Real Benefits of Going to a Prestigious Residency Program?
I'm an M4 applying psych this cycle. As of right now I really can't see myself doing a fellowship and I'm not interested in research or academia. However, I ended up doing a lot better than I had anticipated on my STEP 2 and got a 267. Now I am torn between a community program where I'm sure I'll get a good education and enjoy my life versus trying to go for the really prestigious programs. My medical school is mid-low tier and I've never worked or rotated in a real powerhouse institution, so I worry that I am low-balling myself simply because I don't know what things are like at these programs and I know I like this one community program.
I guess what I'm asking is if the juice is really worth the squeeze in pursuing a really prestigious program? Any advice would be really appreciated.
Posted Sep 2, 2026, 12:39 PM UTC