residency with step 1

[tim oxford]

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Is it possible for an IMG to apply for residencies with only the step 1 exam? I don't think I wii finish step 2 before october.

thanks, Tim

 

[Adam_K]

Is it possible for an IMG to apply for residencies with only the step 1 exam? I don't think I wii finish step 2 before october.

thanks, Tim

It is possible, but don't count on getting too many interviews unless your Step 1 score is competitive for your specialty. Many programs will not grant an interview to IMGs without Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS done. Some even require an ECFMG certificate (or at least state that they do) prior to application.

 

[learnin2breathe]

It is possible, but don't count on getting too many interviews unless your Step 1 score is competitive for your specialty. Many programs will not grant an interview to IMGs without Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS done. Some even require an ECFMG certificate (or at least state that they do) prior to application.

The first statement is true...if you want to ensure that you get a good number of interviews, and especially as an IMG, you want to have a Step 1 score that is competitive for your specialty. The rest, in reality, isn't as ominous as it sounds. If you have a competitive Step 1 score with at least decent grades, most programs are willing to look at you and won't hesitate all too much to offer you an interview. Of course, there are programs that won't even glance at your app once they see that you're an IMG, but the majority of the time, this isn't the case. Of course having a stellar Step 1 (and 2 CK and passing CS) definitely helps, but it's not required. And to clarify the whole ECFMG certificate thing, all programs in the US will require you to have an ECFMG certificate to start, but you can apply and interview without one.

 

[mig26x]

the NRMP requires ALL IMG/FMG to have a ECMFG certificate prior to a deadline set by february something , if you dont have your certificate by that day the remove you from the match no matter how many interviews you have.

My recommendation: take all the steps so you have all your scores by November so your certification can be process without any problem.

 

[Adam_K]

The first statement is true...if you want to ensure that you get a good number of interviews, and especially as an IMG, you want to have a Step 1 score that is competitive for your specialty. The rest, in reality, isn't as ominous as it sounds. If you have a competitive Step 1 score with at least decent grades, most programs are willing to look at you and won't hesitate all too much to offer you an interview. Of course, there are programs that won't even glance at your app once they see that you're an IMG, but the majority of the time, this isn't the case.

I can only speak from personal experience. I applied to about forty psych programs this year. Even with a competitive Step 1 score (230+) and Step 2 CS passed prior to application, I received only eight invites initially. Many programs told me that they liked what they saw, but were waiting on my Step 2 CK score and ECFMG certificate before they would extend me an interview. The moment I got my ECFMG certificate, I nearly immediately got additional invites. So, I think that timing does matter for IMGs.

 

[Adam_K]

the NRMP requires ALL IMG/FMG to have a ECMFG certificate prior to a deadline set by february something , if you dont have your certificate by that day the remove you from the match no matter how many interviews you have.

Not exactly true. The ECFMG requires IMGs to the ECFMG verified prior to the ROL deadline, meaning that passing scores have to have been reported for Step 1, Step 2 CS and Step 2 CK prior to that date. IMGs also need to be eligible for an ECFMG certificate prior to July 1 of the match year. This means that their diploma can be issued after the ROL deadline, but their medical education credentials must be verified by the ECFMG prior to July 1, so that they can receive their ECFMG certificate in time to start their residency.

http://www.nrmp.org/res_match/faq/ind_apps_faq.html#7

I am a foreign medical school graduate. If I have not received my ECFMG® Certification when the rank order list opens can I still enter my rank order list?

Yes, you can. If the NRMP receives notification from ECFMG® that you have completed your exam requirements for certification by the rank order list deadline, you will be included in the Match. If we have not received ECFMG® confirmation, NRMP will withdraw you from the match shortly after the rank order list deadline and your rank order list will NOT be used in the match. You will receive an e-mail notification from the NRMP if this occurs.

What does ECFMG Status NOT VERIFIED mean?

After the initial registration deadline of December 1st, the NRMP contacts ECFMG® periodically before the rank order list deadline to verify whether graduates/students of international medical schools and Fifth Pathway program applicants have passed the required exams. If your status is NOT VERIFIED, ECFMG® has not yet confirmed that you have passed all exams necessary for ECFMG® certification. To be able to participate in the NRMP Match, ECFMG® must verify your exam status, NOT your ECFMG® certification status by the rank order list deadline.

 

[mig26x]

Not exactly true. The ECFMG requires IMGs to the ECFMG verified prior to the ROL deadline, meaning that passing scores have to have been reported for Step 1, Step 2 CS and Step 2 CK prior to that date. IMGs also need to be eligible for an ECFMG certificate prior to July 1 of the match year, meaning that their diploma can be issued and verified by the ECFMG later than the ROL deadline, but prior to July 1.

http://www.nrmp.org/res_match/faq/ind_apps_faq.html#7

I am a foreign medical school graduate. If I have not received my ECFMG® Certification when the rank order list opens can I still enter my rank order list?

Yes, you can. If the NRMP receives notification from ECFMG® that you have completed your exam requirements for certification by the rank order list deadline, you will be included in the Match. If we have not received ECFMG® confirmation, NRMP will withdraw you from the match shortly after the rank order list deadline and your rank order list will NOT be used in the match. You will receive an e-mail notification from the NRMP if this occurs.

What does ECFMG Status NOT VERIFIED mean?

After the initial registration deadline of December 1st, the NRMP contacts ECFMG® periodically before the rank order list deadline to verify whether graduates/students of international medical schools and Fifth Pathway program applicants have passed the required exams. If your status is NOT VERIFIED, ECFMG® has not yet confirmed that you have passed all exams necessary for ECFMG® certification. To be able to participate in the NRMP Match, ECFMG® must verify your exam status, NOT your ECFMG® certification status by the rank order list deadline.

thanks for the clarification.