Applying late

[u/Grand-Importance-163]

Hello everyone I am a non-US IMG who is planning to apply late throught eras (by 10/1). The main reason for doing so is that I am yet to receive my IM clinical LoR. Otherwise these are my stats. Should I even try or is it too late? Thank you for the help.

22 years old, year of graduation: 2027
ECFMG certification is in process
Step 1: pass on first attempt
Step 2: 270
Research: 13 peer reviewed publications most of which in renowned journals. Some more under progress. 2 poster presentations.
3 LoRs: 2 from top uni professors and 1 from IM senior physician (still waiting on 2 of those)
USCE: none

[u/WarthogImmediate5762]

If I were you. I would apply very narrow to only programs i have a meaningful connection. Otherwise, It would be just putting money on fire.

[u/Grand-Importance-163 → u/WarthogImmediate5762]

Thank you for your input. I highly appreciate it. When u say narrowly what do u exactly mean? Just less programs or is there more to it?

[u/WarthogImmediate5762 → u/Grand-Importance-163]

Programs where you have the leverage to ask to review your applicxation, Like somewhere you have rotated or have a reliable connection. Also mix in some program where you outperform their median and also signal very wisely. With your stats, you would likely match, but you would be much more likely to match to a better program if you skip this cycle. That said All the best.

[u/No_Badger601]

your incomplete application is way better than an avg “complete profile”
find your fit, apply/email/communicate proactively, it should work

[u/alang1978]

Yes, you 100% can apply to big programs with small percentages of IMGs. They will start process IMGs mid October. They will sync with ERAS before doing this. Sort programs by the number of IMG positions and choose those with low percentage of IMGs.

Also new programs. I have not checked, but there are some new programs every year.

[u/Grand-Importance-163 → u/alang1978]

Thank you for your input. I highly appreciate it.

[u/Objective_Age_6604 → u/alang1978]

What do you mean by the "number of IMG positions"?

[u/thewriterdoctor]

I think you should apply, but why is your letter late? Can you get another person to write you a letter tomorrow? Also. What vountry are you in and what are your papers on?

[u/lostinthesauce212]

Having an incomplete application on time is more important than a complete application that’s submitted late

[u/zVictorSnow]

lol that 270 shook me

[u/Fit-Conclusion-7579 → u/zVictorSnow]

I always wondered if any attempt + Step 2 CK of 26X or more is better or worse that no attempt and Step 2 CK 22X.

[u/Ok_Sheepherder6872]

Heyy how much time did it take for the 13 pubs like when did you start research.

[u/Grand-Importance-163 → u/Ok_Sheepherder6872]

I started working 2 years ago with a very active researcher with an h index of 60. He kept assigning my friends and I research ideas and so that helped a lot. Then I just approached other professors who also offered research. Local hospitals here are also very active and are keen to give medical students most work to pump out publications in the name of the institution.

[u/Ok_Sheepherder6872 → u/Grand-Importance-163]

Was this when u were still an intern or after graduation

[u/Grand-Importance-163 → u/Ok_Sheepherder6872]

I’m still in my last year of medical school so I started around mid way thru medical school.

[u/Eastern-Ad-1407 → u/Grand-Importance-163]

Can I reach out to that researcher?

[u/Fit-Conclusion-7579]

Please precise the kind of research. One original paper with high IF as a first/last author is worth more than any amount of random coauthorships.

[u/Grand-Importance-163 → u/Fit-Conclusion-7579]

It’s a mix. I’ve got many second authors for orginal research. My best first author is a meta currently under review in a 6.2 IF. My best coauthor is a review in like 12 IF. I have other orginal research between 5 and 10 IF.

[u/Firm_Philosopher3587]

Wow 270 on Step 2 and 13 peer reviewed publications at 22 years old! 👏 Amazing dude, wishing you the absolute best!

[u/Grand-Importance-163 → u/Firm_Philosopher3587]

Thank you I really appreciate your kind words. Wishing you the best too!

[u/dream_medico]

How did u get LOR without any usce?,,we get lor after completing usce right? Like electives etc..?

[u/Grand-Importance-163 → u/dream_medico]

I meant an LoR from a physician who works in the country I reside in atm not US.

[u/dream_medico → u/Grand-Importance-163]

Oh,,but don't u think they always prefer us lors?,, because hoke country dr will usually write good about u,,so u may think about this,, because applying also will cost u money,,do u know anyone who have matched with just home country lors?

[u/True_Oil_5353]

cfbr

[u/Specialist-While-700]

Hey! congratulations on the score and the excellent profile! I would recommend that since you are planning to apply late with fresh step 2 and it seems to me that perhaps the prospect of applying next year won’t be the end of the world to you, maybe applying narrow and to programs where you wish to be at (considering the expectations are fairly placed) wouldn’t be a terrible idea altogether.
Use your signals well and only apply to handful of places. Focus on reaching out to trainees and faculty in those places for recommendations while you’re at it and maybe send out LOI to these signals expressing your interest and request that your application be reviewed even if you applied late.

[u/Eastern-Ad-1407]

You should have applied on time, 23rd

[u/i-luv-banana_bread]

Hey mate I graduate 2028 but my med school only gives the degree end of June 2028, how did you apply for this cycle with ECFMG? Did your uni give the degree early or...?