Info on SF Match and guidance for residency

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Hello,

I am an IMG with a STEP 1 score of 99/264. I am giving my Step 2 on Oct 28 and CSA on Dec 1.

I have no US clinical or research experience and neither do I have any US LOR's.

Do I have a realistic shot at getting into a residency in either RADIOLOGY or NEUROLOGY? I do not need either J1 or H1 visa sponsorship since I have an EAD.

I was looking at SF Match for Neurology and the deadliens are much earlier compared to NRMP. Keeping in mind my step 2 and CSA exam date, is it possible that I will be able to match this year for the Neurology program(PGY-2, 2005) ?

Pardon me if any of my assumptions are incorrect. Only last week I realized I have to go through SF Match in order to get into Neurology residency. After looking at the timetable on SF Match website I lost all hope of being able to match this year. I think my dates will work out if I am going for only NRMP match.

Any advice or guidance is much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

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Can someone answer my questions and help me out please? I don't mean to be pushy, just nervous as time is running out 🙂

Thanks!

 

[ALTorGT]

whats ead?

 

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Originally posted by ALTorGT
whats ead?

Employment Authorization Document (EAD). During the final stages of the green card processing (I-485 -- Adjustment of status), you will get an EAD so that you can start working while your case is being Adjudicated.

 

[Winged Scapula]

As you know there are very few givens in life.

Your Step I score is excellent - no one can dispute that.

Neurology is not generally a competitive specialty - although some state that it is getting more competitive, I imagine few would dispute that your chances of finding a spot are good.

Radiology, OTOH, is very competitive these days. Few would dispute that and that your chances, even with a great score on Step 1, would be limited to a few programs.

Some Neuro programs require Step 2 for your application. Obviously if the SF Match deadlines are before your scores are back, you will not be successful in matching at these programs.

Some programs require ECFMG certification before they will even interview you. Obviously you won't have much of a chance at these programs.

US LORs are highly desirable, but not required.

As with more competitive programs, you need all the little "extras" to make your application stronger - ie, US LORs, all requirements for ECFMG certification done, etc.

With the exception of losing some money, why not go ahead and aply to programs which dont' require Step 2 or certification and see how you fair in the match process?

 

[classic13]

I would still apply. The dates on SF match web site are the "recommended" dates. Obviously the earlier you get the application in the better. I sent my stuff in around early-mid october and still did ok. I met a few applicants on the interview trail who also didn't complete their application until after the suggested dates because they decided to go neuro after their 4th year elective. We did however sent out more applications to make up for the late application.

I think some programs are posting their deadlines on the SF math program directory also which was not done last year. This will help to guide you which ones to apply for the deadline purposes. Good luck!