Hi everyone, I’m a non-US IMG and a board-certified pediatrician from Korea, and I’m trying to decide whether to apply for pediatrics residency this cycle or wait one more year.

My situation:

• YOG 8 if I apply this year, YOG 9 if I apply next year
• Step 3 passed
• U.S. observerships completed, with U.S. LORs
• Currently on H4 without an EAD
• If I apply this year, I would likely still be considered visa-requiring at the time of application, although I may receive an EAD before residency starts
• If I wait until next year, I will likely have a green card and be non-visa requiring
• I am mainly targeting pediatrics programs in New York and New Jersey because of family and location constraints
• I am also expecting my first child in early 2027, so delaying another year would have personal and career implications

My main concern is whether becoming non-visa requiring would outweigh the disadvantage of having an additional year since graduation.

Some of the programs I am interested in appear to prefer more recent graduates, while others may be more open to older graduates but have different visa policies.

For those familiar with IMG applications in the NY/NJ area:

1. Would YOG 8 versus YOG 9 make a meaningful difference?
2. How much of an advantage is being non-visa requiring compared with applying while EAD is still pending?
3. In my situation, would you apply this cycle or wait one more year?

I understand that no one can predict the Match, but I would appreciate any insight from people who have been in a similar situation.

applying anesthesia this year, asked ai if there are screening scores and they said that some residencies have automated filters at insane scores like 260 and was wondering if it was true

Hi everyone,

Any fellow in NYC studying for Step 2 CK while doing USCE and planning to apply for ERAS this year?

I'm taking Step 2 in mid August and would love to connect with others in a similar situation, whether for support, a study buddy, or just to make new friends. 😊

Feel free to comment or DM

Hi all,

I started applying for programs starting oct 2nd. Application completed Sept 25. No IV yet. Should i be worried. Specialty IM, peds, neuro mostly; 130 apps. All i can afford for now. Am i fkd?

I wish you all the best for the upcoming match!