Thread: Life after failing Ross COMP exam

Just want to let you know, I failed the COMP exam and wasn't allowed to progress or take USMLE. I take full responsibility for failing it was totally my fault and I do not blame nor want to bash Ross for my failing. However, I wasn't willing to give up on my medical career. I transferred into another program, they accepted all my credits but made me retake their Board review course that's part of their 5th semester in Chicago. I also completed a clinical elective at a teaching hospital (without a step1 score) that put a lot in perspective for me. Since then I have passed step1 (99%), and both parts of step 2 (95% & P). I have already been offer two positions both in IM for next year out of the match. I will most likely accept one of the positions because my wife and I are comfortable in this area.

I believe I was very lucky to find this program that allowed me to progress without having to repeat any semesters. I learned a lesson by failing out of Ross and focused on my goal of becoming a physician. This is to let everyone know failing a course or an exam isn't the end and it's not proof you can't do the work, I'm no exception and if it worked out for me it can work out for others.

Good luck...

Focused,

First, congratulations on finding for a way to finish. I do have a question. You mentioned you were offered a pre-match, which was the one advantage IMGs had, but I thought 2013 was the first year they were starting the "all-in" NRMP process where programs would have to make all positions available for the match and therefore not allowing pre-matches. I am just trying to figure all the rules out prior to preparing for the match.

You are right about the "all-in" rule but a program doesn't have to comply with it and therefore can be "all-out." What this means is that the program basically pre-matches all of its positions. I can't imagine that there would be many programs willing to do this but if he found two, well that's amazing! Alternatively, applicants are able to match off-cycle, meaning they start their residency in like October or another month besides July 1st. If you take a look at the acgme website and select a program, you will see the number of positions they are accredited for and the number of positions filled. Occasionally you will see a small number, 1 or 2, in parenthesis stating that this was off-cycle. How exactly a program is able to go about doing this though is something I don't know.

Not sure but I am being pushed to sign a contract now, kinda like a now or never deal (at least that's the way I understand it). Since my wife is happy with the location and I will be spending most of my time at the hospital why not?

I'd expect to see the programs going "all-out" aggressively offering pre-match contracts using all sorts of pressure tactics. They won't be the best programs, but as the saying goes....

A bird in hand is better than 2 in the bush.

Maybe if I made it as far I you did I could see myself just going for it (and going deeper into debt). But I only made it to 2nd semester so it just didn't make sense no matter how I tried to reason it or make excuses. I really struggled with the decision: whether or not to apply to other schools. I imagine it's relatively easy for people who burn on in 1st. It's harder for me to imagine it for people who drop out in 3rd or 4th.

I just want to echo some comments made in this thread. Just be sure you know what you're getting yourself into before you pack your bags for Dominica. I had a great time at Ross, but it just didn't work out grades-wise.

Wow. Glad to hear things worked out for you.

Thank you for posting, and kudos to you, also. Many people will post about their successes to teach others. Some will post about 'failures' displacing blame onto & vilifying another (sometimes this is justified!). Fewer will publicly share a 'failure,' own it, and use it as a teaching point to inspire. That is something special.

Kind of like finding a gold nugget in a world with too much crap.

Congratulations on moving along in your career.

Richard.

Just want to let everyone know I matched in my first choice at the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City for Family Medicine. This is where I grew up and where my family lives (couldn't be better). I am very thankful for finding Atlantic University School of Medicine and can NOT thank them enough for giving me a second chance. If you ever find yourself in my former situation I highly recommend this program. There is no "**" with them and they do what they say "Green book rotations".

Thank you AUSOM.

Originally Posted by Focused

Just want to let you know, I failed the COMP exam and wasn't allowed to progress or take USMLE. I take full responsibility for failing it was totally my fault and I do not blame nor want to bash Ross for my failing. However, I wasn't willing to give up on my medical career. I transferred into another program, they accepted all my credits but made me retake their Board review course that's part of their 5th semester in Chicago. I also completed a clinical elective at a teaching hospital (without a step1 score) that put a lot in perspective for me. Since then I have passed step1 (99%), and both parts of step 2 (95% & P). I have already been offer two positions both in IM for next year out of the match. I will most likely accept one of the positions because my wife and I are comfortable in this area.

I believe I was very lucky to find this program that allowed me to progress without having to repeat any semesters. I learned a lesson by failing out of Ross and focused on my goal of becoming a physician. This is to let everyone know failing a course or an exam isn't the end and it's not proof you can't do the work, I'm no exception and if it worked out for me it can work out for others.

Good luck...

I found your posts on this thread extremely inspiring especially as it is truthful and has no bitterness as usually is the case when a student has to leave school . You are also an excellent advertisement for Atlantic School of Medicine. They must be all very proud of you especially as you got a 99% the Step1 .

All the very best in your residency at the University of Oklhoma.