I'm hoping you ranked all 7 programs, instead of just 3. If not, you really shot yourself in the foot.
You didn't mention what field you're applying to.
Yes, programs will take you with a visa in the scramble/after the match.
To improve: More US clinical experience, apply to more programs, apply to less competitive field, rank everywhere you interviewed (if not done already)
I don't know anything about an ECFMG PDF. But anything that is "static" is out of date within 24 hours.
Thanks for the reply.!!!
I applied 260 progs 100rad/100IM/30PrelimSx/30PrelimMed
I ranked all the 7 programs; 5IM/1Radio/1prelimSx.
Previous 5 month USCE includes 2 month of clerkship at Harvard. 1month observership at small community hospital for IM , where I did interview too. Had managed to get good Lor's there BUT unfortunately worked in the unit which gets faculty from outside that hospital ie. People who are not on interview panel for that hospital, so there LOR/opinion didn't had the same weight v/s other observers who shadowed the PD & other big shots there.
I wanted to do Radiology, but after this year's experience I think I will do IM first( I am still in denial that I did not match- honestly I was worried what if I match in some places that I didn't want to go but still ranked low; now looking back at it- it would have been the best thing if I matched at the last program on my list too) Got a good reality check.... At the end if the day I am an IMG who needs visa..
Now next year im planning to do IM & complete one residency under my belt and then go for Radiology, if I still feel that strongly about it and my circumstances don't make me cave to start working after my residency. ( constructive criticism on this part will be very valuable )
Q.1 Since I am done with my medical school I can't do clerkships, all I can do is observership. Do they help ? ie. Will doing more observerships help me if a clerkship(which is hands on) fom Harvard couldn't help me- bcoz finances and visa is a concern, have to strike a balance between ideal and feasible.
Q.2 Which one is better:-
doing research at a fancy IV league college where chances of getting an interview are less or
observership at small community hospital which might offer me an interview or
going back to home country and teaching/research/working in a medical college as a faculty till next match ?
I Apologize for the long reply, I can't afford a counselor or a shrink here. This is as good as it gets for a closure/vent out for me.