Summary of Findings:
> Everyone has a Shot!
Residency programs don't base their interview decisions solely on USMLE step 1 scores. Students with weaker Step 1 scores actually submitted fewer applications per interview received compared to students with solid or marginal scores. Residency program interest in students is multifactorial and depends on more then just scores.
> Don't miss an opportunity to market yourself!
IMG's who didn't attend all interviews missed important opportunities to match.
> If you Dance (interview), you have a chance!
Non-matching applicants didn't rank all the programs they interviewed at. A small number IMG's would have matched if they had ranked programs that ranked them. So if you would be willing to do a residency at the instituation, you should rank all the programs that you have an interview with.
> If you like it put a rank on it!
Non-matching applicants didn't rank all the programs they would be willing to attend.
Mistakes that non-matching applicants were more likely to make:
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Failed to rank all the programs they would be willing to attend.
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Failed to rank a mix of competitive and less competitive programs.
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Ranked programs that didn't interview them. Applicants will not match at programs that they have not had an interview.
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Ranked programs based on their likelihood of matching rather then preference.
Here's what you should do to be successful: Rank List Advice
Source: “Understanding the Interview and Ranking Behaviors of Unmatched International Medical Students and Graduates in the 2013 Main Residency Match” Journal of Graduate Medical Education, December 2015; 610-615 http://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/JGME-Dec-2015_Unmatched-IMG-in-2013-MRM.pdf