Is passing= failing?

[vbmith1]

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Im an american IMG and I dont know how to move along with my low pass board scores.
Step I- 79/184
Step II- 75/193
I am 1 year out of medschool and am repeating the application process with very few inteviews (2 so far) . I applied to > 80 IM programs (prel and cat.) and various neuro prog.
I have to say that there seems to be no way to get past interview screeners.

In short if you just pass doesnt that mean that everyone is a better candidate than you are and you will always be kicked to the curb?

Sometimes I wish I had failed, so I could at least have a chance to imporve my chances at getting a residency.

 

[PMPMD]

Im an american IMG and I dont know how to move along with my low pass board scores.
Step I- 79/184
Step II- 75/193
I am 1 year out of medschool and am repeating the application process with very few inteviews (2 so far) . I applied to > 80 IM programs (prel and cat.) and various neuro prog.
I have to say that there seems to be no way to get past interview screeners.

In short if you just pass doesnt that mean that everyone is a better candidate than you are and you will always be kicked to the curb?

Sometimes I wish I had failed, so I could at least have a chance to imporve my chances at getting a residency.

IMO, a pass is better than a fail. You did have a second chance with step 2, and you improved your score somewhat. I think you're taking the right approach by applying broadly.

When I was an applicant, I was frustrated that many programs used cutoffs for scores. But now having been on the other side of the admissions process, I've seen the huge numbers of applications that programs get. They have to narrow it down somehow, and USMLE is an easy way to do that. The Step 1/2 scores are really the only number that programs can use to compare students, since med schools have different grading systems (H/HP/P, P/F, A/B/C).

 

[DrUKDO]

Just apply early, go on as many interviews as you can, and be yourself. If you want to do IM, don't be afraid of the scramble. There are always open IM spots and you will be able to get into a program somewhere. Sounds like you are doing everything right.

 

[OveractiveBrain]

Im an american IMG and I dont know how to move along with my low pass board scores.
Step I- 79/184
Step II- 75/193
I am 1 year out of medschool and am repeating the application process with very few inteviews (2 so far) . I applied to > 80 IM programs (prel and cat.) and various neuro prog.
I have to say that there seems to be no way to get past interview screeners.

In short if you just pass doesnt that mean that everyone is a better candidate than you are and you will always be kicked to the curb?

Sometimes I wish I had failed, so I could at least have a chance to imporve my chances at getting a residency.

What you're feeling is that P=MD, but P != Residency (!= is does not equal). You are an IMG. You do have low board scores. You are a weaker applicant because of it. You are likely to not get the spot you want. You will have to settle for a spot. A spot is better than no spot. Even if the training sucks or the potential for fellowship is limited to private practice.

Apply broadly and often. Apply to programs no one knows about in places no one wants to go. Houma Louisiana, Bum**** Nowhere Nebraska, etc. And, as has been suggested, participate in the scramble. Get a spot. Get a spot no one wants. Get a PRELIM spot that has no dedicated categorical spot in SOME field (surgery is great for this). At least then you can develop a rapport with THAT program, get some US medical experience, show that you are committed, and can reapply during your prelim year.

IN short:
- Apply Broadly
- Participate in scramble
- Its OK to match into prelim surgery for a year and reapply