Hello.
I am an IMG wanting to pursue Neurosurgery in the US. I know it's extremely difficult, and many try and only few manage to succeed. 
I had given my Step1 about two yrs ago, and could manage only a score of around 235-240. I should not be giving reasons, but I was totally not prepared for it due to personal reasons but couldn't cancel the scheduled slot. 
I have consistently been the topper of my class for all the 4yrs and received gold medals in most of the individual subjects as well (from a top5-10 ranked medical school of my country). 
I can only think if Neurosurgery as a career ahead, and am not even considering other options. 
I've managed to do some research, published a few and working on a few more. 
I plan to give my Step2 (and try my best), and do a few subI/observerships next year (if everything returns to normalcy).
What are my chances of getting interviews/matching for 2021 cycle, or with research year off for 2022 cycle? Wanted straightforward honest replies, even if that hurts very bad. 
I'd would rather focus on residency in my home country, and am sure I'd do much better with little preparation, but even if there's 1-5% chances of matching in US, I want to give it a shot.
Appreciate all the guidance in advance.
Thanks!

I've been looking into research year options, and originally aimed to only work under a neurosurgeon scientist with the thought that it would be better to get a letter from someone in the field. Unfortunately, these connections are hard to come by and I'm now wondering if I should start reaching out to non-neurosurgeons who are performing similar research. What are people's thoughts on this? Is it worth it if it means working in a productive lab with an interesting project, or does the lack of a neurosurgeon letter offset the benefits?

im going to begin medical school soon and was wondering what is needed in terms of extracurriculars for NS. In order to get into med school I needed research, clinical experience , nonclincal experience, etc. what is needed in order to match neurosurgery besides grades, test scores, LORs,etc. basically what I’m asking is: what do I need to do in terms of extracurriculars in order to successfully match? Do I just need to work on research and pubs?

How does applying to sub-I process work? When do we do this? 
Is sub-I competitive? How many do we need to apply/complete internship? Is it paid?
Why can't we just do one in our home department? Do we have to APPLY to our own department sub-I as well? Are they allow to reject their own students..? 

What are the "tiers" for sub-I programs? Does it matter?

-naive 1st year medical student in California 
Thank you

H1b visa and fellowship.

Are they any residents out there currently with H1b visa that is interested in fellowship?

I believe you cannot do it because of 6 year cap.

Does anyone know anything about this?? Thanks!

If one left a program for whatever reason as a midlevel resident PGY-3, PGY-4 (forced to resign, quit, fired, etc.) and still want to prove self and pursue their dream of neurosurgery, what do you think would have more value?

1. Pursue an unaccredited neurosurgery fellowship?
- chance to prove overcame deficiencies and can shine at another program
- but if perform poor, then it is just one year, and you get to show yourself and programs that NSG isn't a fit
- the fellowship program can select you into program the next year as a PGY-1 and restart all 7 years of neurosurgery (is it worth to restart ... whats the value of doing intern work when you already been in an operating room and can take call... are you building oneself or just labor at that point and just putting "time in" for times sake or punishment...or can you show a program you meet upper level competency and skip levels to where you would have been?)
- is there a chance to be accepted into a PGY-3, 4 spot at another program?
- feat that it could be a year of cheap labor for a program and not be taken seriously for a NSG position here or elsewhere, and thus is a wasted year

2. Pursue a 2nd residency in other speciality? (gen surg prelim, EM, rads)
- chance to prove self and put in positive years towards another residency
- can hang out with a NSG department at that program and try to do research/volunteer on side if still interested and reapply to neurosurgery
- that way if not selected you still have value in another field, and someone in 6 figures of debt and precious years in 20s/30s is a hard thing to waste

Thoughts?

With CS cancelled this cycle how do you view the following:
(1) applicant without CS (has to study in residency and take time for exam)
(2) applicant with a pass already 
(3) applicant with an attempt and subsequent pass

Hi everyone,

What is the status on Stanford as a NSG residency with Steinberg stepping down, hiring Mike Lim, and also having JFM on board? I know historically they have been an average-above average program, but what I understand is they are doing heavy outreach to get cases throughout California basically anywhere south of San Francisco.

They have some new hires from UCSF, etc. Is this a good option to train if you want to be in California?

Top 5 bro-y programs? I was between ortho and neuro, and wouldn’t mind some locker room banter. Where can I get my fix of brahs?

Hi all, I appreciate the input upper levels have been contributing to this forum. 

I recently found out I had only “passed” all shelves except one “high pass” in peds. Is this a death sentence in neurosurgery? Stats are 242 step 1, 26 neurosurgery pubs (handful first author) I’m from a new west coast MD school with no home program, but have solid letters from my neurosurgical mentors. Step 2 results are pending. I’m not interested in the UCSF, Barrow, or Columbia’s of the world and would be happy to train at any program. My goal is to be the humblest, kindest neurosurgeon possible with superior clinical and operative skills.

If you were an M4 in my position what would you do?