Anyone playing the match game?

[david594]

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So I know were all stressing to no end about NAVLE, but unfortunately the match applications fall at the exact same time.

Anyone else planning to play the game? Figure out how many programs your planning to apply to?

 

[elefante7]

I will be! And I am way more stressed about it than the NAVLE. I think I'm going to apply to the most programs I can without the price skyrocketing (10 I think).

 

[th1rteen]

Hi guys! So my boyfriend is in medical school (where they are required to match for a residency), and we are trying to weigh our options. I would really like to complete an internship, but with us both matching at the same time...the chances of us ending up in the same location seem slim. Is anyone in a similar situation, or know someone who is? We are both the same year, so unfortunately I can't wait to see where he matches and then apply....unless I took a year off. Thoughts/suggestions are welcome! =)

 

[laitmanvet]

Just sort of a general question here about the whole process...what is the advantage to opt go into the matching system versus not? Are there certain residencies only available to those who opt to match?
Also, is the matching system for internships and residency?
Thanks!

 

[pooter]

Just sort of a general question here about the whole process...what is the advantage to opt go into the matching system versus not? Are there certain residencies only available to those who opt to match?
Also, is the matching system for internships and residency?
Thanks!

I've only had a tiny bit of exposure to it since graduation is still a long way off for me. But, my understanding is that all "academic" internships run through the Match and those are viewed as a bit more prestigious than "private practice" internships which have individual application processes. And then residencies run through a different Match and those slots are reserved for applicants who've done an academic internship (or two).

 

[Angelo84]

Just sort of a general question here about the whole process...what is the advantage to opt go into the matching system versus not? Are there certain residencies only available to those who opt to match?
Also, is the matching system for internships and residency?
Thanks!

The match for both internships and residencies go through the VIRMP. Basically for small animal almost all of the reputable programs go through the match (there are also poor programs on there). Basically the match exists so that you in theory have the best chance of matching at the place you most want to go. If you are outside the match you could have a choice lower on your list offer you a spot before you hear back from something higher on your list and be forced to decide before you have all your options. With the match you apply to programs and then rank them is preference order. The programs receive applications and rank candidates in preference order so in theory you will always end up at the program highest on your list that offers you a spot but you still can end up not matching at all. The match is over in February so if you don't match you can either scramble for an unfilled position in the match or just look for a job. For large animal I believe many good internships exist outside the match. Hope that helps--go to the VIRMP site for more info and to look at the program descriptions (match is currently open) don't make an account if you just want to look!

 

[nyanko]

I've only had a tiny bit of exposure to it since graduation is still a long way off for me. But, my understanding is that all "academic" internships run through the Match and those are viewed as a bit more prestigious than "private practice" internships which have individual application processes. And then residencies run through a different Match and those slots are reserved for applicants who've done an academic internship (or two).

Slightly inaccurate. Many private practice internships use the match as well, both good programs and not-so-good programs. Most residencies use the same match site as the internships and you do have to have one year of internship (or a lot of private practice experience) to try to match into a residency, but if you're 'eligible' to apply to residencies, you can apply to both residencies and internships (there are 'specialty internships' at some places that can get you more experience and enhance application to residencies - generally these are done after one year of rotating medicine/surgery internship and are somewhere for candidates who don't match in desired residencies to go that can help them prepare to match in the future) at the same time.

Also, it isn't a hard requirement to do an academic internship to match to a residency program. Some of the better private practice internships are just as prestigious as academic internships, and that is not the only factor that residency programs take into account for ranking.

 

[Bill59]

Just sort of a general question here about the whole process...what is the advantage to opt go into the matching system versus not? Are there certain residencies only available to those who opt to match?
Also, is the matching system for internships and residency?

The match was established because of the problems associated with every program trying to get the best applicants in an unorganized fashion. The programs would try to identify the best applicants and get them to commit as early as possible, often before the applicants had a chance to look at other programs. This was an advantage for the programs but a big disadvantage for the applicants.

Most residencies and internships go through the match. There are individual programs that for various reasons will still take interns or residents outside the match (in some cases because they are trying to get an advantage similar to what went on before the match). And there are some specialities that never go through the match, such as pathology.

 

[No Imagination]

The match was established because of the problems associated with every program trying to get the best applicants in an unorganized fashion. The programs would try to identify the best applicants and get them to commit as early as possible, often before the applicants had a chance to look at other programs. This was an advantage for the programs but a big disadvantage for the applicants.

IMO, the match program, which was designed with MD students in mind, has failed the veterinary profession. In the MD world, there are more residency/internship spots then available for all US students (although not enough per specialty). Which is excellent for students and the profession.

In the veterinary world, we have far more applicants than spots available, which is great for keeping the number of specialists low enough as to not saturate the profession, but difficult for students.

While I am not sure the previous system worked better or worse - I personally do not feel the current system is doing veterinary students justice (not nearly enough parameters evaluated, huge emphasis placed on GPA at many institutions, an only subjective LoR).

From what I understand and this is hearsay, MANY institutions are opting out of the match system.

 

[Bill59]

The number of available spots is not a function of the match. Getting rid of the match would not increase the number of training programs, it would just shift even more advantage to the programs instead of applicants.

The factors that programs use to evaluate candidates are also not determined by the match, they are determined by the individual program.

The majority of programs go through the match. The ones that opt out of the match are doing so because it benefits them, not because it benefits the applicants.

 

[nyanko]

The number of available spots is not a function of the match. Getting rid of the match would not increase the number of training programs, it would just shift even more advantage to the programs instead of applicants.

The factors that programs use to evaluate candidates are also not determined by the match, they are determined by the individual program.

The majority of programs go through the match. The ones that opt out of the match are doing so because it benefits them, not because it benefits the applicants.

👍 I was thinking the same things in regards to NI's response. The reasons he gave are all very poor reasons to discredit the match.

 

[laitmanvet]

Cool. Thanks for the replies and information! I'd been surfing the VIRMP website for a while now (since the summer) but just couldn't quite understand why they would make the match optional.

I've seen a lot of private hospitals and practices on the VIRMP (I'm a SA person). How can you tell if they're reputable? Word of mouth? I've seen that the internships have stats posted as to how many people completed the program and how many who applied for residencies took them (do people get accepted and not take the position?)...are these good indicators of the quality of the program? say high numbers and high % accepted to residency?

 

[Bill59]

Talking with current and recent interns is helpful. So is visiting the program, but that's not always feasible.

Regarding the numbers listed in the outcomes assessment, I would be careful about a new program (0 interns starting program in last 5 years). A large number of interns not completing the program would also be a red flag.

A high percentage of interns accepting a residency compared to number applying for a residency is probably a good sign, although that may say as much about the quality of the interns as the quality of the program.

do people get accepted and not take the position?

Usually not. In fact by going through the match you agree to accept the position you match with and they can ban you from the match for the next 3 years if you don't abide by the rules. They make exceptions for extenuating circumstances, such as illness.

Also the programs are required to take the applicant they match with.

 

[sumstorm]

Just a reminder, not all fields go through VIRMP. Lab animal medicine does it's own thing. I believe there are some others that also do their own thing (but I am too busy studying for NAVLE to think of what those are.) Also, not all residencies require an internship, not all residencies are academic; some boards allow for alternative residency (behavior, rehabilitation, exotics come to mind.) I only mention this because it seems to get lost in the discussions about internships/residencies.

I am not participating in the match. I really dislike academia and can't handle another year in academia. I have decided to pursue employment/mentorship with the knowledge that I can pursue an internship later if I feel that would be better for me. I also have no desire to specialize in the fields that require academic internships, and have a lot of work experience prior to vet med, so I have a bit more confidence in working with clients and being able to find answers than some of my classmates. I am, strangely enough, contemplating an MPH (and trying to convince myself that I am insane.)

 

[meadow36]

Question about the transcripts for the match - how do you get the 'transcript cover' sent with the transcript itself? Does this mean I have to go to the registrar to get that done? I am out of town until after the deadline so I'm not sure how I will get that done. Normally UF is great about sending transcripts (you can order online and they are super fast) but this 'cover sheet' is causing me some stress.

 

[david594]

Question about the transcripts for the match - how do you get the 'transcript cover' sent with the transcript itself? Does this mean I have to go to the registrar to get that done? I am out of town until after the deadline so I'm not sure how I will get that done. Normally UF is great about sending transcripts (you can order online and they are super fast) but this 'cover sheet' is causing me some stress.

Yeah, the cover sheet is something you need to figure out with your Registrars office. I took some time off clinics to go to the registrars office to figure out what I needed to do to make it happen. Fortunately it was a normal thing here for extra docs to be included with transcripts.

 

[elefante7]

I was lucky and my registrar was apparently used to that. In the online ordering system, they have a place where you click that it needs a cover sheet with it. I then emailed them my transcript order confirmation with my cover sheet, and it apparently worked.

 

[aretoo]

What is the point of the "General Information" section of the application? I would think that most of that info would be covered in some way, shape, or form in one's CV?

 

[elefante7]

No idea. I felt the same way, wondering why I was repeating info in my CV.