[preeti]

Hi..

I applied for step 2 CS in April last year as I planned to give CS in June... I got a visa too but due to family conditions I could not travel to states and I started with step 1 prep..I gave step 1 in Dec and now I have asthma and am under treatment ..so won't be able to make it in time for CS..

I wanted to ask .. can ECFMG refund the fees for health reasons?
I want a date in May..so I should apply at least few months before hand..
What should I do??
Should I cancel my existent date and apply again or talk to ECFMG for refund and then apply? will talking to ECFMG ppl 3 months in advance reduces my chances of getting a refund?
I am really confused and the whole situation is frustrating and top of it the fees have increased..

I'll really appreciate your help...

 

[rasheed]

My advice

They will refund the fees completely if you were not granted a Visa. I am not sure what they'll do in your special circumstances.

I'd say call them and tell them that you won't be able to attend due to severe family circumstances (don't tell them health reasons) and see what they say.

 

[preeti]

thanks a lot for ur reply..i will do that

 

[khanar]

They will refund the fees completely if you were not granted a Visa. I am not sure what they'll do in your special circumstances.

I'd say call them and tell them that you won't be able to attend due to severe family circumstances (don't tell them health reasons) and see what they say.

Why not tell them "health reasons"!

 

[rasheed]

There will be implications

Why not tell them "health reasons"!

There will be several implications:
First they'll say you can't claim health reasons 3 months ahead!
Second they'll ask you to document the health issues with paperwork and other stuff

That would make the issue more difficult. Personally, I think if you tell them "family circumstances" they maybe more flexible with that.

 

[preeti]

ppl say that we hav to submit a letter to ecfmg to request refund and fax a document to show our reasons. Do u think they won't ask me for family reason on some legal document then?
I want to be sure before calling cos once I state one reason, I can't use the other one cos they might think I am bluffing..
thanks for ur replies so far.

 

[rasheed]

ppl say that we hav to submit a letter to ecfmg to request refund and fax a document to show our reasons. Do u think they won't ask me for family reason on some legal document then?
I want to be sure before calling cos once I state one reason, I can't use the other one cos they might think I am bluffing..
thanks for ur replies so far.

I still think that giving them "family circumstances" is a better option because in that case there are no documentations that can provided, it's just a personal letter from you that you should fax.
However, be prepared that they may reject your request and it does not always work with them.

 

[Fahad26]

I have recently had a death in my family. I have paid the fees for USMLE step 1 and I am currently in my extended eligibility period.

Is there any way to get a refund? In my letter to ECMFG, should I write anything beyond severe family circumstances? Should I elaborate or leave it as that?

 

[Sabio]

Tell them about the death

I have recently had a death in my family. I have paid the fees for USMLE step 1 and I am currently in my extended eligibility period.

Is there any way to get a refund? In my letter to ECMFG, should I write anything beyond severe family circumstances? Should I elaborate or leave it as that?

It would certainly help if you give them the specifics and tell them that one of your family members died. I think they'll consider that.
Our condolences to you and may God help you and your family at these difficult times.