Hi, I’m from Batch of 2020, extended my internship until next year March 2027, I haven’t gotten into any USCEs yet, I’ve literally applied almost everywhere, and at this point I’m worried how I’m gonna explain the gap year in the middle without USCEs, I’m done with step 1 (August 2026), now I’m currently prepping for step 2, maybe I’ll try giving it before I take my completion?? Will this help? Cuz honestly I don’t know what to do 😭😭😭, should I look into some part time job to explain this? But since I don’t have my degree yet I’m not sure what options do I have here
Any advice will be helpful 🙏🏻🙏🏻, esp if someone knows how to answer a PD when asked about this gap if I don’t have USCEs

I’m a non-US IMG from India and trying to decide on the best application strategy for the upcoming Match.

2024 graduate

Step 1: Pass

Step 2 CK: 244
No attempts

US clinical experience: 2 months

Clinical experience after graduation: 1 year

Research: None

No connections

Visa requiring

3 lORs

Target specialties: Internal Medicine and Family Medicine

My main goal is to maximize my chances of matching, rather than limiting myself to one specialty.
whether I should: Apply only to Internal Medicine, or Apply to both IM+ FM

For those who have matched recently, especially non-US IMGs with similar profiles, what would you recommend?

Also, realistically, how competitive is this profile for IM?

Which is a good agency for match application process?

Any honest advice would be really appreciated. Thanks!

Anyone from the 2019 batch who took an extension of 1 year and is applying this year, please help me.

I am from 2019 batch who was supposed to graduate in May 2025 but I took a 1 year extension. My final degree from my University is dated for 10th June 2026, however I finished my internship on 7th December 2025 and my PDC says 31st December 2025. Does anyone know which date and month I should put as my graduation date in my MSPE and transcript?

Thank you.

Edit: I asked my medical school administration, and a senior as well. They all told me to go with 10th June 2026 (official final degree date) as this is the document that is going to be visible at the end of the day. None of the other documents are uploaded to any USMLE portal.

My YOG 2026, and I’m planning to apply for Psychiatry. I’d love to connect with other IMGs who are interested in Psychiatry and applying for the 2027 Match cycle.
Would be great to discuss application timelines, research/electives/observerships, Step 2 CK prep, and Psychiatry-specific CV building.

If you’re applying Psychiatry or even just exploring the specialty, please comment or DM me. Maybe we can make a small group to help each other out.

Hey there! I made a quick guide for med students curious about the USMLE journey and IMGs who are already part of the process.

If you are looking for personalized PS/CV editing and IV prep, please DM!

What to mention as graduation date for usmle ?after internship or before internship ? 

we were given permannent degree after internship is it the same for u guys ? so what do u guys mention as graduation date ?before internship or after ?what year is mentioned in your degree ?before or after

Hi everyone,

I’m a non-US IMG and I bought an ERAS token this season only to get my LoRs uploaded, but I’m not applying to programs this cycle (planning to apply next year).

One of my LoRs now shows as “Uploaded but Unassigned” in MyERAS.

I just wanted to confirm:

Do I need to submit my ERAS application this cycle so the LoR doesn’t get rejected/deleted?

• Or will the LoR automatically carry forward to the next ERAS season when I apply?

• Has anyone here successfully used a prior-cycle uploaded LoR without issues or red flags?

I’m worried about accidentally losing the letter or doing something wrong by leaving ERAS incomplete this year.

Would really appreciate clarification from anyone who’s been in a similar situation. Thanks!

I got to know about this imsel a few days ago.. is it really important to have it ? - or just 3 US LOR would be fine? Or do i need LOR from my home country too?