Applying ABIM fast track vs Categorical

[downthedrain]

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Hi, I tried looking for the answer in the other threads, but couldn't really find one that fully answered my question. I just wanted to know if there was any negative repercussions from applying to a research track/PSTP and a categorical track at the same institute? Is that redundant, like some of the MD/PhD programs, where you are considered for the categorical program spots and the research track spots, or are they completely separated? Like some people have stated, there are definitely some programs that I would be very interested in going to just because of the possible opportunity to work with certain people there, so if they didn't want me as a research track position, I would definitely be interested in a categorical still. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated?

 

[gutonc]

I don't think there's a problem with that. Honestly, if you're even remotely qualified for the PSTP (and the IM program in general), you'll probably get that spot.

 

[downthedrain]

Thanks!

 

[justanotherstudent88]

Apply to both.
I applied (and matriculated) PSTP last year, and double applied to most of the schools I applied at. On interviews talking with the other PSTP applicants most of them had done the same also.
Caveat - the PSTP application committee often takes long to go through the applications (probably because they are longer and more specialized), and has a smaller number of dates that they interview on, so a couple of times I would get an invite from the categorical program, schedule an interview and then 2 weeks later (still before the first interview) would get an email from the PSTP committee inviting me and saying that I should just cancel the first date, come on the PSTP date and I would be considered for both programs at that interview. Benefits of getting invited for the PSTP interview are that they often pay for the hotel since the interviews are usually 2 days.