any chance for me? - emilyworkhard

[ArchivalUser]

Hi guys, how are you doing today?

I am an IMG, have not graduated , not have taken any of those tests. My dream is to match in pathology department. I have one first author publication, that is all I have so far.

The thing is I was not born in a rich family and the school rule does not allow us to take externship in another country before graduation. Besides I cannot afford to live in America without income, as I said, sadly not everyone was born in rich family.

I did some search and ppl say externship/ observation is so so so important for matching. I am seriously wondering is there any chance I can match to pathology without that? Or should I just give up and toss my dream away?

Any advice is appreciated, I am desperate now, nothing is easy for poor ppl.

[ArchivalUser]

You will make an excellent physician with that mentality. Continue to work hard and toward your dreams and I promise you will achieve it.

[ArchivalUser]

Nothing is impossible. But to be more specific, not every program will require USCE. But you need to make sure that you ace those steps and at the first time, because they are the ones that will open the door for interviews. USCE can come later if needed and you can always try to get if you dont match the first time for example. On another note, please be aware that the whole process, even if you dont pursue USCE, can be quite expensive and maybe you should start finding ways of funding that (loans, saving, etc). I think you are in a good position (just starting) to aim your efforts in achieving this, and if you set your mind to it I think you have a good shot. Good luck.

[ArchivalUser]

USMLE exams, application fee (26 USD per program. You may need to apply to a tons of places in order to secure IVs) and interview itself (flight, hotels, place to live...) costs a lot money. So you need to take them into consideration.

[ArchivalUser]

Get USCE
Study long and hard using Kaplan and USMLE world
Take the NBME Exams for practice
do not rush
Get US LORS

Yes you can do it

[ArchivalUser]

Is it true that most programs want fresh graduates?

I thought about it and if after graduation I work as a residency in my homecountry for a year or two, then maybe I can save some money for later.

But will that impair my competitiveness? I heard most programs want freshly graduated students...

I am so hesitated and nervous.