MD & DO Co’22 ERAS Panic Thread

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
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fldoctorgirl said:
Question about LOIs. If a program has an FAQ about them and says they're not necessary, we believe all applicants who have applied to our program are interested, would you still send one? One of my top choices finally released some interviews last week (2 separate days) and I'm on the fence about sending one. I already signaled this program and wrote a personalized PS for them, but they get a ton of applications. I was thinking about waiting longer to send one, but don't want to miss my shot. So right now I'm on the fence between not wanting to look desperate but not wanting to look back and wonder if I should've sent one.
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Sounds like sending an LOI would signal that you either can’t follow directions or think they don’t apply to you. Not saying you are like that, but it might come across that way and backfire.
 
Matthew9Thirtyfive said:
Sounds like sending an LOI would signal that you either can’t follow directions or think they don’t apply to you. Not saying you are like that, but it might come across that way and backfire.
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Yeah. It's not actually an FAQ that's posted on their website, but I attended one of their virtual open houses and it was mentioned there.
 
Matthew9Thirtyfive said:
That’s less black and white then, for sure.
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Agreed. I'm just wondering whether it'll make any difference considering that I signaled the program specifically/wrote a personalized PS, plus heard that in the open house so it's like...obviously they know I'm interested? But then the other half of me knows how many apps they get and doesn't want to look back and wonder if a LOI would've made a difference. Meh.
 
fldoctorgirl said:
Agreed. I'm just wondering whether it'll make any difference considering that I signaled the program specifically/wrote a personalized PS, plus heard that in the open house so it's like...obviously they know I'm interested? But then the other half of me knows how many apps they get and doesn't want to look back and wonder if a LOI would've made a difference. Meh.
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Yeah I dunno. I feel like signaling them is probably like an LOI and they see that to set your app apart. But what do I know.
 
Chelsea FC said:
basically on Reddit and the spreadsheets people been dragging anyone with a lot of interviews, which I totally get how this crazy process has people on edge but overall not a good look to see colleague disparage each other .
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Reddit is a disaster and the spreadsheets in some specialties are regularly sabotaged
 
CyrusHabs7695 said:
Anybody have any example letters of interest?
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I sent one, my format was:

"Dear PD,

I hope this email finds you well during this busy time! My name is TelemarketingEnigma, and I am a current applicant to [program]. I am writing to express my continued interest in training with your program. I know that you have many incredible candidates this year, but should you be offering further invitations to interview, I hope that you will keep my application in consideration among them.

[very brief paragraph about why their program specifically - near home + academic/community service interests]

[very brief update on accepted publications]

Thank you for your consideration, and I wish you the best of luck with your recruitment this year."

It was either successful or I embarrassed myself by sending it just before they were gonna invite me anyway, because I got the invite later that day. But either way it didn't get me uninvited lol
 
TelemarketingEnigma said:
I sent one, my format was:

"Dear PD,

I hope this email finds you well during this busy time! My name is TelemarketingEnigma, and I am a current applicant to [program]. I am writing to express my continued interest in training with your program. I know that you have many incredible candidates this year, but should you be offering further invitations to interview, I hope that you will keep my application in consideration among them.

[very brief paragraph about why their program specifically - near home + academic/community service interests]

[very brief update on accepted publications]

Thank you for your consideration, and I wish you the best of luck with your recruitment this year."

It was either successful or I embarrassed myself by sending it just before they were gonna invite me anyway, because I got the invite later that day. But either way it didn't get me uninvited lol
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This is really well worded!
 
TelemarketingEnigma said:
I sent one, my format was:

"Dear PD,

I hope this email finds you well during this busy time! My name is TelemarketingEnigma, and I am a current applicant to [program]. I am writing to express my continued interest in training with your program. I know that you have many incredible candidates this year, but should you be offering further invitations to interview, I hope that you will keep my application in consideration among them.

[very brief paragraph about why their program specifically - near home + academic/community service interests]

[very brief update on accepted publications]

Thank you for your consideration, and I wish you the best of luck with your recruitment this year."

It was either successful or I embarrassed myself by sending it just before they were gonna invite me anyway, because I got the invite later that day. But either way it didn't get me uninvited lol
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beautiful
 
TelemarketingEnigma said:
I sent one, my format was:

"Dear PD,

I hope this email finds you well during this busy time! My name is TelemarketingEnigma, and I am a current applicant to [program]. I am writing to express my continued interest in training with your program. I know that you have many incredible candidates this year, but should you be offering further invitations to interview, I hope that you will keep my application in consideration among them.

[very brief paragraph about why their program specifically - near home + academic/community service interests]

[very brief update on accepted publications]

Thank you for your consideration, and I wish you the best of luck with your recruitment this year."

It was either successful or I embarrassed myself by sending it just before they were gonna invite me anyway, because I got the invite later that day. But either way it didn't get me uninvited lol
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did you send yours as a pdf attachment or write the whole thing in the actual body of the email
 
The coming five months are the most stressful period in medical school for fourth year students, dealing with rotations, applications, interviews, ranking and matching.
 
How is it viewed to include step scores in letter of interest emails? Assuming you have good scores, would it be helpful in getting them to actually read your email/review app? Or would it be looked down upon?
 
cybermed2424 said:
How is it viewed to include step scores in letter of interest emails? Assuming you have good scores, would it be helpful in getting them to actually read your email/review app? Or would it be looked down upon?
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Just another student but it seems tacky to me. If they cared they could press a sort button and if your step is good you'd be on top.

Interpersonal communication is a way for you to convey sincere interest.
 
cybermed2424 said:
How is it viewed to include step scores in letter of interest emails? Assuming you have good scores, would it be helpful in getting them to actually read your email/review app? Or would it be looked down upon?
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If your scores just got released because you took step 2 late or whatever I'd say that's a maybe/gray area (and I wouldn't say the score - I'd say I'd just like to update you that my step 2 score is now available), but if your scores were already available when you applied, I wouldn't do it.
 
cybermed2424 said:
How is it viewed to include step scores in letter of interest emails? Assuming you have good scores, would it be helpful in getting them to actually read your email/review app? Or would it be looked down upon?
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I have high scores and I didn't include it. I felt the letter of interest should focus on more personal aspects-- all of the numerical data is available to them in your app already.
 
cybermed2424 said:
How is it viewed to include step scores in letter of interest emails? Assuming you have good scores, would it be helpful in getting them to actually read your email/review app? Or would it be looked down upon?
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I would view it negatively as well. If you have a new score I would mention it.
 
I have an interview for a program coming up in 3 days. Is it weird that I haven't received any details about the actual interview? Have only received the initial invite via email/ERAS. Is this normal?
 
Coltuna said:
I have an interview for a program coming up in 3 days. Is it weird that I haven't received any details about the actual interview? Have only received the initial invite via email/ERAS. Is this normal?
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Many programs don't send final details for the day until a couple of days before. Re-read the initial communication from them to see if they spell anything out like this. If not, I'd say totally okay to reach out 48hrs ahead of time to ask if they have schedule/names for you.
 
DaenerysTargaryen said:
Many programs don't send final details for the day until a couple of days before. Re-read the initial communication from them to see if they spell anything out like this. If not, I'd say totally okay to reach out 48hrs ahead of time to ask if they have schedule/names for you.
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Thank you!
 
Coltuna said:
I have an interview for a program coming up in 3 days. Is it weird that I haven't received any details about the actual interview? Have only received the initial invite via email/ERAS. Is this normal?
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Had my first interview today, didn’t hear anything until 1 business day prior
 
So I sent an LOI to a PD and PC this morning at a California program, and the PD actually emailed me back this afternoon to tell me I've been marked as being selected to interview and that the PC likely just hasn't had a chance to email yet. No idea if the LOI made a difference, but finally some positive news after nearly 3 weeks of complete silence
 
hebrewBAMmer said:
So I sent an LOI to a PD and PC this morning at a California program, and the PD actually emailed me back this afternoon to tell me I've been marked as being selected to interview and that the PC likely just hasn't had a chance to email yet. No idea if the LOI made a difference, but finally some positive news after nearly 3 weeks of complete silence
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Wow awesome
 
Does anyone know if any programs in any speciality are going to give candidates the choice of interviewing in person? I am a reapplicant and so far every place that has offered me an interview has only offered the virtual format.

Last year, I strongly disliked the virtual format as I experienced numerous technical difficulties that were completely out of my control (usually on the program's side) and found it difficult to really connect with anyone over a computer. For example at one place the interviewer was conducting the interview from his own house and while he could hear me clearly, his voice sounded like a robot due to connection issues and I had to either ask him to repeat nearly everything or guess at what he was trying to say. And on another, some issue with thalamus resulted in the program being able to see me on screen, but me not being able to see them.

On top of this, the resident socials were all basically 20-30 candidates all sitting on a zoom call talking over each other making it nearly impossible to get a word in.

I had heard rumors that most specialties were considering some sort of "hybrid" format with in person/virtual interviews, but with 10+ virtual interviews scheduled at this point I am quickly losing hope that I will be getting to travel beyond my apartment over the next few months.
 
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Psych1912 said:
Does anyone know if any programs in any speciality are going to give candidates the choice of interviewing in person? I am a reapplicant and so far every place that has offered me an interview has only offered the virtual format.

Last year, I strongly disliked the virtual format as I experienced numerous technical difficulties that were completely out of my control (usually on the program's side) and found it difficult to really connect with anyone over a computer. For example at one place the interviewer was conducting the interview from his own house and while he could hear me clearly, his voice sounded like a robot due to connection issues and I had to either ask him to repeat nearly everything or guess at what he was trying to say. And on another, some issue with thalamus resulted in the program being able to see me on screen, but me not being able to see them.

On top of this, the resident socials were all basically 20-30 candidates all sitting on a zoom call talking over each other making it nearly impossible to get a word in.

I had heard rumors that most specialties were considering some sort of "hybrid" format with in person/virtual interviews, but with 10+ virtual interviews scheduled at this point I am quickly losing hope that I will be getting to travel beyond my apartment over the next few months.
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Yes, plenty of my friends are interviewing in-person for things like FM.

It’s specialty dependent.
 
Ganon said:
Yes, plenty of my friends are interviewing in-person for things like FM.

It’s specialty dependent.
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Is this something a program will give you the option for in an invitation email or do you need to ask them directly if this is something they are willing to accommodate?
 
Psych1912 said:
Does anyone know if any programs in any speciality are going to give candidates the choice of interviewing in person? I am a reapplicant and so far every place that has offered me an interview has only offered the virtual format.

Last year, I strongly disliked the virtual format as I experienced numerous technical difficulties that were completely out of my control (usually on the program's side) and found it difficult to really connect with anyone over a computer. For example at one place the interviewer was conducting the interview from his own house and while he could hear me clearly, his voice sounded like a robot due to connection issues and I had to either ask him to repeat nearly everything or guess at what he was trying to say. And on another, some issue with thalamus resulted in the program being able to see me on screen, but me not being able to see them.

On top of this, the resident socials were all basically 20-30 candidates all sitting on a zoom call talking over each other making it nearly impossible to get a word in.

I had heard rumors that most specialties were considering some sort of "hybrid" format with in person/virtual interviews, but with 10+ virtual interviews scheduled at this point I am quickly losing hope that I will be getting to travel beyond my apartment over the next few months.
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Not sure what specialty you're applying, but if it's psych like your username suggests I think there was a specialty wide recommendation for virtual interviews only. Worth checking for your specific specialty - many had recommendations to do exclusively virtual
 
I got an in-person TY invite.

Scheduled it before I read the email because you guys know how fast spots go sometimes... then went back and read the email and declined the interview. Traveling for my first choice specialty? Sure. Traveling for a TY when I don't really care where I go as long as I get one? Not a snowball's chance in heck.
 
Psych1912 said:
Does anyone know if any programs in any speciality are going to give candidates the choice of interviewing in person? I am a reapplicant and so far every place that has offered me an interview has only offered the virtual format.

Last year, I strongly disliked the virtual format as I experienced numerous technical difficulties that were completely out of my control (usually on the program's side) and found it difficult to really connect with anyone over a computer. For example at one place the interviewer was conducting the interview from his own house and while he could hear me clearly, his voice sounded like a robot due to connection issues and I had to either ask him to repeat nearly everything or guess at what he was trying to say. And on another, some issue with thalamus resulted in the program being able to see me on screen, but me not being able to see them.

On top of this, the resident socials were all basically 20-30 candidates all sitting on a zoom call talking over each other making it nearly impossible to get a word in.

I had heard rumors that most specialties were considering some sort of "hybrid" format with in person/virtual interviews, but with 10+ virtual interviews scheduled at this point I am quickly losing hope that I will be getting to travel beyond my apartment over the next few months.
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I think most things are virtual. I received one in-person invite out of 20+.
 
calivianya said:
I got an in-person TY invite.

Scheduled it before I read the email because you guys know how fast spots go sometimes... then went back and read the email and declined the interview. Traveling for my first choice specialty? Sure. Traveling for a TY when I don't really care where I go as long as I get one? Not a snowball's chance in heck.
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Ok. I guess I'll just hope some in person offers come in soon. The only thing worse than having nothing to do for an entire year reapplying, is not even being able to make time pass a little faster by having somewhere to go every few days. November/December would be so much more bearable being able to criss-cross the country and see new places instead of being in an extended quarantine.
 
Psych1912 said:
Ok. I guess I'll just hope some in person offers come in soon. The only thing worse than having nothing to do for an entire year reapplying, is not even being able to make time pass a little faster by having somewhere to go every few days. November/December would be so much more bearable being able to criss-cross the country and see new places instead of being in an extended quarantine.
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Is something keeping you from traveling on your own?
 
Matthew9Thirtyfive said:
Is something keeping you from traveling on your own?
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Nothing is directly preventing me. I just meant it would have been nice to have a purpose in doing so. Going on actual interviews and getting to see new parts of the country where I can see myself establishing a career has been something I had looked forward to ever since I started medical school.
 
So I had sent a second LOI yesterday morning, expected nothing, and then late last night at like 1130pm, I got an email from this CA program inviting me for an interview. I honestly don't understand this process since I would have thought me applying there would have signaled I was interested anyway, but hey I'll take it
 
hebrewBAMmer said:
So I had sent a second LOI yesterday morning, expected nothing, and then late last night at like 1130pm, I got an email from this CA program inviting me for an interview. I honestly don't understand this process since I would have thought me applying there would have signaled I was interested anyway, but hey I'll take it
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Damn I'm 0 for 3 on LOI's lol.
 
1/4 on LOIs... 2/4 if you count a "we'll let you know first if anyone cancels."

One of the nonresponses is a little hurtful. Rotated at the site (not in the specialty), wrote a LOI at the end of it, and the attending I worked with (who actually happens to be a large name in his field, and wrote a major practice-changing paper that has since spurred Medicare quality measures based on his guidelines and changed laws in at least 1 state) even asked if I'd gotten an interview, got my contact info, my PS, and my CV, and emailed the PD for me. No dice.

What does it take to get an interview at some of these places? Good grief. I figured a relatively famous name working at the same hospital would impress someone lol
 
calivianya said:
1/4 on LOIs... 2/4 if you count a "we'll let you know first if anyone cancels."

One of the nonresponses is a little hurtful. Rotated at the site (not in the specialty), wrote a LOI at the end of it, and the attending I worked with (who actually happens to be a large name in his field, and wrote a major practice-changing paper that has since spurred Medicare quality measures based on his guidelines and changed laws in at least 1 state) even asked if I'd gotten an interview, got my contact info, my PS, and my CV, and emailed the PD for me. No dice.

What does it take to get an interview at some of these places? Good grief. I figured a relatively famous name working at the same hospital would impress someone lol
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No response is the most common thing to expect. This is also to be expected after you send thank you notes post interview, letters of intent or just about any other interaction you have with them short of scheduling an interview. Even emailing program coordinators for the latter typically takes forever and it is better to just call for most things. Typically having rotated at a program doesn't make too much of a different in how you are treated during the interview season. I think 2/4 for responses and 1/4 for interviews is pretty good.
 
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who are you guys writing the LOI to if the only email you can find is the program coordinator? Like are you saying Dear (program coordinator name) or something like "To the residency committee" ? sorry if stupid question lol
 
calivianya said:
Yep! Three so far. Not unsurprising. They've all been out of region and/or above my pay grade, but hey, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
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Agree. I also paid to apply some dream programs which are known to bias against DO schools.
 
Do programs usually interview you for PC and categorical IM tracks? Like if I got an invite for a PC track but not their categorical do I still have a shot at categorical? Also can I switch to categorical track at an institution once Im there?
 
How bad is it to miss a pre-interview social, do you guys think?

It's going to be unavoidable. One program I've gotten an invite from holds one social per set of interviews - and it's not the day before any of the interviews. I have conflicts with *every single social date* - with pre-interview socials at other programs. So no matter what I end up doing, I'm going to have to miss at least one social for at least one program.

Kinda thinking that I should miss the social at the problem one, because there's no way they don't understand that with offering a social at a non-standard time (i.e. not the night before) that they're going to cause problems for candidates. I feel like it would be worse to miss a social the night before an interview, because you should expect to be free to go to a social then. Idk.
 
Super frustrating to see two personal top programs ignore me after reaching out to both of them well before the cycle started, having strong regional ties, personalizing a PS, being competitive stats-wise (I see them interviewing people with step 1 20+ points under mine), having a LOR from a physician at one of the programs, and sending LOIs to both! I assume there's not anything more I can do for those programs. Otherwise have had several LOIs result in interviews!
 
Deecee2DO said:
Do programs usually interview you for PC and categorical IM tracks? Like if I got an invite for a PC track but not their categorical do I still have a shot at categorical? Also can I switch to categorical track at an institution once Im there?
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I have a couple of interviews that specifically said they were interviewing me for both tracks.
 
fldoctorgirl said:
I have a couple of interviews that specifically said they were interviewing me for both tracks.
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Thats awesome. Yale PC interviewed me but I want the categorical track and not sure how to go about it bc I dont want to shoot myself in the foot and then be like hey but I want categorical instead lol and then be like DNRd at both. I want to anonymously ask someone there if I am able to switch to categorical once im there
 
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