Factors for matching
Of all the issues that IMGs address, what factors are important for getting interviews and for the same reason matching into a program. There are several variables involved in the match process including step scores, USCE, visa status etc. Based on information from NRMP and inputs from fellow IMGs including myself, I have compiled a list of factors that make for a successful match.
Based on importance
I have arranged the factors in tiers of importance with tier 1 factors being most essential. Tier 1 factors are step 1 and step 2 scores, year of graduation and connections to a program. Next in the order of importance are tier 2 factors, which are USCE, visa status and step two CS results. Finally, the tier 3 factors are number of programs you apply to, specialty of application, step 3 results, publications and other degrees.
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| Factor determining residency interview and match |
It is vital to note that the order of importance [from most important (green) to least important (red)] is inversely related to latitude of error that is allowed in that factor. For examples, errors or issues in tier 1 factors (low scores in step 1 or 2, very old date of graduation) can have the most detrimental effect on your application. Similarly, tier 3 factors, which are low importance, afford the greatest degree of latitude for error. Many applicants with low step 3 scores, no publications etc have and do match to programs of their choice. Some of this information is differentially weighted and then used in the algorithm here at the residency match and interview chances calculator.
In conclusion, focus on tier 1 factors for most success in residency and match process.
No. of attempts is also very important. Most programs require "NO attempt" or "maximum one attempt".
ReplyDeleteThanks for the useful website..
Hello Dr. Shanma, thank you. when I meant USMLE scores ( I had clumped the attempts as failing score is still a score and attempt is in it too) but thank you very much for the feedback. Good luck!
DeleteUnfortunately I don't have any US lor. How much do you think it gives me disadvantage? Does it give me a lot less chance?
ReplyDeleteit does affect your chances some. Now adays most programs require that you have some form of US LOR but if you have stellar scores then some programs may be able to overlook that requirement. This is true for IM and peds. many programs in FM and psych need US LORS from specialists in that area.
Deletewhat are my chances of getting into residency? My credentials are step 1 score-207 (1st attempt), step 2 score- 211(1st attempt), cs pass (1st attempt) Year of Graduation 2006. MPH with major in health education . Visa needed. 9 months of hands-on US clinical experience.I have applied to 117 IM, 30 FM, 23 Peds programs on 27th October
ReplyDeletefair scores, 9 months of USCE and good selection of programs. downside - applied late and older YOG. tough to say exactly what your chances are but i hope you hear from programs by November. if by end of November you have not heard from programs, i recommend that you call up the programs about the status of application
DeleteDoes year of graduation really make that much of a difference, if you after graduation you have been doing research/getting usce?
ReplyDeletefor eg: if yog is 2012, and i worked in a hospital in the field of my choice for a year, went to US and did research for another year with publications, is this bad for a 2015 match, when compared to 2014?
it does to an extent with more programs wanting fresher grads. However, if you have been productive and/or have kept doing hands on clinical medicine, it may be a less of an issue.
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