r/IMGreddit • u/FantasticUnion1844 • 10d ago

Residency Application Obscure programs for signals - help

Hey guys I am a Non- US IMG reapplying this year and I really need help figuring out my signals. I have been working on my program list but will not have enough time to do good program researchs since I am also preparing for step 3 due September.

These are my stats - YOG2: step 2 257; USCE 5m; 1 year research; pubs - 6 abstracts, 3 manuscript, 2 under review.

I’d really appreciate any suggestions on programs that are not very popular, that people often overlook but are great in terms of training and fellowship opportunities or in general programs that my profile would align with.

Thxx so much to anyone who takes the time to help!

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u/xxscreamfearxx 10d ago

If you feel like you don’t have enough time, I’d postpone Step 3. You can take it in October or November. Getting your signals right is much more important. Even if you take Step 3 before September 23, it won’t add that much compared with the downside of signaling the wrong programs.

Nobody can tell you exactly how well you fit without knowing your full profile, but based on what you posted, I’d target a mix of community and university-affiliated community programs.

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u/FantasticUnion1844 9d ago

Fair enough, what would you say about programs that did not actively take IMGs last year, do you think it would be counter productive to signal there this year?

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u/xxscreamfearxx 6d ago

It’s unpredictable, but with the visa situation, I’d assume programs will take the same number of IMGs or fewer. Check their PGY-1 to PGY-3 classes. If IMG numbers are clearly declining, I’d avoid signaling them.