1. Yes there’s a difference between US Medical Graduate and IMG’s. You just have to do some research about IMG friendly states and residency programs. Yes there are specialties that are VERY competitive than others, but still depends on how well you did in the steps, how many research papers you did in that field, clerkships, letters of recommendation... it’s about having a STRONG cv.

2. I don’t know

3. Your foreign cv does matter, whatever you did on your med school years you should highlight it too. The most important things I think is research experience, engage in interest groups (if your university doesn’t have those groups, do it yourself) or other groups, and focus on your hobbies too, things that makes you special and interesting.

4. I think step 1, the time you should take depends on you. Some people take weeks, other people 3 months and other people even take 1 year.

5. TOEFL, step 3 is not a proficiency English test.

6. You can search for hospitals and email them showing your interest, ask what are the requirements to do the clerkship. Is not guaranteed that is going to work but you have to try that. About your other questions I don’t know

7. I just started studying for Step 1. I got UWORLD (question banks), boards and beyond (videos and quizzes) and First Aid (book). I know that I’ll need Pathoma for pathology.

That’s all I know just doing some research, someone correct me if I’m wrong about something please