srini13
Forum Newbie
Topics: 8
Posts: 12
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hi everyone, im in a top med school in india with scores of 78/192 and 250/99 on the usmle. im yet to graduate and take CS
my query is--can my step 2 score compensate for my step 1 ?
can i apply to programs that have cutoffs like 80 or 82 for the step 1 or not ?
ive got a couple of research publications and am working on 2 more research projects ?
wouldnt the programs consider th whole application before rejecting me ?
i plan for an internal medicine program at a univ. based hospital, but am confused right now
plan to go for the next year's match
i still have 6 months to grduate, can US clin experience solve my problems, atleast partially ?
can i be selected for IM ? only in community hospitals ?
should i also apply family medicine ? i have no interest though
please advice me on my chances, i'll be really thankful
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| faaa78
Forum Senior
Topics: 16
Posts: 103
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Srini...
Here are my answers....
1)can my step 2 score compensate for my step 1 ?
- Yes it can if you have a VERY good reason to explain the difference in scores
2) can i apply to programs that have cutoffs like 80 or 82 for the step 1 or not ?
some of them you can, when they make the average between the two scores it favors you (Uni of Nevada for example) some of them will look at your Step 1 score and inmediately throw your application to the trash can. Call each one of the program and make them this same question so you wont be frustrated and expending a lot of money.
3) ive got a couple of research publications and am working on 2 more research projects ?
- That is always useful specially if those publication are in American journals.
4) wouldnt the programs consider th whole application before rejecting me ?
- Some of them will, some will not...again, call them and ask them that.
5) i plan for an internal medicine program at a univ. based hospital.
- Don't limit yourself to Uni based hospitals, (specially if you are IMG and have 78 in Step 1) Keep dreaming but be realistic at the same time.
6) i still have 6 months to grduate, can US clin experience solve my problems, atleast partially ?
- It would definitely help....try to do some rotations in US hospitals before graduating. I think it's called EXTERNSHIP ( I am not sure)
7) can i be selected for IM ? only in community hospitals ?
- That's not entirely true....but be aware that the odds are against you as IMG
8) should i also apply family medicine ?
- I personally wouldn't do that, specially if you are fresh in your career and not very enthusiastic about it.
And forget about the myth of Family Practice being easier to get.
Let me give you a secret: APPLY EARLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good luck
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| mu
Forum Senior
Topics: 21
Posts: 85
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My advice to you is that you should apply to as many programs as possible and apply to Community programs. University programs will not even download your application with those scores. THere are numerous high scores and the PDs are getting confused!! Be wise wehn you apply or you'll get burnt. It's ok to apply to University programs but ONLY after you have applied to at least 60 community hospitals. Also, you should target NewYork, Illinois, Pennysylvania, Ohio, NewJersey first, then move to other states.
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| rahul.doctor
Forum Newbie
Topics: 6
Posts: 19
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to faaa
how do i EXPLAIN the difference in my scores ? and where do i explain that ?
to Mu......could u please let me know regarding your advice for the particular states metioned ?
i'll be thankful for the replies
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| faaa78
Forum Senior
Topics: 16
Posts: 103
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Rahul.doctor
If you get 75 in Step 1 and 95 in Step 2, Program Director will want an explanation of that at THE INTERVIEW.
In my case the difference in scores is because during Step 1 I was homeless, jobless, hungry and no money at all, eating sporadically at some of my friends houses, and when I had a job had to work 80 hours/week.
Program Director may see my low score as a positive thing, due to the fact that I did my way through hardship.
Good luck
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| wamba
Forum Guru
Topics: 149
Posts: 664
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dear faaa78, let me congratulate you once again because you kept your eyes on the target regardless of the rude experience of life you encountered. this is very inspiring.
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| faaa78
Forum Senior
Topics: 16
Posts: 103
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Thank you wamba,
I feel is my duty, (now that the nightmare is over for me) to encourage others and share my experience.
Personally I wasted so much time just because I didn't have a guide for all this.
And now my words are not biased because technically I don't have to compete anymore with you guys 
Good luck
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| srini13
Forum Newbie
Topics: 8
Posts: 12
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Dear Faaa
thank you very much for your encouraging words.....
but basic query is do interview calls come to guys who score 78 on step 1 and say, 95 on the step 2 ?
ive got a couple of research papers my name
especially if i have US clinical experience, wud i receive interview calls ?
is doing an MPH suggested for me ?
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| wamba
Forum Guru
Topics: 149
Posts: 664
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If you are talking about this season, its kinda late. if its about next year, its difficult to say as competition is getting tougher every year.
But to answer to your question, we can consider 2 factors: modifiable and not modifiable factors. you cant change your 78 so love it. you can try to get the best score possible in step 2, get some USCE and good lors from US doctors. take your step 3, apply early and last but not least, pray...
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| faaa78
Forum Senior
Topics: 16
Posts: 103
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Wamba is right, too late this year.
Follow wamba's advise and let me give you a couple more: APPLY EARLY!!!! ( September 1 st 2007) and make a VERY ACCURATE program selection!
Educate yourself about medical interviewing, don't take it easy....IT'S NOT EASY!!!!! it's another test, PD look for specific answers and you have to study them like in a normal test.
Good luck.
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| srini13
Forum Newbie
Topics: 8
Posts: 12
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of cors im not talkin about applyin this year im yet give my CS and graduate in March !!!
but i was just wondering whether any univ based progrm would even read the whole application for all the extracurriculars and research experiences i have before rejecting me
and also read the LORs including american
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| faaa78
Forum Senior
Topics: 16
Posts: 103
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srini,
I have research experience with publication and presentation (American journal), Obrservership (3 months), and letters from prestigious american faculties from prestigious american University, and also similar scores to yours.
I got only one call from University based program and 12 calls from Univ-affiliated and Community based.
Again, this is my personal experience, maybe you will have more luck. But let me tell you something....next year will be harder....get prepared.
Good luck
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| redsky
Forum Newbie
Topics: 5
Posts: 40
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Faaa78,
you are such an inspiration to me. I applied late this year NOV1, so far only one iv at a University based program, I am feeling very depressed! I have done years of research since my graduation and also a MSc in neuro, so I am an old FMG as some would say, but personally I feel that I am a much more mature person and more compassionate towards patients because what I have been through in life...
On top of that, I got an e-mail from P.C. today, indicating that I would have 8 interviews on that day. I e-mail her back asking for the names of facuties who will interview me. The weird thing is that in her previous e-mail, she said there would only be 3 interviews on that day... I am confused....
Hope you could shed some light for me.
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| faaa78
Forum Senior
Topics: 16
Posts: 103
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Thank you redsky,
Check your personal messages....
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| redsky
Forum Newbie
Topics: 5
Posts: 40
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faaa78, Please check your PM. Thanks!
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