No, I have would have to disagree nor would I advise all applicants to consider them when all else fails. First of, a large number of students do make it thru and match and practice medicine. The big 4 alone produce over 2000 IMG US citizen matches a year, so clearly people do make it. Those consistently mediocre students that should never have considered medical school in the first place are the ones that the off shore schools really prey upon. But other situations and students may, in fact, may find success there. Those who really screwed up original UG and even with well-done postbacc and SMP still cant over come their original record who may have now spent 2 or more years retrying in US schools and show the commitment, it may be an unreasonable choice. Also those solid but unspectacular 3.4-3.5 students who just cant catch a break in the regular cycle. Remember how competitive it is for those and they may simply have lost out. So for most students I wouldnt advise it. For some who I see who have worked hard, who show commitment, but overcome earlier hurdles, it may still be viable. I would imagine 8 out of 10 "low end" students who aske me for help, I simply wouldnt suggest it. For that other 1 or 2, whom I have worked with on a US cycle, I may see them being mature enough and motivated enough and aware enough of the reality to suggest it.
