Residency match without Step 2 possible?

[RubberToes]

If you have been working closely with staff on research or clinical work, and they like you, and you have good step 1 grades + CS pass first attempt, but haven't done Step 2 CK, can they still accept you in their program?

I want to finish all the steps in time, before August 2013, but I don't think I can make it because of all the workload at the same time. In case I don't, is it possible I could still apply and be accepted where I'm working and be accepted?

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[Winged Scapula]

If you are an American medical student, then your chances are greater. But it depends.

It depends on:

1) your Step 1 score
2) what field you are applying to and how competitive it is
3) what programs you are applying to - each program may set its own rules and some may require Step 2 CS and CK before application

If you are a foreign grad (which I am suspicious of given the phrasing of your query), then you are best advised to have everything done, including your ECFMG certificate before application.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Your prior posts clarify that you are an IMG.

In that case, I strongly suggest that you have Step 2 completed prior to applying. We don't consider IMG's without both steps, and I expect many other programs won't either. You must complete both STep 1 and 2 prior to the ROL deadline, or you'll be withdrawn from the match. But, as mentioned, you really should have your scores reported by the time the application season opens (in Sept), hence you should take the exam by the end of July if at all possible.

That being said, rushing to take the exam and getting a poor score could be catastrophic and unfixable. So, seriously consider whether you'll be able to take the exam on time and do well, if not consider delaying your application by a year (although that has other possible negative effects)

If you need an H1B visa, then you'll probably need to take Step 3 also, before applications.

 

[RubberToes]

Thanks for the replies.

I should have clarified, I am an IMG.

As a ProgDirector mentioned, rushing to take the exams, especially with the extra research workload could mean poor scores for me, so I will stay on the safe side. Thankfully, I am a fresh grad (June 2012), so delaying the application by one year hopefully will not be too detrimental.

However, I am a hard worker and generally friendly individual, so I am quite hopeful that the professors I will be working with will like me. I'm also quite confident that, if I am not rushed, I can score well on the step 1. So, if I can get a very good step 1 score, and get the team to like me a lot, and have a few publications, is it not within the power of the staff and the program director to still accept me?

Also, I will be able to do the CS part, just not the CK I think.

EDIT: I am a green card holder.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Thanks for the replies.

I should have clarified, I am an IMG.

Clearly it was not necessary, as aPD was less lazy than me and looked at your old posts.

However, I am a hard worker and generally friendly individual, so I am quite hopeful that the professors I will be working with will like me. I'm also quite confident that, if I am not rushed, I can score well on the step 1. So, if I can get a very good step 1 score, and get the team to like me a lot, and have a few publications, is it not within the power of the staff and the program director to still accept me?

Also, I will be able to do the CS part, just not the CK I think.

EDIT: I am a green card holder.

Of course it is within their power however, if the program has a policy of requiring X and you have not done X, then it may not make a difference that you are generally friendly.

I am concerned, and perhaps it is again just your phrasing, but you are planning on applying to programs other than just the one you are working at, correct?

The bottom line is that yes, the PD and faculty do have a lot of leeway as to whom gets invited to an interview and who gets offered a position, even if you are outside their general guidelines for acceptance. However, I think you need to be realistic and also have a talk with them about your goals. There have been many IMGs who have toiled for years in research positions, generally friendly and well liked, but not offered a residency position. You need to know what that requires at your program.

 

[RubberToes]

I am concerned, and perhaps it is again just your phrasing, but you are planning on applying to programs other than just the one you are working at, correct?

If I am actually able to apply before completing step 2, then I will only apply to where I will be working, as I know it is not within the norm and thus I would need personal relations for any PD to overlook it.

However, I think you need to be realistic and also have a talk with them about your goals.

Actually, it just occurred to me today about whether it is actually possible. I haven't talked to them about it, and I won't until at least June, if I feel that they have been happy with my performance.

There have been many IMGs who have toiled for years in research positions, generally friendly and well liked, but not offered a residency position.

Oh..🙁

Well, I will work hard too and try to produce the results, and hope for the best. As I said, I'm not preoccupied with this, but it just occurred to me that I will probably not do the steps in time, and if I can save a year, why not?