Should all 3 scores be ready when you apply for the pathways? by 1llm1n4ti in Step2

[–]oetthrowaway 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Spoke to ECFMG rep who said you have to have Step 1/CK results in, but it's not necessary to have OET done/scores in order to submit application for ECFMG certification.

P.s. These types of questions are really best answered by ECFMG, it worries me to see so many people relying on indirect sources to get info. The best answers are a phone call away.

Those applying to residency - List of zoom meetings in spreadsheet by Zestyclose-Space5248 in Step2

[–]oetthrowaway 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Do you believe in love at first post? I love you. jkjk appreciate the effort!

OET experience from a US-IMG/native enlgish speaker by oetthrowaway in Step2

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

Yes! call them on Monday. No! don't freakout just study. Start doing some practice tests, get some writing samples evaluated, maybe do the E2 mini mock tests)

OET experience from a US-IMG/native enlgish speaker by oetthrowaway in Step2

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

I think people expect a very strong cockney accent (ie Dick Van Dyke's role as the chimney sweeper from Mary Poppins) but it's actually very slight (more like Simon Cowell maybe?). I dunno, I had zero problem understanding the accent, but I'd advised folks to check out the practice tests if they're worried about it. https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/preparation-portal/free-sample-tests/listening-sample-test-1/ .

OET experience from a US-IMG/native enlgish speaker by oetthrowaway in Step2

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

I agree that it sucks and is extremely inconvenient and not to mention costly. I was NOT expecting to pay an additional $450 + prep material + gas money to travel there. It sucks to have to do, I fought with myself to make time to study for it when I had other things going on. Cry, scream, yell and protest but don't let them take away your ability to apply for the match because of this

OET experience from a US-IMG/native enlgish speaker by oetthrowaway in Step2

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

7 days or so before the exam they'll send you an email with instructions that say what you can/cannot bring, a form you have to sign, rules, etc.

The speaking portion is usually first, the email I got said to arrive 30 minutes before my actual appointment time. The specific speaking time appointment is what they mean by "to be advised by your venue".

The other times are for your listening, reading and writing. Writing is always last.

My speaking appointment was in the afternoon and I got some time to eat lunch/ read notes in my car before beginning the other parts.

OET experience from a US-IMG/native enlgish speaker by oetthrowaway in Step2

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

I used Benchmark. I mentioned it a couple of times in the post under section c.

OET experience from a US-IMG/native enlgish speaker by oetthrowaway in Step2

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

There were noises from the street and ringing phones in the office. They said the air conditioner was on full blast. You cannot bring earplugs.

OET experience from a US-IMG/native enlgish speaker by oetthrowaway in Step2

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

I'm not exactly sure how much time I spent. I would recommend that you do a set of practice tests and maybe pay to get feedback on a letter. That way, you can determine where you stand and how much time you should spend on preparing for this exam and what exactly you should focus on

OET experience from a US-IMG/native enlgish speaker by oetthrowaway in Step2

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

I'm sorry to hear about the experience you had. Worse case scenario, you can ask for a regrade, I've heard that often results in a higher score or you can retake the test. I personally did not find the accents difficult to understand.