Considering Withdrawing From Match - Question...

[linevasel]

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I doubt many of you have this dilemma, but maybe have some insight that can help me with my decision...

If I don’t rank any programs and withdraw from the match before match day – would programs look at my app as a “new” application next cycle or would I be considered a re-applicant ?


Background:
I was slated to graduate in 2011. I developed late interest in ophtho. Realizing, I was in no position to apply (missed deadline, only 1 rotation – after which I decided I liked it) I instead opted to extend graduation to 2012 and do year of research. I was fortunate and got into funded research fellowship with a great PI at high powered institution (Yay me!).

Problem:
Ended up applying late to this years cycle as in my SF match app was complete October 3, 2011. Obviously I missed a number of deadlines. I was only eligible to apply to 40 programs (most of them fairly high powered – none of them in a region that would give me geographical advantage). Sitting on 2 interviews. Not super-optimistic about my chances of matching.

Question:
I’m thinking of withdrawing from the match to “preserve” my “new” applicant status (if that is even possible). How much of the match process can one go through without being considered a re-applicant for the next cycle. Ex: If I don’t rank programs and withdraw from the match Dec 10, 2011. Will I be considered a “new” applicant for the 2012-2013 cycle

 

[GuitarHero1]

It won't matter unless you figure out why, when given a year, you still completed your application so late in October. That's inexcusable - you had a year to get everything done (unless there was a personal issue that was unavoidable). That's in the past I guess. If I were you, I'd ask San Fran match if you would still be considered a new applicant if you do not turn in a rank list - give them a call.

 

[linevasel]

Fair and reasonable advice.
Your point is taken.

Thanks

 

[cme2c]

What does it matter if someone is a "new" applicant? I guess I don't picture programs paying that close of attention. I'm sure programs will look and see med school graduation year and want to know what you did in that time, but withdrawing your app now won't change that fact.

 

[MstaKing10]

What does it matter if someone is a "new" applicant? I guess I don't picture programs paying that close of attention. I'm sure programs will look and see med school graduation year and want to know what you did in that time, but withdrawing your app now won't change that fact.

in general, programs do frown upon re-applicants and expect that if you are one, to have significantly improved your application in some way during the year off. Match statistics are significantly worse for re-applicants than they are for first time applicants.

 

[jasper0asb]

Is a given applicant really less likely to match the second time around or are the people who reapply just less likely to match due to lower numbers, academic issues, poor interviewing etc.? Just curious.

 

[speyeder]

I think you're looking at your situation in the right way. It is true that re-applicants have a lower match rate, so if you could avoid having that label attached to you, do so by all means. Fairly or unfairly so, some programs will look at you as being less competitive if you tried and failed to match previously. Given that you only have 2 interviews, your chances of matching are not good this cycle. Since you already have a research position set up for next year, I think pulling out of the match would be a wise move. What you need to do is call the SF Match and speak to the director of the match, or someone of high authority to verify whether pulling out of this year's match will keep you from being labeled a re-applicant in next year's match.

 

[cme2c]

I think the match rate is lower for "reapplicants" because they weren't good enough to match in the first place. Many programs will remember that you applied last year anyway. I absolutely agree that programs will see a graduation year 5 years after starting and also see a year off. That is the flag to the programs not some phantom "status".

I'm curious, where does SFMatch identify applicants as "new" or "reapplicants". I have reviewed apps and don't recall seeing a field that says that?

 

[OphthoOrDie]

As other people have already stated: Reapplicants are generally poorer applicants than 1st time applicants. That may be why they didn't match the first time around, and why they are less likely to match the second time. However it doesn't follow that an individual applicant would have worse chances the second time around simply because of his/her reapplicant status. He/she may have been a poor applicant the first year, and improved to become an average applicant the second year.

 

[The Doctor]

Hey linevasel, I haven't posted on here in a long time but I wanted to reply to give you my opinion. I think you should enter the match this year and have your research year set up to go just in case you don't match. You have interviews at two institutions at which you could potentially match so why not just try to be done with it this year if you can. You don't know for sure you will get interviews this next application year. I don't want to go into my personal situation too much on here, but let's just say I have extensive experience with the predicament in which you now find yourself. Call the SFmatch first and ask them if you will have to indicate on your application next year if you have previously entered the match process. If not, you really have very little reason not to try to match at these programs (this is assuming that you have applied to some prelim programs on ERAS which I have a feeling you might not have) because there would be no label or stigma attached to your reapplication. Unless of course you don't like these two programs and wouldn't rank them anyway and feel like you want to have a lot more options to choose from - but there is always fellowship for that. Lastly, like a previous poster mentioned it sounds like you are having a recurrent issue with meeting what are potentially the most important deadlines of your year. I totally understand this - it can be overwhelming to apply and to make these life decisions, but I would urge you to talk openly and frankly with your dean about your difficulties with this and take steps to have the dates set up on your calendar and a checklist with what needs to be done and when for ERAS and SFMATCH next year. There are many paths to get to where we are going and you can match well coming out of most any residency program it seems, so don't let the stress get to you. Good luck and feel free to PM me if you want to talk further.