Hi guys,

Just wondering if we are expected to write down where we do our ophtho elective rotations on our SFmatch applications? I would feel a little weird letting places where I really want to go (but couldn't b/c of scheduling problems, etc) know where I spent elective time at. I know it's probably inevitable once you get an interview but is there a way around it on the actual application?

Thanks!

There is a field on the form that asks for "Ophthalmology elective(s) and related activities." The instructions say: "These pages are intended to help selection committees achieve a better understanding of your experience, motivations, interests, and preferences so that they may better assess the ?match? between the program and your needs."

I think it's up to you how to interpret it and decide how much information to divulge there.

You can see all the CAS materials here (http://www.sfmatch.org/general/CAS.html).

Just tell the truth. If you get an interview, it will probably come up. Also,selections are sometimes made because something on your application looks familiar. Ophtho is a small world, so it's entirely possible that faculty at the programs you're applying to will know faculty where you did your electives.