1) Future residency applicants, the USMLE recently announced a significant change to the Step exam calendar – moving from near continuous availability to limited testing dates starting in 2028. There will only be a 45-day window to test. USMLE posits that this change will improve the integrity of the exams. They say they will expand the number of testing centers to mitigate fewer exam dates.
Of note, this will make strategic timing around clerkships, the application season, and the Match more difficult for students.
2) For IMGs applying to residency this year, please note that ERAS tokens are now available through the Intealth portal. If you are applying through ResidencyCAS instead of ERAS (obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine), you do not need an ERAS token.
