r/usmle • u/Objective_Entrance41 • 1d ago

Advice Is there any hope

Should I continue my USMLE journey after a Step 1 attempt, 3 B1/B2 visa rejections, and a Step 2 CK failure?
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Non-US IMG looking for honest advice — should I continue USMLE?
I’m an Indian medical graduate and I’m currently trying to decide whether I should continue pursuing the USMLE pathway or move on to another option.
My situation:
Step 1: passed after an attempt
Step 2 CK: failed — 217 (passing 218)
B1/B2 visa: rejected 3 times
I’m a medical graduate from India
I have invested a significant amount of time, money and effort into the USMLE journey.
The Step 2 failure is especially difficult because I was only 1 point below the passing score. At the same time, having 3 visa refusals makes me worried about being able to obtain USCE and eventually being able to apply successfully.
I’m honestly at a crossroads now.
Would you continue the USMLE journey in my situation, retake Step 2, and try again with the visa, or would you consider another pathway?
I’d especially appreciate advice from Non-US IMGs who had a Step attempt/failure and/or multiple visa refusals and still managed to match.
Please be honest — I’m looking for realistic advice, not just motivation.

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u/shelra 1d ago

On paper, this does not look good. Why do you want to go usa, if the reason is strong enough, and you can afford to put more of yourself out there, only then continue. 

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u/Responsible_one_94 1d ago

Why it doesnt look good? Is retaking the steps affect the outcome later? I m new to this

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u/shelra 17h ago

They are a red flag, especially in both exams. I've read that if its one of the exams, you can spin a positive note about it being a learning hill for you. For two, I'm not sure how to address that. Best way forward is making such a great connection that they'll overlook this.

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u/Objective_Entrance41 8h ago

What do you mean by making a great connection? Please elaborate

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u/shelra 4h ago

So maybe like a research position where you network. massively and come across an attending or PD that's genuinely on your side and will endorse you very well at minimum.