dowit
Forum Newbie
Topics: 4
Posts: 20
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Hi there,
IŽve been another silent reader of this forum and no words would ever express how thankful I am for all the experience shared from all of you that have posted here.
I took my CK last friday - july 28th - and needless to say, the test was pretty hard. My test truly tested the Pathophysiology of every aspect of medicine and sometimes I just had to figure out which mechanism was dominant in that clinical picture because not only a single fact was operative in that scenario. They did a good job mixing things together in order to get you totally confused. Things that I thought I master looked like a big white cloud sometimes. The easy questions were there every once in a while not to let you feel so stupid.
Long questions had an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance and were every where.
After the test I had a headache and a bachache that were killing me. Nevertheless, I finally could sleep well after six months of a lot of studying. (Used the same books and UW).
When my results arrive, IŽll post my grade and more details about the test itself.
The real reason IŽm writing this is to mention my complete saddness about what happened to me in the US consulate when I tried to get the VISA to take CS - scheduled for sept.-
I did a mistake last year. I was in the US preparing for step 1 and I overstayed for 40 days (had to come back in march, but came home after step 1 test in early may).
Now, they just wonŽt let me get another VISA, and so, my efforts were in vain. I canŽt get in the US anymore. I cried for more than 2 hours when I arrived home from the US consulate and really just wanted to die.
I think my days with you guys are over. Step 1 (93/229) and step 2 CK (just took it) now belong to the past and my dream has ended here. I once broke the law and there is no room for forgiveness no matter how good you and your intentions are when you are a foreign trying to walk into the US.
Guys, just wanted to share my experience with you. IŽm pretty sad right now. For those who are in the US and can get in easily, just keep up the good work and go for your dreams: Good luck!!!
From a sad international doctor who dreamed of studying in the US,
Dowit.
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| study_ing
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 180
Posts: 2,509
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well i dont know what to say..all i can suggest is prayers...they r soothing..and i hope u get the strength to move on as quickly as possible...good luck
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If you yourself are at peace, then there is at least some peace in the world.
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| wamba
Forum Guru
Topics: 148
Posts: 660
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Come on doc!, don't give up! life isn't easy. it is full of challenges and sometimes, they can seem huge, extremly difficult to come over but you know what, it is in this times that Man has to show what he's made of.
You've already complete your step 1 and 2. You have to fight for your visa. I know it is not easy but next time, be PREPARED for the interview. you have to express your reason with strentgh and honesty. even though you overstayed 40 days, you still leaved the country. Remember, the decision to give the visa is up to the ambassade representative willing, maybe it depends to some political choice, but it also depends to your ability to convince them during the interview.
DON'T GIVE UP! NEVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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| dowit
Forum Newbie
Topics: 4
Posts: 20
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Dear Study_ing and Wamba,
Thank you for your kind words. Yes, praying is definitely good. The thing during the interview is that they just donŽt let you talk, mention your ideas or what your intentions are while in the US. THEY DONŽT CARE. They really focus on the fact that I am a law breaker and period. I can still picture the consulate officer looking at me and saying: No, you broke the law. And he would then stare at the next person in line and say: Next!!! No questions, no talking, no interest in knowing what kind of person you are, your background, nothing. That just killed me!!!!
As most of the heroes from this forum, (and that includes you dear wamba - I have read your beautiful post) IŽll give it another try and not give up. But deep down inside, I am losing hope, because this is my second attempt to get the visa. Maybe next time IŽll only speak Portuguese - I am from Brazil- with the ambassador or put a nasty accent in my English - who knows, maybe it will help).
I dedicated myself into this and got 680/690/660 on my pretest NBMEs. I was ready to come back home and eat my FA CS to get ready for the exam. Guys, my heart is broken..........you have no idea...............
Thanks again, Dowit.
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| 3535
Forum Guru
Topics: 19
Posts: 297
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All fmg/s i know do have a unique story of their own( including me). This is because God has kept some tests for all of us. I have had such moments and i know that at such times you feel all alone, partly because you dont know what lies ahead of you .
We all ask the Qn 'why me?'. But then there's no way out except moving ahead.
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"It takes one hour to cut a tree ,but a thousand hours to sharpen the axe."
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| Alina T
Forum Elite
Topics: 17
Posts: 388
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This is a very sad story, especially considering you are having such big scores and you put so much effort into this. I empathize with you, I know how it must feel. and it's true, you don't even get any chance to explain or prove what kind of person you are, for them it's just the law and that's it. this is why maybe your chance would come from a "law person". that's what I'd do, I'd get a lawyer, they know how to get around these things. I think this is "the next best step" in not giving up and moving ahead. It's worth trying, you're too close to your dream to give up now.
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There are 3 types of people: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened.
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| fariskhan
Forum Elite
Topics: 21
Posts: 84
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Dear Dow It
i really feel sorry to hear your story...but i am a bit confused.... as to what exactly happened... did u not applied for an extension while in US last time when u were here or you did apply an extension and you got it and then u stayed here...and secondly... was your VIsa issued was only for 6 months or you had Multiple entry ...
cause it think , if it was just an extension... then u should not worry at all and re apply as many of us have been through this and its some thing which is not again there law.. u apply thorugh there office for it..
wish you all the best
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| vincent.vega
Topics: 10
Posts: 46
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Dear dowit ,
Nothing is over... Keep trying.. there is always a way to get around these things.. you might want to talk to a lawyer specializing in consular affairs.. i know a lot of people from my country who got 5-6-7 rejections but who kept trying .. .and finally one day they got visas... remember, nothing's over..
my prayers go to you...
V.V.
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| study_ing
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 180
Posts: 2,509
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i m sorry i cant push u for fighting at the interview.. from what i know, if theyve decided before hand, if u try t o push em..they'll call security..i dont mean to discourage u but i feel u should devote ur efforts into something plausible....maybe if someone's been in a similar situation, PLEASE POST
remember dowit ,u have NOT wasted ur time, money or effort...ur education is always worth it...with such good scores, im sure u'll make a splendid doctor.. i hope u somehow manage to get your dream...
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If you yourself are at peace, then there is at least some peace in the world.
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| cyra
Moderator
Topics: 29
Posts: 844
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It really is sad but I agree with AlinaT's and vincent.vega's advice...it definitely is worth a shot.Don't give up!
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| dowit
Forum Newbie
Topics: 4
Posts: 20
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Oh my God!!! So many thanks to all of you that have posted here. I wish I could thank you all personally; you guys are amazing!!! I WAS going down the drain, but you guys are pulling me back up!!!! I finally have a smile on my face!!!!
The idea of a law man is not bad at all!!!!! Wow, do I see a little light at the end of the tunnel or what?
Just to clear some things up: the last time I got in the US, I had a multiple entry visa and the immigration service let me stay for 6 months. I dedicated exclusively for step 1 prep and I didnŽt pay attention to the deadline!!! I scheduled the test because I was tired studying, took the test and waited for the next available flight back home. Unfortunately that means that I overstayed 40 days. This is how it went. I was so focused on my preparation that I totally forgot about the rest. My life was home--library--home---sleep---library, everyday for 6 months, oops, I mean seven, and so I became a law breaker, without knowing it.
Truly thankful to all of you: dear study_ing, wamba, 3535, Alina T, fariskhan, vincent.vega, cyra. God bless you all!!!
Not so sad anymore, Dowit
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| fariskhan
Forum Elite
Topics: 21
Posts: 84
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thats the spirit..  .. GL
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| cyra
Moderator
Topics: 29
Posts: 844
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You're welcome dowit!
I think it would also be a good idea to post about your situation in the visa/immigration subforum in IMG world.....perhaps someone who has been through the same can weigh in on this.All the best!
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| wamba
Forum Guru
Topics: 148
Posts: 660
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Dowit! Yes you met a bad guy during your interview. He didn't care about your point of view. he didn't listen to you. But you know what? I live in Florence (Italy). In the consulate here, the visa issue depends on the consulate representative. Some are arrogant, some listen to you and seem friendly.
I know many friends who got their visa after many "niet"; I can tell you about one friend who got he's visa at the second attempt, 2 WEEKS after the first attempt. he didn't give up. And if it can make you feel better, I can tell you about my experience in the consulate, last month (I did my CS in atlanta on june, 28th). The consulate representative was that kind of guy who ask a lot of questions and listen to the answers. I was the last of the group, I followed the interview of everybody.
One guy from bangladesh did not tell them that he was moving to the states with his wife and 6 children (they asked for the visa in milan) and they discovered it. He said he was going for vacation but it was clear he was immigrating. the representative asked him "why didn't you tell us that your family asked for a visa in Milan? why did you write you are traveling alone? why didn't they ask their visa in Florence like you, as they live here? and furthermore, he said he forgot the employer letter and the last months stipends. do you know what the consulate said: "VISA APPROVED".
that morning, they gave the visa to everybody, nigerians, indians, brasilians, etc. believe me, many of them had incomplete applications. But do not think that it is easy to get the visa here. it depends on the day, and maybe they get instructions to be more severe or not. I have friends who went to the same consulate with strong applications and got the visa refused.
Conclusion: as I said before, just try again. try, try, try until you find the good day. you will get it. believe me.
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| study_ing
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 180
Posts: 2,509
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great!!
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If you yourself are at peace, then there is at least some peace in the world.
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| Dragonfly
Forum Elite
Topics: 27
Posts: 338
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dowit , i think so too, you should try again, i knew a guy who got his visa after 3 times refusal. it is not the end of the world. try it again. and an attorny seems like a sound idea.
during the interview, if they let you, talk like the innocent person you are. give them reasons you just told us. i am sure, there will be an understanding counsoler.
Good luck !
Keep us informed
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| dowit
Forum Newbie
Topics: 4
Posts: 20
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Dear study_ing, cyra, dragonfly and wamba,
Every word posted is a boost of energy for me. Thank you.
I wonŽt give up and IŽll face the guys from the US consulate again as soon as there is a spot available. The bad thing is US$100 away for each attempt (and IŽm not rich!!).
But that is the least of the problems, right?
IŽll keep you informed of my CK score and visa issues for sure because you guys are truly awesome!!!
Thank you, Dowit.
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| maylea
Forum Elite
Topics: 4
Posts: 86
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Hi Dowit,
Definitely you should try again, but if that door closes, try coming to New Zealand! Your Step 1 and 2 CK will be useful as these are required for NZ Medical Council registration. All you need to do on top the USMLEs are the English test (IELTS - piece of cake) and the NZREX (the NZ equivalent of step 2 cs). Goodluck!
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| dowit
Forum Newbie
Topics: 4
Posts: 20
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Hi Maylea,
A closing door may be a signal to choose another path. The problem is that IŽve always dreamed of walking through that door that seems to be shutting on my face.
And one more thing, I donŽt know yet whether I passed CK or not.... you are ahead of me!!! I just took the exam. The exam was too hard, I have this shared feeling that I can easily succeed or fail the test.
Thank you for that tip. IŽll keep it in mind.
Good luck for you too!!!
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| dowit
Forum Newbie
Topics: 4
Posts: 20
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Guys, bad news.
I talked to a couple of friends of mine (both lawyers) and they said that it will be extremely difficult for me to get a new visa for now, and that IŽll have to wait 5 years to be granted another one. "The visa is a favor". "When someone gets a visa is simply because they wanted to give that person the visa". ThereŽs no arguing or talking, nothing can actually be done.
Wish you all good luck on your tests, big scores and success in your carrier,
Sad Dowit.
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