Re: help scheduling
harry206 - 05-12-09 11:52

Hi usmlefever,
I gave my CS in houston.
there are many motels & hotels around CS center.
Most preffered & cheapest is Days INN (but i was not able to book my room, as advance booking here is like1.5-2 month). Days INN even give free ride to CS center.
I think Houston is cheapest of all center
But there is NO difference w.r.t passing or failure rate in any center, all are equal
Even i have NO relative in US. I am from India too....
So take any center date....& do it fast, as dates for CS are very difficult to get

Regarding AM & PM scheduling, it is all upto you.
Mine was AM, i was free by 3:30 PM, some prefer PM because you can get up bit late also.
But do consider safety issue if you are opting for PM schedule (although all center are safe, but do check & also how far is ur hotel from CS)

Good Luck

Re: help scheduling
usmlefever3 - 05-12-09 12:09

thanks harry for quick response ...........can you send me the details of days INN .Do they book 1.5-2 months in advance........what was the fare charge to travel to houston from india .what's the average expenditure there in food,travel and staying at hotel

Re: help scheduling
harry206 - 05-12-09 12:28

Hi,
Don't worry about expenditure, it is less then other ceter in US
Hosuton is cheap compared to other
U can check airlines for travel (because i did my CS in sep last yr, it was different then)

go to google map & search for all motels around cs center (it is easy)

For all Houston info:
http://www.usmle.org/Examinations/step2/cs/houston.html

likewise search for others

Good Luck

Re: help scheduling
usmlefever3 - 05-12-09 12:56

thanks once again
I had earlier decided to give step 2 ck in july and step 2 cs in august 2009.But after looking at reporting schedule of step 2 cs, do you think i should take step 2 cs first as it takes longer for reports being available.
How much time ECFMG takes in giving ECFMG certificate ?i know people say that we should apply by september 1 but what's the maximum date for applying to various programs in order to have fair chance in matching process

Re: help scheduling
harry206 - 05-12-09 13:08

there is no maximum date
better to apply on sep 1
but legally u can apply in dec also (but then interview calls will be less)
i think take CS when date is available, continue ur study for step 2 ck also.
Look for ecfmg website for reporting for CS result
take dates accordingly....

GL

Re: help scheduling
bingousmle - 05-12-09 15:49

hi usmlefever3 .. are you done with your credential verification? can you guide me regarding the same..

Re: help scheduling
adonis123 - 05-13-09 00:03



Usmlefever3,you will get your ECFMG Certificate within 2 weeks of your Step-2 CS result.
It is always better to apply early.So, apply early if u can.So,do not go for the maximum date.
In my opinion it is better to pass your Step-2 CS first.This because the PD's have turned too much suspicious about IMG's passing the Step-2 CS test due to the increase in the failure rate.
But,take Step-2CS only if you are fully prepared.

Good Luck.

Re: help scheduling
usmlefever3 - 05-13-09 01:12

thanks adonis for the information
At present,step 2 cs dates are only available after 15 august ,so i scheduled my step 2 cs on 19 august at houston.But,i also find that dates may be available if someone cancels or new dates are opened by USMLE as 28 may dates are available now.In this case,i think i should first get my visa then start looking for such dates in last june or july .Meanwhile i can prepare for step 2 cs and step 2 ck simultaneously.
My only concern is will i get the visa if i don't have step 2 cs confirmation date and step 2 ck score report?
Also,i would like to know how much time is required for preparing for step 2 cs ?What do you think is the reason behind large number of failures by IMG ?

Re: help scheduling
usmlefever3 - 05-13-09 01:18


I finally got over the process of verification of medical education credentials just last week.It took 8 months as my medical school signatures were not authorized by ECFMG.So,i talked to college and asked them to send ECFMG there authorized signatures.After that was done,my credentials were verified.
If you are facing similar situation ,go to your medical school and they can only help you regarding this.


hey bingo! have you scheduled your step 2 cs ?

Re: help scheduling
adonis123 - 05-13-09 02:02



If you apply for visa ,do have your CS confirmation date with you.
It will help u in getting the Visa because the visa officer will ask u about the purpose of your visit.
Yes,it would be better if u had your Step-2CK scores with u as well,but it is not essential to have them.
About Step-2 CS I must tell that u must practice a lot before taking the test.
Do a timed practice with someone in the US.Search for a practice partner.
Practice each and every case scenario at least twice.
Practice until you are spontaneous i.e, when u donot need to think too much about the questions u need to ask.
Use simple words.Be slow.Speak loud.Do Smile.Ask permissions.Do not be in a haste.
Dissect the Chief complaint.Ask about two or three associated symptoms.
Counsel a lot.Address their concerns.Show respect.
Be with the patient always.
If u follow these guidelines,I m sure u will pass.
People fail beause they think there is nothing serious about Step-2S,so they take it in a haste without practicing in a proper manner.
Good Luck
Hope u get the Speialty of your choice.

Re: help scheduling
usmlefever3 - 05-13-09 02:19

thanks adonis for the wonderful advices for preparing step 2 cs.
Do cs confirmation letter is essential as i have ECFMG visa letter ?New dates that are available on ECFMG scheduling CS calender is on short notice ....may be just 10-15 days back ..........so,if i schedule my date just 15 days from now and then get to visa interview ..........what will happen if my visa application is rejected .........will i have to pay the cancellation fees as it is with in 14 days notice period ?

Re: help scheduling
adonis123 - 05-13-09 02:39



It is always better to play safe.So, take the CS confirmation with you.
My advice for u is to schedule your CS exam first on a date which u can then change later without any fees(i.e; atleast more than 20 days away from the visa interview date).
After this go for the visa interview.Then after getting the Visa you are free to reschedule it for the date of your choice.
This is what I did.
This will also remove a lot of stress from u.
Do not make haste and take steps appropriately.
Good Luck.

Re: help scheduling
usmlefever3 - 05-13-09 02:46

i have scheduled for 19 august as it was the earliest available date.Can i apply for visa in last week of may for traveling in august with the confirmation letter of august ?

Re: help scheduling
adonis123 - 05-13-09 03:09



There is no harm in it if u have a proper documentation with it.
Also, God forbid, if visa is rejected one can have enough time to apply again.
So, have faith in God and apply for the visa.
Be honest during the Visa interview.
Good Luck.

Re: help scheduling
usmlefever3 - 05-13-09 03:12

thanks adonis for being so helpful

Re: help scheduling
bingousmle - 05-13-09 03:44



no not yet.. actually i will get my degree certificate on 28 may..so i am waiting until then.. i know its very foolish to wait but i have not many options...

Re: help scheduling
usmlefever3 - 05-13-09 04:03

Do you want to apply as a graduate after 28 may.....why din't you apply as a student?
what do you plan to do in scenario that no dates are available till 15 august ?

i have send you add request on my gtalk account usmlefever3@gmail.com