Hi folks,
Cleared step-1 few weeks ago with 241/99. I've seen Americans competing in Ophthalmology with scores in the range of two fifties and sixties. I know 241/99 is otherwise not a bad score at all, BUT for an old, visa needing IMG competing in Ophthalmology, I mean, what do you think guys? Would you say it's mediocre and I can still try my luck or just garbage score and not to waste any more time, money and effort on it? My CV in Ophthal is otherwise pretty good. I can probably match in other disciplines with this score with much less effort, but I'm not very keen on doing that! Thanks for your valued opinions.:confused:

congratulations on your score. it's a very good one and be proud of it. there will always be somebody with higher scores.

regarding your goals, i think only you can answer it. the interview process can be long and cost a good deal of money. your ability to match, despite the number of interviews you get, is still limited. there are some programs that will never take an IMG and others that occasionally will. i don't know the names of them, but others in the forum may be able to help you. doing a rotation there may help your chances (and hurt your wallet). but if you love ophthalmology as much as i do, it's probably worth a try.

if you're near the end of your patience, you can apply for a specialty in the regular match, which occurs after the ophthalmology match.

good luck.

Not a garbage score at all. I would definitely recommend you try. You obviously are at a disadvantage by the percentages, but the score in and of it self is more than adequate. Personally when I reviewed candidates, anything over 235-240 was moot. My experience was that above that there was not noticeable differences in the resident and their ability.

Thanks a lot guys. I'll apply and keep my:xf:

Can you apply with only step 1 and step 2 CS as an IMG ?

You can, but your chances will be pretty dismal!

unforunately this is true, as is the case with all competitve fields, being IMG is a great disadvantage, but it is not impossible, your best bet is to maximise your chances by doing all that is neccessarry to make your self the best applicant

your chances are grim but it is worth trying if that is what you want to do. The selection process is very biased. Also besides a good score you also need to know people in ophthalmology. What you are looking for is somebody has to do you a favor which I donot think will happen if you DONOT KNOW PEOPLE.
Keep in mind some programs will not even look at your applications because of your IMG label and do not even bother if you are asking for H1B visa status.
Good luck!

Thanks a lot guys! I know it is next to impossible, I understand odds are stacked against me as a visa needing IMG etc etc; but I'm not sure if I can call it a 'biased' system? If Americans are competing in that field in their own country, I as a foreigner can not really expect to be given preference over the locals! That's unfair! I've to be ten times stronger than the locals as an applicant even to be considered, that's why I was a bit disappointed with my step-1 score! But anyway, thanks a lot for your valued opinions!

I don't think you should be disappointed with your Step 1 score. 241 is very good. Not sure if a 260 would make a whole lot of difference.

You just need to concentrate on networking with the right people and getting in touch with the right programs. Your best resource would be other IMGs who have matched and find out what there strategies were.

Thanks a lot JMK!

Hi i4eye,
My situation is much similar to urs. have done post graduation in ophthalmology from India.got a 241 in step 1. yet to give step 2. can u tell me of ur experience n what r u doing at present? should i apply for ophthal residency or fellowship(to build stronger CV). no prior research experience.