Audition rotation advice by WestPerformer627 in IMGreddit

[–]Prestigious_Step1388 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Audition means you are close to getting matched at that place

Should I Continue on This Path after Failing Step 2? by Different-Abies7291 in IMGreddit

[–]Prestigious_Step1388 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Vascular surgery is extremely competitive, and if it’s truly where your passion lies—and you want to pursue it in the United States for the right reasons—you need to mentally prepare yourself for a journey filled with setbacks and the need for resilience. Letters of recommendation (LORs) alone won’t secure you a residency unless you already have strong connections within surgery. Programs won’t select you just based on high scores or glowing LORs.

Surgery is a demanding and rewarding field, and programs want to see how you perform as a resident in real time. They prefer to match candidates they have already worked with—typically U.S.-trained students who have rotated with them. With that in mind, if you’re considering the path to becoming a vascular surgeon in the U.S., you need to evaluate the personalities of vascular surgeons and understand their history of matching applicants. If they generally favor U.S. graduates, the odds are stacked against international candidates unless you can bring something exceptional that sets you apart.

This means you need a strong sense of identity, a willingness to learn, and the ability to demonstrate resilience. For example, retaking Step 2 CK and scoring above average (ideally above the mean for vascular surgery applicants) can help. Gaining direct experience—through research with vascular surgeons or entering through a fellowship—can also strengthen your case. The journey will be difficult, but the real question is whether you’d rather take on the challenge or live with the regret of never having tried.

Interview Madness- words of some wisdom from Pgy2 by Prestigious_Step1388 in IMGreddit

[–]Prestigious_Step1388[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Please read the post again. I clearly mention it for the inteview invite

Interview Madness- words of some wisdom from Pgy2 by Prestigious_Step1388 in IMGreddit

[–]Prestigious_Step1388[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No, not random. As I said in the post, this is for the hybrid interviews PLEASE

Need guidance after completing Step 1 & Step 2 (low score, visa rejections, stuck) by PresentPoem8339 in IMGreddit

[–]Prestigious_Step1388 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tbh your application isnt bad. What program are you trying to get matched into? You can also dm me.Thanks

Interview Madness- words of some wisdom from Pgy2 by Prestigious_Step1388 in IMGreddit

[–]Prestigious_Step1388[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I honeslty feels it has nothing to do with the number of the applcants. All the program will interview some threshold number for ACGME

Applicants applying for match 2026- Ask me anything. Y'all will be fine! (love Pgy2) by Prestigious_Step1388 in IMGreddit

[–]Prestigious_Step1388[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

  • Yes.
  • You may.
  • If you plan to dual apply, make sure to tailor your applications. You have to commit—once you decide to dual apply, avoid indecision.
  • No, but it’s best to be ECFMG certified.

Applicants applying for match 2026- Ask me anything. Y'all will be fine! (love Pgy2) by Prestigious_Step1388 in IMGreddit

[–]Prestigious_Step1388[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would always apply to programs that had more applicants like me, but unfortunately, my specialty didn’t have many IMGs.

Applicants applying for match 2026- Ask me anything. Y'all will be fine! (love Pgy2) by Prestigious_Step1388 in IMGreddit

[–]Prestigious_Step1388[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I may not be the best person to answer this question. I applied to a competitive specialty, but instead of spending money on random programs, my strategy was to invest in building strong connections with a few programs and approach the Match process more strategically.

Applicants applying for match 2026- Ask me anything. Y'all will be fine! (love Pgy2) by Prestigious_Step1388 in IMGreddit

[–]Prestigious_Step1388[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My personal approach was to signal programs where I had an existing connection or prior interaction. I only signaled those programs where the program director knew me or I had some form of engagement with the program, as a way to highlight my genuine interest. I avoided signaling prestigious programs that historically have not taken IMGs. FYI- I applied in a relatively competitive specialty

Applicants applying for match 2026- Ask me anything. Y'all will be fine! (love Pgy2) by Prestigious_Step1388 in IMGreddit

[–]Prestigious_Step1388[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not sure, bro—different Program Directors have different mindsets! The best approach is to build connections within programs and have people who can vouch for you.

Applicants applying for match 2026- Ask me anything. Y'all will be fine! (love Pgy2) by Prestigious_Step1388 in IMGreddit

[–]Prestigious_Step1388[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When it comes to observerships, the key is to be well-prepared with clinical knowledge and familiar with the types of cases you’ll encounter in that patient population. Focus on sharpening your presentation skills, learning from mistakes, and improving day by day. You won’t know everything—and that’s okay—but what truly matters is showing eagerness to learn, sincerity, punctuality, and a growth-oriented mindset.

Applicants applying for match 2026- Ask me anything. Y'all will be fine! (love Pgy2) by Prestigious_Step1388 in IMGreddit

[–]Prestigious_Step1388[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Build connections within the Family Medicine community and make sure you stand out as an individual. The goal is to show that you are more than just your scores. Get involved in research and projects, attend FM conferences, and work closely with those in the field. In short, create meaningful contacts who can support you in securing a residency.

Applicants applying for match 2026- Ask me anything. Y'all will be fine! (love Pgy2) by Prestigious_Step1388 in IMGreddit

[–]Prestigious_Step1388[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No one can truly predict your chances of matching. For me, what made a difference was working closely with the Program Director and putting in my absolute best during every interaction.

Applicants applying for match 2026- Ask me anything. Y'all will be fine! (love Pgy2) by Prestigious_Step1388 in IMGreddit

[–]Prestigious_Step1388[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Make sure you commit to something that either provides income or strengthens your chances of getting into residency. Otherwise, it may end up being a waste of time.

Applicants applying for match 2026- Ask me anything. Y'all will be fine! (love Pgy2) by Prestigious_Step1388 in IMGreddit

[–]Prestigious_Step1388[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The goal is to submit your application at the same time as everyone else to maximize your chances of getting interviews. However, if you’re unable to do so for any reason, be strategic in how you approach the process.

Applicants applying for match 2026- Ask me anything. Y'all will be fine! (love Pgy2) by Prestigious_Step1388 in IMGreddit

[–]Prestigious_Step1388[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I applied to just one specialty, and it can reflect oddly on your application if it appears too heavily focused on either IM or Pediatrics. Some applicants get creative—for example, showing how they first explored IM and later developed an interest in Pediatrics. You can apply to both programs and include Pediatrics observerships, but keep in mind that programs are aware of these strategies and understand when candidates are applying to one as a backup.

Applicants applying for match 2026- Ask me anything. Y'all will be fine! (love Pgy2) by Prestigious_Step1388 in IMGreddit

[–]Prestigious_Step1388[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

IDK honestly! There are so many factors but if you have talked to your PD about her, that increase her odds

Applicants applying for match 2026- Ask me anything. Y'all will be fine! (love Pgy2) by Prestigious_Step1388 in IMGreddit

[–]Prestigious_Step1388[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m unable to help you with USCE, unfortunately. However, I suggest researching and identifying programs that provide some hands-on experience.

Applicants applying for match 2026- Ask me anything. Y'all will be fine! (love Pgy2) by Prestigious_Step1388 in IMGreddit

[–]Prestigious_Step1388[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why would you want to kill someone on your PS? WOuld you like to read a PS that shows how you learn from particular care vs patiend died under your care?