MD & DO Co’22 ERAS Panic Thread

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calivianya said:
The PD at my #2 is the APD at my #1, and my #1 and #2 share residency selection committee members… so the people at my #2 are going to be reading my #1 letter and knowing it’s not them.

As long as I’m sure they’re my #2, I don’t want to risk them thinking that they’re way below #2 for me. I’m pretty sure the advice not to send a #2 letter really only applies if your #2 people can’t read your #1 letter (which is going to be true for almost everyone).


One single program on my list said this. A bunch of programs have told me “we really want people who want to be here, so please stay in touch if you want to come to our program,” which is pretty much the exact opposite and I am concerned some of these places may not rank me if I don’t communicate. I should have sent more updates earlier in the season, because now I feel like sending updates is going to look disingenuous.
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Dude, you’re overthinking it. Send it to your number 1, or don’t, and leave it be. Overthinking will not help, especially with something so trivial. Also, programs aren’t going to not rank you because you didn’t stay in touch over the season.
 
calivianya said:
The PD at my #2 is the APD at my #1, and my #1 and #2 share residency selection committee members… so the people at my #2 are going to be reading my #1 letter and knowing it’s not them.

As long as I’m sure they’re my #2, I don’t want to risk them thinking that they’re way below #2 for me. I’m pretty sure the advice not to send a #2 letter really only applies if your #2 people can’t read your #1 letter (which is going to be true for almost everyone).


One single program on my list said this. A bunch of programs have told me “we really want people who want to be here, so please stay in touch if you want to come to our program,” which is pretty much the exact opposite and I am concerned some of these places may not rank me if I don’t communicate. I should have sent more updates earlier in the season, because now I feel like sending updates is going to look disingenuous.
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Definitely overthinking things. Send a #1 or don't. At the end of the day it doesn't really matter much at most places. If the person actually reads it they may think it's a nice gesture, but the amount of communication has gotten to the point where there isn't time to read it all. Sending multiple updates is not necessary and unless they were significant updates would just be annoying.
 
Steve_Zissou said:
Dude, you’re overthinking it. Send it to your number 1, or don’t, and leave it be. Overthinking will not help, especially with something so trivial. Also, programs aren’t going to not rank you because you didn’t stay in touch over the season.
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Thank you.

If it's not going to change their rankings, I don't know why they would say specifically that they want you to stay in touch if you want to go there. Seems like a big stick to wave if it's not going to change anything.
 
calivianya said:
Thank you.

If it's not going to change their rankings, I don't know why they would say specifically that they want you to stay in touch if you want to go there. Seems like a big stick to wave if it's not going to change anything.
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I get it man, I’m feeling the stress and anxiety too. I legit think it’s less important than you’re perceiving it to be, but it’s totally your call. To me, it sounds like a generic pleasantry, but I’m also super skeptical of anything said during this season.
 
calivianya said:
Thank you.

If it's not going to change their rankings, I don't know why they would say specifically that they want you to stay in touch if you want to go there. Seems like a big stick to wave if it's not going to change anything.
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Besides for possibly sending a "you're my number one,"which maybe that's what places were hinting at when they made that statement. What kind of information/update do you think you are going to provide that is going to make a meaningful difference? You already passed the screen as far as grades/scores, so constantly sending updates on that stuff isn't necessary. Perhaps if you had a publication or started some new research, that's something.
 
Saying "stay in touch" is the equivalent of saying the same thing to the person at your 20 year high school reunion who reminds you why you didn't stay in touch the first time...

ie, its a courtesy with the intent to really go nowhere beyond that.
 
diesel2202 said:
Besides for possibly sending a "you're my number one,"which maybe that's what places were hinting at when they made that statement. What kind of information/update do you think you are going to provide that is going to make a meaningful difference? You already passed the screen as far as grades/scores, so constantly sending updates on that stuff isn't necessary. Perhaps if you had a publication or started some new research, that's something.
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I get what you're saying, but I don't think that's what these places mean.

One of the PDs I interviewed with said they get a lot of applicants, but he personally wants people who want to be at his program, and would rather have someone who wants to be there than someone with the best board scores or CV. It was one of my earliest interviews, and he stated that he was sure I would interview lots of other places, but if I wanted to go to his program, to reach back out to him and stay in communication during the interview season. I didn't get the vibe that he'd care about actual scores/boards/whatever updates.
 
calivianya said:
I get what you're saying, but I don't think that's what these places mean.

One of the PDs I interviewed with said they get a lot of applicants, but he personally wants people who want to be at his program, and would rather have someone who wants to be there than someone with the best board scores or CV. It was one of my earliest interviews, and he stated that he was sure I would interview lots of other places, but if I wanted to go to his program, to reach back out to him and stay in communication during the interview season. I didn't get the vibe that he'd care about actual scores/boards/whatever updates.
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Is this program your number 1?
 
calivianya said:
Nope. It's not super low either, though... I'd be happy with it if I matched there.
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I guess my question is, what would you say that would sway them? "I am ranking you highly" can mean 2 to 10. "I really enjoyed your program and think I would be happy there" doesn't mean anything. If they're not your number 1, and your email is implying that they're not your number one, then I can't see how an email would help. Totally your call, but I would leave it be rather than risk the communication being interpreted negatively. I'm fairly certain that the PD was likely talking about people who were going to communicate to them that they are their number 1, not somewhere in the middle of their list.
 
calivianya said:
Nope. It's not super low either, though... I'd be happy with it if I matched there.
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One idea is you could email them and talk about how you enjoyed your interview, bring up specific things that were discussed and maybe the impact of the conversation, and then ask a question about the program.

This shows that you're thinking about them, reminding the interviewer of who you are, and also asking a question which they can respond to.
 
Should we be trying to take our Level 3 before then or is this nothing to panic about? LOL I feel like the class of 2022 has been the Guiney pigs for so many changes that I have now developed trust issues. From MCAT changes, to USMLE/COMLEX changes, to COVID messing up our exams and interviews. We can't seem catch a break at all.



Screenshot (2374).png
 
DrStephenStrange said:
Should we be trying to take our Level 3 before then or is this nothing to panic about? LOL I feel like the class of 2022 has been the Guiney pigs for so many changes that I have now developed trust issues. From MCAT changes, to USMLE/COMLEX changes, to COVID messing up our exams and interviews. We can't seem catch a break at all.
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NBD. I've taken other licensing exams at Pearson centers and it's really not any different than taking them at Prometric except I don't remember using my fingerprint at a Pearson center
 
DrStephenStrange said:
Should we be trying to take our Level 3 before then or is this nothing to panic about? LOL I feel like the class of 2022 has been the Guiney pigs for so many changes that I have now developed trust issues. From MCAT changes, to USMLE/COMLEX changes, to COVID messing up our exams and interviews. We can't seem catch a break at all.
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Took mine a couple of weeks back. I would try to take it earlier than later because
a) Gimpel
b) They'll continue to add things to this dumb test. Latest addition is COVID questions

Take it. Pass. Drop that green book in your trash like it's hot
 
hemobrobin said:
One idea is you could email them and talk about how you enjoyed your interview, bring up specific things that were discussed and maybe the impact of the conversation, and then ask a question about the program.

This shows that you're thinking about them, reminding the interviewer of who you are, and also asking a question which they can respond to.
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Yeah, this is what I'm doing for #2 and #3.
 
omg i am not ready to think about step 3 i have dumped so much info from my brain this year i cannot even imagine taking another exam anytime soon
 
Question, my mentor said he'd email my top choice for me if I want. I already sent an LOI, so don't want be annoying to the PD, but should I take him up on his offer?
 
moneymikekif said:
Question, my mentor said he'd email my top choice for me if I want. I already sent an LOI, so don't want be annoying to the PD, but should I take him up on his offer?
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Do they know the PD of your first choice personally, or would it be a cold call?
 
is it too late to send LOI or when is the general deadline? How long should it be? Is it worth it to send it to a program where the applicant is less likely to get into or should i maximize my chances with another program?
 
No, not too late for LOI. Most people send them around the end of January and the beginning of February. It should be short and sweet as PDs are busy people and don't have time to read essays. It's never not worth it. If you have an interview at a program, you have a chance because unless you messed up very badly on your interviews, they will rank you.
 
DrStephenStrange said:
No, not too late for LOI. Most people send them around the end of January and the beginning of February. It should be short and sweet as PDs are busy people and don't have time to read essays. It's never not worth it. If you have an interview at a program, you have a chance because unless you messed up very badly on your interviews, they will rank you.
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Whats the general opinion? Sending 1 LOI to #1 program or sending 1 LOI to #1 and other LOI to rest of top 5 as "I will rank you highly"?
 
thegoodfella321 said:
Whats the general opinion? Sending 1 LOI to #1 program or sending 1 LOI to #1 and other LOI to rest of top 5 as "I will rank you highly"?
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Read the past few pages of this thread and all your questions will be answered. There is also a search function as this has been discussed ad nauseum.
 
Imagine a princess is being courted by dozens of princes

Who will she view with favor: the prince who says, “Truly, you are the best princess in all the land. My heart belongs to thee.”
Or the one who says, “I’ve met many a princess, and you are CERTAINLY amongst the top five, my love.”
 
Ganon said:
Imagine a princess is being courted by dozens of princes

Who will she view with favor: the prince who says, “Truly, you are the best princess in all the land. My heart belongs to thee.”
Or the one who says, “I’ve met many a princess, and you are CERTAINLY amongst the top five, my love.”
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but how do these princes compare to the prince who never professed his love at all?
 
thegoodfella321 said:
but how do these princes compare to the prince who never professed his love at all?
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In the real world, the princess would make her decision with a knowledge of each prince’s background and what their alliance might mean for the house. There may be princes who don’t need to announce themselves, for their reputations speak plain their attributes.
 
Ganon said:
In the real world, the princess would make her decision with a knowledge of each prince’s background and what their alliance might mean for the house. There may be princes who don’t need to announce themselves, for their reputations speak plain their attributes.
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i like that answer, im sold
 
if a program said postIV communication welcome but doesnt affect rank, would you still send LOI?
 
Anyone know of or meet anyone who has the same program ranked #1 as you? Met one today and got a fresh wave of anxiety.
 
iforget2 said:
Anyone know of or meet anyone who has the same program ranked #1 as you? Met one today and got a fresh wave of anxiety.
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I know what you mean.

Let’s just say my rank list is very…. Optimistic. Lol.
 
I think I just vomited a little at that email.

We can certify as many times as we want before the deadline, right? I have a fear of never certifying so I just want to do it so at least something is there. Rip.
 
fldoctorgirl said:
I think I just vomited a little at that email.

We can certify as many times as we want before the deadline, right? I have a fear of never certifying so I just want to do it so at least something is there. Rip.
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Yeah you can certify again if you change your mind later
 
How big an issue is it if you sent an LOI a week ago but you’re really starting to fall in love with another program and second guess the one you sent an loi to..?
 
iforget2 said:
Anyone know of or meet anyone who has the same program ranked #1 as you? Met one today and got a fresh wave of anxiety.
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this is what gives me the most anxiety lol. Today my top choice had some facebook post on why you should rank them #1 and I was like bruh get rid of that, only I should rank you number 1
 
CyrusHabs7695 said:
Is it a bad idea to not send an LOI to anybody? I haven't made up my mind between #1 & #2 yet
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I’m not going to send one. I have a #1 but they aren’t far and away above the other programs in my top 5 so I’m just gonna rank and see what happens.
 
CyrusHabs7695 said:
Is it a bad idea to not send an LOI to anybody? I haven't made up my mind between #1 & #2 yet
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I think this is much better than sending one and then changing your mind after. Programs get pissy if you tell them they're your #1, they rank you to match, and then you don't match there b/c you switched it up. This has the most potential for negative consequences if you are planning to go into academic medicine, planning for fellowship, etc. Also probably more relevant if you are matching in a smaller field.
 
JW4Gdud said:
Agree, this year is very tough for DOs especially the West coast getting overlooked by the East coast programs and no favors from West coast programs. I have good steps 1 & 2 and levels 1 & 2 but still did not get the number of II that I expected to receive.
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Same here. How many did you think you were getting II and how many yo got?
 
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