sama-sd.org

Salamat ya Amar,

first I am sorry as this reply is late , and I guess by now you already applied,however I hope this advice will help someone else in a similar situation.

I will analyze your application :

Strengths :

1)Post – graduate training i.e MD

2)No visa requirements

3)1st attempt on all exams

4)MRCOG part 1

Weaknesses :

1)Year of graduation >5 years

2)Relatively low score in step 1 <90

3)Applying to a relatively applying specialty i.e Obstetrics and gynecology, so this necessitates a very competitive criteria.

With that being said I would like to remind you that your chances are still good . What is going to help you is to :

1)Obtain US clinical experience ,this should help you make US connections and get strong letters of recommendation,try to get USCE in form of an externship ,however this kind of USCE is difficult to obtain ,so an observership would be a good option, SAMA can help you with that.

2)Try to take step3 and get a high score ,this should boost up your application.you can take the exam and update programs with your score .

3)Apply to IMG friendly programs ,and since you have no visa requirements you can apply as well to green card/US citizens IMG friendly programs.

4)Apply to as many program (That fit your criteria ) as possible.

5)Apply broadly and try not to restrict yourself to certain states for examples.

6)Apply to other specialties as a back up e.g Internal medicine and Family medicine

I wish you best of luck in your upcoming match .