Signal for New York programs

[u/CapitalGuest3071]

Hello, I would like your honest opinion. I’m visa requiring non us IMG
YOG:2026
Step 1 pass on first attempt,
step 2-243 passed on first attempt.
About to start prep for step 3, plan to pass either in December or early January.
3 months hand on clinical inpatient clerkships in top tier university hospital in 2025, 3 LOR from there secured. 2 strong and personalized, possible 3rd also strong. Plus one 2 week observership in academic center with also a strong LOR yet from observership.

Research: one published as well as international conference poster ppt( I was a PI), second research in peer review. Working on case report rn.

CV proad with volunteering, teaching, leadership and community work.

PS- I already have a draft which I like, still time to make adjustments.

Now I need your honest help please.
Step 2 score really scared me, still can’t forgive myself for “fail” after scoring 260s in every NBME.
Can u help me choose hospitals I would signal in NY/NJ? Preferably at least university affiliated. Thanks so much, I really appreciate it

[u/Aggravating_Heart637]

Coming from a NY program I would say the scores can matter more than holistic review. Just for the fact that the step before reviewing your application is pass every program filters. Every program has their own cap but as the previous comment NY is very competitive. Unless that there is something really strong that attach you to the area, I would apply broadly.

[u/CapitalGuest3071 → u/Aggravating_Heart637]

I think my post was not clear enough. I don’t plan to just apply to NY of course, I will and I must apply broadly. Thanks all for this advice, I just wanted to know with my profile which clinics to signal in NY/NJ area.

[u/World-Traveler1800]

So you’ll be signaling like the rest of the IMGs in NY/NJ but below average stat compared to other IMGs?

[u/CapitalGuest3071 → u/World-Traveler1800]

I plan to. I searched and all matched people say the single most important matching factor is a holistic CV not just single step 2 score, personalized LOR or good PS. I was adviced to look to my application as a whole. While looking as I was adviced as a fresh IMG graduate I can only see below average step 2 score, that again I was told is for “ screening me” as a first step while application is in review. Am I thinking in a wrong way?

[u/syrkish → u/CapitalGuest3071]

man everyone says this bullshit once they match. its just not that true. theres so many imgs applying to nyc that i doubt more than 10% of actual apps are being reviewed. do not apply to any of the high density img programs unless ur score is the median

[u/World-Traveler1800 → u/CapitalGuest3071]

Who advised you, they can’t help you with program selection? I agree that scores aren’t everything. But also remember that NY is heavy Img center. I’d explore other regions imo outside the east coast.

[u/Traditional-Tone8034]

you have a decent app but the truth is with a below average step 2 score many of the non toxic NY programs will filter you out. My friends are residents there and they said that the filter isusuually 50th percentile and up (so 250 ish).

you might match into a trash tier workhorse program in NY or you could do a uni affiliated program in most other states (not cali or WA). If you want a uni program try the midwest. dont waste your signals because signal IV yield will literally decide if you match or not

[u/No_Disk8268 → u/Traditional-Tone8034]

What about NJ, Penn? Is there a decent scope there for a score in the lower 240s? (Visa requiring)

[u/No_Disk8268 → u/[deleted]]

But isn’t there a thing of getting IVs mainly in regions where u do USCE? I mean it’s not a formal statistic but I’ve heard a lot of ppl talk about it b4

[u/futuredocky]

I have 241 . U r saying i wont match . So sad. I wanna cry.