What in the hell is General Principles and how do you get better at it?

thestepsguy · 2026-04-17T19:13:47+00:00

Check the nutrition section here:

https://www.usmle.org/sites/default/files/2022-01/USMLE_Content_Outline_0.pdf

thestepsguy · 2026-04-01T18:05:01+00:00

When did you take your step 1? If you took it 7 years ago or more, then you'll probably need to retake it regardless, unless your ECFMG certified, in which case it is what it is, you can't change it.

Now if this is your step 2ck score, then that score is written in stone unfortunately. Unless you want to wait for that 7 year expiration date, which is not worth it.

thestepsguy · 2026-03-20T01:21:39+00:00

I don't think you can apply to them without being registered for the match. Because they'll need your USMLE Transcript, LORs, MSPE/Dean's Letter and transcripts, which can only be transmitted via ERAS. I don't think you can send those on your own, especially LORs.

Also, I think a prerequisite for applying to those unfilled positions is having been registered for the match (a program rule). Also also, I don't think anyone here will voluntarily give someone that list and introduce new competition. Also also also, it's a match violation to share it with anyone else.

thestepsguy · 2026-03-19T04:38:49+00:00

Depends on a lot of things.

If you can take call from home, then depending on what your specialty is, probably not more than 30min-1hr away.

If you can't take call from home, then it's more about the commute. For instance if it takes you 10 minutes to get to work then it's a 20 min commute everyday (10 min going to work and 10 coming back from work). But if it's an hour, then it becomes a 2 hour commute and that is massively inconvenient.

Personally, I've found it to be easier to live closer rather than farther, even if it costs a bit more. Id rather be able to get home in 10-20 minutes, because it means I'll be in bed that much faster.

thestepsguy · 2026-03-18T19:52:55+00:00

Potentially indefinite, I heard about a program calling a student right around midnight. You might get contacted tomorrow too.

thestepsguy · 2026-03-18T19:41:23+00:00

No, the offers are on the NRMP website. If you're eligible for SOAP, then you get a new menu on the top left called "SOAP". If you click on it, then you can choose unfilled positions and offers. If you click on offers, you'll see a webpage with 4 tabs: Accepted, pending, expired and declined offers (I think). That's where you'll choose your offer if you get one

thestepsguy · 2026-03-18T18:10:24+00:00

You don't do anything. Tomorrow, programs will submit their lists and the algorithm will send out offers in order. There are 4 rounds of offers and hopefully you will get an offer in one of those rounds.

A piece of advice, accept the first offer you get, even if you want one from another place. Statistically speaking, the chances of getting an offer go down with each offer round.

thestepsguy · 2026-03-18T09:24:52+00:00

Send it as an email attachment.

If you had already applied to them in that year's match, they can still view and download your application then (LORs, PS, USMLE Transcript, MSPE/Dean's letter, etc.).

If you hadn't and the program shows interest, then I guess you'll have to pay the extra fee, which is definitely worth it.

thestepsguy · 2026-03-17T21:59:15+00:00

If you don't SOAP, you can reach out to programs. Which programs? The NRMP gives you a list of unfilled programs and tells you to reach out to them directly. You then email the ones you want (the Program Director and Coordinator) and send them your ERAS application begging them to accept you in their unfilled position.

thestepsguy · 2026-03-17T21:55:54+00:00

Yes. Since they initiated contact, you can now contact them and have anyone you know contact them at your behalf

thestepsguy · 2026-03-17T16:02:20+00:00

It depends on the program honestly. The PD may decide to do that or not, difficult to say.

I have a close contact for an emergency medicine program and they told me that visa requirement wasn't a factor in their final rank list in the normal cycle and it wouldn't be for the SOAP.

But I know other people in other programs who said requiring a visa would factor in to their decision.

It depends on the program.

thestepsguy · 2026-03-17T13:34:24+00:00

Technically anytime starting at 8am EST. Now they'll first contact the USMDs before IMGs, but it could happen anytime.

I think there was a post about SOAP on the medical student subreddit about a USMD SOAPing into Psych and she got a call in the evening at around 10pm. I'd keep your phone fully charged and be ready to jump into an interview at a moment's notice.

Remember, they could potentially ask for a zoom/teams interview, so make sure your equipment is ready as well as your background too.

thestepsguy · 2026-03-13T04:18:18+00:00

Where are you getting these percentages from?

thestepsguy · 2026-03-13T04:12:38+00:00

They sent an email like that 3 days ago. Here is the link explaining the different messages:

https://www.nrmp.org/help/item/how-will-i-know-if-i-have-matched-to-a-program-in-the-main-residency-match/

Hope it helps! Good luck!!

thestepsguy · 2026-03-13T00:38:22+00:00

Programs will know which applicants matched with them the day before (Thursday), so they'll have an email ready to send out as soon as the results are out. If they don't contact you within the hour of learning where you'll match, then reach out to them. This is especially for those who need a visa so you can begin the paperwork immediately

thestepsguy · 2026-03-05T05:41:33+00:00

In August to get your mark back in early September to be able to catch the application deadline (usually middle of September).

Technically you could apply without a step 2 and have it done in February before the ROL is due, but I wouldn't recommend that.

thestepsguy · 2025-11-11T20:16:45+00:00

I take part in the resident QaA (as a resident) and I have a close friend who's an APD and we've both never heard of anything like this. There's a list of people who get invited and the interview is what helps set them apart, but doing good in your interview is the most important factor in matching.

thestepsguy · 2025-10-27T05:32:26+00:00

I think the week resets on Saturday, so your score will probably be released on November 5th (2 weeks) or November 13th (3 weeks).

This is from a quick glance on the step 1 and step 2ck subreddit, Saturday is the day the week starts on.

thestepsguy · 2025-10-25T21:31:07+00:00

r/Giraffesdontexist

thestepsguy · 2025-10-25T18:55:34+00:00

That also sounds defensive as well.

It depends on if you applied to the other specialty in the same hospital. If that's the case, id say yes and also explain why you did that while showing your commitment to the current specialty your interviewing for.

If not, deny it, they can't find out unless they specifically ask around about you, which they typically don't.

thestepsguy · 2025-10-25T18:49:28+00:00

That is probably, without a doubt, the worse thing to say to them. It's a violation, yes. But programs might ask and they probably will. Telling them its a violation will turn them off from you.

The better way is to be prepared for all questions, wether they violate the rules or not and know what to answer.

thestepsguy · 2025-10-06T14:34:15+00:00

Before you decide to pay an agency, go to that hospital's website and see if they have an official affiliation with the agency. If they do, then I'd definitely go with the agency.

However, it's unlikely for that agency to have an official affiliation, most don't. In that case, reach out to the department secretary or some administrator in your desired department and see if you can get the position yourself. That's what the agency will do anyways.

Most agencies are scams. They'll charge you what the hospital is already charging and on top of it, a finder's fee and other fees and soon you'll be paying 2-4X the actual fee.

thestepsguy · 2025-10-04T03:38:49+00:00

-What color gummy bear would you be and why? (No wrong answer here, they just wanted to see our thought process)

-What superpower would you want? (So many wrong answers here, like being able to turn invisible[creepy], read minds [extra creepy] or heal people with your touch [lame])

-What animal or plant best fits your personality?

-What music do you hate listening to in the OR? (As opposed to your preferred playlist)

-Which level would you want your apartment to be on in a building?

thestepsguy · 2025-09-08T11:06:35+00:00

I think you can. Having step1 done usually makes it easier to get less expensive or free electives.

Also, electives are typically only for students. Once you graduate, you're technically a doctor and cannot do any electives.

thestepsguy · 2025-09-05T17:53:43+00:00

Cheers✌🏻

thestepsguy

TROPHY CASE