Need Advice Applying 2016 Gen Surg

[datpiff077]

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Hey guys,

I need some major advice. I am a MS3 right now at a Caribbean Medschool. I scored 260-265 on Step 1 and have yet to sit for Step 2 Ck and Cs. I am looking to apply in 2016 however with the way my school has the program set up, we are not able to take CK or CS until late August early September (after we are done with all of our core rotations).

With that being said I am not sure if my application for the 2016 match will be complete by Sept 15th. I understand I can still submit it, however how late can my Step 2 board results take until I am at lost for a major number of interviews? I understand IMGs do not get many surgery interviews to begin with, so am I better off waiting til next year and applying with the complete application (all board scores in and possibly step3?) as well as possibly a year of research under my belt? OR should I go ahead and apply this year with just my bare step 1 score and let my CS and CK roll in anytime between the months of Oct- Dec? I guess ill never know the programs that didn't consider me? Also with every year everything gets more competitive? I just want to maximize my chances in the Match, as well save the year if possible. I am extremely interested in general surgery, but the outcomes of the match have had me discouraged lately and I am not even sure if I should apply and instead change my field of choice.

If anyone has had experience with this please feel free to share, also let me know if you need anymore information from me.

 

[Wolf02]

There's a long time between match years, so I'd say apply this year Sept 15 with what you have.... What's? The worse that can happen? If you don't apply then you weren't going to match anyway. I think the upside (the possibility of matching) FAR outweighs the downside.

Also though, If you don't finish your cores until August/September then how are you going to have time to finish your electives before June? ? ! !

 

[Bean_Bunny]

IMO you are better off applying now and not having a year off in between. You are the most competitive, generally speaking, without having a year+ off between graduation and starting residency. It's true that it is impossible to know for sure if you will be passed over, but I think it's worth trying. Also, I would recommend taking your step 2 as soon as possible for you. So if it's august or sept, go for august. The sooner the better!

 

[WinslowPringle]

I'd also recommend applying now. The great Step I score will help keep doors open that aren't already closed by the IMG fact. Late August for Step II CS will be reported October - November, in time for review for invites, it looks like (http://www.ecfmg.org/news/2014/06/2...rting-step-2-cs-results/#sthash.YCIVjTIk.dpbs). The following years are only getting more competitive. Apply broadly to well-researched schools and give it your best.