Hi, I am a US IMG who is having an interview for residency coming up. However, I just discovered that my Step 2 CS result window won't be released at the earliest March 8th, 2018. I believed I will be withdrawn from the match because I won't meet ECFMG certification by the rank order list deadline on February 24th. Is there a point to go to the interview or I should call up the program to explain and cancel?
Step 2CS score won't be in time for rank order list advice?
- Thread starter xadmin
- Start date
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2004
- Messages
- 6,009
- Reaction score
- 6,720
Nope...if you do not have passed step 1, CK, and CS by the time th ROL is due, the nrmp will automatically withdraw you.
You probably should just withdraw...you can notify the programs you interviewed with that you are withdrawing from the match.
Lesson for future IMGs, you should have these done and passed before eras open in sept so you are the best applicant you can be and not waste time and money interviewing when you won't be able to match.
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2017
- Messages
- 29
- Reaction score
- 37
This is rough, I remember rechecking the scoring window for CS repeatedly after scheduling. Unfortunately, I don't think it will be helpful to call the NRMP and ask you to stay in the match because there is no guarantee that you will pass the exam. This is a unique situation where there is no option for leeway or accommodations.
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2006
- Messages
- 10,664
- Reaction score
- 15,354
Always contact the program. Don't just not show up.
You will be withdrawn from the match if you do not have a score by the ROL deadline. No exceptions.
I'm not certain, but I think that means you can't participate in SOAP either. That's worth checking with the NRMP -- if your score comes back early in that window, can you then qualify for SOAP? If you get an answer, post it back on the thread.
You will be withdrawn from the match if you do not have a score by the ROL deadline. No exceptions.
I'm not certain, but I think that means you can't participate in SOAP either. That's worth checking with the NRMP -- if your score comes back early in that window, can you then qualify for SOAP? If you get an answer, post it back on the thread.
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2017
- Messages
- 11
- Reaction score
- 6
@aProgDirector This is what I found from NRMP under FAQs:
My stats:
US IMG
2 failed step attempts
9 FM IVs, went on all of them, received 3 love letters (yes I know they're probably meaningless)
Before I found out I won't be eligible for the main match, I contacted my top programs to let them know about my 2nd fail. Two PDs said they will still rank me, one gave me words of encouragement but didn't say if he's going to rank me (I assume he isn't going to), and another one hasn't replied. I plan to contact all 9 programs to let them know I'm withdrawing from the Main Match. Should I tell them I'll be in the SOAP? In case they have unfilled spots, they'll remember me? (Unlikely though because I checked and they filled all their spots in previous years).
Feeling pretty crappy tonight/morning. It's 4AM and I can't sleep thinking about how much I messed up/ruined my future.
- If I have not received my ECFMG certification when ranking opens, can I still enter my rank order list?
- Yes, you can enter a rank order list. If the NRMP receives notification from ECFMG® that you have passed the required examinations (USMLE® Step 1 and Step 2 CK and CS), you will be included in the Main Residency Match. If the NRMP does not receive ECFMG confirmation of passed examinations, you will be withdrawn from the Main Residency Match shortly after the Rank Order List Deadline and your rank order list will NOT be used when the matching algorithm is processed. If the NRMP receives ECFMG confirmation of passed examinations prior to Match Week, you will be eligible to participate in the Match Week Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program® (SOAP®).
My stats:
US IMG
2 failed step attempts
9 FM IVs, went on all of them, received 3 love letters (yes I know they're probably meaningless)
Before I found out I won't be eligible for the main match, I contacted my top programs to let them know about my 2nd fail. Two PDs said they will still rank me, one gave me words of encouragement but didn't say if he's going to rank me (I assume he isn't going to), and another one hasn't replied. I plan to contact all 9 programs to let them know I'm withdrawing from the Main Match. Should I tell them I'll be in the SOAP? In case they have unfilled spots, they'll remember me? (Unlikely though because I checked and they filled all their spots in previous years).
Feeling pretty crappy tonight/morning. It's 4AM and I can't sleep thinking about how much I messed up/ruined my future.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2006
- Messages
- 10,664
- Reaction score
- 15,354
I'm sorry you are feeling bad about all of this, get help if you're feeling overwhelmed.
Thanks for finding the ECFMG info. You're correct that you won't be eligible for the main match because you won't be ECFMG approved (or whatever they call it when you pass all of the exams). As you've discovered, you can still participate in SOAP if you pass the exam in the interim. I don't think that SOAPing is a "red flag" -- it's the things that get you into SOAP (failed steps, IMG, etc) that are the concerns. Overall, another year gap without clinical experience is probably a much bigger deal than SOAP. Plus, you might SOAP into a categorical program (and hence not need the match again), or complete a PGY-1 and then find a PGY-2 outside the match.
If you qualify for SOAP, you should look at the programs available and apply to any that seem reasonable. be careful "withdrawing" from the match -- I wouldn't withdraw from anything, let the system disqualify you. If you withdraw, you might withdraw from SOAP also.
Thanks for finding the ECFMG info. You're correct that you won't be eligible for the main match because you won't be ECFMG approved (or whatever they call it when you pass all of the exams). As you've discovered, you can still participate in SOAP if you pass the exam in the interim. I don't think that SOAPing is a "red flag" -- it's the things that get you into SOAP (failed steps, IMG, etc) that are the concerns. Overall, another year gap without clinical experience is probably a much bigger deal than SOAP. Plus, you might SOAP into a categorical program (and hence not need the match again), or complete a PGY-1 and then find a PGY-2 outside the match.
If you qualify for SOAP, you should look at the programs available and apply to any that seem reasonable. be careful "withdrawing" from the match -- I wouldn't withdraw from anything, let the system disqualify you. If you withdraw, you might withdraw from SOAP also.
Similar threads
