What are prelim programs and what are their success rates?

[ashar008]

What are exactly preliminary programs and what are their success rates? If I am going into the next application with a 252 step one and 253 step 2 ck is this a viable choice? Am I wasting my score by going into these programs? I would like to eventually go into IM at a decent school and have a very good opportunity to match into a cards fellowship. Am I going the right path by going through a prelim position on should I just apply straight to an IM program. Also if I wanted to rad instead would it be a good choice? Thank you. Im just so confused on what exactly preliminary program is. Any info Ive found online hasnt given me a straight answer on what it is and its success rate.

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[AnalisCanalis]

If you want to do IM then you should only apply to categorical IM programs. Preliminary years are for applicants who are pursuing PGY-2 positions in radiology, derm, anesthesiology etc, in which case you have to apply to both programs in the same match.

 

[libertyyne]

Are you coming from a us school?

 

[bashwell]

According to this thread, OP is a US IMG from AUC doing 3rd year at Kern Medical center:

Hello I am about to being my 3rd year of medical school as an AUC student at Kern Medical center. I received a step score of 252. I am researching and looking up how to prepare and do well in my clinical years. I came upon transitional programs and preliminary programs. I researched up on what they are but haven't gotten a clear answer yet. What are these programs? Are they generally looked up to or down upon? From what I think I've learned is that these programs are kind of like the "post baccs" of residency programs. I don't mean to boast about my step score but rather posted it to gauge what my chances are at matching at these programs. I hope to get into a categorical position and I know coming as a US IMG I am at a disadvantage. So in summary I hope to get into these kinds of programs to get into a categorical position. Am I going the right way with my planning? Any advice? Thank you.