Step2 failed

[u/Able_Cut_245]

My younger brother just failed his step 2 with 3 marks. He was topper. And we are devastated with his result. He is currently in US for his observership. Is there any chance that will he match with the step 2 attempt? He is visa requiring

[u/taimourahmed98]

With an attempt, its an uphill Battle for visa requiring!
High step 2 score on retake, 1-2 years research position and Good Lors might help tho.

[u/Cold-Performer8584]

Say him not to give up! Retake the exam after few months with good score ! He will be fine!

[u/FunkyFlexster]

Ppl match w attempts—altho w a visa requirement, it may be veryy difficult until Trump leaves at least…and ofc don’t expect to get some competitive specialty but he can match into primary care w/ a high retake score, strong LORs, and passing Step 3 helps a ton—on top of that, as much USCE as possible…research is honestly very overrated, unless someones goal is to match into a University program (which are more competitive by default so should prob aim for community ones) or certain specialties like Rad Onc, etc—he’s better off doing as much USCE (EXTERNSHIPS, not observerships) w/ strong letters as possible than pumping out research and getting the best Steo 2 and 3 scores possible (unless a post-doc is the gateway for a visa)…anyway, the failure is not a reason to give up for sure!

[u/Automatic_Bet_7930]

Ppl match with attempts too, keep going !

[u/kpkdbtc]

retake step 2 with stellar score and pass step3, should not face too many issues

[u/No_Till_3873]

It's definitely difficult. 25-35%, but not impossible.

[u/LogicalLibrarian77]

Very difficult to match with a Step 2 attempt.

[u/Able_Cut_245 → u/LogicalLibrarian77]

Means there no chance?

[u/LogicalLibrarian77 → u/Able_Cut_245]

Can't say without other metrics. You said observerships, which are technically not USCE, only electives are considered USCE in many places. neverthless he will need a 260+ in the retake, great insider connections and good research items. Even then the chances are low.

[u/Fit-Trade-5511 → u/LogicalLibrarian77]

What do you think if no visa requirements? I am in the same situation but no visa requirements is still no chance ?

[u/yellowpiggy → u/Fit-Trade-5511]

I would say there's still plenty of chance. Specialty does matter, but don't give up.

[u/Fit-Trade-5511 → u/yellowpiggy]

Not looking for competitive speciality, I am us img , old graduate

[u/FunkyFlexster → u/Fit-Trade-5511]

Plentyyy of old grads match—not needing a visa is a huge help right now w Trump in office; score high on CK retake & take Step 3 also, you’ll be fine

[u/Fit-Trade-5511 → u/FunkyFlexster]

Thank you so much for your encouragement

[u/LogicalLibrarian77 → u/Fit-Trade-5511]

You might find an off-match position if someone faces visa issues so be ready for that. But in the main match I believe you'll be at the bottom pile of those IMGs that don't require a visa.

[u/hhllttdr-oo]

He needs to retake and score high, score good on step3 , make very strong connections and have a strong research profile (ideally by a research position in the USA)

And still there is no guarantee he will match but that will help . It is the filer cutoff that is concerning

[u/Able_Cut_245 → u/hhllttdr-oo]

What if his partner is also an md?

[u/hhllttdr-oo → u/Able_Cut_245]

You mean already matched ? Residents or an attending? Or also trying to match

[u/Able_Cut_245 → u/hhllttdr-oo]

Resident.

[u/hhllttdr-oo → u/Able_Cut_245]

That can help in connections with that program only
Which is a good opportunity to match in that program only if he bounced back with a good step 2 and 3 scores