Is it wiser to try for USMLE exam to secure PG residency program in USA?
Yes. when compared to indian context,where to get PG seat through competitive exam is difficult and to purchase a management seat at 1.5 crore rupees ( 2.5 lac $),trying for USMLE is far far better option.
its also a worthwhile investment. Once you join the residency, you would be able to earn($4000/month), sufficient money to pay for your previous debts/expenses.
Exam Expenses. its presumed that the student appearing for step 1& 2CK in india.
USMLE Step1 exam fee - $ 940- + if attending Kaplan coaching it costs around $500-$750
USMLE Step2 CK exam fee $ 940/- + kaplan coaching ($500-750)
USMLE Step2 CS $ 1295/-
USMLE Step 3 $ 1000.
Total exam fees: 4200 $
Kaplan coaching: 2000 $
Total 1200 $ 4500$
Interviews
Residency Application Expenses
As an IMG it’s better to apply a lot of programs to get the interviews. Generally people apply from anywhere between 50 to 150 programs and it will cost anywhere between 1000 to 3000 dollars. You also need to pay a small amount to the NRMP for the match which is around $50.
Residency Interview Expenses
Then there is the cost associated with the interviews. You may need to travel from one place to another. The travel cost vary depending on the mode of travel. Buses are the cheapest, followed by the train and air travel is expensive as usual. You may need to stay in the place you will be interviewed. If you don't have a friend or a relative to accommodate you, then staying in the hotel can be expensive. Hotel rates may start around $40/day to higher as you wish.
Other Expenses: minimum $ 1000/ month. for 6months it comes to $6000.
The most expensive part is staying in the US. If you do not have someone who can accommodate you during your stay, it will become rather very expensive. Additional costs may include communication expenses. You won’t be able to stay in the US without a cell phone and it will cost you $50 per month. Internet charges will be taken care of by the person who is accommodating you.
so,the total minimum cost for USMLE expedition would be : $10000 to 15000 (5 to 7.5 lac rupees.
Yes. when compared to indian context,where to get PG seat through competitive exam is difficult and to purchase a management seat at 1.5 crore rupees ( 2.5 lac $),trying for USMLE is far far better option.
its also a worthwhile investment. Once you join the residency, you would be able to earn($4000/month), sufficient money to pay for your previous debts/expenses.
Exam Expenses. its presumed that the student appearing for step 1& 2CK in india.
USMLE Step1 exam fee - $ 940- + if attending Kaplan coaching it costs around $500-$750
USMLE Step2 CK exam fee $ 940/- + kaplan coaching ($500-750)
USMLE Step2 CS $ 1295/-
USMLE Step 3 $ 1000.
Total exam fees: 4200 $
Kaplan coaching: 2000 $
| Other costs for USMLE | US Citizen | FMG |
| Air Travel for USMLE Step2 CS | 150+ | 1800 |
| Air Travel for USMLE Step3 | 150+ | 1800 |
| Accommodation STEP 2 CS - Share, paying guest | 300* | 300* |
| Accommodation - STEP 3 | 300* | 300* |
| Food & Misc (phone,travel to and from etc) | 300^ | 300^ |
Residency Application Process
The costs listed below are for one speciality only. If you intend to apply for more than one speciality, cost will be more.
The costs listed below are for one speciality only. If you intend to apply for more than one speciality, cost will be more.
| Number of programs per speciality | US Citizen | FMG |
| 1 to 10 | 65 | 65 |
| 11 to 20 | 8 each | 8 each |
| 21 to 30 | 15 each | 15 each |
| 31 or more | 25 each | 25 each |
| Total (from Example 1 below) | 295 | 295 |
Other Fees
| US Citizen | FMG | |
| ERAS Token | 90 | 90 |
| NRMP Registration | 50 | 50 |
| USMLE Transcript | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
| US Citizen | FMG | |
| Travel | 750 | 750 |
| Hotel | 500 | 500 |
| Food & Misc (travel to and from) | 300 | 300 |
| Total | 1250& | 1250& |
Miscellaneous
| US Citizen | FMG | |
| Sending documents | 250 | 250 |
| Other | 150 | 150 |
| Total | 400 | 400 |
Residency Application Expenses
As an IMG it’s better to apply a lot of programs to get the interviews. Generally people apply from anywhere between 50 to 150 programs and it will cost anywhere between 1000 to 3000 dollars. You also need to pay a small amount to the NRMP for the match which is around $50.
Residency Interview Expenses
Then there is the cost associated with the interviews. You may need to travel from one place to another. The travel cost vary depending on the mode of travel. Buses are the cheapest, followed by the train and air travel is expensive as usual. You may need to stay in the place you will be interviewed. If you don't have a friend or a relative to accommodate you, then staying in the hotel can be expensive. Hotel rates may start around $40/day to higher as you wish.
Other Expenses: minimum $ 1000/ month. for 6months it comes to $6000.
The most expensive part is staying in the US. If you do not have someone who can accommodate you during your stay, it will become rather very expensive. Additional costs may include communication expenses. You won’t be able to stay in the US without a cell phone and it will cost you $50 per month. Internet charges will be taken care of by the person who is accommodating you.
so,the total minimum cost for USMLE expedition would be : $10000 to 15000 (5 to 7.5 lac rupees.
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