General Nitty Gritty program application questions

[lazylarry]

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So there were some questions I couldn't figure out but were kind of detailed. I'm applying to psych so I'll use psych examples.

1. Some programs (e.g. UNC <http://www.med.unc.edu/psych/education/residencies/general-psychiatry-residency/administrator>) require a chairman's letter or designee. How do we make a person a designee? Does the chairman just email me and say so, or should the chairman send a letter to the program?

2. Some programs (e.g UCLA <http://www.semel.ucla.edu/psychiatry-residency/applying/application-process>) are unclear about Step tests, and do not say whether both Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS are required in order to be ranked/interviewed. What should I assume, or should I contact all schools to find out?

3. Some programs (e.g. Vanderbilt <https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/psychiatry/education/application-process/residency>) are unclear whether the whole application must be turned in to receive interview vs placement on ranking list. In other words, do I need to have my 3 rec letters in ASAP to get an interview?

Thanks for everyone's help!

 

[mvenus929]

Disclaimer: I'm applying to Peds. Things might work differently in my world.

1) For the programs that still require a chair letter, many will accept a letter from the program director or from the clerkship director. Thus, we call them 'departmental' letters, rather than chair letters. The point is for your own department to make the recommendation on whether or not they think you'd be a good resident.

2) What were you going to do regarding the Steps anyway? Would the answer change what you're doing. If not, don't worry about it.

3) Probably.

 

[JJMrK]

Disclaimer: I'm applying to Peds. Things might work differently in my world.

1) For the programs that still require a chair letter, many will accept a letter from the program director or from the clerkship director. Thus, we call them 'departmental' letters, rather than chair letters. The point is for your own department to make the recommendation on whether or not they think you'd be a good resident.

2) What were you going to do regarding the Steps anyway? Would the answer change what you're doing. If not, don't worry about it.

3) Probably.

1) May be true for peds, possibly true for psych, but the OP should make sure. Definitely untrue of some surgical sub-specialties.

2) Agree. I've seen a lot of programs say you need both in order to be ranked. I'd just do it to satisfy even the strictest program you applied to.

3) Depends on the program. Definitely not required for all of them. But you psych folks interview super early, so I'd get them in as soon as you can.