How much weight does boyfriend resident at an institution carry

[freeuser412]

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Hey everyone,

I just matched at a top 20 medical school for residency (not my home institution), and my partner is applying to med school this upcoming cycle. We are very serious and considering getting engaged, but my match was a little unexpected and has raised questions about whether we will be long distance if she doesn’t get into this medical school and what that means for our relationship.

Does anyone have any insight on how meaningful it is to admissions that a significant other is a resident at a program? Is it more meaningful if that person is a fiance instead of girlfriend? I imagine that doesn’t make a big difference but wondering.

Thanks!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Welcome to the forums.

I guess it could be convenient, but she has to stand on her merits. Need more information, but in general, it makes no difference.

 

[freeuser412]

Welcome to the forums.

I guess it could be convenient, but she has to stand on her merits. Need more information, but in general, it makes no difference.

Still needs to take her MCAT (scheduled for late July) but 3.8 GPA in a relatively difficult physiology major. She’s an accomplished D1 athlete who has been invited to speak at numerous conferences on athlete mental health. Her “other-centeredness” has primarily been shown through athlete health initiatives, running camps for her sport, and some volunteerism with her team. She hasn’t had time to do research (obviously).

I think she has an insane application and just needs a decent MCAT score to be competitive anywhere but obviously I’m biased.

 

[chilly_md]

If there aren't other options in the city, even a competitive app isn't much of a guarantee she would get in at that one specific top medical school.

Up to you how you'd like to proceed if on one hand you'd like to get engaged and on the other, the relationship is up in the air if it goes long distance.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Also once she gets into ANY medical school, aren't you, as a PGY, able to meet her where she would be as you can request future opportunities to be closer to her?

 

[AJS59]

Fiance is probably more meaningful

 

[LizzyM]

There seem to be a fair number of holes in her application given that she hasn't done any research and it doesn't sound like her community service has been outside of her comfort zone. Obviously, she needs a very strong MCAT and that still may not be enough to get noticed. Did you match in an area with only one medical school? Is there an instate bias and is she "in state"? she should take the MCAT then make a "what are my chances" and see what happens. Would your relationship survive 3-4 years long distance?

 

[LunaOri]

This might be a good time for her to take a gap year (or two) and maybe get a clinical job at your med school or its affiliated hospital.

 

[Rachapkis]

Your residency will not have a material impact on her chances of admission. As a new resident, you don't have the type of status (e.g., noted professor, etc.) that could serve as leverage.

 

[The OTC]

I think it gives her a slim advantage but only in the case it’s between her and another similar applicant with no ties.

I think no research could be deadly to a T20 app

 

[deleted1208015]

If y’all are actually that serious she should consider a DO school if there’s one in your city. Granted going to a DO school is a big decision but you have to ask yourself how much spending 4 of years of your prime youth together means to both of you. I know several people who refused DO and eventually went to an MD school after MULTIPLE failed cycles only to end up in a specialty like Neuro or IM that they could have easily gotten into as a DO anyway. Then they end up being a 32 year old PGY-1. Which is fine if you had REAL life experience before med school. I know a brilliant guy who worked his way up as a corporate finance executive at the age of 28 then went to med school at 30. He commands respect. But the guy who is a 32 year old intern because he spent several years frustrated over trying to get into an MD school is usually filled with bitterness and resentment about being older than the average 27-28 year old intern. Classic example of how being older =/= more life experience.

 

[throwawayftw]

Your residency will not have a material impact on her chances of admission. As a new resident, you don't have the type of status (e.g., noted professor, etc.) that could serve as leverage.

I think this is correct take. To be blunt, getting into a T20 medical school is much more competitive than getting into a T20 residency. I've heard stories of a fellowship director asking the dean of admission to interview a fellow's spouse for med school without success.

It sounds like your SO has a very strong application, but that doesn't guarantee admission to a specific school.