​Pathology 2025: What You Really Need to Match as an IMG

The 2025 Match data for Pathology reveals a promising landscape for international medical graduates (IMGs), reaffirming its status as an IMG-friendly specialty. With 622 total positions offered and 1,018 applicants vying for a spot, Pathology continues to attract a strong pool of candidates globally. This report breaks down the overall match trends, profiles of successful U.S. and Non-U.S. IMGs, and how Pathology compares to other IMG-accessible specialties. Whether you're planning your application strategy or benchmarking your competitiveness, this analysis offers clear insights to guide your journey.

Overall Match Landscape for Pathology

  • Total Pathology positions offered: 622
  • Total applicants who applied Patho for all positions (Do/md seniors etc): 1,018
Total matched IMGs in PGY1 positions: 225
  • U.S. IMGs matched: 57 out of 136 applicants
  • Non-U.S. IMGs matched: 168 out of 405 applicants
Bottom Line: Pathology remains an IMG-friendly specialty in the 2025 Match, with IMGs filling over 36% of positions. Both U.S. and Non-U.S. IMGs had a solid match rate of ~41%, making it a viable and competitive option for international applicants.

​U.S. IMGs: Charting Outcomes from 2024 season for a Successful Match

Matched U.S. IMG Profile (2024 Match Report):
  • Step 1 Score: 222
  • Step 2 CK Score: 235
  • Research Experiences: 2.3
  • Publications/Presentations:10.1
  • Work Experiences: 3.3
  • Volunteer Experiences: 2.6
  • Contiguous Ranks: 8.6
  • Specialties Ranked: 1.1
  • PhD Holders: 11.1%
  • Other Grad Degrees: 31.8%​

​Quick Insights:

  • Step Scores: While these aren’t sky-high, a 222 (Step 1) and 235 (Step 2 CK) are still within the competitive range—especially if backed by strong clinical experience and a compelling personal story.
  • Research & Publications: 10.1 is quite high for publications/presentations—this shows the increasing importance of academic productivity.
  • Work & Volunteer Experiences: A strong average of over 3 work experiences and 2.6 volunteer experiences show program directors value well-rounded, clinically engaged candidates.
  • Contiguous Ranks: 8.6 means that most successful U.S. IMGs ranked nearly 9 programs without skipping—emphasizing the importance of smart ranking.
  • Graduate Degrees: Over 30% of matched U.S. IMGs had another grad degree (like MPH, MS, etc.)—that’s something to consider for boosting credentials.

Non-U.S. IMGs: Charting Outcomes from 2024 season for a Successful Match

Matched Non-U.S. IMG Profile (2024 Match Report):
  • Step 1 Score: 232
  • Step 2 CK Score: 240
  • Research Experiences: 2.7
  • Publications/Presentations: 12.1
  • Work Experiences: 3.7
  • Volunteer Experiences: 2.2
  • Contiguous Ranks: 8
  • Specialties Ranked: 1
  • PhD Holders: 9.8%
  • Other Grad Degrees: 31.1%

Key Takeaways
  • A strong Step 2 CK (240+) and solid research output are major assets.
  • Matching is most likely when you apply with focus (1 specialty) and rank enough programs (~8+).
  • Work and volunteer experience—especially U.S.-based—is important.
  • Advanced degrees (MPH, etc.) can significantly enhance an IMG's profile.
  • Research is becoming increasingly valuable, even outside competitive specialties.

Comparing Pathology to Other IMG-Friendly Specialties

For U.S. IMGs:

Key Insights:

  • Step Scores: Pathology has solid Step 1 and Step 2 scores, close to Neurology and Internal Medicine.
  • Research & Publications:
    • Pathology and Neurology stand out with the highest number of publications (10+), suggesting strong academic focus.
    • Pathology requires more research than most but not as much as Neurology.
  • Competitiveness:
    • Pathology is academically demanding, especially in terms of publications.
    • It may be more competitive than commonly perceived, particularly for research-focused applicants.
​For Non-U.S. IMGs:
 Insight: If your scores are moderate and research is limited, Pathology, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry offer solid match potential. For those with a strong academic and research profile, specialties like Pathology or Neurology are viable but more competitive.

Key Takeaways

  • Scores Still Matter: U.S. IMGs should aim for Step 1 > 210 and Step 2 CK > 225. Non-U.S. IMGs should target Step 1 > 215 and Step 2 CK > 230 for a competitive shot at FM.
  • Be Strategic With Your Rank List: The difference between matched and unmatched applicants often comes down to the number of contiguous ranks. Aim for at least 6–8 strong programs.
  • Research Isn’t Everything: For FM, strong clinical, volunteer, and work experience can outweigh a thin research background.
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Keep It Focused: Ranking multiple specialties doesn't necessarily improve your chances. Most successful applicants ranked only Pathology or one additional specialty.

Final Summary

In the 2025 Match cycle, Pathology upheld its reputation as a welcoming field for IMGs, with over 36% of positions filled by international graduates. Both U.S. and Non-U.S. IMGs enjoyed a match rate of ~41%, reinforcing the specialty’s accessibility. While strong Step scores and research output boosted applicant profiles, other factors—like U.S. clinical experience, strategic ranking, and additional graduate degrees—played crucial roles in securing a spot. Compared to other IMG-friendly specialties, Pathology stands out for its academic rigor, especially in research and publications. For IMGs aiming to combine clinical practice with academic engagement, Pathology remains a competitive yet attainable option in the evolving residency landscape.