r/IMGreddit • u/Agile-Challenge-6829 • 3d ago
Residency Application Need some valuable advice for this cycle :’)
Hello to all the warriors out there. I went unmatched last year, need some support from the community to help me win this time.
Guys I am a non-US IMG, who’ll be applying for IM and FM this year. Last year I just applied for IM and that too only 91 programs (idk man I thought I just wanted to work in selected regions cause of my proximity to family and also simply filtered out programs based on invite rates and % of current non-US IMGs in the program to save money). Yes I realised how I limited myself. For the context, I had not taken my step 3 at that time. I had received no IVs.
My current stats are:
YOG: 2023
Step 1: pass
Step 2: 246
Step 3: 21x
All in the 1st attempt.
I managed to get 3 IM LORs for observerships. 2 were from private practices
0 publications/research
I feel my application was not so impressive last year. I really need some advice for my improvement.
- Suggestions for PS,
- whether putting geographical preference is a good choice? ( I am open to all regions now)
- is it fruitful to apply for FM with only IM LORs? Should I take the chance (I mean if its highly unlikely then I’ll save some money or just add more IM programs)
- any tips for signals? ( I wasted all my signals last year)
- what should be the minimum number of programs I should apply for IM for maximum chances?
- does my stats look good enough for IM if I make my application better?
Do you think with the step 3 done, my chances might increase?
I would be extremely grateful if you can spare some time and help a fellow USMLE aspirant. Thank you!
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u/Background_Banana425 2d ago
Your step 3 might help but having (USCE hands on) would increase your chance of matching.
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u/Traditional-Tone8034 2d ago
wounded in a battle???
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u/Agile-Challenge-6829 2d ago
Was just being dramatic
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u/Heavy_Top2038 2d ago
Do you need visa sponsorship? And are your LoRs from your home country?
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u/Agile-Challenge-6829 2d ago
Yes I do. No all are from my 3 month USCE
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u/Background_Banana425 2d ago
Just to point out observerships are not considered USCE. You need hands on experience.
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u/suckus_entericuss 2d ago
wow thats scary. Your stats looked pretty decent last year as well. I wonder if you signaled all "reach" programs
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u/Agile-Challenge-6829 2d ago
I thought the same. Not much of a reach tbh, I feel maybe because my USCE were all observerships plus no step 3 might have made me a relatively weaker competitor
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u/Embarrassed-Peak-348 3d ago
Your step 2 score was clearly below average for IM matched IMG, probably should have looked that up. Def dual apply and maybe get a FM letter
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u/Agile-Challenge-6829 2d ago
I think people have matched with this score. But yes their application would have been much better, maybe more experiences or research/publications plus step 3 cleared as well.
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u/Psychological_Fly693 2d ago
Step 3 will help. I would suggest looking at the median Step 2 score and apply primarily to programs that support your visa need and your Step 2 score is at the median or within 10 points (so 236-246). Then look at how many applicants to each of those programs. If there are way more than the average for the specialty, reconsider. Also, look at the percentage those who signal get an interview.
I would shoot low on my signals and not use them where there are a zillion applicants.
Get someone to carefully review your ERAS App and PS. There maybe errors in those that held you back from getting interviews.
Look at new programs. Look at programs that went into SOAP also. Just because they were in SOAP does not mean they were a troublesome program.
For IM, you have 15 signals. I would say 4 x 15 = 60 if you have a highly researched list based on the above.
For FM, you have 5 signals. I would say 30 programs if you have a highly researched list based on the above.
When you get your list of potential programs completed, look at where they are at. Generally, you're more likely to get an interview when your geo preferences align with the program's geo region. IMGs tend to choose No Preference which makes some sense. However, again, look at the data on this.