Double Apply

[WilburSK]

Hello forum,

Long time lurker on this board. I have learned a ton from your posts, and I hope to see your specific responses to my question. I am a rising M4 at a reputable but not top 20 medical school in the south.

My STEP 1 was a 230 and I am in the top 1/3 of my class. 3rd year is a spattering of honors and high passes. I have 4 pubs (1 first author) and 2 upcoming ophtho pubs (1 poster at ARVO and 1 in a smaller journal). I have decent community service (leader at free clinic amongst other things).

My struggle is regarding whether I should dual apply or not. I know that I am barely above the 226 mark of the average unmatched STEP score, so I know that I am a bit of a long shot. I am very dedicated to pursuing ophtho, so I would be willing to postpone graduation to do research or do the post-graduation fellowship in order to take at least 2 shots at ophtho matching.

But on the other hand, I could probably match pretty well with internal with my first shot, and I don't want to end up in some terrible internal med shop cause I didn't apply as an M4.

What do you guys think? Anybody have to deal with dual applying? With my stats, should i definitely dual apply to be safe?

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[WilburSK]

Is my situation that bad?

 

[barkatthemoon]

i think you have a good chance of matching if you apply broadly. you need to talk to the pd or chair at your school to figure this out, they'll have a good idea about how the match will go for you.

 

[rocketbooster]

I also think you have a good chance if you apply broadly because of all your research. Your Step 1 is a on the lower side but will probably not get you screened you out of most places. Your research is a huge plus, though. That will probably save you and allow you to match to a good program. While Step 1 is always important, it doesn't seem to matter to a certain extent when lots of research is involved. Programs seem to looovvee lots of research.

 

[WilburSK]

Thanks for the responses! It is pretty discouraging to read the scores for folks matching into ophtho. With that in mind would you suggest:

1) dual apply
2) apply ophtho; if not matching, then try to defer graduation and take the year to do research
3) if not matching, apply for the post grad fellowship

Thanks!

 

[WilburSK]

any insight?

 

[long]

any insight?

#3

 

[WilburSK]

Thanks, that's what I'm leaning towards. Are there any resources that display the STEP 1 score for applicants interviewed at the different residencies?

I know that there is some review site that allows for self reported scores, but I have since forgotten its name. Does anyone know what I am referring to?

 

[JayZBlue]

You're probably thinking of http://matchapplicants.com/, but it doesn't seem to be working

 

[WilburSK]

That's exactly the one. I wonder if it is down for good or it is just a momentary lapse

 

[Finagler]

I have a related question if any one could lend some input. Since we don't apply through ERAS, can we still send in applications to another specialty through ERAS and then not submit a rank list if we match ophtho? I know it would be expensive and has some other risks, but it would be nice to have a plan B.

 

[Bronze Medal]

I have a related question if any one could lend some input. Since we don't apply through ERAS, can we still send in applications to another specialty through ERAS and then not submit a rank list if we match ophtho? I know it would be expensive and has some other risks, but it would be nice to have a plan B.

Yes, you can do that. Double applying is a lot of work, but worth it if you aren't a strong applicant. Just be sure that your alternate specialty is a good fit.

 

[eye love lamp]

I have a related question if any one could lend some input. Since we don't apply through ERAS, can we still send in applications to another specialty through ERAS and then not submit a rank list if we match ophtho? I know it would be expensive and has some other risks, but it would be nice to have a plan B.

You can do that.

My opinion is that it's a bad idea to dual apply. You need to be all in - put everything you have into the ophtho match if ophthalmology is your true passion. Putting in 50% on two different specialties may make you dissapointed with both results.

Pick the specialty you want and go for it. If you're unsuccessful that's the time to think about plan B (research/pre residency fellowship vs alternate path).

 

[Pinkertinkle]

You got enough goods to match somewhere. Cant guarantee where so apply broadly. Would not double apply were I you.