Got 190/77 in exam & Need Advice

raidenxp2005

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1. Medical Student

• Sep 18, 2007

• #1

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what r my odds if i scored 190/77 in step 1 on second attempt and being able to get into Gen. Surgery Residency?

I am a FMG without US resident status

Haven't written step 2 as yet

 

McGillGrad

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1. Resident [Any Field]

• Sep 18, 2007

• #2

I'm no expert, but you better apply to other 'safer' specialties at match-time because when it comes to general surgery, you are more disadvantaged than a black, feminist, lesbian, handicapped woman in our society.

In other words, try to surgery but pepper your applications with FM and IM, too.

 

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flumazenil

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1. Resident [Any Field]

• Sep 18, 2007

• #3

there is always a shot, however If i were you, I would try and ROCK step 2, and in the meantime try to apply for US citizenship ( not sure how hard the second part is, but you can definately improve on step 2)

 

Top Gun

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1. Attending Physician

• Sep 18, 2007

• #4

raidenxp2005 said:

what r my odds if i scored 190/77 in step 1 on second attempt and being able to get into Gen. Surgery Residency?

I am a FMG without US resident status

Haven't written step 2 as yet

Click to expand...

No one can really tell you exactly what your chances were. However, I can tell you this. You're really going to need a stellar score on Step 2 to compensate for that low Step 1 score. If I were you, I would shoot for, at the very least, 230-240 on Step 2. And I would also suggest you get awesome letters of recommendations, especially from the surgery attendings. Even better would be a great letter from your surgery clerkship director or chair of surgery. Also, you're going to need a fallback option in case you don't match into a surgery residency. So I suggest you apply to some relatively non-competitive specialties like family medicine or IM as a backup. I hate to say it, but you have a major disadvantage right now as an IMG with a low Step 1 score. Make sure the rest of your application is absolutely pristine, and have a contingency plan in case you don't match into a surgery residency.

 

B

Blade28

• Sep 18, 2007

• #5

It's going to be an uphill battle.

A 185 is passing, right? If you barely passed on your second atttempt...well, it's going to be tough.

Agree with the above advice.

 

L

lealf-ye

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• Sep 18, 2007

• #6

not likely, not impossible

 

NotAProgDirector

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1. Attending Physician

• Sep 19, 2007

• #7

If you haven't written Step 2 yet, you are at least 6 weeks away from getting a score report. Assuming that you want to do better on Step 2, you might want to consider taking some time to study, taking Step 2 to get the best score you can, and applying next year. If you rush into step 2 and get an equally poor score, your chances of getting a spot drop dramatically.

 

raidenxp2005

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1. Medical Student

• Sep 20, 2007

• #8

Thanks alot guys

i know what i must do now

 

P

pb786

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1. Medical Student

• Sep 23, 2007

• #9

how about if im in the similar situation as raidenxp2005, but am applying to Pediatrics, Family and IM...?
what do you guys think are my chances then?

 

Top Gun

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1. Attending Physician

• Sep 23, 2007

• #10

pb786 said:

how about if im in the similar situation as raidenxp2005, but am applying to Pediatrics, Family and IM...?
what do you guys think are my chances then?

Click to expand...

Again, no one can tell you what your chances are. With you, though, considering these are relatively non-competitive specialties, you shouldn't have a problem if you apply to a wide range of programs, have excellent LOR's, and have a Step 2 score that is much better than your Step 1 score. Family would be easiest for you to get. IM and Peds may be a little tougher.

 

jjbmsiv

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1. Resident [Any Field]

• Sep 24, 2007

• #11

Been there, man. Advice? Just get on with your life. Seriously.

 

raidenxp2005

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1. Medical Student

• Sep 24, 2007

• #12

yeah,
I'm thinking about getting on with my life.....BUT I STILL WANNA DO SURGERY!!!!!

SO I MIGHT JUST CHILL FOR A FEW MONTHS IN FAMILY MED THEN TRANSFER TO GENERAL SURGERY

PEACE AND LOVE TO ALL MY BROTHAS AND SISTAS IN MEDICAL-FAIRY LAND

 

B

Blade28

• Sep 24, 2007

• #13

How are you going to do an FP residency without being ECFMG-certified?

Or do you mean overseas somewhere?