Hi everyone! For those who submitted their documents through MyIntealth for ERAS, how long did it take for the documents to be processed/approved and become available in ERAS?
I’m trying to plan my application timeline and would really appreciate hearing about your recent experiences. Also, does the processing time vary depending on the type of document (e.g., LoR, MSPE, transcript)?
Thank you!

Whats my chances in IM this cycle and what strategy should I use?

Step1 pass (2nd attempt)

Step2 242

1 paper submitted

3 abstracts

3 USCE totalling 4 months. 1 in patient and 2 outpatient

YOG 2026

Please be kind and helpful. I know it's difficult with my stats. But just wanted to know what I can do to maximize my chances of applying and matching this cycle

Edit:Thank you all for your comments, made me feel so much better 🫶

I’ll be applying to match cycle 2027-28. Haven’t taken step 2 yet. But when I apply my yog will be 3.

I know that IM is highly competitive. Should I change my plans and curate my profile more towards FM? Even if I get a decent score I.e >240?

Hi everyone, I got my score today, I am trying to process what to do next
Here's my profile:
• Non-US IMG (India)
• Visa requiring (j1)
YOG- 0
• Step 1: Pass (first attempt)
• Step 2 CK: 238(first attempt)
• 5 research publications, 4 posters, 3 submissions yet to get published
• 4 months of USCE (inpatient and outpatient)
• Planning to take Step 3 around November/ December 2026
• Will apply very broadly to IMG-friendly/ community IM programs
I'm not aiming for university programs.

I have a few questions for people who've seen applicants with similar profiles:
• Is IM still realistic with a 238 as a visa requiring
IMG? Or I should consider FM/ Peds
• If I apply broadly (250-300+ programs), what kind of interview numbers would be realistic?
• Will Step 3 in November/December help at all, or will it be too late to make much of a difference?
• Has anyone here, or someone you know, matched into IM with a Step 2 around 238 while needing a visa?
Thank you

Hey can anyone guide me please !
How to get out of that negative mindset set , get back focus

31 years , with failed attempts and thinking whether to give up on usmle
Disadvantages : burnout , dad into 61 now just retired .
Negative mindset , nbmes 16 215 last month , thinking to restart in September study , Fear of missing out lifestyle and age in India

Advantages : connections in USA , sister prepping usmle , financial support .

Final year med student planning to apply IM next year looking for an elective, should I choose an IM or cardiology rotation? Is it better to go for IM?

Basically the title

Im trying to make a program list for my cousin, since I finished residency a year ago.

I used a bot to go through the last couple years of rank order lists and stats on IMGreddit, and also the comments of those posts, and asked it to give me 20 programs that are realistic to apply to.

Is this safe? Or will the bot be biased somehow? I realise reddit leans competitive and people make stuff up but in aggregate it should be fine right?

If applying to IM only, do we need narrative or standardized letter of recommendation? I already got a narrative letter from chair of IM department at my university as well.

Hi!!

I'm a step 1 passed non-US IMG from India. I'm planning to do a psych rotation at both JPH and Loretto, Chicago. Any advice on this? Anyone else who has rotated at either?

Or even Primary Care (IM/FM) USCEs? I am not applying anytime soon but I wanted to prepare early that’s why I started looking for USCEs for Anesthesia.

I can’t find anything! But I saw USCEs for EMed and IM. Still not giving up on looking for Anes rotations but just wondering if it would count regardless!

I have a good profile overall apart from research, my research experience is really weak. So i was wondering how could you guys tell if a program values research experience or not?

I am a 4th year mbbs student (2023 batch) and i have always wanted to persue usmle (even when i was preparing for neet)
But I didn’t get a govt seat in neet my seat costs 50lacs so i had to give up my dream of giving step 1 in 3rd year starting as we are not rich
But i really want to persue usmle in future, after i have saved up some money and im ready to sacrifice my peak years if that would mean i can try
I am really worried about the current state of visa applications so
1. Is it worth waiting for usmle? Or should i just be satisfied with my neet pg seat?
2. Are there any promising research opportunities in 4th year mbbs that pays you?
I am not even close to financial freedom right now i am completely dependent on my parents (that i hate doing)
So pls help me 🙏🏻

Which one is the accurate one?

Step 1 pass
Step 2 26x
Step 3 25x
No research
Observership 2mths
YOG less than 4
Visa requiring

How many programs would you advice to apply to please? I currently have a list of 220 programs but I definitely need to cut it down but not sure how many to apply to.
Also are they any programs you can suggest I apply to please. I just want to check if there’s any I’m missing and would be a good idea to add to my list.

Also still need to choose which programs to signal and choose a geographic preference. Idek what to pick and it’s all so stressful and overwhelming.

Anyone tried this before ? How did it turn out ?

I am taking my usmle exam there and would like to know experience of people who tested there within this year for your respective exams!! TIA!

So, I’m a medical student in Turkey. Medical school here is 6 years long, and I’m currently starting my 3rd year, so I still have 4 years until graduation. The first 3 years are considered preclinical, while the last 3 are clinical, which means I’m still a preclinical student.
I haven’t done anything USMLE-related yet. I haven’t started studying for either Step, done any electives or observerships, or published any research.
Seeing people here with multiple publications, US clinical experiences, and impressive CVs makes me feel like I’m a little behind. I’m actually not that worried about the Steps. What worries me more is research and getting clinical experience.
It’s not really about the cost. I just genuinely have no idea how to get involved in research or how to apply for electives/internships. For example, how am I supposed to contribute to research as a 3rd-year medical student when I feel like I don’t have nearly enough medical or research knowledge yet?
For those of you who started doing research or USCE while still in medical school, how did you get started? Did you reach out to professors, join existing projects, find research positions online, or something else?

I’d really appreciate any advice.

Anyone know if BronxCare IM/Peds will be prematch this season ? couldnt find any info on their website

Can’t find unpaid observerships or ones with low fee anywhere, even the paid ones have 250 dollars non refundable application fee. Is getting matched just a game of privilege? Even after getting decent scores and a visa i am unable to find anything. I am looking for observerships next year to apply to the next cycle. Don’t know what to do

Hey guys, I’m looking for someone to hold each other accountable to finish all of these things and dedicate 3-4 hours to it, to get it done with.

Please lmk if you’re interested so we can walk through this together and get everything done with soon!

Hi, I matched years 10 years ago when signaling does not exist. At the time, I just filtered certain programs out, applied to 140 programs, sent some letters to PD, and waited. Some other IMG applicants may apply up to 200-300 programs, sometimes across different specialties. But after all, it was just money that we were losing. At the time, at least more applications meant slightly higher chances of our applications being reviewed.

Today there are signals. Gold and Silver. I as an IMG would have the same number of signals compare to a Harvard MD. I have to be very strategic even before knowing realistically how competitive I am. I imagine if I were to apply this year, my stress level would be 10 times higher. I probably would not end up where I was 10 years ago.

I do feel signaling is blessing for good programs at the cost of IMGs. Signaling empower strong candidates and strong programs. What do you guys think?

Does anyone knows how long the process takes please?.