ENT Application Advice

[Kisangani]

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I am currently a MS2 at a low-ranked US allopathic program who is interested in applying for a residency in otolaryngology. While I know I still have plenty of time to develop my interests and prepare to apply, I was wondering if there is anything specific that I should know that would be helpful in successfully matching into this field. While I know that ENT is an fairly competitive specialty, it doesn't seem to be a highly popular field as there aren't too many people in my class (nor this forum) who are interested in it. How important are Step scores and LORs in securing a spot in comparison to other fields? Someone told me recently that without high board scores, it is a waste of money to apply for this field. Also, does class rank play a role at all in determining how competitive your application is? I would particularly value the input of someone who is currently applying or training in this field.

 

[WedgeDawg]

ENT is one of the most competitive specialties. Median step 1 score in 2016 was a 248 and 45% of successfully matched students were AOA. Research is also very important to a strong ENT application - many applicants take a research year, especially if they decide on the field later on in their med school careers. Early on, the most important things are do well in your classes to help set yourself up for AOA and get involved in research. LORs are extremely important because its such a small field where everyone knows everyone else.

In a nutshell:

1. High step scores
2. Research + get to know some of the players in the field
3. LORs (step 2 will help with this)
4. AOA

 

[MrChance2]

Do the opposite of what “ failedailife” did. He literally had it all then got a 228 on his step one and now he will never get any sorority girls.

 

[failedatlife]

GET A HIGH STEP 1 SCORE

I repeat:

GET A HIGH STEP 1 SCORE

That is the ONLY thing that matters for getting a spot in any competitive surgical subspecialty. You can have all the research, glowing letters, and third year honors in the world, and they still will not read your application unless you have a 240+. I promise you that. Screens do exist. If you are in the low 230s or 220s they will NEVER get to your application to even give you consideration.

You don't want to be miserably depressed like I will be in a few weeks.

 

[Wordead]

I am currently a MS2 at a low-ranked US allopathic program who is interested in applying for a residency in otolaryngology. While I know I still have plenty of time to develop my interests and prepare to apply, I was wondering if there is anything specific that I should know that would be helpful in successfully matching into this field. While I know that ENT is an fairly competitive specialty, it doesn't seem to be a highly popular field as there aren't too many people in my class (nor this forum) who are interested in it. How important are Step scores and LORs in securing a spot in comparison to other fields? Someone told me recently that without high board scores, it is a waste of money to apply for this field. Also, does class rank play a role at all in determining how competitive your application is? I would particularly value the input of someone who is currently applying or training in this field.

Connections are more important than any score. I know a few people with 220s-230s that matched at good programs but they were well connected. That attending that is willing to make phone calls and go to bat for you is more important than your step score (within reason, obviously). We often take people who rotate with us that we liked, regardless of step score. I think my year like 50% of applicants matched somewhere they rotated. So despite what failedatlife thinks, step 1 is not the end all be all.

That said, yes, step scores are important as are M3 grades. That stuff is standard and most ENT applicants have both. But more important is to start making connections in your department.