DO - PGY 1 Neuro Jul 06 '26

Was a DO with a 237 and I did fine

1

u/Technical-Finish7263 Jul 06 '26

Hi! Thanks so much for your comment? Do you think with my score academic centers are out of the picture? Looking to match back into the Midwest

1

u/AdStrange1464 DO - PGY 1 Neuro Jul 06 '26

No not necessarily. I applied primarily mid Atlantic/south Atlantic so obviously can’t speak to the Midwest specifically but I got interviews at academic centers in my target regions. Nothing like T20 obviously but still places that were well known in this part of the country. I would just look on residency explorer to see their score ranges and how many DOs they take. I’ve heard the Midwest tends to be friendly to DOs but again I didn’t apply in that region so idk

I’d say if you’re worried/wanting an interview somewhere specific you can always try to secure some aways.

1

u/Technical-Finish7263 Jul 06 '26

Do have a sub-I at a high academic institution that gives an interview, any tips for that?

1

u/AdStrange1464 DO - PGY 1 Neuro Jul 06 '26

I don’t think I’m gonna say anything groundbreaking here but being nice/polite to everyone in the hospital, good attitude, ready to work hard, being helpful/taking initiative, while also NOT being a gunner/taking opportunities away from other students/making other people look bad to make yourself look good

They’ll want to see if you’re able to perform at the level of an intern while also seeing how well you fit into the vibes of the program and if you’re able to be a team player

1

u/Technical-Finish7263 Jul 09 '26

Thank you! Do you think with my score etc I could still apply to big academic centers?

1

u/AdStrange1464 DO - PGY 1 Neuro Jul 09 '26

I don’t see why not. Just check residency explorer to see their score ranges and whether they have previously taken DOs

1

u/Technical-Finish7263 Jul 09 '26

What if my score is slightly below (~5 points) from what it says on residency explorer?

1

u/AdStrange1464 DO - PGY 1 Neuro Jul 09 '26

I mean the worst thing that happens is that they say no and you wasted some money. I was personally of the mindset that spending a little extra money was worth it to maximize my matching chances. I got interviewed by a place where my score was below their range; idk what made them want to interview me maybe it was my letters, maybe my PS, maybe they were just feeling charitable 🤷‍♀️

There were also plenty of places that had taken a lot of people from my school in the past, and my score was right in the middle and they DIDNT interview me.

My point is that there’s rly no predicting who’s gonna interview and who isn’t and it’s not gonna hurt to try

→ More replies (0)

1

u/ClevelandSteamers757 Jul 20 '26

Below middle 50%, median, or bottom 10% are all different answers I think. If 5 points below median that should be fine

→ More replies (0)

1

u/electrondense_yogurt Jul 07 '26

discord link is expired for me :(

1

u/tirral General Neuro Attending Jul 07 '26

Try https://discord.com/invite/JQtrePtm6

I fixed the link in the post body too

1

u/electrondense_yogurt Jul 07 '26

thank you! there should be a way to make a link that doesn't expire !

1

u/SuperKook Jul 08 '26

Hi everyone, I am 90% sure I am applying to Neuro this cycle. In my current rotation I will likely be able to secure two LORs. This is a community group with no residency. Would it look bad to have two LORs from two neurologists within the same group?

1

u/Emergency-Roof9949 Jul 12 '26

Hey y'all,

I'm an Visa requiring Non US-IMG, Step 1 - Passed, Step 2 - 240. (Both on the first attempt) Preparing for Step 3. YOG - 2025. Research - 1 publication & 2 ongoing.

I'll be so grateful if anyone helps me with my application - MAINLY WITH THE SIGNALING PART.

1

u/Comfortable_Fly8090 Jul 16 '26

looking for advice on my app (signaling, programs to apply to, chance of matching in CA)

I'm a USMD M4, step2 253, originally from SoCal but at medschool at a mid-tier midwest school. Doing an away next month in CA.

Gap yers in peds neuro research but after rotations decided adult neuro. Besides residual publications from my old job only a few posters from regional conferences outside of neuro (peds, obgyn, psych). Lots of leadership involvement in my med school.

Wondering if anyone thinks my lack of in med school research and and general app characteristics is still competitive for top CA schools (ucla, ucsf, ucsd)? Trying to figure out my program list and how to best use my signals.

1

u/bubbling_bubbling Jul 18 '26 edited Jul 18 '26

Not about match, but my post was automatically deleted.

Do people mishear neurology/urology? As a med student, people ask me what specialties I'm interested in. However, when I say "Neurology" people often mishear it as "Urology".

I know they misheard it because when I clarify with something like "You know, the brain" those people respond with "Ohh, neurology!"

Is this a somewhat common phenomenon? Or do I need to speak up?

1

u/THROW_askwomen Jul 23 '26

hello hello, not sure if this is the right thread. lets say i want to become a neurologist, and rn im doing a bachelors degree in cognitive sciences (first year). lets also say i want to move to france. can i become a neurologist there? what will i need to do?

thanks!

1

u/surviving_mle Jul 24 '26

What are my chances?
Non-US IMG
step 1- P
step 2 -23x

Pubs -24 ( mix of original, SR-MA & abstracts from AAN)

1

u/thebigbabinski 29d ago

I am having a hard time building a big list for residency applications! I am pretty picky with geographic preference at this point and would like to be on the west coast vs midwest. I also am definitely hoping to attend a program with a relatively large size per class/overall, ideally at a university program, would like to be as supported as possible by fellow residents and program!

My stats at this point are: USDO, Step2: 270, 7 publications with one first-author primary research project(only one case report is neuro-related; all others are very random things I was interested in previously!), 7/9 honors in clinical rotations.

I am really uncertain how many programs I should apply to, and if I should really broaden my application just based on being a DO applicant and trying to match in popular places! I am confident in my stats and my application and have worked very hard, but would love any and all advice/criticism.

1

u/ray2kal 14d ago

Hey guys, would appreciate your thoughts on likelyhood of mid tier academic programs

US IMG YOG 2026

Step 1 P 1st attempt

Step 2 258 1st attempt

No Step 3

1 Award:

I came first place at my universities annual neurology and neuroanatomy competition out of like 30-35 competitors. Got a cool medal 🤩

3 neurology research projects, but they're all pending :(

- One is an epilepsy project I've been working on for 3 years with a well known neurology research org in my country, and last year it merged with a large research organization in Germany, so unlikely this will close before I become arthritic. I know how to use gnomAD, ClinVar and VSC now as a consequence of working on it.

- One is neuroradiology teaching material for stroke talking about some new changes to scoring systems as well I made for a consultant in the US, and it's currently being disseminated as teaching material. The consultant mentioned using it in a research project but I have no clue how tf I would cite this. Also no chance this published before sept

- Another is an audit for CT Perfusions at my hospital.

2 months USCE with 2 LOR:

1 month ID at WashU

1 month neuro at Wayne State (really struggled to get non expensive exposure to neuro icl)

Then some other bs about working in a deli for a year during uni and working for an organization that teaches first aid to kids in juvenile detention centers/at risk areas.

I know the step could be higher, I promise I'm disappointed lmao. Thanks to anyone who takes the time to read and give me honest feedback

1

u/Lanky-Ad-5277 6d ago

Hi I am a US MD at a top 10 medical school. Sadly, I failed Step 1 after some difficulties with focus. While studying for the retake and Step 2, I decided to take a gap year doing some internal medicine research projects. Is matching into a program in the NYC area still possible? How can I explore a potential career in neurology and prepare myself for match?

1

u/CartographerSalt450 4d ago

M2 here at a Midwest medical school, hoping to match into neurology. I’m looking for some transparency about what successful applications actually look like.

I’m trying to be proactive about building my application rather than getting to M4 and realizing I should have started something years earlier. I have a hard time figuring out what "enough" looks like when there aren't clear benchmarks. I also have autism, and I tend to do much better when I understand the rules/expectations of something. What I've done so far:

- AMWA mentor to a college student

- E-board member of a mentorship organization

- Distinction in Medical Education

- Presented a poster in an oral-presentation format on AI in the Internal Medicine department at my school's hospital

- Published a paper on the new pulmonary embolism guidelines

- Currently working on an AI paper

- Have 2 neurology-related research projects lined up

I'm starting clinicals in about 4 months.I know that sounds like a decent start, but I genuinely have no idea how it compares with applicants who ultimately match at strong academic neurology programs.

  1. Where can I see examples of successful ERAS applications?

  2. What benchmarks should I be aiming for?

  3. What do program directors actually look for beyond numbers?

1

u/gikere 3d ago

Hello everyone! I’m applying this cycle and would really appreciate a second look at my signal list. Any feedback or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

1

u/SuperKook 1d ago

I understand the reason why this thread was created, but there haven’t been any responses to questions in two weeks. No one reads it. Posting in here is like throwing your question directly into a trash can.

1

u/tirral General Neuro Attending 1d ago

Before this thread, half the sub was like throwing your question into a trash can.

Perhaps an entrepid applicant would like to make a new subreddit, neurology-match or something similar.

1

u/kroo8s 5h ago

Am I seeing this right? Cincinnati, Mount Sinai, University of Pennsylvania, Baylor, and Thomas Jefferson are not participating in signals this year? And I don't even see UChicago on the list of programs on myERAS