Which is stronger?

Hi everyone,
I’m a non-US IMG (YOG 2025) and I’m planning to apply for General Surgery this cycle, but after getting my Step 2 score I’m seriously questioning whether I should even apply.

Step 1: Pass
Step 2 CK: 225
YOG: 2025
4 publications
25 conference presentations
3 LORs
2 US clinical rotations
Non-US IMG
Interested in General Surgery

I know 225 is not a strong Step 2 score for General Surgery, and honestly, I’m extremely disappointed and broken. I’ve already invested a lot of money into this process, and now I’m not sure if it makes sense to spend even more on ERAS applications.
I’d really appreciate some honest advice. Do you think I have a realistic chance of matching General Surgery with this profile?
If you were in my situation, would you still apply and take the chance, or would you not apply at all and save the money?
I appreciate any kind of advice

Step 1: Pass
Step 2 CK: 233
YOG: 2024
Non-US IMG
6 publications
No step 3
No usce no us lor
Applying for im fm peds
Should i consider applying this cycle or save my money and apply next cycle with step 3 with usce and lors.

Signals have become THE most important part of the application now. Please don't give your money to some consulting company because they'll just use AI and old data. A lot of people (me included) are willing to look over your signals for free, because we're not businessman vultures.

I’m a non-US IMG with a Pass/244 who matched into a university-affiliated program. I used to stalk this subreddit all the time, so I wanted to share some advice going into the 2027 cycle.

A LOT of you have strong applications and above-average Step 2 scores. However, I think a lot of people go unmatched for one main reason: bad signaling + bad geographic preferences.

I got 15+ IVs, with 10/15 signals sending me one. The strategy is pretty simple:

• Be careful with programs that get 5,000+ applications. You can easily get drowned out. Connections can matter a lot at these massive IMG-heavy programs, so don’t assume a signal will get you noticed.
• Choose your geo preference wisely. The combination of geo pref + signal makes it more likely that a program will notice you, so use them in areas where IMGs actually have a decent shot.
• If you’ve heard of a program constantly on Reddit, odds are thousands of other people have too. you won’t get an IV there, but you’re probably competing against a much bigger pool of applicants.
• Research your programs well. Look for newer programs, underrated programs, less talked-about programs, rural areas, etc. You want places where your application has a chance to actually stand out.
• Don’t assume that because a city has a high number of IMGs matching there, it’s automatically easier for you. Big cities have a lot of IMGs because they also have a ton of applicants and programs. Places like California, New York, and Seattle can still be extremely competitive.

I’d highly recommend looking into programs in the Midwest and using your geo preference + signals strategically. South Atlantic can be great too, especially Florida.

Also, if you can learn Spanish, that’s a pretty big plus for programs serving large Hispanic populations.

Obviously this is just my experience and not a guarantee, but going into 2027 I’d spend less time chasing the programs everyone on Reddit knows about and more time finding programs where you actually have a chance to stand out.

Feel free to DM me with a list of your signals + stats and Ill take a look at em. much love

Hi everyone, I’m an MBBS graduate and researcher currently looking for a paid postdoctoral research position in the United States that can provide J-1 visa sponsorship.

I have extensive research experience, particularly in cardiology/cardiovascular research, clinical epidemiology, and data-driven research, with experience in research methodology, statistical analysis, manuscript writing, and collaborative projects.

I would be very grateful for any advice on:

Labs or institutions currently recruiting postdocs

PIs who may be open to international candidates

Programs that provide J-1 sponsorship

Any leads, referrals, or personal experiences that could help me navigate the process

If you know of an opportunity or have advice, I would genuinely appreciate your help. Thank you!

Non-US IMG here.

My profile:

• YOG: 2025
• Step 1: Pass
• Step 2 CK: 255+
• Publications: 2
• USCE: None
• Step 3: Not taken yet

I completed Step 1 and Step 2 after graduation while preparing full-time and did not do a house job during that period.

Would this be considered a gap year by residency programs?

Also, how realistic are my chances of matching in Internal Medicine without USCE?

Non US IMG with no usce, planning to apply in FM and Peads. Any leads for IMG friendly programs?

Hello beautiful people! So I am 23 years old Visa requiring IMG, I have a 254 step 2 score YOG 2026.. nothing interesting in my CV except for a high GPA in university. No proper publications and a single month IM Observership at grady, no relevant extracurriculars unfortunately..... sooooo what are my chances if I apply smartly 🙈?

Looking for someone experienced with ERAS applications who can review my personal statement, CV, and overall application and give me some helpful feedback.

If you know someone good or offer this service, please DM me. Recommendations are welcome! 🙏

I am 2026 graduate, ecfmg certified. I was planning to apply to match cycle this year but unfortunately my visa was rejected. I am unable to find a timely interview date again, and since only a month has left in eras submission. I seek guidance and suggestions on applying with Pakistani LoRs only to limited number of programs.
I am confused whether should I apply this year or not?
I do not have any letter of recommendation so far. If anyone has any leads on teleportations or any observerships in Pakistan under MDs who can accommodate me at urgent basis, I will really appreciate the guidance.
thank you

When you request IMSEL same way we request for an LOR, What are the options we should select ..Does this fulfil the department chair letter requirement? Should we choose, yes or no?

Hello to all the warriors out there. I went unmatched last year, need some support from the community to help me win this time.
Guys I am a non-US IMG, who’ll be applying for IM and FM this year. Last year I just applied for IM and that too only 91 programs (idk man I thought I just wanted to work in selected regions cause of my proximity to family and also simply filtered out programs based on invite rates and % of current non-US IMGs in the program to save money). Yes I realised how I limited myself. For the context, I had not taken my step 3 at that time. I had received no IVs.

My current stats are:
YOG: 2023
Step 1: pass
Step 2: 246
Step 3: 21x
All in the 1st attempt.
I managed to get 3 IM LORs for observerships. 2 were from private practices
0 publications/research

I feel my application was not so impressive last year. I really need some advice for my improvement.

1. Suggestions for PS,
2. whether putting geographical preference is a good choice? ( I am open to all regions now)
3. is it fruitful to apply for FM with only IM LORs? Should I take the chance (I mean if its highly unlikely then I’ll save some money or just add more IM programs)
4. any tips for signals? ( I wasted all my signals last year)
5. what should be the minimum number of programs I should apply for IM for maximum chances?
6. does my stats look good enough for IM if I make my application better?

Do you think with the step 3 done, my chances might increase?

I would be extremely grateful if you can spare some time and help a fellow USMLE aspirant. Thank you!

Hi everyone, I am a Non US Img with 5 years of home country Internal Medicine residency.
Step 1: Pass
Step 2 CK: 258
Step 3: Planned for November 2026
ECFMG certification in progress
No U.S. clinical experience yet
I’m planning to apply for Nephrology and Infectious Disease fellowship.
What do you think are my realistic chances of matching with this profile?
I would really appreciate honest advice.
Does Step 3 is mandatory for Nephro/ID before Dec?

Non US IMG, final year med school. Passed step 1 2024, 260 on step 2, 2 USCEs, 8 publications. Here’s the problem :
I don’t graduate until February 2027, and so I wouldn’t be ECFMG certified before the match, how’s that going to affect my chances of getting into IM
Would you advise I apply next year instead?

Indian Resident, Helping with applications (free, not an Ad)

Hey guys! Im a non US IMG who likes to lurk on this sub (even after matching haha, cant let go).

Feel free to dm me and I’ll help with signals and stats! I want all of us to match lol

Hey guys I am a Non- US IMG reapplying this year and I really need help figuring out my signals. I have been working on my program list but will not have enough time to do good program researchs since I am also preparing for step 3 due September.

These are my stats - YOG2: step 2 257; USCE 5m; 1 year research; pubs - 6 abstracts, 3 manuscript, 2 under review.

I’d really appreciate any suggestions on programs that are not very popular, that people often overlook but are great in terms of training and fellowship opportunities or in general programs that my profile would align with.

Thxx so much to anyone who takes the time to help!

This is for residents who matched 10+ YOG profile

I am clinically active Img with no home country residency 10 YOG, step 2ck 248, step 3 218, all first attempt. This is my second cycle, last match i felt i did not target program sharply.

Iam Visa Requiring candidate

Applying for IM, FM, Primary care track this match. Iam trying to identify programs that actually match older graduates

If you matched with similar YOG, I would really appreciate you comment or DM the program.

It would really help me build program list.

Thank you!

With the match season coming nearby, I'm on my personal statement and ERAS CV right now, but I'm really scared about the interview prep as it is my first time applying for the match. So do you guys recommend using any resources or any courses/websites to help with the interview skills? I did come across Manik Madan and Sofia on Instagram, but I don't think they are really reliable. So, any advice from you guys is appreciated. (We did form a group to do interview with each other but the thing is I genuinely think I lack the basics of interview-so any advice on how to cover the basics of interview or the don’ts of interview is appreciated)

IM applicant. Applying this year.

Green card holder.

Step 1 pass, Step 2 248. YOG 2025.

Research:

6 published peer-reviewed full-length articles (1 first author)

38 published peer-reviewed abstracts (mostly 2nd-4th author)

7 Peer-reviewed poster presentations (all 1st author)

Clinical rotations:

Hands-on IM clinic for 8 months, 4 letters, including the dean of my medical school IM department.

1 inpatient psych mental health facility.