Help! Not nearly enough interviews...

[loca Dr. chica]

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So I'm a fourth year who applied and only received 2 interviews so far. I did submit my application a little late (common app at the beg. of Oct., personal statement, 1 EM ltr and 2 other ltrs around Oct. 23rd or so, and added another EM ltr this past weekend on Oct. 31st). I thought about EM a little late so only did 1 away rotation...got 2 ltrs from this rotation, 1 from PD (should be pretty good) and another attending (probably mediocre? at worst). My other ltrs are IM and Surgery and should be great. My transcript with EM grade listed (didn't get Honors) and Dean's ltr with EM comments (very good) listed just went out this past weekend. I applied pretty broadly to about 40 programs total and haven't been getting a good rate of return at all. I applied to almost every EM program in all of the big cities. Most of the programs I have applied to according to SDN have already given out interviews. Also haven't gotten an interview from the program where I rotated (in Cali). I'm freaking out a lot right now and debating whether to even enter the Match at all or take a year off.

Other Stats: Step 1 = 231, haven't taken Step 2, a few Honors, but mostly Passes b/c we don't have HP. Very good clinical evals, and "outstanding" on dean's ltr, md/mba program with tons of health policy/extracurricular/leadership activities, have been told by PD at visiting rotation that PS was very good.

I would greatly appreciate any advice ya'll may have...Do I even have a shot of matching in EM this year?

 

[drguy22]

So I'm a fourth year who applied and only received 2 interviews so far. I did submit my application a little late (common app at the beg. of Oct., personal statement, 1 EM ltr and 2 other ltrs around Oct. 23rd or so, and added another EM ltr this past weekend on Oct. 31st). I thought about EM a little late so only did 1 away rotation...got 2 ltrs from this rotation, 1 from PD (should be pretty good) and another attending (probably mediocre? at worst). My other ltrs are IM and Surgery and should be great. My transcript with EM grade listed (didn't get Honors) and Dean's ltr with EM comments (very good) listed just went out this past weekend. I applied pretty broadly to about 40 programs total and haven't been getting a good rate of return at all. I applied to almost every EM program in all of the big cities. Most of the programs I have applied to according to SDN have already given out interviews. Also haven't gotten an interview from the program where I rotated (in Cali). I'm freaking out a lot right now and debating whether to even enter the Match at all or take a year off.

Other Stats: Step 1 = 231, haven't taken Step 2, a few Honors, but mostly Passes b/c we don't have HP. Very good clinical evals, and "outstanding" on dean's ltr, md/mba program with tons of health policy/extracurricular/leadership activities, have been told by PD at visiting rotation that PS was very good.

I would greatly appreciate any advice ya'll may have...Do I even have a shot of matching in EM this year?

Well, i think that the problem is that you applied late. The programs have to get through all the sept submits, offer interviews, see how many fill up...and then re-invite more. Ur stats seem good, i think itts just the timing of ur app...i know that this is tough..but i guess the wait and watch is the only thing u could really do....aside from maybe calling a few places..

GOOD LUCK!..i think ull match

 

[quideam]

Okay, so first, deep breath. This isn't a disaster, but you do have to get proactive. Here's what I would do if I were you: Do you have a good advisor, someone in the EM field (fairly well known, preferably a director or assistant director in your home residency program?) Email them ASAP, ask to meet with them and ask for their help. Bring a list of 10 programs you're really interested in that you know have started giving out interviews at least a few weeks ago. Ask your advisor for help contacting the programs - you need to be proactive to get more interviews at this point. Maybe your advisor can make a few phone calls on your behalf; otherwise, start emailing programs yourself. When you email, make sure you make the emails personalized (add a few sentences about why that program is specifically good for you), and if you want maybe add in something about applying a little late, but make it sound positive, like how you're excited to combine various aspects of other specialties that you like into EM, etc.

Good luck, I don't think it's too late, but I would definitely start being proactive about your application.

Q

 

[GeneralVeers]

I applied to almost every EM program in all of the big cities. Most of the programs I have applied to according to SDN have already given out interviews.

This could be your problem. Whenever you narrow your focus, you take a risk. The "big city" programs tend to be more competitive. If you get a spot at a rural EM program, that's just as good. Regardless of what program you go to, it's only temporary (3-4 years) and you come out with the same training.

 

[crashMD]

It's still fairly early in the season. And, as drguy22 pointed out, the programs have to sift through all of the applications and may have not gotten yours yet. I called all of the programs that I applied to and asked them the latest date that I would hear from them- so that you have an idea of whether or not you're going to get an interview.

Also, keep calling. I managed to get 5 interviews by simply calling and asking if they had any slots open. You can do this even into late December/early January. People start burning out and cancelling interviews, especially by mid-December.

The only other thing that would strengthen your application is a good Step 2 score. Your package may not be seen as "complete" without Step 2. Mind you, this is just a guess but it's the only other thing that I can think of.

 

[nymbarra]

I'm sure the previous posters' advice re: calling and talking to an advisor will be helpful...

I applied in mid-October last year with a similar application and did fine. If you're just not getting replies yet (vs. rejections), just sit tight. It is early, and you will hear from more programs, big city or not. You may not have your choice of dates, and end up paying more for airfare, but you'll get enough interviews.