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Yes USMLE scores are important - but not everything for a Medical Residency in USA! To be Pre-Informed is to be In Form :-) Sharing Wisdom learned through application experience and mistakes - especially for IMGs / FMGs!

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Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Residency Application Tips for Candidates with failed USMLE Attempts


People with multiple attempts do get into residency programs, albeit with more difficulty than the first-time passers and may not always be the best programs. Here are some thoughts and pointers for candidates with more than one attempt on USMLE Steps


1. Unfortunately, it does bring down the number of programs you are even eligible for applying - if you look up the individual programs requirements on my IMG friendly Residency Programs list Blog, you will notice quiet a few programs mentioning 'first attempt' or 'not more than 3 attempts' on their criteria list. Thus, a sound advice to IMGs, [especially the rich IMGs ;-)] is - do not rush through the steps, take your time, a better score is anyday better than a failed attempt

2. An excellent score can and often will offset the effect of previous failed attempts. Now, if you will be taking a step AFTER you apply in September, and you are not too sure you will do good, it makes sense to keep your ERAS transcript settings on 'manual transmission' rather than 'automatic transmission'. Why ? the reason is more psychological than technical and I shall update that soon here (am revising a previous entry which I found errors on)

I shall anyways be covering the basics and benefits of both Automatic versus mechanical transcript transmission in a later post.

3. It is important for candidates with failed USMLE attempts to consider buffing up their application resumes with other avenues - US Clinical Experience, Research with publications and US LORS [and yeah - contacts ;-)]

4. Lastly, candidates with failed USMLE attempts must make good use of their personal statements in justifying the attempts and highlighting the strong points.




Q. Can you retake the USMLE Steps if you passed with a dismally low score ?

A. No - you may only retake it if you failed the USMLE Step, if you passed it - you may retake it only after 7 years.


So, remember :

"Failures are stepping stones to success - but Failures on USMLE Steps Stone your Success"
- So take ur steps only after performing good on self-tests"




Search keywords to this blog article:

- "residency chances after failed USMLE"
- "how many attempts USMLE for match"

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posted by Digitaldoc, MD at 9:33 PM

Comments on "Residency Application Tips for Candidates with failed USMLE Attempts"

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (September 11, 2007 9:34 PM) : 

Anonymous said ... (May 19, 2007 3:42 PM) :

hi digidoc...hw r u???:)i wanted to ask u somethin...i hd applied fr step 1 in dec last year n dint tk the exam dat time in that slot..then i applied again for a new slot and took the exam...is that considered a second attempt???please lemme knw...soberlysatan666@yahoo.com


Digitaldoc, MD said ... (May 19, 2007 6:21 PM) :

If a candidate misses his exam date - he is labeled absent and it is NOT reported on the transcript - I verified this from a pal who missed his exam and got a letter saying so.

Even when an exam is started by a candidate and not completed, that is, the test is left half-way - that is classified as an 'indeterminate score' and is not reported on the transcript as an attempt. Attempts are reported only for attended and completed exams - good point you brought up here and I must thank you for that one :-)


Anonymous said ... (June 28, 2007 6:30 AM) :

Hi everyone!
I found this wonderful place absolutely accidentally

One question i'm concerned the most: How much does failed CS component matter?


Digitaldoc, MD said ... (June 28, 2007 11:38 AM) :

Accidents are both good and bad and this certainly will go into your good books..he he ;-)

Failing CS is not that big as issue for the programs as it would be for Step 1 and Step 2 CK - though there are some programs which will specific mention on their criteria about passing the CS within the first attempt - coz CS has long been in a controversy about not assessing candidates the right way. What one needs to be more concerned about, however, is retaking the CS on time so that results arrive before the Rank Order List deadline, because passing the CS is still needed to get that ECFMG certification


Anonymous said ... (July 05, 2007 8:00 PM) :

hi!
in connection with the previous question, would programs know that you've retaken an exam due to nonpassing?i failed my first attempt in CS but i've retaken it immediately and passed it.I'm just concerned it might affect my application.btw, excellent job on this site.you've been a great help to a lot of imgs..
kumar_md


Digitaldoc, MD said ... (July 06, 2007 2:59 PM) :

Yes - they will get the record of failed attempts, but that does not impact much for the CS, it is the Step 1 and Step 2 Ck that programs are usually more concerned about. CS has been shrouded in debate for a long time over controversial assessing methods


Anonymous said ... (July 22, 2007 10:28 AM) :

hi digitaldoc,
i have no words to appreciate ur work. u r doing great job.


Anonymous said ... (July 26, 2007 9:06 AM) :

hey dd
i have just passing scores in steps with an additional attempt in step 2 and then two additional attempts in cs . do you have any info abt anybody with these credentials making it to a residency. and yes,i am an fmg.


Digitaldoc, MD said ... (July 26, 2007 9:15 AM) :

I personally don't know them - but I have heard about a couple making it after US clinical and research experiences - u will need to strengthen your application on that front


Anonymous said ... (July 26, 2007 2:04 PM) :

Thanks, dd for this very nice and very informative blog. Where can I get the info of re-taking all the steps after 7 yrs?


Digitaldoc, MD said ... (July 28, 2007 10:57 PM) :

I guess you can Find it Here on the ECFMG site


Anonymous said ... (August 17, 2007 6:26 PM) :

hi!!i am an fmg and just flunked in CS...will try to take it before sept so that i get the results by 10th oct...i wanted to ask u that shud i apply with step 1 and step 2ck scores on sept 1??...what if i flunk second time also??...my money in applying to the programs will get wasted....plz advice me


Digitaldoc, MD said ... (August 17, 2007 7:18 PM) :

Well, unfortunately the whole USMLE-Residency is a gamble indeed. If you are totally not confident of passing again, and are more sure about the 2009 match, and are a fresh graduate who can afford to wait another year, it may be worth it to go for the next years match.

BUt if your scores are really good, you are not so fresh from medical school and are fairly confident of getting a passing score on the Step 2 CS before Jan 31st, then u may consider going for this year's match. these are not rules, rather guidelines based on what I feel - ultimately, the decision has to be yours :-)

g/l


Anonymous said ... (August 27, 2007 6:23 AM) :

hi..i am a img graduated in 2005..i gave all my steps and i failed ..do u think i have a chance of getting residency..?pls advice..thanks


Digitaldoc, MD said ... (August 27, 2007 7:45 PM) :

You can improve on your scores, gather good experiences and then reapply with all scores in the next match - that will have better chances

 

Anonymous sam said ... (October 6, 2007 8:17 PM) : 

hello sir please post some info on cuple match thanks

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (October 15, 2007 5:31 PM) : 

hi digdoc
hope u read my mail!
i have just recieved my cs result and have failed the exam
unluckily i had chosen automatic transmission of transcripts on eras coz i was quite confident ill clear the exam!
now i am in a soup........i hav good s1 and ck scores but donno how to further tackle the situation
can u guide me pleeeeeeeeasssssssseeee?
i am leavin my email id .......if u feel fine please mail me
helpcrackpot08@yahoo.com
thanks
and btw u are doin a great job by helpin all the lost souls out there
god bless

 

Blogger Digitaldoc, MD said ... (October 15, 2007 8:27 PM) : 

I am sorry to know about the result - but thats typical uncertainty of the CS test.

The best that you can do is to take a new date and communicate the new CS date to all applied programs immediately. The date needs to be early enough for making it on time for ECFMG certification before mid-february.

Lesson for other IMGs from this - Take your CS early enough so that in case you have to retake - you still have time on your hands for the match..otherwise you stand to lose all ERAS application money, since ERAS does not refund.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (October 16, 2007 7:27 PM) : 

hi dd!
thanks for the reply!I hav 3 questions:
and very true-please take the cs as early as possible..........i hav a fortune applyin to programmes and hav failed cs........its all a mess now!

1)i am not getting a date as of now....can i take the exam before 31st dec so that my result will be out on 31st jan?coz i actually cant rush and take the exam before 3rd november(which is the last date for the result to be reported in dec beginning!)

2)can i inform the programmes befor schedulin my exm,,,,,(coz i might not get a date before 3rd nov) that i have applied for cs?

3)should i mail or personally call the programs?they are responding to mail by bulk mails sayin we are reviewin your application and the phone goes on voice mail........what should i do?

ill be thankful for your time taken to answer to these questions

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (October 30, 2007 7:56 AM) : 

Hi Digitaldoc,
I would like to congratulate you on your efforts.
I have attempts (one attempt each) on step 2CS and step 3. I also have avg. (early 80's) on step 1 and step 2 ck and step 3.
What if in the interview, I am asked to comment on my low scores?

 

Blogger Digitaldoc, MD said ... (October 30, 2007 4:13 PM) : 

I have covered that Here :-)

Thanks for dropping by

 

Blogger vivek said ... (November 4, 2007 3:31 PM) : 

hi

i have good scores in step (99/249) and ck(99/260) but i failed cs. i have 5 iv in IM but now i dont feel confident of matching. Will my attempt in CS drastically afect my chances if i apply again for match 2009 with good step 3 score.

 

Blogger Digitaldoc, MD said ... (November 4, 2007 7:00 PM) : 

The biggest way it will affect you this year is if you do not get to retake the CS on time and have the scores reported before the Rank Order Submission in mid-feb..coz that is required by the program directors to put your name on the rank order list.

I dont think the CS fail itself has been much of an hinderance lately if you do a good interview and have stellar scores on the other steps..like you do. I have covered retaking the USMLE Step 2 CS at CSprotocol

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (November 10, 2007 8:28 AM) : 

hi digi doc thanks for the information.....
I have a question that i got failed in cs n i gambled a lot on application process,i got the date for the cs in 1st wk,so i tell my programs that i have taken the date? thnks a lot...appreciated..

 

Blogger Digitaldoc, MD said ... (November 13, 2007 12:33 AM) : 

1st week of which month? Yes - do let the program directors know that you will be taking the step then...

 

Blogger Digitaldoc, MD said ... (January 31, 2008 10:44 PM) : 

TO the dude above with the THREE questions:

1. Taking the exam before Dec 31st will have a pretty low chance of getting the results by Jan 31st.

2. Yes, do let the programs know that you have applied and are retaking the CS soon

3. Luck plays its role - a standard concise email with a subject line conveying what you want to say is the best bet.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (February 28, 2008 9:02 AM) : 

hey dd...i failed step 1.... things have not worked out well...let me pls know can i take step 2 now and then again go 4 step 1...what will be the drawbacks if any.....i have heard that one should go step by step only........i'm confused kindly help....

 

Blogger Digitaldoc, MD said ... (February 29, 2008 6:59 PM) : 

Hello, Step 1 is a pretty memory intensive game and more factual than clinical logic based like step 2 CK. So the only reason i would say try to get done with step 1 first so that you build over your recent studies for the same and take less time preparing, than having to goto Step 2 CK first and then coming back with a fresh slate to Step 1. Take a short non-study break instead and get back to step 1 with new energy and get it outta your way. - That's my logic, but you are the best judge on how you feel might work better for you. Technically you can take any step any order

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (July 14, 2008 11:48 AM) : 

Hello Dr I have a question.if you pass 2nd time,is it the 1st attempt or 2nd?

 

Blogger Digitaldoc, MD said ... (July 14, 2008 12:05 PM) : 

passed on 2nd attempt

or

passed with one previous attempt

or

passed in two attempts

all mean the same :-)

 

Blogger Sunshine said ... (December 13, 2008 7:25 AM) : 

hi digitaldoc,

i am not aware of the lingo in the medicine world. All I know is that my bf failed step 1, 2 times, passed the 3rd time and now failed the step 2 cs and we don't know yet about the ck. He failed step 2 cs by 1 point. He got a 183. He has made contacts and has good experience at the current hospital he was in, he even landed an interview but because of his failure, now he can't. We are all pushing him to take the step 2 exam again so he can match for 2009. He's lost all hope and says the chances of residency are none. If you have any tips on how I can deal with this, or be realistic with him..it would be appreciative. Thanks.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (January 6, 2009 7:10 PM) : 

you are amazing dude. you give hope when all looks bleak.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (June 12, 2009 8:56 PM) : 

Hi Digi Doc ,
I am 2008 FMG and applied very late last yr aftr getting my Step 2 Ck scores, in Dec .
I got 1 call in Peds Univ Prog but did not match for 2009 .
I have fine scores of 96 & 95 n have gained 15 wks of USCE since then .
BUT I FAILED STEP3 by 1 point/186.
How wud this effect my chances this yr ?
can u pls guide me as to when shud i retake the exam ? b4 Sept/at time of iv's or aftr iv's ?
I am NOT too keen on H1/J1 is fine as long as i get matched !

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (July 10, 2009 6:57 AM) : 

hi digidoc,
was your friend on facebook until your account disappeared.hope your in great spirits and like your programme.
I have a quick question for you.I have scores in mid nineties on step1 and 2 but an attempt in step2cs.I want to apply for IM.What is the scenario like for cs second attempters for the 2010 match?please do reply.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (July 30, 2009 9:05 AM) : 

Hi Digitaldoc!
I need to know if CS failed attempt is still not considered very bad, as you indicated in your earlier posts, or has it gained importance since then.
Thanks, please keep up the good work.

 

Blogger Digitaldoc, MD said ... (July 30, 2009 3:25 PM) : 

Facebook deleted my account on the grounds that anonymus accounts are not allowed - I was surprised that they had any rules at all, considering Facebook itself is a stolen idea by its creator...lol

Anyways,at least my program did not select Step 2 CS second attempts on its initial screening, and after doing so they had enough candidates for interview invites. But then the number of positions at my program are not very high either. So, tough to say for sure.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (August 6, 2009 9:11 AM) : 

Hi digitaldoc! Thank you so much for all your hard work! Your various websites have been a treasure trobe (not sure I even found them all or found all the useful links/info.)!

Humbly request:

If possible, can you help compile a list of FMG-friendly residency programs that will accept someone with a failed USMLE attempt? I tried googling it periodically for months now & have not had luck with any keywords I'm using.

Thank you so much again for all you do! :)

 

Blogger Digitaldoc, MD said ... (August 7, 2009 5:49 PM) : 

Hmm..not a bad idea to do so, but will feel like combing the internet, will try to :-) Thanks

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (August 9, 2009 12:01 PM) : 

Thankyou Digidoc for your input on the cs second attempt issue.I hope there is a place for people like us who failed the exam because they had a bad day and not because they have poor communication skills.
I guess it is getting tough each year.We will have to just apply and wait and watch.I hope Lady luck smiles on me and many others like me.If you have any suggestions please let us know.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (August 14, 2009 10:32 AM) : 

Hi
I failed my step one once and got 89 on the sceond attempt i passed my cs and i got 98 on my ck on first attempt. Am doing research in university hospital and I am a green card holder. can you please tell me if i have any chance of getting residency in university programs?

 

Blogger Dr.Amar said ... (August 15, 2009 11:06 AM) : 

hi i have a question digi doc
am not that familiar with the match process and all that. My bo friend failed step one once but the next time he scored 91, and he cleared cs on the first attempt and ck he scored 98 on the first attempt too. Rt now he is doing some research work in a university hospital and he is a green card holder. can you please help us out in this situation by letting us know what are his chances of getting in to a university program for internal medicine?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (August 20, 2009 1:29 AM) : 

hi
today i had my cs result & i failed in CIS.
done wit step 1 had a score of 97 will be giving Ck next month.
just read the above replies bro,does a failed attempt in Cs wont matter much??i mean the number of IVs??
how about step 3 b4 sep1st,will it compensate Cs attempt??
sorry bro i know i'm asking the same answered question but i'm confused wit Cs attempt.

 

Blogger Digitaldoc, MD said ... (August 20, 2009 4:42 AM) : 

Unfortunately several programs are now screening applicants based on CS attempts too and need to failures. But majority still accept > 1 attempt on the CS

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (August 21, 2009 11:13 PM) : 

Hey Digidoc! I have to a lot of these internal medicine programs. It is very weird that they will accept a low score around 80 but not a Cs 2nd attempt in spite of scores like 88 and 96.

 

Blogger Digitaldoc, MD said ... (August 22, 2009 4:33 AM) : 

Thats why its important to call and confirm with the program before applying instead of depending on ready-made lists.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (December 23, 2009 9:30 AM) : 

Hey Doc...

I really need your help. I failed Step 1 4 times, passed Step 2 CK & CS on the first attempt. Can you please recommend places that I can apply too? I am a canadian citizen, went to a carribean school with US and Canadian clinical experience. I am really frustrated and really need some help. Thank you.

 

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