Help!! ... to apply or not to apply

[CornDoc]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi everyone

After having read all the great advices you guys give each other in here, I thought that I need all the advices I can get right now.

I just graduated from an European med school, planning to take my step 1 in mid Octobter and step 2 CK in mid November. What I need to know is whether or not I should apply for the 2005 Match with these late step 1 and step 2 CK scores and no CS score.

Please help! I am lost. 😕

Thank you!

 

[Miklos]

Hi everyone

After having read all the great advices you guys give each other in here, I thought that I need all the advices I can get right now.

I just graduated from an European med school, planning to take my step 1 in mid Octobter and step 2 CK in mid November. What I need to know is whether or not I should apply for the 2005 Match with these late step 1 and step 2 CK scores and no CS score.

Please help! I am lost. 😕

Thank you!

IMO, there are two ways of looking at this.

The possible advantages of applying while your file is incomplete, is that you may still be able to participate in in 2005 match. Keep in mind, however, that you will likely not get any interviews until your successful scores have come back. However, this strategy puts you into position for a possible spot in the scramble post-match, dependent, of course, on possible immigration issues.

The advantage of completing everything before August 15 of next year and being able to present a completed file to residency PDs is that many more of them may gave you a "look-see" and a possible interview. Disadvantage: +1 year.

Of course, this also depends on what kind of residency you wish to pursue and what kind of program you are interested in.

Good luck.

 

[subQ]

My advice: don't rush for the 2005 Match. Take your time studying for the USMLE's, get really good LOR's, work on your personal statements, know the programs you want to apply to, arrrange your visa, etc. You'll be delayed a year, but maybe you can work first in your home country or do research as you prepare.

Unless you're an exceptional student, have connections in US hospitals, or a greencard/immigrant visa, really driven to go, etc...then go try. One of the important things to get a good match though, is to apply early.

Wish you the best of luck!

 

[CornDoc]

Thank you Miklos and subQ so much for your advices. It is great talking to somebody about it.

I am very interested in ped and I have a greencard, but I have no experience or connections in US hospitals.

 

[BellKicker]

I don't see what you have to lose by applying this year. You'll be near all the deadlines, of course, so just keep a plan B of trying again next year.

If nothing else, you'll get a good feel about how the process works. If you're lucky, you'll find a spot.

Even if you don't match, if you sign up for it, you can scramble.

I would apply.

 

[demspawn]

Definetely go or it if you can afford, just so you know the drill and what to do in case you have to redo it (which I do not wich upon you).

Nevertheless be advised that you must take Step 2 CS before Dec 31 to be able to apply to the 2005 match...

D