Applying psych with app geared towards another field... is this a red flag?

[Yellow345]

My app was very geared towards another specialty but after starting psych I'm thinking I'm going to actually change my mind and psychiatry. My scores are good but I have heard that an app showing interest in psych is very important when applying. How much of a detriment (if at all) will this be towards my application especially with things getting more competitive this past cycle? I am planning on doing one rotation in my originally intended field of interest during early 4th year to potentially rule it out and then 2 psych rotations.

Thanks

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[TexasPhysician]

I think it is hard to say without seeing the app. 2 psych 4th year rotations makes it pretty clear that you have interest. I published and had a job in another field than psych in med school. My mind changed. No interviewers ever asked.

 

[rjs2131]

My app was very geared towards another specialty but after starting psych I'm thinking I'm going to actually change my mind and psychiatry. My scores are good but I have heard that an app showing interest in psych is very important when applying. How much of a detriment (if at all) will this be towards my application especially with things getting more competitive this past cycle? I am planning on doing one rotation in my originally intended field of interest during early 4th year to potentially rule it out and then 2 psych rotations.

Thanks

I started off with plans for another field and did rotations/research in this field earlier in med school. I think being able to discuss how I decided on psych was an important part of my interviews and ultimately served to emphasize my interest. In my experience, programs expect a large chunk of med students to use MS3 as a way to figure out what they actually enjoy and that’s totally reasonable - I’ve never really understood how people go into med school 100% set on a specialty they’ve only shadowed for a few weeks-months.

As long as you’re genuinely interested and that comes across in your application/interviews, you shouldn’t worry too much about that piece.

 

[vistaril]

My app was very geared towards another specialty but after starting psych I'm thinking I'm going to actually change my mind and psychiatry. My scores are good but I have heard that an app showing interest in psych is very important when applying. How much of a detriment (if at all) will this be towards my application especially with things getting more competitive this past cycle? I am planning on doing one rotation in my originally intended field of interest during early 4th year to potentially rule it out and then 2 psych rotations.

Thanks

If you did a 4th year elective you will be more than fine. Psych is one of the least competitive fields so programs/PDS are just happy to have people....

 

[toros102]

I applied with a lot of ophtho research and a heme-onc pub. I matched well, you just need to have a really good story for why you switched, because they’ll definitely ask.