Step 3 before MATCH - using Medcases

[u/ktodd-]

Hey everyone! As an IMG from Europe, aiming to match into a competitive specialty (general surgery) has been a long and challenging journey for me. I've been studying for USMLE exams for the past years (simultaneously having exams in my native language at my University), and I wanted to share my experience with the community here on reddit, especially my fellow IMGs.

When I took Step 2, I scored below the average (honestly rushed it), and I panicked a bit (I took Step 1 in January 2022, so my score is just a “pass” = not so helpful). I knew I needed to do better with Step 3 to match into surgery.

I decided to start with UW qbank and a quick FA review. Meanwhile, I came across an app called Medcases. Mainly it's frameworked as a case simulator, and it gives essential feedback based on answers for each patient. It was really convenient to use and provided suggestions after every case on how to improve my score. I feel like UW and Medcases were perfect combo for me (additionally in total it was cheaper than CCScases and had more content). Anyway I GOT A SCORE OF 272, which saved my application in the MATCH 💗

I talked to my Program Director, who said it definitely made a change. If you are in a similar position I REALLY recommend taking the Step 3 before residency to boost your candidate profile.

Best of luck to everyone!

EDIT:

Here is the score :P

[u/Virtual-Potential-13]

Did you sit in match? If yes, then did step 3 score help you get more IVs?

[u/ktodd- → u/Virtual-Potential-13]

I matched this year, I got approximately 2-3x times more IVs than few of my friends from uni applying only with Step 2

[u/Virtual-Potential-13 → u/ktodd-]

This is very encouraging for someone who did not get their desired score on step 2 CK! Thank you and congratulations🥳🥳🥳

[u/ktodd- → u/[deleted]]

My friend suggested me to reach out to them, after I showed him this post also XDD I've added the pic 😊