Applying in two different field, can the programs find out?

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Say I apply to X field as my first choice, but I also apply to Y field just in case I do not match in the more competitive X field. Can the programs find out I did this? Has anyone done this before?

 

[smq123]

Say I apply to X field as my first choice, but I also apply to Y field just in case I do not match in the more competitive X field. Can the programs find out I did this? Has anyone done this before?

This is a pretty common practice. Most med school deans/advisors actually recommend this for certain specialties - derm, rad onc, ophtho, etc. From what I gather, most people who do this are fairly open about it when interviewing.

 

[inspirationmd]

Say I apply to X field as my first choice, but I also apply to Y field just in case I do not match in the more competitive X field. Can the programs find out I did this? Has anyone done this before?

Can be done and is fairly common. However, I would caution you to consider the culture of your home department before you make it known you are going to do this. Some faculty can view this strategy as a sign of indecision on your part and as a result may not be as supportive through phone calls/LOR. Petty I know but my dean gave me that advice and I can see how it could apply. I had two separate letters, personal statements, and rarely applied to the same hospital for the two specialties. Have a strategy that works for you and go for it.

 

[MrBurns10]

I would recommend that you think really, really hard about whether or not you should apply to your back-up specialty. I applied to a competitive field, and I realized going in that it was pretty much the only field I could see myself enjoying for an entire career (with a very distant 2nd), so my back-up option was to apply again. Make sure you can see yourself being happy in your back-up specialty for the rest of your working life before you decide to apply.

(Now, obviously you can always transfer out, but it's much easier to go into the whole process having thought this through).

 

[Ludicolo]

A cautionary tale. This potential scenario comes up every year. Be especially wary about applying to two different programs within the same institution.

Yes, if you are applying to an ultra-competitive specialty, it is normally advisable to have a safety plan in mind, especially if you are a borderline candidate. Being frank and open during the whole process is good, but you need to be careful. Nobody likes to be thought of as a second-rate back-up. Most PDs prefer committed residents, who won’t ditch their program the moment a position in their dream specialty opens up somewhere else.

One other thing to consider when applying to back-up fields. Even though your stats may be great, “top tier” programs are competitive no matter what the specialty. These programs generally have enough qualified AND dedicated applicants to fill rank lists. Stellar board scores and all that will usually land you interviews at these places, but some of those who interview can be pretty good at detecting if someone is truly passionate about their respective fields. If your app/letters/interviews suggest you’re interested in something else, you might be ranked accordingly. You could end up in a less than desired specialty, at a less than desired program. Ask yourself if you’d be ok with that.