Dear all,

This forum has been very helpful for me to plan for my future. Because of my STEP 1 score (224-226), I am reconsidering if I should still pursue neurosurgery. I would love a completely honest appraisal, and I am open to any constructive feedback. I love this field, and if I still had a chance I would take it in a heartbeat.

Things going for me:
- Significant interest in neurosurgery research (multiple first author pubs -- including first author basic science paper in decent journal).
- AANS presentation(s)
- Elite home program
- Decent relationships in home program with neurosurgery researchers + surgeons
- 2 awards during the first year of med school

Things going against me:
- Low STEP 1 score (224-226)
- Average preclinical grades at best (p/f curriculum)
- Not much OR experience
- No clinical grades yet, starting 3rd year in about a month.

Thank you!

My schedule is pretty tight with home required courses etc. I may only be able to do one away, along with my home Sub-I. How much will this hurt me? 

250 Step 1. 5 actual publications (3 Neuro, 2 first author), 15+ abstracts/posters, etc. Top-ranked med school. Appreciate the input...

Anybody rotate at Northwestern or Rush, thoughts? Comparison to other Chicago programs?

Anybody know what places still have open slots for September?

Like the title says, I am curious your opinion of my chances. 

I was thinking ortho for most of my time in med school, and then long story short, I feel like nsx is where I fit best. I like the 'critical care' aspect of medicine and have found that deeply in nsx and not seen that in Ortho.

I feel like I have an uphill battle starting this late. I have set up 5 sub-i's at what I've gathered are 'low tier' programs and programs that have taken DO's.

DO student, Step 1: 245, Sigma Sigma Phi, A's in all of my M3 rotations (we don't do honors or high honors etc... so idk how to compare it), 1 pub that is in the process of being written, 1 presentation.

I know with my stats I will have to kill it on sub-i's. 

My question is two fold. 
1. What are my chances?
2. What programs should I do sub-i's at given my low research and being a DO?

Thanks so much.

I'm a recent convert to neurosurgery. I only have 2 research experiences and no pubs. I've done well in 3rd year and have a 245 on Step 1 (haven't taken step 2 yet). I go to a DO school. 

As you can see, I have a lot working against me. 

I am wondering what are the 'Low tier" programs and/or programs that consider DO's that I should do Sub-I's at. I plan to do 5 sub-i's and bust my butt to impress because I know based on my stats I won't get many interviews but it's going to be based on good sub-i's. . Oh and I am in the SouthEast of the US but I am willing to go literally anywhere in the US.  

Thanks in advance

I'm a recent convert to neurosurgery. I only have 2 research experiences and no pubs. I've done well in 3rd year and have a 245 on Step 1 (haven't taken step 2 yet). I go to a DO school. 

As you can see, I have a lot working against me. 

I am wondering what are the 'Low tier" programs and/or programs that consider DO's that I should do Sub-I's at. I plan to do 5 sub-i's and bust my butt to impress because I know based on my stats I won't get many interviews but it's going to be based on good sub-i's. . Oh and I am in the SouthEast of the US but I am willing to go literally anywhere in the US.  

Thanks in advance

Which programs can allow you to do a CAST accredited fellowship as a chief, and how important is this to look for in a program?

What are the elite neurosurgery training programs as of right now?

Was looking into the houston programs - I have a lot of family there and am interested in potentially moving back. Heard UT Houston was malignant AF but don't know if that's true. Looked into Methodist but it seems like they are missing a lot of residents. No PGY-5s, only 1 chief, a couple others missing in a 3/year program. Anyone know what's up with that? My home chair said the faculty is super sketchy there. Should I just look into Baylor?

Any insight is appreciated. Thanks