Myth Vs. Truth: Residencies & the USMLEs
There are many myths about how failing USMLE exams will affect your residency program application. The main myth being that if you fail, you may not land a good residency.
It’s not the end of the road for you if you get a low score on a USMLE. There are many things you can do to remedy yourself.
Found out what here…
Here are two common myths about the USMLEs:
USMLE Attempts
- Myth: You will not get interviews from residencies if you take a USMLE exam many times.
- Truth: Many residency programs are not bothered by how many times you took the exams. They are more concerned with the effort you put into showing your determination.
Older & International Med School Graduates
- Myth: Most older medical graduates or international graduates will not pass the USMLEs, and therefore will not get residencies in the U.S.
- Truth: There is no age limit to taking any USMLE. But older med school graduates and IMGs that have graduated from medical school over 5 years prior will not get residencies in the U.S. without more schooling.
5 Tips to Apply for a Residency After Taking USMLEs Multiple Times
Here are a few strategies you can use to apply for residency if you’ve taken any USMLE more than once:
1. Check State Restrictions
Some states have a limit on how many times you can take the USMLE exams. If you go above the limit you will not get a residency in the state.
It’s important that you know such details. This way, you avoid wasting time applying for a residency in a state that will not take you.
2. Look out for Residency Program Restrictions
Some residency programs interview students based on their number of attempts at a USMLE. Knowing if a program has restrictions as to how many times you may attempt a USMLE will help you while applying.
This way, you won’t waste time on residency programs that will not take you.
3. Tell Your Story to Other Med Students
If you failed one USMLE exam but passed others, tell your USMLE stories to other medical school students and graduates. Tell how you worked harder to come back from the setback.
Show residency application readers that you are determined to be a physician. Make sure your app shows that your setback motivated you to put in more effort.
4. Have a Strong Residency Application
Make sure your residency application is strong. Get all the letters of recommendation from your clinical experience. Ensure your specialty has been well highlighted.
Leave no holes and time gaps in your application. Let it show your determination. And why you deserve the residency to help you land the interview of a lifetime.
How to Have a Successful Residency Interview That Gets the Job Done
5. Focus on the Other USMLE Steps
If you fail in one step of the USMLE, don’t waste time moping over it. Instead, work harder on the other Steps and keep moving forward.
For instance, if you did not pass the USMLE Step 1 exam, you can remedy yourself by doing well in the USMLE Step 2 CK exam. It’s the perfect chance to show your clinical abilities and whether or not you’re cut for practicing medicine.
Get Help with the USMLEs
No matter which Step you’re on, MedSmarter is here to help. We provide local Atlanta medical students with 1:1 tutoring and courses with small class sizes on our Suwanee, GA campus.
For non-locals, one-on-one, face-to-face live tutoring is available via web conferencing. Sessions are taught by board-licensed physician instructors who know what it takes to land a quality residency.
Get the USMLE test prep you need to get a high score. Click the link below for more details.
