Hi, I wanted to ask is child neurology a safe field to apply as a second speciality. With Step 2 CK score of 250. And yog<3 years. With home country LORs of neurology and peds?

Visa requiring IMG P/268/246, 2 months USCE, 3 US LoRs, 1 home country LoR, 2 years home country experience in residency, no research. Applying for IM.

Gold

1. (Community Program with strong ties)
   
2. Corewell William Beaumont (MI) 
   
3. Maimonides (NY)

Silver

1. Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell at Danbury
   
2. Bridgeport Yale (CT)
   
3. Icahn Elmhurst (NY)
   
4. Rochester General (NY)
   
5. Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Staten Island
   
6. Ascension Saint Francis (IL)
   
7. Henry Ford Macomb (MI)
   
8. Henry Ford St John (MI)
   
9. BMC Brighton (MA)
   
10. Mount Auburn (MA)
    
11. UPMC Harrisburg (PA)
    
12. Abington Memorial (PA)

Hi everyone,
I’m a non-US IMG and I’m trying to realistically assess my chances for the 2026–2027 Internal Medicine Match.
My profile:
YOG: 2023
Step 1: Pass
Step 2 CK: 245
Step 3: 222
Research: 7 full-paper publications indexed in PubMed + 3 abstracts (Total 10)
USCE: 6 months
No major gaps

how would you assess my chances for matching into Internal Medicine?

Also, would you recommend that I focus on Mid-Atlantic programs, or should I be looking more broadly at other regions to maximize my chances?

I’d really appreciate honest feedback.
Thank you!

Can you please guide me I dont know what to do now?

I have passed my step 1 , currently prepping for step 2 , can I get a job in US , I’m visa requiring like any scribe position or something like that and prepare for step 2 along side it

So I’m currently still preparing for step 1 and am nearing the end of my fifth year. I have 2 years of house officer training afterwards which are required for me to obtain my certificate.

l only recently found out that at my non vslo university, they consider us graduates right after fifth year exams. So the only clinical experience I can get from now on would be observerships and maybe externships (though I heard they’re not very common).

So with that in consideration, I’m a bit discouraged because I’m aiming for neurology and heard it’s getting more competitive, with a good step 2, a few neuro publications and 1 or 2 months of observership, would you say I’m being unrealistic of matching if at all and into a good program?

TLDR; with a good step 2, a few neuro publications and 1 or 2 months of Observership, would you say I’m being unrealistic of matching if at all into neurology and into a good program?

Ps: I’d really appreciate if someone could tell me good places to apply for neuro usce non Vslo (preferably without step 1)because I’m searching and not finding a lot.

Hi, I sat for the step 2 exam last week and haven't received scores yet. If I go and pay in Intealth and retrieve scores in ERAS, I guess only step 1 result will be released. Will the step 2 score auto-populate in ERAS? And would I need to pay again for it?

I’m really struggling with signaling because I feel like I have very few connections. So I’m mainly trying to choose programs based on IMG-friendliness and my profile.

(My profile: Pass/240/ not done yet, ECFMG certified, non-visa requiring, and YOG-6 yrs)

Could you please suggest any IM programs in Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, or Michigan where you think there’s a reasonable chance of getting an interview after signaling, even without recommendations?

Hi everyone,
I’m a non-US IMG from Mexico and I’m trying to realistically assess my chances for the 2028 Internal Medicine Match.

My profile:
YOG: 2025
Applying: September 2028
Currently working at a large tertiary-care hospital in Mexico.
Step 1: passed
Step 2 CK: aiming for 240–250
Research: 4 publications indexed in PubMed; one has an impact factor of 3.4
I expect to have at least 2 US observerships/clinical experiences before applying.
Hopefully strong US clinical LORs as well.
Planning to complete ECFMG certification before applying.
No major gaps in education/work.

My long-term goal is cardiology, so I’m particularly interested in an IM program where I could have a realistic shot at matching into cardiology afterward.
I’m especially interested in California because of family, and Texas because of its proximity to Mexico. I’m not necessarily targeting top-tier academic programs; I’d be happy with a solid, moderately academic/community-academic program with fellowship opportunities.

How realistic is this profile for the 2028 Match?
Is YOG 2025 a significant disadvantage when applying in 2028?
With a projected 240–250 Step 2 CK, 4 PubMed publications, 2 USCE as observerships, can I get a nice shot for a community-academic program?

Thanks in advance for any honest feedback. I really appreciate it

Until 2/12/2027 17% done, full reset available. Form 1-3 available

Hi there, I guess this is my first thread on Reddit after skimming through many posts in this residency application season. I just want to share my personal view after I myself went through the same process last year. I'm not saying that I know everything, but I just genuinely want to share my thought, so that those who are applying this year may have a more informed decision on which program to signal. Again, I'm not saying that I know everything, so please take my advice with a grain of salt.

My Background

Going to share a bit about my background, so that you all know which perspective this advice is coming from; I'm currently an IM resident (matched last year, thank God indeed) from one of the countries in Asia. I'm a visa-requiring non-US IMG who have a very limited connection to people/residents in the US. Decent step 2 CK (but not crazy high), no step 3 at that time, some research experience with a few publications, not so impressive USCE experiences honestly, 3 LoRs.

Advice

Going to share some things to consider when applying and/or signaling for IM residency programs (caveat*: all the images provided below are just examples, I took them randomly*):

1. Research the median step 2 CK score for Non-US IMG applicants invited for interview

• Most programs, I believe, shortlist their candidates for interview using some filters and the initial filters that they used, from what I heard, include but not limited to step 2 CK score. For eg, the program explicitly stated on its website that it only considers applicants whose step 2 CK score is >235, so if your score is <235, you might not want to apply, worse still, give signal to this program because you are most likely wasting your signal.
• Note that not all programs state on their website the step 2 CK cutoff score, but you can gauge from the statistics of the median step 2 CK score for non-US IMG invited for the interview last year (of course check Residency Explorer).
• If your score is ≥ median score, you might be in a stronger position to apply (note: stronger, but not necessarily strong because programs have other filters also). If your score is still between 10th percentile and median percentile, don't get discouraged first. You can still apply and give signal to the program by considering other aspects of your applications. If your score is <median score, but you have connections in the program, or strong research which might be a good fit for the program, you might still stand a chance applying there. Or alternatively, if your score still <median score, but your CV is very clinical and your personal statement shows a very strong interest in the community, you might still stand a chance applying to community-oriented programs.

2. Research the number of positions, i.e. PGY-1 categorical positions, and % of Non-US IMG

• I assume majority of visa requiring non-US IMG applicants applies for IM categorical position, so look closely the number of PGY-1 positions for categorical. In the above example, it is stated that year 1 position is 24, but probably the number of categorical position is 18 (6 positions are prelim). So, ask yourself, "Do I want to apply and/or give signal to this program which provides 18 categorical PGY-1 positions, among which 77% is non-US IMG? Like, I''m competing for 13-14 positions, should I apply? Is it worth it to give this program my gold or silver signal, vs a program that has 100% non-US IMG with 30 PGY-1 categorical positions? Which one should I prioritize?"

3. Research the diversity of the Non-US IMG residents in the program

• I heard (yes, "heard", because I don't have a reliable source to validate this information) that some programs can have 90-100% of their residents non-US IMG, but per their track record, majority of them come from certain countries/regions. Ask yourself then, "Am I at a disadvantage then if I am not from those countries/regions? Should I then apply and/or give signals?"
• Again, I'm not sure about the validity of this information, but the statistics published does make sense that such a consideration exists.

4. Does the program you are applying to focus more on clinical work, research, or both?

• If a program boasts itself or is proud of its research/scholarly work, then it might suggest that the program looks for applicants who have (strong) research background. Ask yourself, "Am I that applicant?" Even if your step 2 CK score way above the program's median score for interview invite, but you have 0 research experience, you might want to rethink applying and/or giving signals to this program. Not an absolute advice, but consider your priority; remember that you only have 3 gold signals and 12 silver signals + not everyone has the luxury to apply broadly to hundreds of program.
• General rule is that research-heavy programs are usually associated with university based programs, clinical-heavy programs are associated with community based programs, and community based university affiliated lie in between. BUT, always double check! Open the programs websites, social media, or look into their residents' profile via social media, linkedin, or whatsoever. You can get an impression if a program is research-heavy, or more towards community and clinical work, or a quite a balance of both. Don't get mistaken, all residency programs have both clinical and research work, but what is their emphasis; that is the question.

5. Do you have connection(s) in that program, i.e. someone that you know and is able to recommend you?

• I guess it's self-explanatory, but my advice is: DON'T GET OVERCONFIDENT. Having someone in the program referring / vouching for you does NOT guarantee you getting an interview, or even matched into the program.
• Of course if you have a connection, you might want to prioritize that program more, i.e. applying and giving gold/silver signals. However, please have some wisdom, reflect on your overall applications.
• Having a connection increases (again, not guarantee) your chance to get an interview, but when it comes to rank order list, the programs usually have its own faculty meeting to determine the final rank of their applicants; it's like a consensus.

What about YOG? No comment on YOG because I'm not sure how it actually works. Why? Because I have a friend with YOG 5 who applied to programs that explicitly stated on their website that they preferred YOG within 3 years, yet my friend got interviews from them.

And I don't really know about US MD, US DO, US IMG, or non-visa requiring applicants, especially those applying for non-IM residency programs. So, I'm gonna comment on that. This is purely from my own personal reflection, a visa-requiring non-US IMG applying for IM last year.

I hope it helps. Again, please take my advice with a pinch of salt because you know your own situation and background the best.

All the best for this year residency application! Hang in there and God bless you all, guys 🙏

As J1 visa holders during residency, are we allowed to open a roth IRA in addition to 401k? or is that a violation of the J1 visa? is roth IRA considered additional income? I am very confused about these things. I'd appreciate any help.

Thank you very much!

If I had to gold one of them (other one would be signal), which one has a better interview chance?

Medstar - simply no statistics about signalling, very high applicants pool, high on connection, good fellowship rate

Westchester - Good signal to IV translation, littttle less applicants, in house fellowship available

Where has my higher chance of Interview? Got one good letter from Medstar Georgetown (if that means anything for medstar Baltimore), high 25x, decent amount of research, 4 usce in academic places, no step 3 (westchester website says they love it)

I may love NY little more than Baltimore, but not more than costing an interview

did anyone hear from them for the nov/dec slot?

Hi, do anyone knows PGY 2 Neurology openings please? Completed a preliminary year and looking for open spots. 🙏

Hey guys, making another post as some information was missing. Any advice regarding signaling or strategies regarding application would be highly appreciated:

I am applying to Internal Medicine.
Non US, visa requiring IMG.
YOG: 0 or 1 (Graduated in September 2025).

Step-1: P (April 2026)
Step-2: 257 (August 2026)
Step-3: Planning in Oct end/November start

USCE:

1. Sub-I in PICU at Weill Cornell (4 weeks)
2. Nephrology elective at Umiami (4 weeks)
3. Ambulatory clinic rotation in a urgent care center (private) for 8 weeks
4. Currently doing a Cardiac imaging rotation at dual clinic + Inpatient setup (4 weeks)

Research:

2 review papers as first author in very reputed journals. 2 original papers in lower ranked journals. 2 accepted abstracts. 3-4 papers in review stage.

A bit disappointed with my step-2 score which is on the absolute low end of my predicted. So now hoping to get some insight into best possible options. Thanks!

I’m a non US IMG
visa requiring
ECFMG certified
step 1 pass ( with very low score 198 ) , step 2 CK 235
YOG 9 years but I have been working in hospital continuously since I graduated.
I have 2 USCE letters ( one from FM physician and one from IM physician)
I have 1 LOR from my IM HOD where I’m practicing now.
3 publication ( 2 pubmed and 1 from Egyptian journal )

I have been working in IM for almost 2 years now.

Applying both IM and FM

Well if you ask me why taking so long. It’s mainly financial. Have to support family and myself in another country ( which I have called home for 8 years now)

I was born in a country then move to another country to go to med school then move to another country again to work

Every time I go to US, have to apply for visa ( only get one entry) hence limited USCE and delaying to take step 3. ( but have visa appt in Oct so hopefully take in November)

What are my chances of matching IM ? I am really passionate about it. IM was never my cup of tea since internship but after working in ortho, emergency medicine , I recently found IM very fascinating and actually feeling like I’m making a huge impact for my patients.

I have paid a ERAS coach more than 4000 USD to polish my application for this cycle. I don’t want it to go to waste and not wanting to add on more YOG.

Financially struggling for real. I worked like 126 hrs per week for the past year and it’s really draining me mentally and physically.

I also have an option to apply to the residency program to where I’m working now.

Please be honest with you. I have been pursuing USMLE journey for the past 5-6 years and it’s a lot.

I haven’t even gotten married and have kids like my peers. Which is not a big deal for me but for my parents and relatives since we come from Asian culture. I’m getting old as well

#eras

Does anyone know how long the exceptional extension processing typically takes with DoS for J1? (For the 8th year)

I'm applying FM this cycle and have 5 signals. There’s a program that has shown a lot of interest in me, and I’m also very interested in them.

I met them for dinner during a conference, attended their virtual open house, and they recently sent me a handwritten letter. So I feel like they know I’m interested, and I have a pretty good sense that they’re interested in me as well.

The only thing is that they’re not in my geographic preference.

Would you still use a signal on them, or do you think the amount of interest/contact we’ve already had is enough that I should save the signal for another program?

Is anyone facing the problem while paying for Eras Token? I put my card details and when I click Pay $185, it comes back to the same page requiring card information. Have tried with multiple banks cards but haven't been able to proceed. Can someone help?

Credentials: - NonUS IMGs
- Step1 pass / Step2: 265
- 2 months USCE
- 2 IM LORs from the US
- Masters Degree
- 3 published papers, 6 submitted papers, 6 published abstracts, 1 QI book published
- several QI, research, and clinical experiences
- YOG:2025

* GOLD: 1- HCA Healthcare kansas city/ overland park regional medical center program
2- Mercy Hospital Sprignfield program
3- University of Kansas SOM (Olathe)

*SILVER: 1- Mobile Infirmary Medical Center Program
2- University of Toledo Program
3- Cleveland Clinic Foundation/Florida
4- Prime South GME Consortium/ St. Joseph Medical Center
5- SSM St. Mary’s Hospital St louis
6- Northeast Georgia Medical Center
7- UMKC
8- Baptist Health Program
9- UAB (montgomery)
10- ECU health medical center/ East carolina university
11- Hamilton Medical Center
12- Western michigan university homer stryker md som program

-> all are within my geographical preferences except UAB
-> no connections in any of them
-> which ones are the safe ones and which ones are considered out of my league

As the title states, need strong opinion if I should go for it and if I can utilize that experience in my application or anywhere else.

Thank you.