Page 1 of 1: step 2cs dates only in OCt ... Will I be ready for 2009 match

QCDOC · Credits: 497 My Scrapbook

Hi,

I recently searched for step 2 cs dates.... Unfortunately theres are no dates available till oct..... IF I appear in OCT for Step 2cs .... Will I be able to particiapte in 2009 match.... and When can I recieve ECFMG certificate....

Can anyone clarify my Q in this forum...

Thank you

QCDOC

rks · Credits: 478 My Scrapbook

Dear QCDOC

Its a very good question that you asked and there are quite a few people struggle with the similar problem.
Lemme tell you few facts I gathered when applied for M-2008.

Having ECFMG certified is an added advantage but not having it will not stop you from the Match. You can still apply for the programs and will be eligible for Match (as long as you have scores of Step1 & 2CK).
A candidate MUST pass step2CS before starting the residency (i.e. Aug2009 in your case). Though you would agree that in the wake of fierce competition, more and more programs are prefering someone with ECFMG certificate if other credentials are similar.

Still there is an advantage of taking CS in October. That way you can attend you interview calls and take CS during the same visit, helps avoiding the hassle of going there twice and saves few bucks. Most interview calls will be in late-Oct, Nov and Dec.

If you are looking for H1B sponsoring programs then it will be a bit trickier. To be eligible for Step3 you got to have ECFMG certificate. Now for the Oct CS exam the result will come in first week of December. That means you will have to act quickly to get Step3 date. If you take you step3 in even in January still you'll have enough time before the Match day.

In nutshell there are clear advantages of having ECFMG certificate before applying but this is NOT the end of the world and there are number of people get matched being in your position.

I would advise you to have a calender, calculate all your moves carefully and mark the calender accordingly.

Cheers and all the best

QCDOC · Credits: 497 My Scrapbook

Hi Rks,

Sorry for the delay in reply.

Thank you very much for your detailed post.

I clearly understand that ECFMG certificate will definitely improve one's chance to get interview calls... that too me being an old graduate...

I am trying to approach with the ECFMG certificate...

I am interested in FM or OBG as I have PG in OBG... Let me see how it goes..

May I know where ARE YOU MATCHED...

tHANKS
qcdoc

job · Credits: 689 My Scrapbook

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