How to minimize regional bias?

[wyf1102]

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Congrats to all matched M4s!

I am currently a M3 at a mid-south state school. I can only do two rad onc rotations before Sep. I have scheduled one at my home school and another one at a nearby program. My chance of matching into these two programs might be a little higher due to connections. However, nothing could be guaranteed. My goal is to match and I would like to go to any programs in the country.

I will apply for all the programs. As you know, I have no away rotations at the east and west coasts. How could I increase my chance of get interviews from the east and west? How to minimize the regional bias? Can I put a statement in my personal statement such as "Rad Onc is my ultimate career goal and I will be happy to be trained anywhere in the country"?

Any suggestions will be highly appreciated!

 

[RockyMtOysters]

In my experience there really isn't anything one can do to minimize the regional bias. If there are certain programs you would really like to match at you should rotate there, make a good impression, and get a letter of rec, but as for the other dozens of programs that you don't have time to rotate at you just have to apply and cross your fingers. I don't think adding anything to your personal statement will make a bit of difference.

 

[Totem]

Agreed, I really don't think there is much you can do. If you have a genuine connection or reason for wanting to be somewhere specific that you did not rotate at and is not near you, I've heard of some applicants emailing program directors explaining their situation and interest in living in the area.
As mentioned above, all you can really do is rotate at places you want to end up at. Beyond that I don't think any application gimmicks really help.

 

[Sheldor]

Agreed, I really don't think there is much you can do. If you have a genuine connection or reason for wanting to be somewhere specific that you did not rotate at and is not near you, I've heard of some applicants emailing program directors explaining their situation and interest in living in the area.
As mentioned above, all you can really do is rotate at places you want to end up at. Beyond that I don't think any application gimmicks really help.

I can third the "theres nothing you can do" sentiment. My aways didn't help, and I have friends who did aways in other regions and it didn't help them either. (I would normally insert a spiel here about how programs wouldn't need to rely on regional bias if we as applicants only applied to programs we truly wanted to go to instead of pan-applying, but I'll spare y'all that again.)

However, one thing I did that worked was sending a letter of intent post application but before interviews are sent out. It won't work for every program, but a nicely worded letter describing your ties to the region or special interest in the program can go a LONG way. I got interviews I wouldn't have gotten otherwise by doing this, and was then able to interview at programs I truthfully wanted to go to instead of just taking whatever chance gave me.

I will say, that California is a land in and of itself and so this may not work for some of those, but otherwise, I highly suggest it.

 

[wyf1102]

Thanks you all for the replies. I do appreciate.

"Letter of Intent" might be a good idea and I am sure to try.