Applicant Support Group Thread

[DrZuza]

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I didn't know that, I thought every EM program requires SLOR(s). Sorry for misinforming.🙁

No need to apologize... We all know something and put it together. 🙂

 

[VeerTheTIGuy]

Not every program requires SLORs. Programs also vary in the number of SLORs they require. From my observations programs clearly state what kind of letters they require and how many.

I think a program would send you an interview once you meet the requrements for the program, regardless of your aplications "complete" or incomplete" status. Programs send out invitations before the Step 2 scores are submitted, sometimes even before the Dean's Letters are submitted. So it wouldn't hurt to think the "4 LoRs but only 3 are there yet" issue like this. Would it ? Anyone with more info on this, please feel free to jump in.

Thanks guys for the advice. Will just keep on chuggin' and see what happens

 

[WestCoastPHDStu]

Hey all,
Hoping there might be room on this board for me as well- I'm a MolBio PhD student, not a med student, but my boyfriend is an MS4 applying to EM right now. I'm the kind of person who researches everything obsessively, whereas he'd probably realize right about now that he should start thinking about applying, so I've definitely been involved in the process and could use the support too!
He's hoping to be submitted by Friday- I'm really panicking that even this is too late. Thoughts?

 

[omgwtfbbq?]

I think one person panicking is one person too many. But if someone has to, let him panic. You, support. He's fine submitting Friday, I think. Lots of EM programs wait to give interviews until after the Dean's Letters come out, according to our PD

 

[WestCoastPHDStu]

I think one person panicking is one person too many. But if someone has to, let him panic. You, support.

Hahaha, fair. I am however the designated panicker in our relationship 😉, I panic so he doesn't have to!
We're just hoping that Match will get us out of (or at least make more manageable) a 3+ year LDR, so there's extra pressure to end up somewhere in CA, which we all know is the easiest state to get into residency in .
Best of luck to everybody, and I'll keep lurking around as long as it's ok with everyone.

 

[RxnMan]

...I'm a MolBio PhD student, not a med student...I'm the kind of person who researches everything obsessively...

Welcome. SDN is home to obsessives of all types, and we don't judge in EM.

...He's hoping to be submitted by Friday- I'm really panicking that even this is too late. Thoughts?

No, the end of the week is fine. I was told to apply 10/15, though I'll probably hit the button 10/1.

 

[omgwtfbbq?]

How sweet that you panic for him... I wish my boyfriend would panic for me! I wish you/him luck into getting into Cali. I'm only applying to one school in LA, but I've heard it can be quite competitive out there. But, then again, I hear it can be quite competitive everywhere, so I wouldn't let it worry you too much, just the fact that it's in cali, i mean. I'm facing the possibility of an LDR too, so here's hoping that everybody with a s.o. they want to keep gets to go where they want!

 

[calespine]

How sweet that you panic for him... I wish my boyfriend would panic for me! I wish you/him luck into getting into Cali. I'm only applying to one school in LA, but I've heard it can be quite competitive out there. But, then again, I hear it can be quite competitive everywhere, so I wouldn't let it worry you too much, just the fact that it's in cali, i mean. I'm facing the possibility of an LDR too, so here's hoping that everybody with a s.o. they want to keep gets to go where they want!

Sorry- what's an LDR?

 

[alphaholic06]

Sorry- what's an LDR?

My guess is long distance relationship.

 

[calespine]

So I've been told we don't need all our LORs in to be considered for an interview- can anyone confirm this? I'm referring mainly to early interview invites since for the programs that wait until MSPEs to be released most everyone will have all their LORs in.

 

[WestCoastPHDStu]

My guess is long distance relationship.

It is indeed. We've been 3000 miles apart for 3 years now, and I'm ready to be done with flying cross country once a month.

 

[tanzaniancane]

So after randomly lurking through the med school application years and Step 1 days, I think it's time I actually became a little more active here.

Applying this cycle into Emergency Medicine and just hit the submit button. Ahh, the feeling of joy!🙂

 

[RxnMan]

I took Step II a week and a half ago and I am now on my home EM rotation. Good people all around, lots of fun, seeing good cases, and it's been educational. 👍 Finally rotating in a specialty where not only are the people nice/supportive/cool and the patients are interesting, but the medicine makes sense.

Who all has submitted? I ask because the "Official Interview Thread" for 2010 popped up.

 

[RxnMan]

I saw the UMD thread about CVs. Made me think about going through my list of programs and making sure that there isn't anything else that they need. If I see any odd application requirements (e.g., 3+ SLORs, extra CV, first born child), I'll post them here.

 

[VeerTheTIGuy]

Just sent off my application last night. Applied to 45 programs. Still waiting on all my LoRs to reach/get scanned in by ECFMG, as well as my Step 2 CK/CS scores which are coming in October (hopefully).

Good luck everyone!

 

[Dr Fleischman]

Hey, all. My name's Jake, I go to KCUMB. I just sent my app to 39 programs about 4 or 5 days ago. I was relieved, till I found out that since I'm in the AF HPSP I have to apply to some PGY1 programs, too. F! So expensive, but it'll pay off.

Anyway, this IS very stressful. Especially when you get your USMLE Step II back and it's much less than your USMLE World score and NBMEs predicted. Double F! Luckily EM isn't super competitive like Rads or Derm, but still, I want to go to a good program.

I am from the midwest, so I applied all over that region, though I'm mainly focused on Chicago and the Twin Cities, MN. Also, my dad's a family doc and he trained in Milwaukee where there's an EM program, so I applied there, as well (my fam and my wife's fam are all in Wisconsin).

I already did an interview at my number 1 choice - Wright State in Dayton, OH, so if anyone wants to PM me I can tell you all about it. Currently I'm doing cardiology, and thankfully mine does not have horrible hours. Anyway, I'm glad this thread is here - it takes strong social support to get through this process!

I'll look forward to reading everyone's experiences. Good luck, guys! Remember, we'll all get there somehow.

Jake

 

[hackinmage]

you don't need all your lor's in but many programs want to see at least 1 slor scanned before they will consider you for interview (aka make your application complete)

 

[Redrox]

you don't need all your lor's in but many programs want to see at least 1 slor scanned before they will consider you for interview (aka make your application complete)

My programs from July and August haven't sent any of their SLOR's out yet. For my third letter I had two people, one's been out on two months medical leave, apparently. The other hasn't been returning my emails because he's switched jobs. Fifth stringer says his'll be in by the end of the month, maybe. Scary stuff.

 

[Tiger10]

My programs from July and August haven't sent any of their SLOR's out yet. For my third letter I had two people, one's been out on two months medical leave, apparently. The other hasn't been returning my emails because he's switched jobs. Fifth stringer says his'll be in by the end of the month, maybe. Scary stuff.

I'm still waiting for my SLOR from August too. It's nerve-wracking but I know most of us are in the same boat.

My thing now is do I submit a LOR from family medicine (which I've been told is less useful for EM) when my August SLOR comes in giving me 3 LORs (2 of which are SLORs) so that my application is complete? The letter is from early in 3rd year but should be a strong letter and I'd expect it to talk a lot about my work ethic and ability to work well with the residents, nurses, etc. The EM program director who said they prefer to have surgery, OB, ICU, etc. letters vs. FP said it was because the others usually talked more about ability to work in a team while FP was typically general praise.

I'll have a SLOR coming from this month but that'll take time. In order to get a non-EM, non-FP letter I'd have to wait until after the deadline and likely need to hand deliver it. Would it look bad to have 3 SLORs as my 3 letters? I was thinking of putting the FP letter in to be complete and then adding the 3rd SLOR as a 4th letter. Thoughts??

 

[Dr Fleischman]

I'm still waiting for my SLOR from August too. It's nerve-wracking but I know most of us are in the same boat.

My thing now is do I submit a LOR from family medicine (which I've been told is less useful for EM) when my August SLOR comes in giving me 3 LORs (2 of which are SLORs) so that my application is complete? The letter is from early in 3rd year but should be a strong letter and I'd expect it to talk a lot about my work ethic and ability to work well with the residents, nurses, etc. The EM program director who said they prefer to have surgery, OB, ICU, etc. letters vs. FP said it was because the others usually talked more about ability to work in a team while FP was typically general praise.

I'll have a SLOR coming from this month but that'll take time. In order to get a non-EM, non-FP letter I'd have to wait until after the deadline and likely need to hand deliver it. Would it look bad to have 3 SLORs as my 3 letters? I was thinking of putting the FP letter in to be complete and then adding the 3rd SLOR as a 4th letter. Thoughts??

I have an SLOR and standard, personalized LoR coming from two different EM docs, neither have been scanned into ERAS yet. Anyway, when I applied I sent out 2 letters from Peds physicians, and one from an FP. I figured I'd add the SLOR later. The other LoR was kind of a surprise, so I don't know yet how I'm going to manage adding that in. Maybe email the programs and tell them to disregard those other letters?

Anyway, without my EM LoRs, I've only gotten one invite so far. So I think a lot of programs are waiting for those, since I know I'm a fairly competitive candidate with my board scores and 3rd year grades.

To answer your question, I think you can send a few choice non-EM letters now then add the SLOR later, no problem. I'll let you know though if sending 3 without an EM one comes back to haunt me later.

Jake

 

[WestCoastPHDStu]

The BF's school is soooo slow at getting everything scanned in, it's driving me nuts- they only put up the transcripts 2 days ago (why they would wait until 9/27 and not at least put up an initial transcript, I do not know), and his 2 SLORs that according to the writers have been submitted aren't up on ERAS yet. I swear they're trying to give me gray hair!

 

[shokod]

Hey all,
Glad to read peoples' messages and see the support here. Combining this thread with the Official Interview Thread is a nice way to see what's going on with folks in this similar time of stress.

I'm an IMG with CK scores and 2 US EM LORs in and so far received 1 interview (LSU Shreveport), 1 rejection (UMDNJ - Robert Wood Johnson) and 1 email that simply said they were reviewing my application and will send out interviews later (whatever that means, St John!). Hoping that in October some more roll through!

Hope everyone is going well and enjoying the end of September and wish you all lots of luck.

 

[VeerTheTIGuy]

So found out yesterday that i had a new USMLE Transcript uploaded to ERAS, all of a sudden. Figured hey, this must mean my Step 2 scores are out. Funny though, cuz I can't see anything on OASIS. Call the ECFMG, turns out they can't (read: won't) release my scores, because my university put the wrong STAMP on the verification form they sent them!

So basically, all my programs that I applied to know my Step 2 CK score, yet I have NO IDEA what it is!!

 

[palooza]

am I the only one that says "ooh I should apply there!" every time a new interview invite location pops up on the other thread? battle of will power vs pocketbook (or lack there of)...

 

[VeerTheTIGuy]

am I the only one that says "ooh I should apply there!" every time a new interview invite location pops up on the other thread? battle of will power vs pocketbook (or lack there of)...

nope....join the club! lol

 

[fergustsi]

am I the only one that says "ooh I should apply there!" every time a new interview invite location pops up on the other thread? battle of will power vs pocketbook (or lack there of)...

I HAVE done that. It'll bother you more when they don't offer an invite after you apply. Then you have to convince yourself it's because the other applicants are homebodies or did aways there or maybe im just TOO competitive.

 

[Anastasis]

The BF's school is soooo slow at getting everything scanned in, it's driving me nuts- they only put up the transcripts 2 days ago (why they would wait until 9/27 and not at least put up an initial transcript, I do not know), and his 2 SLORs that according to the writers have been submitted aren't up on ERAS yet. I swear they're trying to give me gray hair!

My school just submitted my transcript about 2 days ago and that was after I requested it. Every school is different. But I feel his pain. Still waiting on two letters to be submitted. Only have my SLOR from my home institution right now...

 

[RobbingReality]

So when should I start to worry? I see that most of the schools I registered for through ERAS have already given out interviews and I wasn't one of them. If they are starting to interview in November that doesn't leave me much time to expect any more interviews to come my direction.

 

[lawj]

So when should I start to worry? I see that most of the schools I registered for through ERAS have already given out interviews and I wasn't one of them. If they are starting to interview in November that doesn't leave me much time to expect any more interviews to come my direction.

I wouldn't sweat it. A lot of these programs that are listed above are handing out invitations in waves. Just because you haven't received one yet doesn't mean that you will not be extended one in the future. And still, most programs are waiting for the first week of November to extend interviews. Just give it some time.

 

[EM2011]

I wouldn't sweat it. A lot of these programs that are listed above are handing out invitations in waves. Just because you haven't received one yet doesn't mean that you will not be extended one in the future. And still, most programs are waiting for the first week of November to extend interviews. Just give it some time.

If our application has been complete for a month by the time the first week of November comes around, and we don't hear from a program- should we take that as a silent rejection? Sorry about the double post- I asked this Q in the interviews thread but saw you guys were already talking about it. Thanks!

 

[Anastasis]

Finally got my first interview. I'll admit I was sweating it a bit.

Actually really surprised I got one - still missing two LOR including the SLOR from my away rotation. All they had was transcript and step 1 and the SLOR from my school.

 

[hackinmage]

🙁 still waiting, got 1 prelim interview (jus in case as a back up) guess i'm gonna apply to some more pre-lims and hope for the best

 

[EvoDevo]

Finally got my first interview. I'll admit I was sweating it a bit.

Actually really surprised I got one - still missing two LOR including the SLOR from my away rotation. All they had was transcript and step 1 and the SLOR from my school.

Well, you're a rockstar. Really. Looking forward to seeing where you end up this Spring. 🙂

 

[Anastasis]

Well, you're a rockstar. Really. Looking forward to seeing where you end up this Spring. 🙂

Aw - Thanks. 🙂 I appreciate it!

 

[sweetlenovo88]

I applied to a couple of combined (IM, peds, fam) EM programs, but my PS and SLORs only show EM interest and show 0 for the other specialty. I hope I didn;t waste my money there.

 

[gattaca83]

I applied to a couple of combined (IM, peds, fam) EM programs, but my PS and SLORs only show EM interest and show 0 for the other specialty. I hope I didn;t waste my money there.

I think your PS should have explained why you were applying for the combined specialty. To me, that sounds like applying to peds and not mentioning what about peds interests you. I also imagine that plenty of people apply for these spots and each applicant will describe what led him/her to pursue the combined specialty....just my 2 cents. Your PS is already out there, so no point worrying about it now.

 

[shokod]

I think your PS should have explained why you were applying for the combined specialty. To me, that sounds like applying to peds and not mentioning what about peds interests you. I also imagine that plenty of people apply for these spots and each applicant will describe what led him/her to pursue the combined specialty....just my 2 cents. Your PS is already out there, so no point worrying about it now.

Unrelated but since it has to do with combined residency, I wanted to put my feelers out there:

I have received only 1 EM interview so far but 2 EM/IM interviews (with no straight EM interview for either of those programs). I'm not a competitive candidate (read: IMG) but I am pretty surprised, as I had imagined EM/IM being harder to get into. Am I mistaken on this? Also, if I get an invite to interview for combined, how could I not get interview for just EM? Or is it implied?
Cheers

 

[VeerTheTIGuy]

Hey guys, I wanted to get some ideas back regarding the "We have received your application" emails. How many programs send these out? Is it quite a common thing, or is it a select few? I've applied to 49 programs now, and have only received 3 of these emails.

My application documents trickled in little by little, but they were all there and downloaded by most programs by last week. I'm pretty sure my Step 2 CK and CS scores are in there as well now, although I don't know what they are (ECFMG still not accepting the verification form sent by my medical school).

Just wanted to know if I'm missing something or if it's normal to only get a few back.

 

[Richspiders07]

Hey guys, I wanted to get some ideas back regarding the "We have received your application" emails. How many programs send these out? Is it quite a common thing, or is it a select few? I've applied to 49 programs now, and have only received 3 of these emails.

only 1 of these for me... emory...saying dont get all excited until Nov 1.

 

[DrZuza]

I don't think all programs send it. I got only 3 or 4 myself, while all programs downloaded my application. Anyone with other experiences?

 

[VeerTheTIGuy]

only 1 of these for me... emory...saying dont get all excited until Nov 1.

Haha I got the same one!!

Good to know people haven't been flooded with them lol

 

[Redrox]

Many rejections going out yet?
I've just got the one, from Maricopa.

 

[MountainEM]

Many rejections going out yet?
I've just got the one, from Maricopa.

right there with ya....9 or so interviews but maricopa was the first and only to punt on me so far..

Got to imagine folks are just waiting on dean's letters now. I expect a lot more rejections and interviews on 11/1...

 

[fergustsi]

right there with ya....9 or so interviews but maricopa was the first and only to punt on me so far..

Got to imagine folks are just waiting on dean's letters now. I expect a lot more rejections and interviews on 11/1...

Tha makes three of us for maricopa. Luckily I had two interviews extended with no slor uploaded and that kinda kept the anxiety in check. One slor was finally uploaded Friday so I'm hoping for sone good news this week.

 

[jbar]

It's strange to me that places would start rejecting before they get the deans letter. You'd think the applicant would get the benefit of at least having their application complete before being rejected.

 

[deleted206819]

Tha makes three of us for maricopa. Luckily I had two interviews extended with no slor uploaded and that kinda kept the anxiety in check. One slor was finally uploaded Friday so I'm hoping for sone good news this week.

I got my rejection email on the 21st. Was hoping to have them review my entire application before outright rejection. Oh well...

 

[EMDocRod]

I got my rejection email on the 21st. Was hoping to have them review my entire application before outright rejection. Oh well...

Guess that makes 5 of us

 

[Redrox]

I expect a lot more rejections and interviews on 11/1...

Worst part was, I saw the subject heading and assumed it was an invite. Danced around the room with some loud, douchey jackassery.
11/1 could be a crazy day.

 

[EM2011]

Worst part was, I saw the subject heading and assumed it was an invite. Danced around the room with some loud, douchey jackassery.
11/1 could be a crazy day.

Are a lot of invites sent on 11/1 or is it merely when MSPE's are sent out? Looking at last year's official interview thread, there didn't seem to be a huge influx of invites on Monday, more like a general increase in invites throughout the week...

 

[MountainEM]

Are a lot of invites sent on 11/1 or is it merely when MSPE's are sent out? Looking at last year's official interview thread, there didn't seem to be a huge influx of invites on Monday, more like a general increase in invites throughout the week...

umm, yes, it will take time to actually read the documents....I just meant around 11/1