Applying to both prelim and categorical

[banana66889]

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I'm an IMG from the caribbean (US citizen) applying to IM. I know my chances as an IMG are meh but I just want to match into something. Would it look bad to apply to both prelim IM and categorical IM at the same program? I am definite on IM but I'm worried this could look like I'm applying to an advanced position in another specialty (and hence the prelim spot), with the categorical position as a "backup." anyone have any insight on this?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

You can do this. Programs will assume you'd prefer a categorical spot, but would be OK with a prelim spot.

 

[the argus]

I'm an IMG from the caribbean (US citizen) applying to IM. I know my chances as an IMG are meh but I just want to match into something. Would it look bad to apply to both prelim IM and categorical IM at the same program? I am definite on IM but I'm worried this could look like I'm applying to an advanced position in another specialty (and hence the prelim spot), with the categorical position as a "backup." anyone have any insight on this?

Your chances are not "meh" assuming you have no major deficits (step failures, etc) and are a reasonably competitive applicant. Look at the match lists from the past 3 years at the big Caribbean schools, and apply to every IM program on those lists.

And as mentioned above, it's fine to apply to both. Just keep in mind that IM prelim spots aren't like surgery prelims, they can be pretty competitive. They are desirable for people going into advanced positions because they are, on average, more relaxed than surgery prelims. Last year there were 1.918 medicine prelim spots total with 94 available in the SOAP. This is compared to surgery, where there were 1,308 prelim spot total with 448 available in the SOAP.