Pediatrics 2025: What You Really Need to Match as an IMG

Pediatrics continues to be a beacon of hope for many international medical graduates (IMGs). With 3,135 positions offered in the 2025 Match, it's one of the more IMG-friendly specialties—but don't mistake that for easy. The competition is still real, and understanding what worked for matched applicants is key to standing out.
Let’s break down the data from the 2025 Match and figure out what successful U.S. and non-U.S. IMGs had in common when it came to landing a Pediatrics residency spot.

Overall Match Landscape for Pediatrics (2025)

• Total Pediatrics positions offered: 3,135
  
• Total applicants who applied Pediatrics: 3,998
  
• Total matched IMGs in PGY1 positions: 841
  
• U.S. IMGs matched: 251 out of 376 applicants
  
• Non-U.S. IMGs matched: 590 out of 1,174 applicants
  Bottom line: Pediatrics is one of the most IMG-friendly specialties. Nearly 66.8% of U.S. IMGs and 50.3% of non-U.S. IMGs matched—significantly better odds than Neurology or even Internal Medicine.

​U.S. IMGs: Charting Outcomes from the 2024 Match Season

Matched U.S. IMG Profile:

• Step 1 Score: 212
• Step 2 CK Score: 233
• Research Experiences: 1.7
• Publications/Presentations: 2.5
• Work Experiences: 2.9
• Volunteer Experiences: 3.9
• Contiguous Ranks: 11.1
• Specialties Ranked: 1.2
• PhD Holders: 0.6%
• Other Grad Degrees: 20.4%
  

​Analysis:

• Step Scores: Step 2 CK was a stronger differentiator (233 matched vs. 225 unmatched). Step 1 was also modestly higher in matched applicants (212 vs. 206). Pediatrics values well-rounded academic performance, especially in CK
  
• Research: Surprisingly, unmatched applicants had more research experiences (3.2 vs. 1.7) and publications. This suggests that quality and overall fit may matter more than sheer volume.
  
• Work + Volunteer Experience: Matched applicants had fewer clinical and volunteer experiences than unmatched ones, possibly pointing to more selective or impactful roles instead of quantity.
  
• Ranks Matter: This is the standout metric—matched applicants ranked 11.1 programs, compared to just 1.7 for unmatched. Ranking enough programs is absolutely critical.
  
• Graduate Degrees: Extra degrees didn't offer much advantage—in fact, unmatched applicants were more likely to hold one.
  

Key Takeaway – U.S. IMGs:

Matching into Pediatrics is very possible for U.S. IMGs with moderate USMLE scores, a solid application strategy, and smart ranking. Don’t underestimate how far ranking 10+ programs can take you. Focus on balance rather than just stacking credentials.

Non-U.S. IMGs: Charting Outcomes from the 2024 Match Season

Matched Non-U.S. IMG Profile:

• Step 1 Score: 226
• Step 2 CK Score: 240
• Research Experiences: 2.4
• Publications/Presentations: 5.1
• Work Experiences: 3.5
• Volunteer Experiences: 2.8
• Contiguous Ranks: 6.3
• Specialties Ranked: 1.2
• PhD Holders: 0.9%
• Other Grad Degrees: 18.5%

​Analysis:

• Step Scores: USMLE scores were strong for matched candidates--Step 1: 226 and CK: 240—and stood out clearly from unmatched applicants.
  
• Academic Productivity: While not as heavy as Neurology or Pathology, Pediatrics still appreciated applicants with 5+ publications. Matched IMGs had a moderate but focused research profile.
  
• Ranks = Results: Matched applicants ranked 6.3 programs, while unmatched ones ranked only 1.8. A clear correlation with success.
  
• Work/Volunteer Experience: These were nearly identical between matched and unmatched applicants, suggesting these aren’t deciding factors—but they are expected.
  
• Graduate Degrees: As with U.S. IMGs, higher graduate degrees didn’t add much value and were more common among unmatched candidates.
  

Key Takeaway – Non-U.S. IMGs:

Pediatrics offers one of the best match odds for non-U.S. IMGs. Strong USMLE scores and at least 5 research outputs, along with a broad rank list, put you in a very good position. It's a specialty that rewards steady academic performance and application strategy over elite research credentials.

How Pediatrics Compares to Other IMG-Friendly Specialties

U.S. IMGs (Matched Profiles)

Comparison of Pediatrics with Other Specialties – U.S. IMGs

In terms of matching as a U.S. IMG, Pediatrics is a relatively accessible specialty. Here's how it compares:

• USMLE Scores:
  Pediatrics has lower average Step 1 (212) and Step 2 CK (233) scores than Internal Medicine (220/238) and Pathology (222/235), meaning applicants don’t need top-tier scores to be competitive. It’s slightly more competitive than Family Medicine (209/228), but still manageable.
  
• Research Requirements:
  With an average of 1.7 research experiences and 2.5 publications, Pediatrics has modest research expectations—significantly lower than Neurology (4.2/10.2) or Pathology (2.3/10.1), and closer to Family Medicine and Psychiatry.
  
• Overall Profile Fit:
  Pediatrics is ideal for U.S. IMGs with average scores, moderate research, and a strong interest in working with children. It doesn’t require a research-heavy or academically elite profile, making it approachable for a wider pool of applicants.

Insight: Pediatrics has lower research demands than Neurology or Pathology and is friendlier to applicants with balanced but not research-heavy profiles. Step scores are modest, and even U.S. IMGs with Step 1 around 212 can succeed.

Non-U.S. IMGs (Matched Profiles)

Comparison of Pediatrics with Other Specialties – Non-U.S. IMGs

For non-U.S. IMGs, Pediatrics remains one of the more IMG-friendly fields, with several key comparisons:

• USMLE Scores:
  Matched non-U.S. IMGs in Pediatrics had an average Step 1 of 226 and CK of 240. While these are solid, they’re slightly lower than Internal Medicine (237/248) and Neurology (234/245), making Pediatrics more accessible to applicants with good but not top-tier scores.
  
• Research Productivity:
  Pediatrics required about 2.4 research experiences and 5.1 publications--lower than Neurology (4.7/13.3), Psychiatry (4.6/8), or Pathology (2.7/12.1). This shows that high-volume research isn’t essential to match into Pediatrics.
  
• Overall Profile Fit:
  For non-U.S. IMGs, Pediatrics is a balanced specialty—it favors applicants with decent scores, focused research, and strong clinical or volunteer engagement. It's especially attractive for those who may not have extensive research but are passionate about Pediatrics and have solid application strategies.

Insight: Pediatrics is more forgiving than Neurology and Pathology when it comes to research volume and even scores. A strong Step 2 CK (~240), a handful of research experiences, and strategic ranking can carry your application far.

 Final Summary (Simple and Clear)

Pediatrics offers a realistic path to residency for IMGs who may not have top scores or a deep research portfolio. It values balanced applicants with a clear commitment to the field, and it rewards those who rank enough programs and stay focused on Pediatrics.

​Pediatrics is one of the most IMG-accessible specialties. Here’s your cheat sheet to success:
✔️ Scores That Work:

• U.S. IMGs: Aim for Step 1 ≥ 210, CK ≥ 230
• Non-U.S. IMGs: Target Step 1 ≥ 225, CK ≥ 240

✔️ Research (Nice to Have, Not Everything):

• Aim for 2–3 research experiences and at least 3–5 publications

✔️ Rank Enough Programs:

• At least 6–12 programs to significantly boost match chances

✔️ Balanced Application:

• Clinical experience, volunteer work, and genuine interest in Pediatrics matter

✔️ Degrees Aren’t Everything:

• PhDs or grad degrees don’t guarantee a match—focus on Step scores and application strength

Looking to Strengthen Your Pediatrics Application? ​

Explore IMG-focused programs like:

• Pediatric Clinical & Research Observerships
• Concept to Publication – Pediatrics Track
• Research with Pediatric Faculty
• Affordable U.S.-based Projects for IMGs