GRE FOR USMLE ?

Many Foreign Medical Graduates contemplate on giving the GRE as an 'easier route' to getting into the USA - since visas are easier. Let us look at some pros and cons of this route.

Pros :

1. Student Visa (F1) easier - you can take the Step 2 CS at peace
2. Exam fees are about 110 $ cheaper for any USMLE step if given in the USA ( ha ha..hardly a benefit I know )
3. Really good if you finish Step 1 and Step 2 before coming to USA
4. The course you do might benefit by giving you a higher consideration by University based residency programs
5. If the University you end up getting admitted for a Masters'/PhD is affiliated to a hospital, it is a good chance to get involved in voluntary clinical research and observerships on a valid student visa , which will eventually benefit u for residency applications
6. Many physicians after their residency wish to be 'different' from the herd, doing a Masters before your MD differentiates you :-) After an MD, not many will be willing to back to to school...

Cons:

1. These days, finding complete funding like scholarships and assistantships is not easy - so this must turn out to an expensive route
2. This is often a longer route, considering 1 to 2 years to complete your Masters and 5 years to complete a PhD - but a shorter course like an MPH can get around this problem

Compiling a few tips and tricks for the GRE exam at GRE4u.blogspot.com