low stats but wanted some vet input

[JackieG]

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Hi guys, first time poster. As annoying this may sound I wanted some input from the people who know best. I am an IMG from SGU but a US citizen. I have a 228 on my step 1. I have done massive research. I have 12 publications, some in rad onc some in rads (have first author manuscript a bunch of co author stuff, book chapter, abstracts, case studies). I honored all my core rotations. and have a 3.6 med school gpa out of 4.0..I did some rotation work at NYP rad onc and received a strong letter of rec from an Assistant program director there. I am not pickie where I end up and have 53 programs I am applying to.. Do you guys think I have a chance?

Thank you guys.. Again I know how annoying these posts are.

 

[Gfunk6]

You can do it, but it will be an uphill battle. Apply broadly and try hard to ingratiate yourself with a department who has taken IMGs in the past.

If you don't get in the first time, do a medicine internship and try to slide into a PGY-2 Rad Onc spot (see the FAQ).

 

[JackieG]

Thanks for the reply Gfunk. So you think that since I am applying to 56 programs that I should be able to get a few interviews?

 

[stankem]

I'd apply to more or all programs, no reason to rule any out at this point.

 

[Seldon1985]

Agreed with the above... Its gotten very tough to even match into this field, and you should not leave anything on the table. I'd apply to more programs if not all of them, as even several American US seniors do this every year. Although you apparently have several publications, you'll be surprised at how prolific your fellow applicants will be as well, in addition to having the numbers. Look through department websites and you'll find which programs currently have or have had in the recent past IMGs in their program. I'd say apply to more programs, and good luck!

PS. To our East coast colleagues - stay safe this weekend from Hurricane Irene!

 

[JackieG]

Thanks again everyone. I have applied to all the programs with exception to the state of CA and about 2 programs in NY. So my total is up to 69 programs. so you guys saying there is a small chance?? I am hoping I can get some interviews at least and maybe make up some ground on the interview

 

[RadOncDoc21]

Thanks again everyone. I have applied to all the programs with exception to the state of CA and about 2 programs in NY. So my total is up to 69 programs. so you guys saying there is a small chance?? I am hoping I can get some interviews at least and maybe make up some ground on the interview

Just curious, why did you leave these programs out? Might as well go all out, especially in those areas. I wasn't a competitive applicant either but NY and Cali programs showed me some love.

-R

 

[Seldon1985]

Agreed, go for 'em, unless for some reason you would rather not live in Cali than not match. I'm not from the West Coast, but I was invited to every Cali interview I applied to except one...

 

[JackieG]

Agreed, go for 'em, unless for some reason you would rather not live in Cali than not match. I'm not from the West Coast, but I was invited to every Cali interview I applied to except one...

Well CA isnt nice to IMG's and we need a PTAL letter for them to even let me apply. That PTAL takes forever to get

 

[radiaterMike]

All programs receive many applications, and eliminating IMGs (and FMGs) from their working lists is an easy way to pare down the numbers. So, I really think you need to do more away rotations at programs where you see yourself potentially having a chance of matching, as most programs offer interviews to those who rotated there.

 

[Neuronix]

I was invited to every Cali interview I applied to except one...

You must have had a baller application. I thought my application was decent, but this was not my experience at all.