advice to improve application

[disappointed]

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I was an applicant to this year's match that didn't match. Right now, I've been evaluating my application to decide how to improve it. I've considered research but I don't know how it will help given the next match cycle is right around the corner.

I currently have two papers published but they are not ophthalmologically related. I know that my step I board score is not that great but it was enough to get me 8 interviews. I was considered to be in the middle tier of my school which has a great reputation. Any advice would be appreciated.

thanks

 

[Ophth_06]

I was an applicant to this year's match that didn't match. Right now, I've been evaluating my application to decide how to improve it. I've considered research but I don't know how it will help given the next match cycle is right around the corner.

I currently have two papers published but they are not ophthalmologically related. I know that my step I board score is not that great but it was enough to get me 8 interviews. I was considered to be in the middle tier of my school which has a great reputation. Any advice would be appreciated.

thanks

I think research would definitely help you, its almost feb now, and applications are due august, so you have a good 5-6 mos. That is certainly enough time to do some research, i.e. a retrospective study (ideally with a student advocate/well known ophthalmologist). The goal would be to present if not at ARVO, any other ophtho conference, or at least non-ophtho specific conference. The ultimate goal would be to publish, or at least have submitted.

Doing a case report is also relatively fast. Hope this helps.

 

[Ophthalmology]

I think the best route is to go ahead and do an internship, while getting involved with ophtho research. Some TY programs can be VERY accomodating. That way, if a PGY-2 spot opens up, you'll be ready to apply. And if not, you'll be in the same boat as right now, but with some added research. I don't think a little extra research alone will substantially strengthen your app.

Another thing to consider is studying hard and taking Step II to have your score by August. I think it's safe to say that if you're Step II score is significantly higher than Step I, you're Step I may actually be ignored during the whole process.

Good Luck!

 

[Pastrami King]

I would also make sure not to overlook getting interview coaching. Residency interviews are a strange animal. You have to walk the fine line between selling yourself and not coming off as arrogant. This time around, you'll also be expected to talk a little about why you think you didn't match (and to describe how the negative experience has been a positive one in disguise). Use all of the resources available at your school throughout the process. You can also consider asking your current department chair or program director to ask for feedback from other programs about your candidacy and interviews. Many of them get together for the AUPO meeting, which is coming up soon.

 

[disappointed]

I sincerely appreciate the advice from everyone who has responded including the private messages that I have received. I'm leaning away from devoting a whole year to research as I feel I don't have that much to gain. I think scoring well on my step 2 would be a huge bonus. I guess right now I will focus on that and see what happens. Maybe find a few case studies to publish.

thanks and if someone has anymore advice I would appreciate it.