I have applied to 70 psyc programs couple of weeks a go. I am applying with a pass in step 1 and step 2 CS, step 2 CK in December. I also have a master in Psychology from a US university (I am a FMG). So far no interviews but 5 rejections. I am beginning to loose hope in the game 😕 I know I have many bad cards in my pack like low step 1 score, old grad and applying late 🙁 But I assumed (with little too much freedom I guess) that my masters would play in and at least will have few calls. Wondering any of you guys would care to shed some light on this? Any suggestions? Sorry to bug you guys with my misery. But I guess I am missing something big time and really could use few good advices.
Any reason to be optimistic?
- Thread starter Littman
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I have a couple pieces of advice.
1. Write a simple "Introduction Email" to the program directors (and also include the name of their secretary/coordinator) stating "I wanted to let you know of my continued interest in INSERT PROGRAM'S NAME HERE psychiatry residency program". You can get the names and emails from FREIDA ONLINE (at http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/2997.html). Then "hi-light" a couple of your strong points (or selling points--like your MA in psychology) and your specific interests within psychiatry. End the letter by saying something like "I will be available to travel to INSERT STATE NAME HERE in December/January to meet you in person".
2. Attach your CV to the email.
Good news is that I did this to a number programs that hadn't contacted me and about 5 out of 7 subsequently offered me interviews.😉
It can't hurt--I know this is a hard time and very stressful, but if you can focus on a couple programs that take a lot of FMG's (see the "% FMG's" column in www.fmgamerica.com/psychiatry.html), I think you'll improve your odds substantially.
I really feel for you, friend. But it's important right now to NOT give up and to GET ACTIVE. You can do it! I know you can 👍
1. Write a simple "Introduction Email" to the program directors (and also include the name of their secretary/coordinator) stating "I wanted to let you know of my continued interest in INSERT PROGRAM'S NAME HERE psychiatry residency program". You can get the names and emails from FREIDA ONLINE (at http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/2997.html). Then "hi-light" a couple of your strong points (or selling points--like your MA in psychology) and your specific interests within psychiatry. End the letter by saying something like "I will be available to travel to INSERT STATE NAME HERE in December/January to meet you in person".
2. Attach your CV to the email.
Good news is that I did this to a number programs that hadn't contacted me and about 5 out of 7 subsequently offered me interviews.😉
It can't hurt--I know this is a hard time and very stressful, but if you can focus on a couple programs that take a lot of FMG's (see the "% FMG's" column in www.fmgamerica.com/psychiatry.html), I think you'll improve your odds substantially.
I really feel for you, friend. But it's important right now to NOT give up and to GET ACTIVE. You can do it! I know you can 👍
Hey Caetano, thanks for your encouraging words and great advice! I will surely do what you suggested. Never thought writing to program directors would bring any good. its promising to learn you had such success with that 👍 Again thanks for lifting the spirits up. Obviously I badly needed that 😳
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Well, it is always comforting to know someone's in the same boat as me...I applied to 53 programs, most of them in mid-Oct, and until this wk had no invites...finally got number one! But 10 formal rejections already. I plan on calling the other programs to inquire about my status. You can do the same, but give them about a month from the date you applied. Do you have a Plan B? I am in the process of applying to a less competitive specialty...and there's always hope in the Scramble! Once you pass Step 2 CK and get ECFMG-certified, you should be in better shape. It's not doing me too much good, but I'm sure it only helps. Best wishes.
Hey, thanks goldengate! Congrats on your interview 👍 This gives me little bit of hope to hang in to. I guess I will email the programs first and then follow up on calls. My plan B is to get my tools ready for the scramble. I cant settle my self to another speciality 🙁 Guess psych is written allover me 🙂 hence all that trouble to get a masters in the first place. Nice to know someone else is in my boat. I get the feeling that we are not the only two in this one either 😀 lets keep in touch.
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i got about 36 invites yet most are not in the best locations. (i am a us img.) i am thinking about calling programs i haven't heard from that I like. is it better to call or email or both.
for the ones who dont have ivs yet, it is still early. most progs r too busy inviting amgs. they will get to the rest of us in a month. also u will get cacellations. also i heard this year there r an insane number of applications. be patient. i feel most who pass their usmle on the 1st go will get atleat 5-10 interviews.
for the ones who dont have ivs yet, it is still early. most progs r too busy inviting amgs. they will get to the rest of us in a month. also u will get cacellations. also i heard this year there r an insane number of applications. be patient. i feel most who pass their usmle on the 1st go will get atleat 5-10 interviews.
Thanks sga. Hope next month will bring some good news. Congrats on your record number of invites 👍 You gotta be an outstanding candidate. Let us know if you plan to cancel any of those invitations 😉 Hey thanks again for uplifting words.
