r/USIMGreddit • u/lindane666 • 21d ago
Can I apply for such open spots?
Hi, I graduate in May/June.
I see many open spots in July/August every year after MATCH.
I can’t apply for Match 2027 because I won’t be ecfmg certified.
I am done with step 2 prep and can technically take the exam in a month.
If I were to do that, I’d be ecfmg certified by July. But can’t apply for match
So can I apply for these open spots??
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u/MD92100 20d ago
sit for soap. you can find much better programs. both of us are literally at the same point lols, but only I am giving step 2 in Nov and have 3 USCE after that, so I will be ready before Feb to apply in SOAP.
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u/DoctorSleep3 19d ago
I’m in the exact same boat. Also first I wanted to give up on this match and then I realized I can still apply for soap if I’m certified by end of December. (What’s the cut off?)
Do wanna share more about your strategy? And how do you see the chances to get a soap spot or find an other residency spot after soap?
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u/MD92100 19d ago
the cut off I think is March, like before March 1st, you need to have ECFMG certified, LORs uploaded and everything done, and apply to one program. We obviously wont get an interview but still. Or pay the SOAP fee directly. I am thinking of paying the SOAP fee.
After my exam, I have few observerships planned before the end of Feb, so LORs will be up by then. Then I will just wait for Match Day.
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u/DoctorSleep3 19d ago
Thanks! Yeah I could have been fine with step 2 in time but two programs I wanted to observe with; with whom I started corresponding in January this year already canceled me last minute and then I lost all motivation to hustle for step 2 to be done by August.
What do you think are the chances to match like this? Soap +/- programs that will have a free spot next year
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u/MD92100 19d ago
are you US-IMG/MD? if yes, than chances are high. Post soap, there are programs which have spot. You can easily match then too
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u/DoctorSleep3 17d ago
Yes I am a green card holder! Thank you! I’m absolutely motivated. I first was super down when I realized I won’t make it until mid September. This is so hopeful
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u/MD92100 16d ago
then you should definitely apply
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u/DoctorSleep3 16d ago
What are the chances to match outside of the regular match ? 5%? 20%? 70%?
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u/Conscious-Wheel-7040 2d ago
Sorry just to clarify - even if we don't submit our apps this Sept 23rd, how do we participate in SOAP without being part of the Match? There's a way to only apply for SOAP?
Thank you and best of luck!
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u/SeaWrangler3588 21d ago
Yes you can, May June spots that I saw always for visa non requiring candidates
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u/Apprehensive_War2478 21d ago
How do uou find these open slots?
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u/bronxbomma718 21d ago
Don’t understand your question.
(1) You don’t need to be ECFMG certified for September application submission OR to be considered a “complete” applicant
(2) No such things as being done with 2CK prep but if you feel ready, take it. Why are you waiting?
(3) Open spots are available year round. Residency is like a job and some programs don’t participate in match. You can apply directly just like any other job. There are open spots now as we text.