IMG with low step 1 score; chances of OB/gyn match

[mrvanda88]

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Hi everyone,
I am a US citizen, but an IMG (FMG) and I would really like to get your opinion on my issue. Ever since high school, I have always wanted to be an ob/gyn. I am very passionate about this field; it is my dream career and I really want to be an ob/gyn more than anything.

Unfortunately, I did poorly on the step 1 (even though I did well on my nbme's ~240s). This was mainly due to the fact that I historically had trouble with timed testing whenever I had a lot of anxiety, therefore, it would lead me to second guess myself and end up changing the right answer to the wrong one, and also I had trouble finishing all of the questions in a block on time. I have since then learned better test taking skills and do not have that problem anymore.

My scores are:
Step 1: incomplete attempt (got unbearably sick during the exam & had to leave); then received 213 the next time
Step 2 CK: 257 first attempt
Step 2 CS: first attempt pass

Low Average basic sciences grades, but received all honors for all the clerkship grades. All clinical rotations were done in the U.S. Had to self-withdraw and then continue between basic sciences and the start of clinicals due to a physical injury - took several months before the school was able to schedule clinical rotations for me.

Please let me know in all honesty what my chances are for matching as ob/gyn. I'm willing to go to any accredited program anywhere in the U.S.

 

[22031 Alum]

Did you get a score for the incomplete attempt, or was it voided?

 

[mrvanda88]

Did you get a score for the incomplete attempt, or was it voided?

There was no score reported since it was incomplete; however, "incomplete attempt" will still appear on the transcript :/

 

[22031 Alum]

There was no score reported since it was incomplete; however, "incomplete attempt" will still appear on the transcript :/

I asked because I've never seen an "incomplete attempt" on a Step. To be honest, I'm not sure how that would be received-- not as poorly as a failure, I'd imagine. And there might be a place for explaining that you got ill in your application. That aside, things could definitely be worse. I was expecting to see a sub-200 score on Step 1. A 218, with a 250s Step 2, is actually pretty good. Your IMG status will hold you back more than those scores will. If you get Honors and good letters from 4th year rotations, and apply smart, I think you may have a decent shot- though you should know that this year's match, OB/GYN didn't have any available spots on SOAP.

Do NOT restrict yourself geographically. Do NOT try to save money on ERAS- apply to a million places (including in your second-favorite specialty, whether that's FP, IM, Psych). Interview everywhere you can, and rank every place you interview unless you'd actually rather be dead than a resident there. Do your research, and find places that are IMG friendly in general, and have taken people from your school in particular. (If you want to tell me what school that is via PM, I can give you more specific info about programs I've seen take residents from there.) Polish your personal statement until it gleams- have multiple people critique it. Practice your interview skills with someone willing to play "bad cop interviewer." Your best shot will be your first time in the Match, so try to maximize your chances.

Good luck!!

 

[mrvanda88]

I asked because I've never seen an "incomplete attempt" on a Step. To be honest, I'm not sure how that would be received-- not as poorly as a failure, I'd imagine. And there might be a place for explaining that you got ill in your application. That aside, things could definitely be worse. I was expecting to see a sub-200 score on Step 1. A 218, with a 250s Step 2, is actually pretty good. Your IMG status will hold you back more than those scores will. If you get Honors and good letters from 4th year rotations, and apply smart, I think you may have a decent shot- though you should know that this year's match, OB/GYN didn't have any available spots on SOAP.

Do NOT restrict yourself geographically. Do NOT try to save money on ERAS- apply to a million places (including in your second-favorite specialty, whether that's FP, IM, Psych). Interview everywhere you can, and rank every place you interview unless you'd actually rather be dead than a resident there. Do your research, and find places that are IMG friendly in general, and have taken people from your school in particular. (If you want to tell me what school that is via PM, I can give you more specific info about programs I've seen take residents from there.) Polish your personal statement until it gleams- have multiple people critique it. Practice your interview skills with someone willing to play "bad cop interviewer." Your best shot will be your first time in the Match, so try to maximize your chances.

Good luck!!

Thank you, I truly appreciate your feedback, it means a lot to me. I did not get a 218, I got a 213, would your given prediction/advice still hold? Again, thanks for the reply and I will try my best, God willing, will I enter my dream career.

 

[22031 Alum]

Thank you, I truly appreciate your feedback, it means a lot to me. I did not get a 218, I got a 213, would your given prediction/advice still hold? Again, thanks for the reply and I will try my best, God willing, will I enter my dream career.

My mistake; read your post too fast. Everything I said still holds.