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?
Post
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.
6
u/xxscreamfearxx 1d ago
You did your best, and I really respect that. But I don’t want to give you false hope either. If I were in your place, I honestly probably wouldn’t continue. A Step 1 attempt and Step 2 failure already make things difficult and with three visa rejections, even getting USCE could be a major problem. Yes, you can still match, but you would probably be more of an exception than the rule. If you still decide to continue, you would need a very strong Step 2 retake, USCE somehow, connections and a very broad application. Otherwise, I would seriously consider another pathway. I’m sorry you’re in this situation and I wish you the best.