Failed CS. Done crying. Need Advice.

[derailed]

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[MilkmanAl]

I would just take it in January or whenever the soonest date possible is. As long as you pass it before residency, you'll be fine. Remember to check frequently for new openings.

 

[jeesapeesa]

I'm an IMG. Failed in 'data gathering'. Everything else was okay. I was sick on exam day...don't want to go into those details- it told on my performance but I was still hoping to pass.

I overcame tremendous challenges...and things were finally looking to be in order. I was hoping to be ECFMG certified in a couple of weeks- well in time for all programs. My application was in order for the most part and I was starting to count on some positives. This result has thrown me off the tightrope I'd been walking for months, maybe years, hoping to finally land.

I finally rallied my forces somewhat to reapply for the exam. If they processed my application fast enough and I took the exam on or before Nov. 5, 2011, my scores would be out on Dec 7, 2011- so maybe ALL was not lost (though most was).

BUT- as with everything with the USMLE and the application process, there are issues. There's not a date available until January, 2012. And I've waited long enough- I can't think in terms of the 2013 match...I can't do this to my parents. I can't bear the ignominy and the guilt either.

Where do I go from here?

if you think you had a borderline performance you can have the test re-evaluated.

 

[LouisianaDoctor]

I'm an IMG. Failed in 'data gathering'. Everything else was okay. I was sick on exam day...don't want to go into those details- it told on my performance but I was still hoping to pass.

I overcame tremendous challenges...and things were finally looking to be in order. I was hoping to be ECFMG certified in a couple of weeks- well in time for all programs. My application was in order for the most part and I was starting to count on some positives. This result has thrown me off the tightrope I'd been walking for months, maybe years, hoping to finally land.

I finally rallied my forces somewhat to reapply for the exam. If they processed my application fast enough and I took the exam on or before Nov. 5, 2011, my scores would be out on Dec 7, 2011- so maybe ALL was not lost (though most was).

BUT- as with everything with the USMLE and the application process, there are issues. There's not a date available until January, 2012. And I've waited long enough- I can't think in terms of the 2013 match...I can't do this to my parents. I can't bear the ignominy and the guilt either.

Where do I go from here?

Three things:

1. Sign up at Ximedus.com for Step 2 CS review. Call them. Talk to Dr Rowley. Do the three day course.

2. Sign up for closest test date. Then setup email notifications for step 2 CS and stay by your computer. You will get a spot. It took me about seven hours of waiting, with email notifications, to get the test date I wanted.

3. Also, you can install "check 4 change", a Firefox extension. It will keep reloading the step 2 CS page looking for any availabilities.

You will get the date you want. But you can't afford another fail. I went to Ximedus for CS training. They take care of you and are super professional. I got my results this AM and slayed the test. They get results!

 

[derailed]

I would just take it in January or whenever the soonest date possible is. As long as you pass it before residency, you'll be fine. Remember to check frequently for new openings.

That doesn't hold for IMGs. Programs tend to ask for all 3 scores at the time of application and they certainly won't rank you if you aren't ECFMG certified.

Which new openings are you talking about and where do I check for these?

 

[MilkmanAl]

Programs tend to ask for all 3 scores at the time of application

You haven't applied yet? I guess I know very little about how the IMG process works.

Which new openings are you talking about and where do I check for these?

People occasionally cancel or change test dates, and you can see the openings they create by searching for test dates in the normal fashion.

 

[LouisianaDoctor]

Don't listen to the above advice. You can ask for a re-eval but the chances of your score changing are essentially zero. I don't think anyone has ever actually had their score changed. It would be foolish to wait around, hoping to get your grade changed. Also, you are an IMG. You need your CS before match day or you can't match.

Listen to me. I was in your situation. Get a test date using the method I said above, for sometime in the next month, and go to Ximedus for the three day course. After that you can practice with them on Skype. They are very professional and organized. It's a fantastic program.

 

[derailed]

Don't listen to the above advice. You can ask for a re-eval but the chances of your score changing are essentially zero. I don't think anyone has ever actually had their score changed. It would be foolish to wait around, hoping to get your grade changed. Also, you are an IMG. You need your CS before match day or you can't match.

Listen to me. I was in your situation. Get a test date using the method I said above, for sometime in the next month, and go to Ximedus for the three day course. After that you can practice with them on Skype. They are very professional and organized. It's a fantastic program.

Found the website. Exploring.

 

[derailed]

You haven't applied yet? I guess I know very little about how the IMG process works.
People occasionally cancel or change test dates, and you can see the openings they create by searching for test dates in the normal fashion.

I have. To very few places. Intended to apply to the rest today. Things of course, are different now.

Thanks for trying to help.

 

[derailed]

Don't listen to the above advice. You can ask for a re-eval but the chances of your score changing are essentially zero. I don't think anyone has ever actually had their score changed. It would be foolish to wait around, hoping to get your grade changed. Also, you are an IMG. You need your CS before match day or you can't match.

Listen to me. I was in your situation. Get a test date using the method I said above, for sometime in the next month, and go to Ximedus for the three day course. After that you can practice with them on Skype. They are very professional and organized. It's a fantastic program.

I pm-ed you again.

I really appreciate the help.

 

[lavodnas]

I pm-ed you again.

I really appreciate the help. I do wish to enroll for some course because I'm feeling too drained of energy to do it alone this time.

Would love to know if any other people have experiences with Ximedus. Thanks a lot.

Also as someone already mentioned, get the extension for firefox that reloads the page constantly. That way you have a good chance of getting a date you want. Good Luck!

 

[derailed]

if you think you had a borderline performance you can have the test re-evaluated.

Yes, I will.

Has anybody ever heard of a score/outcome changing after reevaluation?

Thanks.

 

[lavodnas]

Yes, I will.

Has anybody ever heard of a score/outcome changing after reevaluation?

Thanks.

I have only really seen people on SDN saying never changes. But I have never heard info from anywhere else but here.

 

[PokerDoc]

I have only really seen people on SDN saying never changes. But I have never heard info from anywhere else but here.

My dean has told me in 20 years he's seen a score changed one time. SO it's fair to say it is rare, and not something to bank on by any means.

 

[drbluedevil401]

I'm an IMG. Failed in 'data gathering'. Everything else was okay. I was sick on exam day...don't want to go into those details- it told on my performance but I was still hoping to pass.

I overcame tremendous challenges...and things were finally looking to be in order. I was hoping to be ECFMG certified in a couple of weeks- well in time for all programs. My application was in order for the most part and I was starting to count on some positives. This result has thrown me off the tightrope I'd been walking for months, maybe years, hoping to finally land.

I finally rallied my forces somewhat to reapply for the exam. If they processed my application fast enough and I took the exam on or before Nov. 5, 2011, my scores would be out on Dec 7, 2011- so maybe ALL was not lost (though most was).

BUT- as with everything with the USMLE and the application process, there are issues. There's not a date available until January, 2012. And I've waited long enough- I can't think in terms of the 2013 match...I can't do this to my parents. I can't bear the ignominy and the guilt either.

Where do I go from here?

I would retake the exam asap, if you failed in just data gathering, perhaps you didnt ask enough/ or the right questions? I used FA and it was adequate.
About applying this year, some programs I hear will still look at you if your Step 1 and 2 scores are good, by that i mean >240. There was a guy with a similar story as yours in my kaplan live lectures and the advisor said that as long as the program gets your pass before they submit their rank order, then you are ok.