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with such a low score what are my chances as an IMG

5K views 11 replies 9 participants last post by  Kfreelsmd 
#1 ·
hey , this is the 1st time i am posting anything after joining this forum....i was in a state of depression after i received my step 1 score...it was beyond what i had expected.......i am an IMG and i want to know what are my chances after receiveing a score of 192/77 in step 1. i haven;t given step 2 yet but somehow i managed to convince myself that i need to try at least once so i have paid for my CS. but today i met someone who is also an IMG and holds a good score in both step 1 2 and 3 and has already gotten into a residency programme said that colleges require that you have a score of atleast 80 before you can even apply .....so now i am in a state of confusion and depression again...i just want to know now what are my chances plz anyone please help me....:confused:
 
#4 ·
I think you can research those programs in the Freida website (or a specific official website that is used for the match -- I'm just not sure which). You can also use match-a-resident or other similar websites. They can filter out programs that require usmle step 1 that is 80 and above and leave you with the programs that may accept you.
 
#9 ·
Guys, don't get discouraged. People get into residency every year with low scores. Things to do to improve CV:

-Get better score in CK
-Pass CK on first attempt
-Do observership/externship (either one)
-Take Step 3
-Do reserach
-Have some publications

I know some of the ones I mentioned can't be done (due to money issues, finding a project, etc), but try to get competitive in this market :p

Most importantly, be realistic. With a low score, it will be difficult (if not impossible without connections) to get into a competitive specialty (such as Derm, Radio, Ortho Surg, General Surgery, and even Internal Medicine these days!)
So, do a research on FREIDA and look up programs that won't filter you out due to Step 1 score and keep in mind that some states are more IMG friendlier than others.

Hope this advice helps. I don't intend to know it all. This is just my opinion.

GL :)
 
#11 ·
my scores aren't that good either and similar to yours. i got 4 IV total, 3 IM, 1 FM. I know my chances of matching are very slim but still possible. i graduated in 2010 so i feel like there is also a long gap for me which is another negative factor for me for having such less IV's.
One of my friend who also applied this year has 194 in step 1, 200 in step 2, same yr of graduation as me, and he got 5 IV total, all in IM and one of his IV is in a very good competitive university program in NYC, but he has strong connections in alot of places. So i wouldnt say its impossible, but you have to apply to 200+ programs to get even 3-4 IV's. And you should also have USCE. I feel like that's the only reason i even got any IV at all. i have no connections or contacts, which is another huge negative factor. no matter how much we put emphasis on scores, i have seen way too many people personally with very low scores, even multiple attempts getting into residency programs, simply because of connections and contacts.
 
#12 ·
Although, I think everyone has given good advice to you bro I figured I would add my two cents into the equation... I think the following are MUST DO's:
1. Step 2CK
- 1st attempt pass
- 20pt increase from Step 1 score
- take the exam early, this will provide you the proper amount of time you will need later in your 4th year to do elective and observership rotations.

2. Set up elective or observership rotations
- preferably elective rotation over an observership
- this should be done early as possible, LIKE NOW!
- email, call, send letters whatever you have to do to get your name out to programs that you are ONLY INTERESTED IN APPLYING and request setting up an elective or observership.
- DONT GIVE UP, keep emailing, calling or whatever until the program simply tells you NO.

3. Maximize your ERAS program application list
- simply put, apply to as many freaking programs that you can

4. Step 2CS
- take before you begin your elective rotations, this will provide time for you to concentrate on really performing well during your elective rotations.

5. MAKE CONTACTS!
- take every advantage of the opportunity to get to know the residents at the programs where you are doing your elective rotations.
- get to know the residency director and coordinator, take advantage of opportunities to introduce yourself - research a little something about them and bring it up in conversation.

Anyway, there's a lil bit of my two cents... Good luck brother!

 
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