Point being there are many people who are doing it, so cant blame them for being so strict. I know folks who took 2 yrs off to do research, to make themselves more competitive, despite their crazy high board scores. Research takes at least 2 yrs to get something good out of it.
Remember you are also competing with US citizens (dont need a visa) who are IMGs. Who have 2yrs USCE (from clerkships/rotations), who have many US LORs, many of whom have done research even while in undergrad/grad schl/med schl and also might have connections in certain progs they rotated through, or even connections in their hometowns.
Now if someone with all this, only has a 220 and 230 in step 1 and CK, they still stand a better chance than someone who has a 240+ on both steps, needs visa, has no USCE, no US surgery LORs and needs a visa!
Point being, if you want to apply to surgery, make sure all cards are in order. Some count observership as USCE, but some progs dont. US surgery progs are still part of the old boys network, they know themselves, and networking is still huge.
I know someone who was an AMG (great schl), with a great step 1 score, 240+, that didnt match in ortho. He didnt have any research and needed visa then. He picked himself up, and got into research, got married to his long time gf, got a GC, and yrs later reapplied, and got in.
Nothing is guaranteed, patience and strategic planning is key. For me, even greater is prayer, as there are no set rules, or standard acceptance guidelines.
Have you researched observership? Where and when? Its more than just doing one but making sure its one that counts. Remember you will need a visa to get in to do it, always plan accordingly.
Also plan on doing your CS exam so you can be ECFMG certified, you can only do CS in the US.
Taking CS in Dec 2012/Jan 2013 wont help you at all, cause it takes like 2months to get CS scores!!! Its not like CK and step 1 which takes 3wks.
Also have you thought about interview season, its usually Oct-Dec/Jan. If you cant leave Egypt till after Dec 2012, then you'll miss interviews if you are blessed to have them.
Are you REALLY sure you are ready for 2013 MATCH????:notsure:
Best wishes