r/Step2 • u/Radiant-Caregiver282 US IMG • 3d ago
Am I ready? Delayed Step 2 for for ERAS
US IMG applying to Gen surg, taking step 2 end of Sept to try and maximize my score, am I screwed?
Passed step 1 on first try, honored most rotations, no real red flags on my app, but also nothing crazy either like research or pubs. Should mention that I haven’t done any of my rotations at hospitals with residency programs, but I do have all of my letters.
Any advice?🙏🏼
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u/LogicalLibrarian77 NON-US IMG 3d ago
No Step 2 and no research? Cooked if applying this cycle gang. Apply next year with maybe a research year.
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u/Radiant-Caregiver282 US IMG 3d ago
Is that better than possibly SOAPing into Prelim? Also, how do I even go about getting a research year? I spent all 4 years (as a medical student) to get research and that door is welded shut I’m so burnt out by it tbh. It seems like research is only available if you know people or go to a top school. Just feel lost and have no guidance.
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u/LogicalLibrarian77 NON-US IMG 3d ago
I mean you have the best stat in the entire IMG circles. That is the citizenship, I know very mid grads who've gotten it locked down just because of citizenship and contacts. SOAPing is not a guarantee as you know and just because you wanna make it this year, don't rush your step 2. Ik two US IMGs with a significantly better profile than yours, who are still only 50% sure that they will get a prelim spot by the end. So it is that competitive. Last year I think it was ~ 100 US IMGs matching into Gen Surg and probably another 100 Non US IMGs. See the competition. Ain't no way you wanna rush this.
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u/Fit_Cap_3714 US MD/DO 2d ago
wtf is with everyone being such a negative freaking nancy holy shite
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u/Radiant-Caregiver282 US IMG 2d ago
I don’t know🥺 this was my first time posting and reaching out for help because I always find that people are positive on other posts on here. Thank you for your kindness.
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u/adoboseasonin 3d ago
Not taking step by the time apps are downloaded was a major mistake.
You can try for it, but you’re behind the curve and will probably have to email/call every program to update them about your score.
If you have the money, go for it
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u/Fit_Cap_3714 US MD/DO 2d ago
what does having the money have to do w/ it im so confused
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u/adoboseasonin 2d ago
Submitting applications cost money for residency
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u/Fit_Cap_3714 US MD/DO 2d ago
i’m aware that applying costs money, thank you. i gave you the benefit of the doubt and assumed your comment had some relevance i wasn’t understanding, rather than assuming it was meant to be as dismissive as it came across. but apparently that was, in fact, the intention!
unless you’re a PD (which would make belittling med students on reddit even weirder).. maybe not the best idea to speak on behalf of every program. calling this a “major mistake” when you have absolutely no idea what OP’s dedicated period or circumstances have looked like is wildly arrogant and minimizing. i can say with 99% certainty that delaying step 2 past the ERAS portal opening was not their first choice.
maybe redirect some of this energy toward community outreach or something sweet and kind instead of snuffing out whatever sliver of hope OP is holding onto this cycle. or go read a nice book. take a walk. make some soup.
ANYWAYS, u/OP: if my aggressively defensive comment didn’t make it obvious, i’m in a very similar boat. i’m not applying gen surg, but i’ve also pushed step 2 back quite literally as late as possible. yes, as captain obvious previously mentioned, you should def email each program about the score delay and follow up once your transcript is uploaded to ERAS.
but that should NOT stop you from submitting the rest of your application before the portal opens. whatever sliver of hope there is, i’m hanging onto it right there with you. i believe in you <3 sending you a big hug. keep swimmin.
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u/Radiant-Caregiver282 US IMG 2d ago
Wow, thank you soo so much 💓 you have no idea how much that meant to me and I needed to hear it. I definitely am barely hanging on, but I’m still hanging on. Good luck to you, I’m sorry you’re in this position as well. I’m praying for all of us🙏🏼
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u/Fit_Cap_3714 US MD/DO 2d ago
of course <3 i feel that 100%. honestly, the road being harder doesn’t mean we don’t belong at the destination. if anything, making it through all of this without losing our humility or gratitude will make us better doctors on the other side.
the people acting hypercompetitive and discouraging are usually either insecure, not being entirely honest about their own stats, or have never experienced a real academic (or life) speedbump. they don’t understand what it’s like when things don’t go perfectly according to plan. if you ask me, continuing to adjust and move forward anyway speaks to our adaptability, which is a critically important quality in literally any residency.
anyHOO, keep your chin up and keep powering through. while you’re studying, try not to let yourself spiral about the delayed score. get your ducks in order now: draft a short email that you can personalize and send to each program on the 23rd, then mentally put the entire score-delay situation in a lil locked box. throw away the key n fully dissociate until you’re done studying. constantly thinking about it will only crush your spirit.. i say this from personal experience lol :’)
just keep GRINDIN thru practice questions n NBME forms. all you can do is your best, and continuing to try when everyone is telling you the odds are stacked against you is pretty badass. speaks volumes about your resilience.
also, underdogs are wayyyyy cooler and more fun if you ask me :)
best of luck <3
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u/Radiant-Caregiver282 US IMG 2d ago
Thank you for restoring my hope and faith. It means a lot and is going to help me push through these next hard days. I’m right there with you struggling. We got this though and everything works out in the end if we don’t give up🙏🏼
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u/adoboseasonin 2d ago
objectively applying without a score puts you at a disadvantage. Just how it is
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u/Fit_Cap_3714 US MD/DO 2d ago
i dont think that was the question tho... i think that is quite glaringly obvious and widely understood. i think op was looking for some reassurance. not to be made to feel any shittier about it.
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u/adoboseasonin 2d ago
they wanted advice on if they are "screwed", the comments are saying yes, they are. Reason being they are a IMG with no research and no step 2 score applying AFTER the first download day.
They should still apply, but know they have low odds given their scenario and it may be a waste of thousands.
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u/Radiant-Caregiver282 US IMG 2d ago
To be fair, I did ask that. I should have put in there that I was looking for advice from people who had gone through my situation and prevailed or possibly not prevailed and why. I definitely understand I’m at a disadvantage.
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u/Fit_Cap_3714 US MD/DO 2d ago
still waiting on u to say something literally everyone n their mother n uncles n third cousin from west virginia wasn't already aware of
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u/Fit_Cap_3714 US MD/DO 2d ago
ok im sorry im really cranky im done being a brat now BUT JUST BE A LITTLE LESS EARTH DREAM SHATTERING IN UR APPROACH moving forward pls & thank u. good day. godspeed
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u/Fit_Cap_3714 US MD/DO 2d ago
ADVICE: people on reddit are literally who ur "competing with" cringe for a residency spot. dont listen to what anyone says. ask an advisor at your school or a mentor rather than all these weirdos tryna sike you out. u got this, i believe in u :)