to extrayard re:timing of step 3 - bamarkwa

[ArchivalUser]

I am an IMG, good scores, no USCE, needs H1B:

I would like to know how important is the timing of step 3 exam,

will there be any difference in the chance of getting more interviews if I do step 3 in second week of october rather than second week of november?

thanks in advance.

[ArchivalUser]

sooner the better. most programs have deadlines for step 3 results before they can offer H1. most are by end of december and in january. its even more good to have it by the time of interview.

[ArchivalUser]

thank you for your sincere advice, bluetooth.

i am planning to attend interviews only in December if I get any.
but as far as I know, it took only 3 to 4 weeks to get step 3 result, so if i take it in november, i will get the result in december by the time I attend interviews.

what I am considering is will I get more interview calls if I take it 1 month earlier, ie in october rather than november?

Please advise me regarding this. Thanking in advance.

[ArchivalUser]

what I gathered from my friends is

for interviews- step 3 matters if you have bad scores on step 1 and 2. if you got good scores, say high 90es in 1& 2 the step 3 doesnt really matter to get a interview call.

for H1 programs, sooner the better as you might even be offered a prematch if you have step 3 result by interview.

If you take step 3 in october you results will be out only in nov and most of the interview slots will be filled by then. technically it will not affect your application whether u take it in oct or nov.

I am planning to take it in nov 1st week. I couldnt take it earlier as my ecfmg cert was not issued. If I were you I will take it in OCT.

[ArchivalUser]

thanks again, bluetooth, for your advice.

Have a good day, pal.

[ArchivalUser]

well i agree with bluetooth. Even if u take ur step 3 in oct, u would have already recieved most of ur int. calls by then.
So take ur time, prepare well for the exam, take it nov. have ur step 3 result when u go for interviews (now that will make a difference, as not many imgs have their step 3 at the time of interviews)

gl