When?The best time to take step 3 is when you feel you are ready for it. Ok, that was a cop out answer but ideally, the best time is somewhere around step 2 CK as the exam format is similar and you are going to have the same ground training for the questions.
The natural window.
etc) as you continue through you residency training. Thus, best time for an IMG to take step 3 would be right around the Step 2 CK because of the similarity in format and nature of the exam. To revisit those topics again specifically for step 3 in your 3rd year may seem a little rough. If you are in the match process, then make sure you have the step 3 results on hand by February 1st providing a window of opportunity to negotiate a H1b visa with the GME office if that is something that they provide. Dual edged sword
Remember, Step 3 is a dual edge sword, if your credentials are good and you pass it wont make much difference to your application, If however your rest of application is fair to OK or even very good but you fail or do very poorly n your step 3, this will go against your favor. So Only when you feel confident about sitting for the exam go for it.
I don't have any US clinical experience. Do u think its wise for me to take step 3.Someone told me i need some form of experience if i want to pass step 3.I'm an IMG, grad 2006, scores:85,99,CS pass(attempt). what are my chances of residency?
ReplyDeleteit is always advantageous to take step 3. though not required, these days it is certainly becoming a prerequisite if you want to stay on par with the other applicants. your scores are pretty decent and not too old grad either. so things are not bleak at all! good luck!
ReplyDeletehey doc- a while back you had a list up of psychiatry observorships , possible in some Ny hospitals. kindly plz post it up again. plz let me know where i can go to get some observer or research for psychiatry, thanks
ReplyDeleteHI Dr.! Im an IMG from India, Graduated in 2007, step 1=83 on 2nd attempt, step 2=99 on 1st attempt, step 2 CS=pass on 1st attempt. I will have 3 months of observership with O.S.M.A by sept. I will have 3-4 LORs from that observership, mostly indian doctors. I will be applying for the first time this year, what are my chances to amtch in internal med., Family Medicine? what should I focus on now more--working on my application or step 3 prep. ? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHI Dr.!
ReplyDelete[hello]
Im an IMG from India, Graduated in 2007,
[thats not too old]
step 1=83 on 2nd attempt,
[ouch]
step 2=99 on 1st attempt,
[great]
step 2 CS=pass on 1st attempt.
[great]
I will have 3 months of observership with O.S.M.A by sept. I will have 3-4 LORs from that observership, mostly indian doctors.
[indian or otherwise, if they are US physicians the LOR will be well received]
I will be applying for the first time this year, what are my chances to amtch in internal med., Family Medicine?
[your application looks good but your step 1 score is going to drag you down in all places. Since you cant fix your step 1 score. you are doing the right thing to boost your resume]
what should I focus on now more--working on my application or step 3 prep. ? Thank you!
[if you are confident that your step 3 result will great, then make sure you do it as a stupendous tep 3 score can increase the chances tad. however step 3 is a gamble too because if you do poorly then you have 2 exams which you did not do well. so if you are confident, then get it done with. if you have the slightest doubt then wait and work on your application. goodluck!
Hi droidor,
ReplyDeleteI have 232/99 and 255/99 instep 1 and step 2 and 4 months USCE. I got 6 IVS. After I got IV calls I received my step 3 score of 201. Do you think this is really a bad score. Will it effect ranking in anyway. Thanks!
you have very good step 1 and 2 scores. Your Step 3 score is poor but good thing is you passed. It should not affect the ranking by programs. you can ask for H1b after the match day since you have cleared the step. Good luck!
Delete