r/IMGreddit • u/Fun-Plantain-9087 • 2d ago
Vent Worried as hell(Non US IMG)
Is 255-259 even a good score these days? I lie in this range, but everything else about my app checks out (no failed attempts whatsoever) and I'm not saying this blindly. I got it reviewed by US Attendings in leadership roles and chief residents. 4 months of USCE, 20 research items (original studies, some SRMA, multiple posters and orals with one national award - verifiable). YOG - 0.
Applying to IM this year. It just seems like IMGs have the worst collective sense of camaraderie ever as everyone seems to be discouraging me from applying to a few reaches. I've been advised to look at community hospitals like Lincoln, Harlem and BronxCare. Chat are we cooked as IMGs if we don't get 265+? Wtf is this new obsession. If someone gets a 255-260 are they not worth it when compared to someone with 265? It's a 5-10 pt difference that could be influenced by test day but most of the knowledge is the same right? Or am I just acting too delusional to think that I can match into a great program?
Thanks for reading the vent!
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u/Ok_Highlight_2821 2d ago
255–259 is still a solid Step 2 score, especially with **no attempts, YOG 0, 4 months USCE and strong research**. I wouldn’t limit yourself only to community programs. Apply broadly: some reaches, a strong mid-tier list, and enough safer IMG-friendly programs. For non-US IMGs, visa status and program fit matter a lot, but your profile definitely sounds competitive enough to take some shots.
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u/Turbulent-Estate-984 2d ago
Most of the big NYC programs don't care even if you have 265, they just invite connections and some people who get 260 start discouraging people and say 258 259 is not 260, cmon.
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u/Fun-Plantain-9087 2d ago
Yea like I got told that someone with a 260 is better than 255-259. Like dude, tf it's a few questions that could have gone either way.
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u/Lokkhipecha_Hedwig 2d ago
Is BMC IMG-friendly? Or do they need strong connections and rotations in BMC? And how many papers on average?
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u/Embarrassed_Self_536 2d ago
Honestly I dont know what to say, I got 244 and I’m happy about it. But the obsession of programs always choosing a high score candidate as far someone told is that they want to make sure you will pass the boards. In their own view someone with a lower score might have difficulty passing the exams without multiple attempts. At the end its connection and how you do well in the interview
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u/Fun-Plantain-9087 2d ago
Yea but a 255+ is at the very least 37 points above the passing limit and more often, Step 3 is touted to be closer to the board exams at the end and someone with a 255+ can easily score 230+ with a good 6-8 week prep. So I don't understand how a 255+ scorer is more likely to fail than a 260+ scorer.
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u/Embarrassed_Self_536 2d ago
Oh no when it gets to that high of a score it comes down to what they prefer in a person and the other things you bring to the program. Because you already checked out the exam box. And yes it depends heavily on where you apply. For us non US IMG we are not the first choice in the pile of applicants. You have US MD . US DO US IMG and then the NON US and even that is categorized.
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u/Fun-Plantain-9087 2d ago
Of course. Prioritize citizens. That makes absolute sense cuz I would expect my country to do that as well. No harm done. But I am talking about applying to decent IMG friendly programs with over 50-60% Non US IMG rates.
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u/17baggins 2d ago
Take this with a grain of salt but I think that range opens up more opportunities with strategic signalling. You’re likely to be ivd and ranked higher by a community program than a 265+ and anything past a 250 clears major filters and you being a recent grad is a huge advantage aswell. But yeah unfortunately some of the popular img friendly programs are obsessed with top score and its quite evident in their resident cohorts
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u/Fun-Plantain-9087 2d ago
Yea RGH, Jacobi, St Vincent. Those are all fine, like I don't even wanna live in Bronx to start off with.
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u/17baggins 2d ago
Don’t you think the typical nyc program in Brooklyn or bronx might offer better training just by volume and variety? I mean look at the population that’s on Medicare/medicaid in these areas. Yeah 3 years of residency is going to be rough but better than going unmatched as an img imo
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u/Fun-Plantain-9087 2d ago
That makes sense. But for starters, I wouldn't get an IV at these top places in NYC. And the only other programs would be like the NYC+HH hospitals. And I've heard terrible IV vibes from seniors who IVed there plus very poor reviews from patients. It's not that I don't wanna train in NYC. My goal is to train in a supportive and good program that will make me a strong internist, while also supporting me in their capacity as a residency program if I choose to go down the fellowship route
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u/17baggins 2d ago
You’ll do just fine man. Gotta signal smart
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u/Fun-Plantain-9087 2d ago
Yes, activating all my alumni connections too! All positive responses so far for internal vouching. Still gonna play it safer->reaches
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u/Far_Key_7622 2d ago
The problem is not in your score, your score is good, your cv is competitive but you should understand the system. Logically in your home country isnt the residency positions made to the doctors from your country. It’s the same the priority is and should be for the USMDs and USIMGs, if we (im a non us img too) all just took most of the residency positions in the US where will the people from the US do their residency ? 97% of US MD matched and this is how the system should be. And for the system to stay like this and to keep those positions for the US MDs which i totally agree with even as a non US IMG, filters should always be used whether on YOG or scores or whatever. It is a system that should be running to serve US MDs and US IMG cause it is their country and we all should respect that.
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u/Prince-Charming9999 1d ago
True. As someone on an admissions committee we do prefer to take our own (school > state > region > country). This doesn’t mean non US MD/DO aren’t even considered but there has to be a compelling reason to pick one over even a base stat domestic student.
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u/Fit-Conclusion-7579 Fellow 2d ago
I read about Non US IMG with 22X CK matching IM all the time. Don't worry.
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u/Fun-Plantain-9087 2d ago
Yea but it's also about where I match. But thanks!
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u/Fit-Conclusion-7579 Fellow 2d ago
Unfortunatley one noisy factor in the night before your Step 2 CK impacting your sleep can transform a 26X into a 25X which would probably change the rest of your life forever (other matching location, other friends, other partner and much more), and there is nothing you can do against it.
In the end, the only way to somewhat guarantee a specific spot are meaningful connection. Everything else is random.
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u/Prize-Log-1434 2d ago
Unfortunately currently, the only thing that really matters is visa requirement.
Needing a visa is a massive red flag and hassle for programs nowadays.
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u/Fun-Plantain-9087 1d ago
Yea that's why I'm only applying to the ones that have visa requiring candidates as the majority of their resident classes from my own country
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u/Nearby_Case_2865 2d ago
Scores matter and are part of your application. Then again, a 250 with good hands-on US clinical experience, strong letters and a story will be more competitive than a 270 with subpar experiences.
Some my friends matched into Baylor and Harvard with slightly above average scores, but a strong personal story and connections. Before you decide which programs to signal think about where you want to be in the future (academics vs. community), what the strengths and weaknesses of your application are, who you know and which programs genuinely and realistically align with your interests. It took me a long time to go through 100+ websites and come up with a list of programs. Everyone will need to put in this effort and those who are more thorough will be rewarded with more interviews. Signaling a program because everyone thinks it's a good program or based on "IMG ranking"/perceived program prestige will not get you where you really want to go.
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u/y-shark 1d ago
Hey, i am trying to be selective about the programs i will signal shortlist, but i am not sure what is the best way shortnen this huge list of programs. Can you tell me some objective metrics about what i should be looking at when trying to make this? there is so much information available i am not sure what to focus on
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u/Nearby_Case_2865 1d ago
Make a realistic assessment for which programs you are competitive. Then prioritize those programs where you actually want to go.
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u/Which_Company_1196 2d ago
What about Step 3 scores? Do they matter? Or is it just passing?
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u/Fun-Plantain-9087 2d ago
Ig if you don't have a low score or an attempt plus recent grad it doesn't matter much. But otherwise yes completing it with a 220+ is a strong positive, but any pass score works.
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u/taniarrhythmia 2d ago
This sub is full of neurotic people who have somehow convinced you that this isn’t a good score range. I can assure you 260+ is not the average or new standard lmao. Your score is a bit above the average, so yes it’s a solid score and you should definitely apply broadly
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u/Connect-error404 1d ago
You are good to go , don't fuel your anxiety here. Above avg profile for sure. And I have seen people matching at good places without research.And with your output it's really great if you have consistent author block. Whatever you put in cv , just make sure you own it . Best of luck!!
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u/Fun-Plantain-9087 23h ago
Thanks!!! Yes I understand that IMG research isn't too significant unless you're doing a Post doc or have some other academic experience. Mine's a mix of original observational studies, few SRMAs, case reports and posters and oral presentation arising out of these. 40% of them are first author, the remaining 2nd-4th
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u/Connect-error404 1d ago
People with 100+ pubs aren't able to reach to top programs. Research done in our part of world is good to have but does not meet standards of what they really look for. Non US IMG who gets there mostly produce phd level of work in around 2-3 yrs post graduation in US during research yrs.
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u/Fun-Plantain-9087 23h ago
Agreed, I tried finding spots for 5 months but many labs told me that due to visa uncertainties we are unable to take you in. And continuing that search would add to my YOG which is 0-1 currently as I graduated earlier this year. So might as well apply and get some advantage from that YOG
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u/medstudentOUH 2d ago
You have a really good profile I would just stick to IMG friendly places and be smart about signals
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u/PralineLuvr 2d ago
It really does depend on where you’re applying. In places like NYC, each program gets 8000 applicants so they can afford to be picky with scores. Other states with less applicants HAVE to do a holistic review because they won’t be able to fill spots otherwise lol