In summery the new changes are about three things:

First:
Applicants who have used Letters of Recommendation (LORs) in 2010 season can now reuse the same LORs in their 2011 application. This will significantly save time and make it easier for them if they want to reuse the same previous LORs. However, I don’t think it’s a good idea to use the same LOR in the match while in fact you have failed the match last year! Get a new updated LOR and perhaps this time you need to get a “higher profile” LOR.

Second:
The ECFMG Medical School Web Portal (EMSWP) can now access certain parts of your ERAS services. For example your medical school can directly upload your MSPE, Dean letter, LORs, Medical school transcripts, ..etc Again, this will make the 2011 match application significantly faster than previous year. If your medical school is not a participant in the EMSWP I suggest you yourself go and encourage them to do so. Your medical school official should start by emailing this address emswpadmin@ecfmg.org

Third:
You all remember that LORs used to have an ERAS recommendation that it should not be signed in “black” ink because when they scan it and send it to the PDs they didn’t want them to look “as copies”. Now, this is no longer a requirement, your LOR writer can sign it in black ink or any other color

Step 1 – Download UTORRENT

http://www.utorrent.com/downloads/complete?os=win (Windows version)

or

http://www.utorrent.com/downloads/complete?os=mac (Mac version)

Step 2 – Restart your computer

Now you can download files – please test your speed and connectivity.

Please use any of our USMLE Torrent Downloads to test your download speed:

http://www.usmletorrent.com/our-samples/

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Currently, the USMLE program accepts either a valid Standard ECFMG Certificate or a valid Fifth Pathway certificate (issued through December 31, 2009) from international medical graduates for purposes of meeting Step 3 eligibility requirements. The governing committee of the USMLE program and the USMLE parent organizations (the Federation of State Medical Boards and the National Board of Medical Examiners) have determined that the USMLE program will cease acceptance of Fifth Pathway certificates for the purpose of meeting Step 3 eligibility requirements, effective January 1, 2017. Individuals who hold valid Fifth Pathway certificates, and are otherwise eligible, may use their Fifth Pathway certificates to meet Step 3 eligibility requirements, and may apply for Step 3, through December 31, 2016.

Individuals holding Fifth Pathway certificates that are not accepted by the USMLE program for purposes of meeting Step 3 eligibility will be required to obtain ECFMG certification in order to be eligible for Step 3.

If you hold a valid Fifth Pathway certificate but have not completed the full USMLE sequence, you should remain mindful of the December 31, 2016 deadline, after which use of your Fifth Pathway certificate to meet Step 3 eligibility requirements will not be permitted.

As a result of such a review for USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK), the Step 2 Committee decided to raise the three-digit score recommended to pass Step 2 CK from 184 to 189. In addition, the Committee decided to closely monitor performance trends in the coming year and to re-examine minimum passing requirements in 2011.

The new minimum passing score will be applied to Step 2 CK examinations for which the first day of testing is on or after July 1, 2010.