Application Season Tips: How to Efficiently Find IMG-Friendly Residency Programs to Apply to

[@rebeccaalemu3250]

What did you consider “low compatibility score” for Match a Resident? Thank you

[@matcharesident]

Since all programs on your List are technically "Compatible" the answer to your question is that it varies between applicants. Some have scores generally in the 80s and 90s, while others have somewhat lower scores on average. This is a tool to help find the most relevant programs relative to each applicant.

[@riyanraj2043]

What about USCE? LORs and Clinical Experience are important, so how can I find or choose clerkships or externships? How to start the process of going to the US for clinical exposure?

[@matcharesident]

You can learn more here: - blog.matcharesident.com/find-us-clinical-experience/ - blog.matcharesident.com/importance-u-s-clinical-rotations-imgs/

[@argumentumadbaculum]

Thanks for the video, is step3 must for H1B ? Thanks in advance for your answer

[@matcharesident]

You're welcome! H1B sponsorship does require completion of Step 3.

[@jayalalitha6408]

To how many programs I need to apply for peads as a non-US IMG with step1 score of 232 and CS completed, ck torn take by this month end, with USA strong LORs, yog 2016. I am getting only 50 programs after filters.

[@matcharesident]

You will want to apply to all 50+ programs. You can also play with adjusting your Time Since Graduation to find more programs, as well as planning to apply to programs who require ECFMG Cert. once yours is complete.

[@karenvaladez589]

so i'm not able to join ama to make FREIDA available to me since i have not submitted the ECFMG application bcs i have yet to finish my personal statement. what do you suggest i do. i'm working on my personal statement now but i wanted to start searching residencies at same time. please help!!

[@matcharesident]

We'd recommend using Match A Resident and signing up for a Customized Program List. These lists are geared toward IMG applicants and offer features like multiple list filters, a funneled organizational system to manage your program list, InterviewLink (indicating programs that have interviewed candidates like you in the past), Rank Assist, and more =) You can use promo code YTIMG15 to get 15% off.

[@Xtr3me0wn4ge]

How much YOG is too much to apply in ophthalmology in US? For ex., is doing a residency in family medicine in Canada (2 years), then doing USMLEs for one year, then applying the next year too much? I Graduated in 2020 in Canada

[@matcharesident]

Ophthalmology is a highly competitive specialty that is not typically very IMG friendly. It also requires high USMLEs. An IMG would need strong specialty specific LoRs in addition to being a relatively recent grad (although we do not have a specific year, since each program is different. B/c ophthalmology is not very IMG friendly, we do not have data nor minimum requirements for such programs).

[@kanmedlife2494]

What if I apply for Gen surgery as well as IM? Am I stupid as I like both of them ?

[@matcharesident]

Many applicants apply to multiple specialties. Having a primary specialty and 1 or 2 back up options is a generally recommended and accepted practice.

[@aakashdesai2156]

Should i apply FM and IM to same program ? Or i should not do it ?

[@matcharesident]

Great question! Please review: blog.matcharesident.com/opposed-vs-unopposed-can-apply-multiple-medical-specialties-one-hospital/

[@agnes9451]

How many programs should I apply to?

[@matcharesident]

IMGs should typically apply to a minimum of 100 programs in their top specialty. If you have weaknesses in your application or are applying to multiple specialties, you may wish to apply to more - closer to 150-200+.