Applying to two specialties

[DentalMan123]

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Hi,

Is it possible to apply to two different competitive specialties?

 

[Sublimazing]

Hi,

Is it possible to apply to two different competitive specialties? Do you know if this can be done successfully and/or what the drawbacks might be? Too risky?
For example, applying to mainly ortho programs, and also applying to a couple (2-4) pedo programs that highly emphasize ortho? I would not apply to programs that have both specialties within the institution.

There are more than a handful of threads on this that you can search

You CAN do this...and there are two different ways

The clandestine way...where you tell no one...you create two different application portfolios (separate letter of recs, essays...blah blah blah)...then you interview at both and wait for the ortho match (which would come first)...if no match there then hopefully you'll match pedo

The other way is to be open about it and let the place you apply to know at the interview that you are also applying to another specialty...this route works better if you are appealing enough of an applicant that these programs will want you regardless of the fact that you haven't made up your mind on which route you plan to pursue

There are pros and cons to both ways...pedo and ortho can have a lot of overlap, but the day to day are pretty different. Honestly, it's better to figure out which one you really want and then just pursue it full throttle.

 

[DentalMan123]

How? Is this too risky?

 

[Sublimazing]

Thanks! If applying the clandestine way, is there any possible way the two different programs can find out that you are applying to both specialties? How? Is this too risky?

There's no official way for them to find out...it's not worked into pass/match or anything like that

Some programs will ask you where else you are applying...but they won't check anything out

You also have to consider that it is dishonest to an extent...and when it comes to applications you are playing with your career when you start bending the truth...so give it a lot of thought before you decide to deceive anyone