Make sure you know the score you need to match in the US in the specialty you want. As an IMG, your Step 1 score is of significant importance in your matching process, because your USMLE scores are the most comparable piece of information. The NRMP just released updated results on IMG match. We summarize some of the findings below and provide general tips to help formulate a great study plan that will maximize your peak potential.

What Types of IMG’s Match

Some of the most important factors the report below noted is that IMG applicants who are the most successful in matching to their preferred specialty are more likely to:

• rank more programs within their preferred specialty
• have higher USMLE scores
• have fewer attempts at ECFMG certification examinations
• have obtained ECFMG certification closer to the Match year (2013)
• have graduated from medical school closer to the Match year (2013)

Average Step 1 Scores of IMG Match by Specialty

Below is a table summarizing USMLE Step 1 averages by specialty reported in the 2013 NRMP and ECFMG Publish Charting Outcomes in the Match for International Medical Graduates.

2013 Step 1 Scores of Matched Applicants
by Preferred Specialty and IMG Application Type
	U.S IMG			Non US IMG
Specialty	Matched	Unmatched		Matched	Unmatched
All Specialties	217	204		227	213
Anesthesiology	234	210		226	219
Emergency Medicine	225	215		226	217
Family Medicine	206	198		213	204
Internal Medicine	221	205		231	217
Neurology	216	203		230	214
Obstetrics and GYN	221	207		226	215
Pathology	224	204		226	214
Pediatrics	216	201		223	211
Physical Medicine & Rehab	223	207		220	211
Psychiatry	205	198		214	205
Radiology	237	223		232	219
General Surgery	227	216		233	221

References

NRMP and ECFMG Publish Charting Outcomes in the Match for International Medical Graduates.

It is important to note that the above scores reflect the average Step 1 scores and that it is possible to match with lower scores than those shown in the table. Take a look at the 2013 NRMP and ECFMG Publish Charting Outcomes in the Match for International Medical Graduates data to get an even clearer picture of how students in your specialty fared in the 2013 match in order for you to develop an appropriate score goal.

General Tips to Prepare for Step 1 as an IMG

Once you pass a Step exam, you cannot retake it. So we recommend taking an NBME® practice exam to determine if you are ready for the actual exam. This practice exam will also provide you with an idea of what you need to focus on during your preparation period. If you score low on your practice exam, give special attention to building a solid foundation and thoroughly reviewing pharmacology, physiology and pathology. Give yourself a week for each subject, making sure to add important information from each subject-based review book to a comprehensive review book. This studying should take place during the morning and then again in afternoon after a short break. Then, concentrate on question bank questions in the evening (in timed mixed mode). Allow yourself three weeks of additional studying. Then take another NBME to see how your score has changed. After your foundation is strengthened, you will be prepared for the DIT course, which will provide you with a comprehensive review of the most pertinent, high-yield information for the USMLE. Focus on DIT review course videos in your morning study sessions and QBank questions in the afternoon and evening for the next three weeks and you should be much more prepared.

Your Step 1 score is important. Be better prepared for The Match by knowing the score you need!