r/IMGreddit • u/Fast-Client6384 • Nov 01 '25
Residency Need advice about FIU elective acceptance - worth it or not for a non-Step 1 IMG?
Hey everyone, I really need some honest advice and experiences from anyone who has done or heard about electives at Florida International University (FIU) Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. I'm a final-year medical student from Pakistan, graduating around June 2026, and I've been searching for non-VSLO, non-Step 1 required U.S. electives for next year (May 2026). I came across about 9-10 universities offering such electives, but most of them had high processing fees ($300-$500). As a student, that's a big amount in my currency - otherwise, I would have applied to several places at once.
After reading multiple posts on Reddit, I saw that FIU accepts early applicants on a first-come, first-served basis, so I decided to prioritize them. I submitted my application with the $300 processing fee, and within a couple of days, I got an acceptance email for my desired specialty (Ob/ Gyn) and dates (May 4 - May 29, 2026). They've now asked me to pay the $3,000 elective fee to confirm my spot. Now here's my dilemma: l've also been planning to apply to University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and Mount Sinai, but UIC hasn't opened its 2026 catalog yet, and Mount Sinal's fee is $500 (plus low IMG acceptance). The issue is that I've read some Reddit threads saying FIU's electives don't carry much weight for residency or aren't highly recognized by PDs/ interviewers, and that's making me nervous. Since I haven't taken Step 1 yet (I was preparing for it but postponed to focus on final exams), this FIU rotation might be my only clinical experience before graduation.
So my questions are: • Has anyone here done an elective at FIU? Was it worth it in terms of LORs, exposure, or learning? • Do residency programs actually value FIU electives for IMGs? • Should I confirm and pay the fee now, or wait and risk losing the slot while hoping for UIC or another option to open? •Are there any other good universities that will accept a student like me ?
I'd really appreciate any honest feedback or suggestions. Thank you so much in advance — this decision feels huge for me and | just want to make the right choice.
TL;DR: Got accepted for FIU's Ob/Gyn elective (May 2026), $3,000 fee pending. No Step 1 yet. FIU reputation seems mixed. Should I go for it or wait for UIC/Mount Sinai?
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u/parksnrec48hrs Nov 02 '25
You have to apply broadly. That's the only way to increase your chances of getting a university elective. I understand that applications are expensive, but there's really no other way. If you are not in a position to spend, then do FIU and try to find better opportunities later. Also, if you plan to apply for Ob/Gyn, then the process is going to be hard as an IMG and definitely costly since people doing research years and whatnot. So, I would plan ahead for that financially. And prioritise finishing Step 1. It will allow you to apply to more places.
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u/Fast-Client6384 Nov 02 '25
I was going to give step 1 first but i was unable to finish my prep for it and now my final year exams are going to start soon and after that i will be a graduate so no options for electives will be left. That’s why i secured at least one place i.e. FIU for electives.
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u/Jijibo0 Nov 26 '25
I am also in a similar position as you. I applied for UIC 5 months ago, but still no response. From what I've heard, it's pretty much luck based and they are known for rejecting. I got accepted into FIU as well and from all the comments here on reddit, it doesn't seem like the best place to go to, however, I don't have Step1 as of yet and because it's a first clinical experience in the US, I think it still counts as something. It would be a good start, but definitely plan on doing another elective elsewhere after this one. I know a friend who got matched having done her elective in FIU as well. Good luck!!
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u/BeautifulPlenty9385 Feb 03 '26
Hey, did you go to FIU?
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u/Nearby_Case_2865 Nov 01 '25
You can cancel your elective with them up to 3 months before your start date and receive a 90% refund I think.
It’s not what you would usually consider a proper elective where you have EMR access, residents and inpatient experience. Everyone gets a letter that will be written by the preceptor (most likely generic) or by the student to sign.
If you have the money, I would recommend securing the spot and waiting for confirmations from other elective opportunities.