HELP a clueless MS-IV without any aways/LORs yet...

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So for various reasons (mostly because I'm ******ed) I haven't applied to any aways yet and now that it's almost time to submit my ERAS I have just opened up VSAS. I'm doing a sub-i at my home institution right now (which isn't even going that great) but is it even worth it to try to get any aways at this point? Will I be able to find any open spots at all for September/October? Is it worth it to do any later than that?

I'm going to ask for letters from 2-3 of my attendings on my current service; how many total letters do I need, and would it be appropriate to ask an attending from my third year rotation (honors) even though they probably won't remember me? I also hear I need a chair letter; do I just set up a meeting with him and give him my CV/transcript/PS even though I haven't worked with him? What about letters from residents?

I'm too scared and embarrassed to ask anyone else these questions, and I know I messed up by being super late with everything. I am not a strong candidate (pretty average scores) without any research at a meh school and I'm taking step 2 in 2 weeks. Honestly I'm half considering waiting a year and doing some research or something just so I can have a chance to do everything the right way. Please help.

-Stupid

(Please let me know if this is an inappropriate post and/or if this needs to be in another subforum. I am applying to GS.)

 

[duckie99]

My good friend did GS last year so I'll chime in. The max number of letters you can submit is 4. So you'll need at least 4 and you can select which ones to send to a program. There are probably a bunch of programs that want a Chair's Letter so set up a meeting the the chair of surgery ASAP and get a letter. Most students who need a chair's letter never have meet him/her before and they are used to that. I think that included with 2 from your current service and then one from your 3rd year service you're good from the letters standpoint. You cannot have letters from residents.

With regards to research it's too late to do much now. I suggest just trying to get on a project and go from there. You can mention you had a late interest in research or something.

You can still apply for aways just to see what's out there. I don't think it is totally necessary for GS except for the upper tier programs.

So fill out ERAS, get 4 LORS, write a personal statement, get on a research project, score well on step 2, and then you're good. If you can manage an away at a decent place then even better. Apply to a bunch of programs and go on a ton of interviews. Then rank every program you interview unless you hate the place and rather would do a surg prelim year. Just make a list of what needs to get done and have at it. I would not take a research year because you risk not accomplishing anything and being in the same boat you are now. Good luck.

 

[navymd]

Stop worrying. Away rotations are usually wasted by most students anyway. I agree with Duckie, get you 4 LORs and rank anywhere you get an interview. The main point is DO NOT JUST TAKE A YEAR OF RESEARCH to do it right! Your best chance at matching into general surgery categorical position is right out of med school. Years off, research, etc then applying later is a huge red flag especially for competitive programs. Yeah you might do things better next year but the stigma of skipping a year will hurt you.
You should not be embarrassed, go and talk to an advisor to help you otherwise
suck it up get out there do great on your rotations and submit your application.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Its not too late to turn things around. In agreement with what's been said above:

1) max number of LORs is generally 4 but the minimum is 3.
- these letters must be from surgeons
- the 4th letter can be from an ICU attending, anesthesiologist, gastroenterologist, or other surgical subspecialty
- your letter(s) cannot be from residents

2) not all programs require a letter from the Chair, but some do, so set up a meeting, bring your personal statement and a CV

3) away rotations are typically not required for GS. Thoughts on them are mixed; they can hurt the good candidate (if the don't live up to their rep on paper) or help the weak (if they surpass expectations). Can be tough to shine at big name programs when compared against their presumably stellar students.

4) October is too late for an away rotation if your goal is to get an LOR. Most surgical programs will have a deadline for application documents by November 1.

5) research is not required for GS and is only highly desirable at academic programs

6) taking a year off to do research which not help you unless you started now and had something significant done by a year from now; remember you graduate in April/May/June and applications start right after that - there won't be enough time to get much done before then. Also taking a year off means you are a year away from clinical medicine which will likely hurt the weak candidate.

FInally, this belongs in the ERAS/NRMP forum so I'll move it there for you.