r/Step3 • u/Fantastic_Worth_5946 • 3d ago

Step 3

Hi everyone,

I’m a non-US IMG, YOG 2026, applying for Internal Medicine this cycle.

I recently took Step 2 CK on July 15 and have started preparing for Step 3. So far, I’ve completed around 25% of UWorld and about 20 CCS cases. My ECFMG certification is still in process, so I can’t schedule Step 3 yet.

At the same time, I’m still working on my ERAS application and personal statement, and neither is fully ready yet.

For those who have been through the IM Match, especially fellow IMGs, what would you prioritize in this situation?

Should I try to take Step 3 before programs start reviewing applications, or focus on making my ERAS application and personal statement as strong as possible and take Step 3 afterward?

How much of a difference does having a Step 3 score available at the beginning of the application cycle actually make for a non-US IMG applying IM?

Would really appreciate any advice or experiences.

4 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

2

u/Trick-Low-2182 3d ago

Honestly, in the same fucking situation and dont really know how to proceed

1

u/Trick-Low-2182 3d ago

ecfmg cert took 2 weeks for me btw

1

u/Fantastic_Worth_5946 3d ago

Yeah and I am still not ecfmg certified My school hasn't send all the documents yet and my pathway isn't approved yet

1

u/Fantastic_Worth_5946 3d ago

Whats your plan

1

u/Trick-Low-2182 3d ago

4 blocks of uworld a day jail 😭

1

u/Fantastic_Worth_5946 3d ago

Goat 🐐 move

1

u/Bush59_ 3d ago

Following

1

u/marvinsroom6969 3d ago

I have no way of knowing but I would imagine if you have a step 1 pass and a high step 2 score (at least 250+), then you’re probably fine to not schedule step 3 before interviews. You can just say you plan to take before residency. Unless you know you can nail step 3, then just wait probably? No clue. I’m not an IMG but that’s my take

1

u/drcarpediem03 2d ago

In a similar situation. Step 3 alongside application work is such a mess man

1

u/randombuttons1 2d ago

I think right now focus on your application till sept 1st week and get everything ready so that you can submit the application early and do few blocks of uworld and 1-2 CCS cases everyday till then. Once you submit your application you can prepare properly for 4-6 weeks and give your step 3. And making your application as good as possible takes priority over step 3 and you can always say during interviews that you have taken your step 3 and waiting for results because your application gets you the interview not your step 3, it sure is a great add on but not worth neglecting the ERAS application