MD & DO co'21 Residency Panic thread

[Espressso]

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If a program offers both Categorical and Advanced spots, does that mean I apply to both and could possibly get the Categorical spot or possibly have to do a TY/pre-lim year somewhere else and come for the Advanced spot in yr 2?

I'm not quite 100% on that so someone can correct me, but my understanding is that you can apply to both categorical and advanced spots, and if you match at an advanced spot, you then default to your prelim/TY rank list. Which is separate, and match at one of those programs. To then complete prior to year two when you go to the advanced spot place.

Again, I'm applying IM so this is beyond my level, just kinda going off what I've heard from friends/residents I've spoken to.

 

[cjcarter]

Random question. I took a couple courses at a community college before med school and honestly can’t remember the dates I attended. Do I need to add the community college on my app?

 

[Dr. Rafiki]

If a program says 3 LORs on their "how to apply" page, but I have 4 LORs in my arsenal, do I choose 1 to not submit? Or do I assign all 4 LORs to every program I apply to, regardless of however many they require? It didn't say "at least 3" either, it just straight up says 3 LORs are part of the application requirement.

 

[kraskadva]

f a program says 3 LORs on their "how to apply" page, but I have 4 LORs in my arsenal, do I choose 1 to not submit?

yes

 

[kraskadva]

Random question. I took a couple courses at a community college before med school and honestly can’t remember the dates I attended. Do I need to add the community college on my app?

IDK, but it's probably in the manual somewhere.

Gut instinct would be that it probably doesn't matter, since the only transcript they want is your med school one, and are v unlikely to have any inclination whatsoever to go back a verify your ug GPA or give any ****s about a couple of classes that didn't result in a degree.

 

[Dr. Rafiki]

yes

Followup question then, which LOR would you axe? I have 2 from preceptors as a 3rd year, 1 from a preceptor as a 4th year and 1 Chair Letter from my school. All the same specialty, which is what I'm applying for.

 

[Necr0sis713]

Anyone have any knowledge on wether dark backgrounds for your ERAS photo are a good move?

 

[sunshinefl]

Can anyone put together a virtual interviewing tech package? Willing to pay $$$$ to look professional without having to figure out lighting, camera, microphone.

 

[popopopop]

Followup question then, which LOR would you axe? I have 2 from preceptors as a 3rd year, 1 from a preceptor as a 4th year and 1 Chair Letter from my school. All the same specialty, which is what I'm applying for.

Axe the one you think is the weakest, but probably not the chair one.

 

[Neopolymath]

Axe the one you think is the weakest, but probably not the chair one.

A chair letter is required in some specialties like IM I believe so that needs to be considered as well.

 

[NonTrad16]

Random question. I took a couple courses at a community college before med school and honestly can’t remember the dates I attended. Do I need to add the community college on my app?

Did you list it on AMCAS? You can log in and retrieve your app pretty easily. If you didn’t list it on AMCAS, I’d forget it.
(I assume AACOMAS(?) is similar)

 

[popopopop]

Can anyone put together a virtual interviewing tech package? Willing to pay $$$$ to look professional without having to figure out lighting, camera, microphone.

You'll probably get away with whatever's most popular on Amazon. Amazon even has a $43 dollar AmazonBasics mic and you can watch some reviews on youtube about it. There's also good lighting tips on youtube repurposing lamps and learning some lighting principles. Camera is a bit tricky and I'm unsure any of these webcams are worth it compared to my laptop's. Logitech's c920 seems to be popular from a quick search.

 

[holdthemayo]

Did you list it on AMCAS? You can log in and retrieve your app pretty easily. If you didn’t list it on AMCAS, I’d forget it.
(I assume AACOMAS(?) is similar)

AMCAS is very clear that you need to list ever course ever taken, regardless of whether it lead to a degree.


ERAS is less clear from what I can tell.

 

[NecrotizingFasciitis]

Random question. I took a couple courses at a community college before med school and honestly can’t remember the dates I attended. Do I need to add the community college on my app?

I took one CC class I’m not listing it. No program is going to care (IMO).

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

My school told me to get rid of all personal pronouns in descriptions of stuff. Is that true? I know you do that for like a resume and stuff, but I don’t remember doing that for my med school app, and some apps I’ve seen from last year had personal pronouns. I’m not sure how much I trust my school lol.

 

[ciestar]

I took one CC class I’m not listing it. No program is going to care (IMO).

Nearly certain i didnt list my one CC class either.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

My school told me to get rid of all personal pronouns in descriptions of stuff. Is that true? I know you do that for like a resume and stuff, but I don’t remember doing that for my med school app, and some apps I’ve seen from last year had personal pronouns. I’m not sure how much I trust my school lol.

Almost didn’t recognize you with the new av.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

If a program offers both Categorical and Advanced spots, does that mean I apply to both and could possibly get the Categorical spot or possibly have to do a TY/pre-lim year somewhere else and come for the Advanced spot in yr 2?

Yes, in general you can apply to both. If considering advanced, make sure that a TY meets the field's needs -- Neuro is a good example, they have clear requirements that usually need a prelim IM to meet.

Random question. I took a couple courses at a community college before med school and honestly can’t remember the dates I attended. Do I need to add the community college on my app?

I agree with what's posted above -- this is not made clear in the ERAS instructions. Lots of people do list them, but no one is going to care.

If a program says 3 LORs on their "how to apply" page, but I have 4 LORs in my arsenal, do I choose 1 to not submit? Or do I assign all 4 LORs to every program I apply to, regardless of however many they require? It didn't say "at least 3" either, it just straight up says 3 LORs are part of the application requirement.

This question get's asked every year on this thread. Current SDN wisdom is that you should only submit 3, because perhaps the program is screening "whom can follow directions". Personally I think this is ridic. But who knows?

Anyone have any knowledge on wether dark backgrounds for your ERAS photo are a good move?

You should assume that your ERAS pic will become your residency pic. So choose wisely, my young padawan.

Can anyone put together a virtual interviewing tech package? Willing to pay $$$$ to look professional without having to figure out lighting, camera, microphone.

Light from the front, not overhead. A well placed desk lamp will work, or you can buy a "ring light".
You want to look at your interviewer. That means you need to look at the camera. If you have a dual screen setup, and put your interviewer on the second screen and watch it, they will see you looking away.
Laptop cam is fine, IMHO. This isn't IMAX.
Dress nice - the same if you were doing an in person video.
Green screen is crazy. Non busy background is fine.
Minimize interruptions. Don't have a cat walk across your keyboard / field of view.
Connect sound to both your computer and a phone (not over wifi). The biggest problem I've had in web-based meetings is crappy sound. If your video fails during an interview, I don't really care. if the sound fails, that's a mess. Having both your phone and computer connected gives you a backup. In addition, you may find that a simple pair of earbuds with mic can work wonders if the sound is on your phone.
Do not use a laptop's built in microphone. Use a mic of some sort. As mentioned above, a pair of earbuds in your phone can work just fine.
Test it all out with a friend. Several times

 

[kraskadva]

Followup question then, which LOR would you axe? I have 2 from preceptors as a 3rd year, 1 from a preceptor as a 4th year and 1 Chair Letter from my school. All the same specialty, which is what I'm applying for.

Which one knows you the least well / would be able to advocate for you the least well? Ax that one.

Edit: beaten to the punch

 

[kraskadva]

Anyone have any knowledge on wether dark backgrounds for your ERAS photo are a good move?

If assuming this:

You should assume that your ERAS pic will become your residency pic. So choose wisely, my young padawan.

Most residency photos I have seen are on a lighter background. Also, if you have dark hair/skin, you are gonna blend into that background more, when you should stand out.

 

[NecrotizingFasciitis]

So my PS was easily over a page (like 1 & 1/3) and I just cut out like >200 words and feel like I still deliver the same message but DANG does it feel empty & weird writing so little about such a major application.

 

[Neopolymath]

So my PS was easily over a page (like 1 & 1/3) and I just cut out like >200 words and feel like I still deliver the same message but DANG does it feel empty & weird writing so little about such a major application.

Did you consider transferring the original version to notepad/any plaintext editor and then removing all spaces and stuff before putting it in ERAS to ensure it wasn't just Word doing silly double secret formatting things? It seems to be an issue people run into and I wonder how many people cut their PS by a lot for no reason.

 

[NecrotizingFasciitis]

Did you consider transferring the original version to notepad/any plaintext editor and then removing all spaces and stuff before putting it in ERAS to ensure it wasn't just Word doing silly double secret formatting things? It seems to be an issue people run into and I wonder how many people cut their PS by a lot for no reason.

I threw it into my "generic PS" template on ERAS and then did "print/preview" to make sure it was only 1 page. Is there something else I'm missing too?

 

[Neopolymath]

I threw it into my "generic PS" template on ERAS and then did "print/preview" to make sure it was only 1 page. Is there something else I'm missing too?

Perhaps I'm not following or being clear. When you initially wrote the personal statement I'm guessing that you wrote it in Word? This can lead to formatting issues in places that you won't suspect them such as page breaks and line breaks and spacing issues. To ensure that these hidden formatting issues are not what's pushing you over the page limit you should copy and paste the personal statement into notepad. In notepad you should reformat the words and the lines to make it look right. Then you should copy and paste the personal statement from notepad into eras. This is to ensure that remnants of word formatting did not make it into the eras text box. Am I making sense?

 

[NecrotizingFasciitis]

Perhaps I'm not following or being clear. When you initially wrote the personal statement I'm guessing that you wrote it in Word? This can lead to formatting issues in places that you won't suspect them such as page breaks and line breaks and spacing issues. To ensure that these hidden formatting issues are not what's pushing you over the page limit you should copy and paste the personal statement into notepad. In notepad you should reformat the words and the lines to make it look right. Then you should copy and paste the personal statement from notepad into eras. This is to ensure that remnants of word formatting did not make it into the eras text box. Am I making sense?

Ya I gotchu!

 

[Espressso]

Anyone have any knowledge on wether dark backgrounds for your ERAS photo are a good move?

If assuming this:

Most residency photos I have seen are on a lighter background. Also, if you have dark hair/skin, you are gonna blend into that background more, when you should stand out.

I disagree. Most might be a lighter background, but the better ones are darker, I think.

When I got my professional pictures taken a few months back, the photographer was adamant that I use a darker grey background. And I think I agree. You tend to pop more with a darker background, and the lighter backgrounds tend to be too bright and hard on the eyes. By dark, I mean like a smooth medium-to-dark grey, not a super dark/pitch black grey lol

 

[Dr. Rafiki]

I disagree. Most might be a lighter background, but the better ones are darker, I think.

When I got my professional pictures taken a few months back, the photographer was adamant that I use a darker grey background. And I think I agree. You tend to pop more with a darker background, and the lighter backgrounds tend to be too bright and hard on the eyes. By dark, I mean like a smooth medium-to-dark grey, not a super dark/pitch black grey lol

I have jet-black hair and our school's grey background makes me look like a face that has no hair. It totally blends in. Unless you have pale skin and blonde hair, lighter background FTW.

 

[ciestar]

My ERAS picture’s background was a lot lighter than the background the photographer used for the program’s pictures. I have darker hair and boy does it make my teeth look white lol

 

[hsk013]

If I have a USMLE ID but never took USMLE (only COMLEX), do I still select Yes on authorizing NBME to transmit my USMLE exam result? Or do I select No?

Will programs look at me differently if I say no vs. saying yes and not having a score?

 

[risperdoll]

If I have a USMLE ID but never took USMLE (only COMLEX), do I still select Yes on authorizing NBME to transmit my USMLE exam result? Or do I select No?

Will programs look at me differently if I say no vs. saying yes and not having a score?

If you don’t have a score, don’t say to transmit your scores. They will just assume you haven’t taken the tests, because you don’t have to as a DO student.

 

[theonlytycrane]

@NecrotizingFasciitis @Neopolymath + any rads friends,

If a program offers both Medicine-Preliminary and Med-Prelim/Radiology, do we click both of those boxes? If so, are we "applying to both" and being charged twice for that?

 

[Neopolymath]

@NecrotizingFasciitis @Neopolymath + any rads friends,

If a program offers both Medicine-Preliminary and Med-Prelim/Radiology, do we click both of those boxes? If so, are we "applying to both" and being charged twice for that?

Hey, man. I read about this somewhere but don't remember so I don't want to say something wrong. If I find out, I'll let you know! I want to say you should apply to both though? I would email the coordinator to clarify how their program does it.

I do feel certain in saying you will be charged twice as technically they are separate spots/ groups of allocated positions on eras.

 

[Chibucks15]

I'm sure that this has been asked before either in this thread or last year, but how the absolute f do I format the research experiences section. I have multiple abstracts, presentations, publications (submitted or accepted) with multiple PI's. Do I list every project as a separate research experience? Every PI as a separate research experience? What if I have 7 projects with a single PI, do I lump those all into one research experience? Really not a fan of this not being clear.

I originally had everything listed as a separate research experience, but when I viewed the printed version of my ERAS application it was obnoxious looking.

List everything as seperate. Technically they all are seperate experiences. Even stuff that wasn't published I'm listing as experiences because they did show me a lot of the research side of things they just fizzled out before the finish line.

 

[Neopolymath]

List everything as seperate. Technically they all are seperate experiences. Even stuff that wasn't published I'm listing as experiences because they did show me a lot of the research side of things they just fizzled out before the finish line.

What types of research that didn't get published are you putting? Presentations that didn't happen, case reports that haven't been published, manuscripts not reviewed yet?

 

[Chibucks15]

What types of research that didn't get published are you putting? Presentations that didn't happen, case reports that haven't been published, manuscripts not reviewed yet?

Basically I was on a few projects that got started but for some reason or another they fizzled. One lost funding due to COVID, one had some IRB issue that my PI didn’t take care of, and another just is in a holding pattern

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

Yes, in general you can apply to both. If considering advanced, make sure that a TY meets the field's needs -- Neuro is a good example, they have clear requirements that usually need a prelim IM to meet.



I agree with what's posted above -- this is not made clear in the ERAS instructions. Lots of people do list them, but no one is going to care.


This question get's asked every year on this thread. Current SDN wisdom is that you should only submit 3, because perhaps the program is screening "whom can follow directions". Personally I think this is ridic. But who knows?

You should assume that your ERAS pic will become your residency pic. So choose wisely, my young padawan.

Light from the front, not overhead. A well placed desk lamp will work, or you can buy a "ring light".
You want to look at your interviewer. That means you need to look at the camera. If you have a dual screen setup, and put your interviewer on the second screen and watch it, they will see you looking away.
Laptop cam is fine, IMHO. This isn't IMAX.
Dress nice - the same if you were doing an in person video.
Green screen is crazy. Non busy background is fine.
Minimize interruptions. Don't have a cat walk across your keyboard / field of view.
Connect sound to both your computer and a phone (not over wifi). The biggest problem I've had in web-based meetings is crappy sound. If your video fails during an interview, I don't really care. if the sound fails, that's a mess. Having both your phone and computer connected gives you a backup. In addition, you may find that a simple pair of earbuds with mic can work wonders if the sound is on your phone.
Do not use a laptop's built in microphone. Use a mic of some sort. As mentioned above, a pair of earbuds in your phone can work just fine.
Test it all out with a friend. Several times

On the ERAS app do you suggest getting rid of personal pronouns? My school told me to do so and have the sections written like how I would have them on a resume but from the ERAS apps I've seen of previous applicants they had them, so not quite sure what to believe.

 

[sunshinefl]

I just went to release my USMLE and NBOME transcripts, but then I saw this. I wanted to make sure I did it while I was thinking about it and wasn't one of the few every year who inevitably forget. However, I haven't taken Level 2/Step 2 yet. And after seeing this, I'm not sure how to "retransmit my transcripts" and what kind of hassle (or not) that would be.

 

[NecrotizingFasciitis]

Basically I was on a few projects that got started but for some reason or another they fizzled. One lost funding due to COVID, one had some IRB issue that my PI didn’t take care of, and another just is in a holding pattern

I have one similar research experience (fizzled our with the start of COVID.) I’m listing it. I was told by several people to list it. As long as you can talk about the point of the research and what you did/learned I don’t think it would ever be a bad thing to list.

I asked a couple residents and a program director about it too. The PD said you could address it in your personal statement if you want but I think if they actually care they’ll probably ask in interview and you can explain, you know? My PS doesn’t have the extra character count for that lol.

 

[NecrotizingFasciitis]

@NecrotizingFasciitis @Neopolymath + any rads friends,

If a program offers both Medicine-Preliminary and Med-Prelim/Radiology, do we click both of those boxes? If so, are we "applying to both" and being charged twice for that?

I know for one particular program they specifically addressed this on their website and listed it as a benefit that you could choose to do all 5 years at their program or apply for a separate prelim/TY if you want to... off of the top of my head I can’t remember which it was (I think on the east coast) and I don’t remember how they were listed in ERAS.. I’ll try to check tomorrow I’m drinking a G&T right now haha.

I’d imagine you’d be charged twice though?

 

[Chibucks15]

Y

I have one similar research experience (fizzled our with the start of COVID.) I’m listing it. I was told by several people to list it. As long as you can talk about the point of the research and what you did/learned I don’t think it would ever be a bad thing to list.

I asked a couple residents and a program director about it too. The PD said you could address it in your personal statement if you want but I think if they actually care they’ll probably ask in interview and you can explain, you know? My PS doesn’t have the extra character count for that lol.

yeah that’s my thought. I’ll list everything I did in med school cuz I fought to get these opportunities and it isn’t my fault they didn’t pan out. If it helps it helps but I’m able to BS my way through any question that may be asked about them

 

[Neopolymath]

I know for one particular program they specifically addressed this on their website and listed it as a benefit that you could choose to do all 5 years at their program or apply for a separate prelim/TY if you want to... off of the top of my head I can’t remember which it was (I think on the east coast) and I don’t remember how they were listed in ERAS.. I’ll try to check tomorrow I’m drinking a G&T right now haha.

I’d imagine you’d be charged twice though?

Let me know as well.

Big G&T fan myself!

 

[ciestar]

View attachment 318845

I just went to release my USMLE and NBOME transcripts, but then I saw this. I wanted to make sure I did it while I was thinking about it and wasn't one of the few every year who inevitably forget. However, I haven't taken Level 2/Step 2 yet. And after seeing this, I'm not sure how to "retransmit my transcripts" and what kind of hassle (or not) that would be.

It wasnt a hassle at all to do so. I had to resubmit because my CS score came later.

 

[sunshinefl]

It wasnt a hassle at all to do so. I had to resubmit because my CS score came later.

Thanks! I’ll go ahead and do it so I don’t forget.

what are the steps to “resubmit”?

 

[curbsideconsult]

PM me your personal statements if you want another set of eyes on them.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

@NecrotizingFasciitis @Neopolymath + any rads friends,

If a program offers both Medicine-Preliminary and Med-Prelim/Radiology, do we click both of those boxes? If so, are we "applying to both" and being charged twice for that?

Programs can assign their prelim positions to sub-tracks in the NRMP. Prelim/Rads will be spots that are guaranteed for their Rads matches, where the plain prelim spots are not assigned.

I believe you are only charged by specialty. Applying to both Categorical and Primary Care in Int Med only gets one charge, I'm almost certain that you'll only get charged once. My prior posts on this topic suggested that you'd get charged twice, but I don't think that's correct.

I'm sure that this has been asked before either in this thread or last year, but how the absolute f do I format the research experiences section. I have multiple abstracts, presentations, publications (submitted or accepted) with multiple PI's. Do I list every project as a separate research experience? Every PI as a separate research experience? What if I have 7 projects with a single PI, do I lump those all into one research experience? Really not a fan of this not being clear.

I originally had everything listed as a separate research experience, but when I viewed the printed version of my ERAS application it was obnoxious looking.

This is your choice. Many people with lots of projects with a single PI combine them. If there's one project you're esp proud of, you could list that one separately. Or you can list them all separately.

View attachment 318845

I just went to release my USMLE and NBOME transcripts, but then I saw this. I wanted to make sure I did it while I was thinking about it and wasn't one of the few every year who inevitably forget. However, I haven't taken Level 2/Step 2 yet. And after seeing this, I'm not sure how to "retransmit my transcripts" and what kind of hassle (or not) that would be.

It's very easy. After applying, there's a re-transmit button. This will re-transmit to all of your programs, you can't pick and choose. Also, it's free.

 

[drplzz]

sooo i take it if I listed my membership in American Alpine Club in the "Membership in Honorary/Professional Societies" it would probably be frowned upon??

 

[holdthemayo]

sooo i take it if I listed my membership in American Alpine Club in the "Membership in Honorary/Professional Societies" it would probably be frowned upon??

I don't think so at all. I'd rather hear about that than your meaningless AMA membership.

 

[NecrotizingFasciitis]

I don't think so at all. I'd rather hear about that than your meaningless AMA membership.

I legit don’t want to list my AMA membership cause I know it means nothing at all

 

[NotAProgDirector]

I legit don’t want to list my AMA membership cause I know it means nothing at all

Don't. No one will care at all either way.

 

[Neopolymath]

My ERAS app won't have much on it to be perfectly honest. I worked and then went to school and when I wasn't at work or school I do awesome hobbies. I question the validity of the total work, volunteering, research experiences so much.