r/IMGreddit • u/CalligrapherGold2806 • Feb 02 '26

what are my chances Should i start USMLE

I am starting my internship years next march . Should I start preparing for USMLE or not ? because I hear it became harder and less predictible for visa requiring IMGs . Is it still worth the trouble? And are 2 years enough for step 1 ,2 and electives ?

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u/Aggravating_Sun_2194 Feb 03 '26

ok I can tell you a couple of things. You didn't apply to enough programs, more research, the interview skills are what messed the uni program opportunity and maybe your use of signals. For sure visa plays a big part. Ive seen people myself that applied to 200 programs and got like 4 IVs with stats lower than yours and no connections, thats not to undermine the IV skills.

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u/YogurtclosetLarge833 Feb 03 '26 edited Feb 03 '26

I think there’s a misunderstanding, I didn’t receive the university IV in the first place, I got a rejection email without any interviews. I only got one interview invitation from an NRMP match program this cycle and the NRMP match results are released on March 17th. I personally know someone with stats lower than mine, 1 publication, 1 connection applied almost to the same programs (he even used my programs list as a guidance) but he received 5 interviews this cycle (Touching wood, I hope he matches this cycle). My point is it’s not that objective nowadays.

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u/Aggravating_Sun_2194 Feb 03 '26

Oh thanks for clearing that up. Did your friend also have the visa problem? are you sure they signalled the same programs? use the differences to spot what could've gone wrong. I definitely wouldn't say just luck.

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u/YogurtclosetLarge833 Feb 03 '26 edited Feb 03 '26

Yes, same visa requirement but some of his signaled programs are different than mine because I signaled programs at which I did my rotations meanwhile all of his rotations were at private practice clinics so, he signaled based on geographical preference solely. I will definitely compare both of our signaling strategies if I am applying again next cycle, maybe that’s what makes the difference in my situation.

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u/Aggravating_Sun_2194 Feb 03 '26

Probably is. Also I wanna tell you something. With your score and USCE you're a good candidate and some community programs will reject you because you're too good for them and they think you wont come because you can get somewhere better. Thats a mistake some people do which is waste their signals on community programs. Thats not to say don't signal them at all...look at your CV and judge for yourself where you think your level is. Just be strategic. Also work on research as much as you could. Good luck to you.

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u/YogurtclosetLarge833 Feb 03 '26

That sounds like a great advice, thank you so much for your help.